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LIVE Current period: October 2025 to March 2026 · Effective 1 October 2025 · Next revision: 📅 Coming soon
Delhi Labour Department · Official Notified Rates

Delhi Minimum Wages
October 2025 to March 2026

Official minimum wage rates for all 6 worker categories in Delhi, updated, verified and ready to use. Effective 1 October 2025. Every Delhi employer must pay at least these amounts.

Effective 1 October 2025
Order: F.12(167)/MW/Lab/2025
Next revision: Coming soon
6 categories
Download Delhi Minimum Wages PDF — October 2025 to March 2026
All 6 categories · Basic + VDA breakdown · Penalty section · Compliance checklist · Hindi & English. Ready for HR records, labour audits and display boards.
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Unskilled
₹19,846
per month
Daily₹764
Hourly₹95.5
Semi-Skilled
₹21,813
per month
Daily₹839
Hourly₹104.9
Skilled
₹23,905
per month
Daily₹920
Hourly₹115
Highly Skilled
₹26,273
per month
Daily₹1,011
Hourly₹126.3
Clerical (Graduate+)
₹25,011
per month
Daily₹962
Hourly₹120.2
Clerical (Matriculate)
₹23,905
per month
Daily₹920
Hourly₹115
Understand in 30 Seconds

What is Minimum Wage & Why It Matters

Three things every Delhi NCR employer needs to know before the next labour inspection.

What is it?
The legal floor wage set by Delhi Government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. No employer, whether startup, shop or factory, can pay below this. Applies to all industries and all employment types.
When is it revised?
Delhi revises wages twice a year, on 1 April and 1 October. The VDA component adjusts for inflation (CPI-IW index). The next revision is Coming soon.
What's the penalty?
Paying below minimum wage: fine up to ₹5,000 + up to 6 months imprisonment per violation. Even a signed contract paying less is void. Labour inspectors do surprise audits year-round.
Complete Rate Card

All Categories · October 2025 to March 2026

Verified · 1 October 2025
Category Typical Jobs Monthly (₹) Daily (₹) Hourly (₹)
Unskilled Helpers, sweepers, loaders, domestic workers, gardeners ₹19,846 ₹764 ₹95.5
Semi-Skilled Machine operators, drivers, unarmed security, packers ₹21,813 ₹839 ₹104.9
Skilled Electricians, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, welders ₹23,905 ₹920 ₹115
Highly Skilled Supervisors, foremen, senior technicians, master craftsmen ₹26,273 ₹1,011 ₹126.3
Clerical (Graduate+) Accountants, HR executives, senior clerks, admin managers ₹25,011 ₹962 ₹120.2
Clerical (Matriculate) Junior clerks, data entry, receptionists, store keepers ₹23,905 ₹920 ₹115
Daily = Monthly ÷ 26 working days · Hourly = Daily ÷ 8 hours (per Minimum Wages Act, 1948) · VDA included in all figures · Source: Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Order F.12(167)/MW/Lab/2025
How the Unskilled wage of ₹19,846/month is made up
Basic Wage
₹9,724
Fixed by govt · doesn't change in 6 months
+ VDA (Dearness Allowance)
₹10,122
Revised every Apr & Oct · CPI-IW linked
= Total Minimum Wage
₹19,846
Must be paid in full every month
Download Delhi Minimum Wages PDF for October 2025 to March 2026
Official notification with all 6 categories · Basic + VDA breakdown · Daily & hourly rates · Penalty reference · Compliance checklist. Ready for HR records, labour audits and workplace display boards.
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✓ All 6 categories ✓ Basic + VDA split ✓ Daily & hourly rates ✓ Penalty section ✓ Compliance checklist ✓ Hindi & English
Category Guide

Which Category Does Your Employee Fall Under?

Mis-categorising workers is a common compliance issue. Use this guide to assign the right wage band.

Unskilled
₹19,846/mo
No training required. Physical, manual tasks with no machinery.
Sweepers Helpers Loaders Cleaners Domestic Workers Gardeners Office Peons
Semi-Skilled
₹21,813/mo
Some training or routine technical tasks. Operate basic equipment.
Machine Operators Drivers Unarmed Security Packers Office Boys Helpers in Trade
Skilled
₹23,905/mo
Formal trade skill or 3+ years experience. Works independently.
Electricians Plumbers Mechanics Carpenters Armed Security Welders AC Technicians
Highly Skilled
₹26,273/mo
Leads skilled workers or performs highly specialised technical work.
Supervisors Foremen Senior Technicians Master Craftsmen Head Security
Clerical (Matriculate)
₹23,905/mo
Class 10 to 12 pass. Desk/office/clerical role.
Junior Clerks Data Entry Operators Receptionists Front Desk Staff Store Keepers
Clerical (Graduate+)
₹25,011/mo
Graduate or above. Senior clerical or administrative role.
Accountants HR Executives Senior Clerks Admin Managers Office Supervisors
Compliance Checklist

4 Things Every Delhi Employer Must Do

Paying the right wage is step one. Labour inspectors check all four.

Pay Correct Minimum Wage
No contract overrides the Act. Even if the employee agrees to less in writing, the employer owes full minimum wage + arrears. Update wages within 30 days of each revision.
Maintain Statutory Registers
Form I (Attendance), Form II (Wage Register with Basic+VDA separately), Form III (Deductions), Form IV (Overtime). Must be produced on demand by labour officers.
Pay on Time
Before the 7th of next month (under 1,000 workers) or 10th (larger firms). Delayed wages attract interest. Overtime must be paid at double the ordinary rate.
Display Wage Notice
Notice in Hindi + English showing minimum wages by category must be prominently displayed at the establishment. Update within 30 days of every April and October revision.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Under Section 22, Minimum Wages Act 1948: Fine up to ₹5,000 per violation + imprisonment up to 6 months + recovery of underpaid wages with compensation of up to 10× the shortfall. Delhi Labour Department conducts surprise inspections, especially in retail, security, construction, and hospitality.
Historical Reference

Delhi Minimum Wage Revision History

Track how Delhi wages have grown across the last 4 revisions.

NOW
⚡ Oct 2025 to Mar 2026↑ 7.5%
Unskilled: ₹19,846/mo Semi-Skilled: ₹21,813/mo Skilled: ₹23,905/mo Highly Skilled: ₹26,273/mo
APR
Apr 2025 to Sep 2025↑ 3.1%
Unskilled: ₹18,456/mo Semi-Skilled: ₹20,371/mo Skilled: ₹22,411/mo Highly Skilled: ₹24,388/mo
OCT
Oct 2024 to Mar 2025↑ 3.5%
Unskilled: ₹17,894/mo Semi-Skilled: ₹19,738/mo Skilled: ₹21,655/mo Highly Skilled: ₹23,812/mo
APR
Apr 2024 to Sep 2024
Unskilled: ₹17,292/mo Semi-Skilled: ₹19,079/mo Skilled: ₹20,921/mo Highly Skilled: ₹23,012/mo
NCR Comparison

Delhi vs Noida vs Gurugram Minimum Wages Compared

If your company operates across Delhi NCR, you need to know all three. The applicable rate depends on where the employee works, not where the company is registered.

This Page
Delhi
NCT of Delhi · Revised Apr & Oct
Unskilled₹19,846
Semi-Skilled₹21,813
Skilled₹23,905
Highest in NCR
Uttar Pradesh
Noida / Greater Noida
UP State Rates · Revised annually
Unskilled₹10,192
Semi-Skilled₹11,622
Skilled₹13,052
~49% lower than Delhi
Haryana
Gurugram / Faridabad
Haryana State Rates · Revised July
Unskilled₹12,220
Semi-Skilled₹13,471
Skilled₹14,842
~38% lower than Delhi
Important: The state where the employee physically works determines which minimum wage applies. A Delhi-registered company with staff in Noida must follow UP rates for those employees. For workers who split time across states, consult a labour compliance advisor. Noida and Gurugram rates shown are approximate, so check respective state government notifications for exact figures.
Employer Cost Guide

How Delhi Minimum Wages Affect Your CTC

Minimum wage is just the base. Here's the real cost to your company when you factor in PF, ESI, bonus and gratuity for one unskilled worker in Delhi.

Monthly Cost Breakdown for 1 Unskilled Worker
Gross Minimum Wage (Basic ₹9,724 + VDA ₹10,122)₹19,846
+ Employer PF @ 12% of Basic₹1,167
+ Employer ESI @ 3.25% of Gross₹645
+ Statutory Bonus @ 8.33%₹1,653
+ Gratuity @ 4.81% of Basic₹468
Total CTC (Employer Cost)₹23,779/month
Pro tip: When wages revise in Coming soon, your total employer cost per worker will increase proportionally. Budget for a 5-8% bump every 6 months. Our payroll software auto-recalculates CTC, PF, ESI and bonus the moment new rates are notified, so you never underpay or overpay.
Payroll Action Plan

How to Update Your Payroll When Wages Revise

Every April and October, follow these 5 steps within 30 days of the new notification to stay compliant.

1
Download the New Government Order
Check the Delhi Labour Department website or this page for the latest notification. Verify the order number, effective date, and VDA figures for all 6 categories.
2
Re-Classify Workers If Needed
Review if any worker's role has changed (e.g., helper promoted to machine operator = unskilled → semi-skilled). Mis-classification is a common audit finding.
3
Update Wage Structure in Payroll
Change Basic and VDA components separately in your payroll system. Do not club them because labour inspectors check the split. Recalculate PF (on new basic), ESI (on new gross), and overtime rates.
4
Pay Arrears for the Gap Period
If the notification comes late (e.g., October order published in November), you owe arrears from 1st October. Calculate the per-day difference × working days and pay it as a separate line item.
5
Update Display Boards & Registers
Replace the old wage notice at your workplace with updated rates in Hindi and English. Update Form II (Wage Register) template with new Basic + VDA fields for the new period.
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Delhi for 2026?
For October 2025 to March 2026: Unskilled ₹19,846/month · Semi-Skilled ₹21,813/month · Skilled ₹23,905/month · Highly Skilled ₹26,273/month. All figures include the VDA component and are effective from 1 October 2025.
How often are Delhi minimum wages revised?
Twice a year, on 1 April and 1 October. The revision adjusts the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) based on Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) data for the preceding 6 months. The next revision is due: Coming soon.
Do these rates apply to Noida and Gurugram employees?
No. Delhi rates apply only within the NCT of Delhi. Noida follows Uttar Pradesh state minimum wages. Gurugram follows Haryana rates. Both are lower than Delhi. If your company is Delhi-registered but staff work in Noida or Gurugram, consult a labour lawyer on jurisdiction.
Can I pay less than minimum wage if the worker agrees?
No, it is illegal. The Minimum Wages Act is a beneficial legislation. Any private agreement paying less is void. The employer is still fully liable for the difference plus penalty, regardless of what the employee signed.
Does minimum wage include PF and ESI?
Minimum wage is the gross amount payable to the worker. Employer PF (12% of basic) and ESI (0.75% of gross) are additional employer costs on top, so they cannot be counted as part of the minimum wage payment.
How is overtime calculated for Delhi workers?
Overtime is paid at twice the ordinary rate. For Unskilled: ordinary rate = ₹95.5/hr → overtime = ₹191/hr. Any work beyond 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week must be compensated at double rate.
What is VDA and why does it change every 6 months?
Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) is an inflation adjustment. It's recalculated every 6 months using the CPI-IW index. For the current period, Unskilled: Basic ₹9,724 + VDA ₹10,122 = Total ₹19,846/month. When living costs rise, VDA rises to protect workers' purchasing power.
What records must I keep for compliance?
Form I: Muster Roll (daily attendance) · Form II: Wage Register (Basic + VDA shown separately) · Form III: Deductions Register · Form IV: Overtime Register. Also: display a wage notice in Hindi + English at the workplace, updated within 30 days of each revision.
Are Delhi minimum wages different from Noida and Gurugram?
Yes, significantly. Delhi has the highest minimum wages in NCR. Noida follows Uttar Pradesh rates (roughly 49% lower for unskilled) and Gurugram follows Haryana rates (roughly 38% lower). The rate that applies depends on the physical work location of the employee, not where the company is registered. A Delhi company with Noida staff must pay UP rates for those workers.
How does minimum wage affect CTC and employer cost?
Minimum wage is only the gross pay to the worker. On top of that, the employer pays: PF at 12% of basic, ESI at 3.25% of gross (if wage ≤ ₹21,000), statutory bonus at 8.33%, and gratuity at 4.81%. For an unskilled worker in Delhi, the total employer cost (CTC) is roughly ₹23,779/month, about 30% more than the minimum wage itself.
What happens if the government notification is delayed?
Even if the Delhi Labour Department publishes the new rates late (say, November instead of October), the revision is effective retroactively from 1st October. Employers must calculate and pay arrears for the gap period. This is typically paid as a separate line item in the next month's salary. Failure to pay arrears carries the same penalties as underpayment.
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