What are the revised Uttar Pradesh minimum wages from 1 October 2026?
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has issued revised Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) rates for scheduled employments covered by the notification. The revised rates apply from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. The payable minimum wage varies by skill category and district classification.
Employers in Uttar Pradesh should review the updated minimum wage schedule, map workers to the correct skill category, and confirm whether the establishment falls under Category I, II or III district classification. Payroll teams should assess the revised rates for the applicable wage period and retain supporting records.
The notification is an office memorandum issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Labour Department, Section 02, bearing reference I/1498869/2026-2041256 and dated 21 October 2026.
Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages Notification: Key Details
Key dates, reference details and coverage summary from the official memorandum provided.
The memorandum explains that the VDA is calculated with reference to the average All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (base year 2001=100). The stated average for January–June 2026 is 431, compared with the base average of 400.
Revised Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wage Rates
The following monthly totals and daily rates are reproduced from the supplied notification. Confirm district classification and worker skill category before applying them.
| District Category / Area | Skill Category | Basic Wage / Month | VDA / Month | Revised Wage / Month | Daily Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category I — Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Unskilled | ₹12,885.00 | ₹998.59 | ₹13,883.59 | ₹533.98 |
| Category I — Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Semi-skilled | ₹14,173.00 | ₹1,098.41 | ₹15,271.41 | ₹587.36 |
| Category I — Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Skilled | ₹15,876.00 | ₹1,230.39 | ₹17,106.39 | ₹657.94 |
| Category II — Districts having Nagar Nigam | Unskilled | ₹12,241.00 | ₹948.68 | ₹13,189.68 | ₹507.30 |
| Category II — Districts having Nagar Nigam | Semi-skilled | ₹13,464.00 | ₹1,043.46 | ₹14,507.46 | ₹557.98 |
| Category II — Districts having Nagar Nigam | Skilled | ₹15,082.00 | ₹1,168.86 | ₹16,250.86 | ₹625.03 |
| Category III — Other districts | Unskilled | ₹11,629.00 | ₹901.25 | ₹12,530.25 | ₹481.93 |
| Category III — Other districts | Semi-skilled | ₹12,791.00 | ₹991.30 | ₹13,782.30 | ₹530.09 |
| Category III — Other districts | Skilled | ₹14,328.00 | ₹1,110.42 | ₹15,438.42 | ₹593.79 |
How Is the Uttar Pradesh VDA Calculated?
The memorandum explains the VDA calculation using the average CPI index points and the applicable basic wage.
(Average CPI − Base CPI) ÷ Base CPI × Basic Wage
(431 − 400) ÷ 400 × ₹12,885 = ₹998.59 VDA for the Category I unskilled basic wage shown in the notification.The VDA amount differs by basic wage and category. The notification also states that the daily wage rate must not be less than one twenty-sixth of the applicable minimum monthly wage. Employers should apply the specific rate for the relevant skill category and district classification.
What Employers Should Do From 1 October 2026
Use a documented review before updating payroll and wage records.
Confirm district category: Identify whether the workplace falls under Category I, II or III.
Validate skill classification: Review whether each employee is classified as unskilled, semi-skilled or skilled under the applicable schedule.
Update payroll: Apply the relevant revised monthly and daily rates for the notified period.
Review contractor wages: Check that contract workforce wage records and payments reflect applicable minimum wage requirements.
Assess arrears, where applicable: Check payroll treatment for the effective date and actual wage periods, based on the official notification and applicable legal requirements.
Retain evidence: Keep the notification, wage calculations, payroll records and review approvals accessible for inspection or audit.
How Labour Law Compliance Software Can Help
A structured digital workflow can support consistent wage revision reviews across multiple locations.
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Organise checks by establishment, district category and workforce type.
Evidence and Audit Trail
Keep wage review documents and compliance actions ready for internal and external audits.
Access the Uttar Pradesh Labour Department memorandum and verify all wage rates against the original document.
Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages 2026
Check the state-wise minimum wage reference page for the current wage schedule.
Bring Structure to Labour Law Compliance
Support labour law compliance and audit management with a structured platform for workforce, location and compliance documentation.
Explore ComplyLynx™ →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective date of the Uttar Pradesh minimum wage revision?
The revised VDA rates in the supplied memorandum are effective from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
What is the notification date?
The Government of Uttar Pradesh memorandum is dated 21 October 2026.
What is the notification reference number?
The office memorandum reference is I/1498869/2026-2041256, issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government, Labour Department, Section 02.
Which skill categories are listed?
The supplied wage schedule lists unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers.
How are district categories classified?
Category I covers Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad; Category II covers districts having a Nagar Nigam; Category III covers districts other than Category I and II. Refer to the original memorandum for the authoritative classification.
How is VDA calculated in the notification?
The memorandum uses the average All-India CPI for Industrial Workers for January–June 2026 (431 points) against a base average of 400 points, applying the stated calculation to the relevant basic wage.
What should employers do after the revision?
Employers should confirm the applicable district and skill category, update payroll using the notified rates, review contractor wage records and retain supporting documentation.
Where can employers verify the rates?
Refer to the official Uttar Pradesh Government Labour Department memorandum dated 21 October 2026, reference I/1498869/2026-2041256. Verify the original document before payroll implementation.