How West Bengal sets its minimum wages
West Bengal fixes minimum wages per scheduled employment, and a general skill-band schedule (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly-skilled) governs Shops and Commercial Establishments, split across two zones. The rates are consolidated totals, and the daily figure is the monthly figure divided by 26.
These figures apply for 1 July to 31 December 2026 and will be revised on 1 January 2027. Zone B is unchanged from the previous revision, while Zone A rose.
West Bengal revises minimum wages twice a year, effective 1 January and 1 July, through a variable dearness allowance. The current figures apply until 31 December 2026.
Zones in West Bengal
- Zone A is areas under Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Areas, Development Authorities and thermal power township areas.
- Zone B is the rest of West Bengal.
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 West Bengal, 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 West Bengal wage with our free tools: the in-hand salary calculator, the PF calculator and the ESI calculator. Confirm the official rates on the West Bengal Labour Commissionerate.
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 West Bengal in 2026?
For 1 July to 31 December 2026, an un-skilled worker earns at least ₹10,558 per month (about ₹406 per day) in Zone A, and ₹9,760 (about ₹375 per day) in Zone B. Skilled and highly-skilled rates are higher.
What are the wage zones in West Bengal?
Zone A covers Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Areas, Development Authorities and thermal power township areas. Zone B is the rest of the state. Zone A rates are higher.
How often does West Bengal revise minimum wages?
Twice a year, effective 1 January and 1 July, through a variable dearness allowance. The current figures apply until 31 December 2026 and will be revised on 1 January 2027.
What is the minimum wage for a security guard in West Bengal?
Security work generally falls under the skilled or semi-skilled band of the general schedule, so confirm the classification and pay at least that zone-wise rate.