DGQA Ad-hoc Bonus 2025-26: 30 Days' Bonus Approved, Maximum ₹6,908
The Ministry of Defence (DGQA) letter dated 22 October 2026 provides an interim Non-PLB Ad-hoc Bonus equivalent to 30 days' emoluments while the final PLB formula is still under consideration.
The Ministry of Defence, Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), has issued an important communication on the grant of Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) for the financial year 2025-26. The communication, dated 22 October 2026, provides for an interim bonus equivalent to 30 days' emoluments for DGQA employees while the final formula for Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) is still under consideration.
The development is particularly significant for DGQA personnel who have been awaiting a bonus arrangement following the corporatisation of Ordnance Factories in October 2021. Scroll down for the pay level-wise table and a free calculator.
Key Highlights of the DGQA Bonus Order 2025-26
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Defence, DGQA/ADM-7B |
| Letter date | 22 October 2026 |
| Reference number | A/90960/PLB/DGQA/ADM-7B |
| Bonus year | Financial year 2025-26 |
| Type of bonus | Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Ad-hoc Bonus) |
| Bonus duration | Equivalent to 30 days' emoluments |
| Calculation ceiling under the referenced DoE OM | ₹7,000 per month |
| Maximum standard 30-day bonus | ₹6,908 |
| Current status | Establishments have been requested to forward payment proposals to the concerned CDAs |
| Future adjustment | Arrears, if any, may be processed if a subsequent PLB arrangement provides for them |
1. What Does the DGQA Order Say?
According to the communication dated 22 October 2026, no Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) had been granted to DGQA employees since October 2021, following the corporatisation of Ordnance Factories. The matter is being examined by a Working Group constituted by the Ministry of Defence, but the Working Group has not yet finalised the formula for calculating the number of PLB days.
In view of representations from members of the JCM Level-III/Level Council and other stakeholders, the competent authority has decided that an Ad-hoc Bonus equivalent to 30 days' emoluments may be granted as an interim measure. The decision has been approved by the Director General, DGQA.
2. Will DGQA Employees Receive ₹6,908 as Bonus?
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, issued Office Memorandum No. 7/24/2007/E.III(A) dated 15 October 2026, providing for a 30-day Non-PLB Ad-hoc Bonus for eligible Central Government employees for 2025-26. The standard calculation ceiling under that memorandum is ₹7,000 per month. For employees whose average monthly emoluments meet or exceed this ceiling:
Free DGQA Ad-hoc Bonus Calculator 2025-26
Ad-hoc Bonus Calculator
Standard 30-day formula: lower of average monthly emoluments or ₹7,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4. For part-year service, a simple pro-rata (months ÷ 12) is applied for illustration.
3. DGQA Ad-hoc Bonus 2025-26: Pay Level-Wise Table
Employees often ask whether the bonus varies by Pay Matrix Level. Under the referenced Department of Expenditure memorandum, the standard calculation uses a monthly emoluments ceiling of ₹7,000. Consequently, the bonus does not increase with basic pay once the applicable calculation ceiling has been reached. The table illustrates the standard 30-day calculation for employees who qualify under the applicable orders.
| Pay Matrix Level | Basic Pay Range (₹) | Standard 30-Day Bonus (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 18,000–56,900 | 6,908* |
| Level 2 | 19,900–63,200 | 6,908* |
| Level 3 | 21,700–69,100 | 6,908* |
| Level 4 | 25,500–81,100 | 6,908* |
| Level 5 | 29,200–92,300 | 6,908* |
| Level 6 | 35,400–1,12,400 | 6,908* |
| Level 7 | 44,900–1,42,400 | 6,908* |
| Level 8 | 47,600–1,51,100 | 6,908* |
| Level 9 | 53,100–1,67,800 | 6,908* |
| Level 10 | 56,100–1,77,500 | 6,908* |
| Level 11 | 67,700–2,08,700 | 6,908* |
| Level 12 | 78,800–2,09,200 | 6,908* |
| Level 13 | 1,23,100–2,15,900 | 6,908* |
| Level 13A | 1,31,100–2,16,600 | 6,908* |
| Level 14 | 1,44,200–2,18,200 | 6,908* |
| Level 15 | 1,82,200–2,24,100 | 6,908* |
| Level 16 | 2,05,400–2,24,400 | 6,908* |
| Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) | 6,908* |
| Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) | 6,908* |
The general memorandum covers Group C employees and non-gazetted Group B employees who are not covered by a PLB scheme. The DGQA communication separately requests proposals for its employees. The applicable category, service conditions and administrative approval should therefore be verified by the concerned establishment before payment.
4. Who Is Eligible for the Ad-hoc Bonus?
The general eligibility conditions in the Department of Expenditure memorandum dated 15 October 2026 include:
- The employee must have been in service on 31 March 2026, subject to the specific provisions applicable to certain cases.
- At least six months of continuous service during the financial year 2025-26 is required.
- The employee must fall within the eligible category under the applicable bonus orders.
- The employee must not already be covered by a Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme where the general non-PLB order excludes such employees.
- Proportionate payment is admissible for qualifying service of less than a full year, in accordance with the prescribed rules.
The DGQA establishment will need to verify the relevant service particulars and applicable provisions before forwarding the proposal.
5. How Will the Bonus Be Calculated?
For a full 30-day bonus, the standard formula under the Department of Expenditure memorandum is:
| Average Monthly Emoluments | Calculation | Bonus for 30 Days |
|---|---|---|
| ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4 | ₹4,934 |
| ₹6,000 | ₹6,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4 | ₹5,921 |
| ₹7,000 | ₹7,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4 | ₹6,908 |
| ₹10,000 | Calculation restricted to ₹7,000 ceiling | ₹6,908 |
| ₹20,000 | Calculation restricted to ₹7,000 ceiling | ₹6,908 |
These figures are rounded to the nearest rupee. The actual calculation must follow the prescribed definition of average emoluments and applicable service conditions.
What if an employee has served for less than 12 months?
Eligible employees with six months or more of continuous service but less than a full year may receive a proportionate amount. The precise amount depends on the qualifying period and the applicable rules.
6. What Is the Next Step for DGQA Employees?
The DGQA letter directs all Additional Director Generals of Quality Assurance (ADGQAs) to issue instructions to the establishments under their control. The establishments are required to forward proposals for payment of the 30-day Ad-hoc Bonus to the concerned Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA), in accordance with the Department of Expenditure memorandum. The expected administrative sequence is:
- The concerned establishment verifies the eligibility of employees.
- The establishment prepares the payment proposal.
- The proposal is forwarded to the concerned CDA.
- Payment is processed in accordance with applicable financial and administrative procedures.
The communication does not specify a universal payment date. Employees should check with their establishment or accounts section for the status of the proposal.
7. What Happens When the Final PLB Formula Is Approved?
If the Ministry of Defence finalises the PLB arrangement and the resulting entitlement requires an additional amount over the Ad-hoc Bonus already paid, the concerned establishment may process the admissible arrears. The 30-day Ad-hoc Bonus is intended as an interim measure. It does not, by itself, settle the final PLB formula or establish that additional arrears will necessarily be payable. The eventual outcome will depend on the Ministry of Defence's decision and the terms of the final PLB arrangement.
8. Why Is This Order Important for DGQA Employees?
The communication addresses the long-pending bonus issue following the corporatisation of Ordnance Factories in October 2021. By allowing proposals for a 30-day Ad-hoc Bonus, DGQA has taken an interim step while the Working Group continues its examination of the PLB formula. For employees, the immediate issues are eligibility verification, submission of proposals to the CDA and the subsequent release of payment. The provision for processing arrears, if admissible under a future PLB decision, is also relevant, but the amount and timing of any additional payment remain subject to the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Has DGQA approved a 30-day bonus for 2025-26?
The DGQA communication dated 22 October 2026 approves the interim arrangement and directs establishments to forward payment proposals for a bonus equivalent to 30 days' emoluments.
Q2. What is the maximum standard bonus amount?
The standard calculation under the Department of Expenditure memorandum gives ₹6,908 for 30 days, subject to eligibility and the ₹7,000 monthly calculation ceiling.
Q3. Will employees in higher pay levels receive a larger bonus?
Not under the standard calculation once the applicable ceiling has been reached. The DGQA letter does not provide separate pay level-wise amounts.
Q4. Will the bonus be paid automatically?
The letter directs establishments to forward proposals to the concerned CDAs. Employees should confirm the status with their administrative or accounts section.
Q5. Will employees receive PLB arrears later?
The DGQA letter allows admissible arrears to be processed if the final PLB decision results in an additional amount. Such arrears are not guaranteed by the interim order.
Q6. Does this order automatically cover every employee of an Ordnance Factory now operating as a DPSU?
No such conclusion should be drawn from this DGQA letter alone. The communication concerns establishments under DGQA's administrative control. Employees of corporatised defence public sector undertakings should check the separate orders applicable to their organisation.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Defence's DGQA communication dated 22 October 2026 is an important development in the long-pending issue of bonus for DGQA employees. It provides for an interim Ad-hoc Bonus equivalent to 30 days' emoluments for 2025-26 and directs establishments to submit payment proposals to the concerned CDAs. Under the referenced Department of Expenditure memorandum, the standard full 30-day calculation reaches ₹6,908 where average monthly emoluments meet or exceed ₹7,000. Final payment remains subject to the applicable eligibility conditions and administrative processing. Employees should follow official establishment instructions for payment status and await further orders regarding the final PLB formula.
Official references: DGQA/ADM-7B letter dated 22 October 2026, No. A/90960/PLB/DGQA/ADM-7B; Department of Expenditure O.M. No. 7/24/2007/E.III(A) dated 15 October 2026 (Department of Expenditure circular).
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