The Government of Karnataka has revised the minimum wages for various scheduled employments in the State with effect from 22 May 2026. The updated minimum wage rates for employees working in Shops and Commercial Establishments are as follows.
| Skill Category | Zone | Basic Per Month | VDA Per Month | Total Per Month |
| Highly Skilled | Zone -1 | 31114.02 | 1030.80 | 32144.82 |
| Skilled | Zone -1 | 28258.47 | 1030.80 | 29289.27 |
| Semi-Skilled | Zone -1 | 25714.07 | 1030.80 | 26744.87 |
| Un Skilled | Zone -1 | 23376.43 | 1030.80 | 24407.23 |
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| Highly Skilled | Zone -2 | 28285.00 | 1030.80 | 29315.80 |
| Skilled | Zone -2 | 25714.07 | 1030.80 | 26744.87 |
| Semi-Skilled | Zone -2 | 23376.43 | 1030.80 | 24407.23 |
| Un Skilled | Zone -2 | 21251.30 | 1030.80 | 22282.10 |
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| Highly Skilled | Zone -3 | 25714.00 | 1030.80 | 26744.80 |
| Skilled | Zone -3 | 23376.43 | 1030.80 | 24407.23 |
| Semi-Skilled | Zone -3 | 21251.30 | 1030.80 | 22282.10 |
| Un Skilled | Zone -3 | 19319.36 | 1030.80 | 20350.16 |
VDA Calculation
The Karnataka Minimum Wages Notification provides that Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) shall be calculated at the rate of 4 paise per day for every point increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) above the base index of 9469 points.
For the current revision:
- Base CPI: 9469
- Average CPI: 10328
- Increase in CPI: 859 points
- VDA Rate: ₹0.04 per point per day
Therefore:
Daily VDA = 859 × ₹0.04 = ₹34.36
Monthly VDA = ₹34.36 × 30 = ₹1,030.80
Accordingly, the monthly VDA applicable under the Karnataka Minimum Wages Notification is ₹1,030.80 per month.
Zone Classifications in Karnataka Minimum Wages
- Zone-1: Areas falling under the jurisdiction of Greater Bangalore Authority.
- Zone-2: Other Municipal Corporations of the state and all District Headquarters.
- Zone-3: All other areas except those mentioned in Zone-1 and Zone-2.
Official Notification
Karnataka Minimum Wage Notification May 2026
Official Website
You can visit the Official Website for more details.
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