How Bihar sets its minimum wages
Bihar fixes a single statewide minimum wage by skill category (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly-skilled), with no zones and no separate supervisory or clerical grade. Each wage is a basic rate plus a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to the All-India Consumer Price Index, and the monthly figure is the daily rate multiplied by 26.
These figures apply for 1 April to 30 September 2026 and will be revised on 1 October 2026, so confirm the current figure at the next revision.
Bihar revises the VDA twice a year, effective 1 April and 1 October, based on the All-India Consumer Price Index. The basic rate changes only when a fresh notification is issued.
What employers must do
- Pay every worker at least the notified minimum for their skill category and zone. Paying below it is an offence.
- Pay overtime at twice the ordinary rate for work beyond normal hours.
- Maintain a wage register, muster roll and wage slips, and pay within the wage period.
- Update payroll at each revision so no worker slips below the new minimum.
For contractors and staffing firms deploying workers across Bihar, keeping every worker on the right skill and zone rate by hand is error-prone. ZeniaHR payroll checks each worker's wage against the applicable state minimum automatically and handles the registers and PF/ESI returns.
Related calculators
Work out the deductions on a Bihar wage with our free tools: the in-hand salary calculator, the PF calculator and the ESI calculator. Confirm the official rates on the Bihar Labour Resources Department.
Keep every worker on the right wage, automatically
ZeniaHR flags any worker paid below the applicable minimum wage and updates rates at each revision. Built only for manpower and staffing companies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Bihar in 2026?
For 1 April to 30 September 2026, an un-skilled worker earns at least ₹436 per day, about ₹11,336 per month. Semi-skilled is ₹452, skilled ₹551 and highly-skilled ₹672 per day. Bihar uses one statewide rate with no zones.
Does Bihar have wage zones?
No. Bihar sets a single statewide minimum wage by skill category, with no zone-wise variation, and no separate supervisory or clerical grade.
How often does Bihar revise minimum wages?
The VDA is revised twice a year, effective 1 April and 1 October, based on the All-India Consumer Price Index. The current figures apply until 30 September 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a skilled worker in Bihar?
A skilled worker must be paid at least ₹551 per day, about ₹14,326 per month, and a highly-skilled worker ₹672 per day, for 1 April to 30 September 2026.