The central government has introduced a new rule under the 7th Pay Commission that will affect the dress allowance for employees joining service after July 2025. Instead of receiving the full annual dress allowance, new recruits will now be eligible for a proportionate amount based on their date of joining.
Starting July 2025, central government employees who join service after the annual dress allowance is disbursed in July will no longer receive the full yearly amount. According to a new order issued by the Ministry of Communications, the allowance will now be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
This decision aligns with the broader compensation reforms laid out under the 7th Pay Commission. The Ministry of Finance had earlier defined “dress allowance” to include a variety of components like clothing allowance, shoe allowance, kit maintenance, and other uniform-related payments.
The government will now follow a specific formula to determine the dress allowance for employees who join after July:
Proportionate Dress Allowance = (Annual Allowance ÷ 12) × Number of Months (from month of joining to following June)
This means if a central government employee joins in October, they will receive dress allowance for nine months (October to June) instead of the full 12-month amount.
This change was outlined in an Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance on March 24, 2025, and is intended to ensure fair and accurate disbursal of allowances based on service duration within the financial year.
While the policy for new joiners has been revised, guidelines for employees retiring after July 2025 are still under review. The concerned department has requested clarification from the Ministry of Finance. Until then, the earlier rules outlined in the March 5, 2020 circular will remain in effect.
As per current norms:
Read More: 8th Pay Commission: Salary Hike for Level 2 Govt Employees — Here's What to Expect.
The move to implement proportionate dress allowance for new recruits is a step towards aligning benefits with actual service periods, ensuring greater financial efficiency. However, pending clarity on how retiring employees will be impacted after July 2025, current provisions remain unchanged for now.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Jun 18, 2025, 2:33 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
Know MoreWe're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates