Status
Mandatory for All Employers
Effective Period
1 April 2026 - 30 September 2026
Notification
Zone-based, w.e.f. April 2026
Issued by the Labour Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Applies to every employer registered under Shops & Commercial Establishments in Uttar Pradesh. Non-compliance attracts penalty under the Code on Wages, 2019.
Minimum Wages in Uttar Pradesh
2026 — Zone-Wise Rates
Official minimum wage rates for Uttar Pradesh. In April 2026, UP moved from statewide rates to a three-category (zone) structure, with the Noida/Ghaziabad belt carrying the highest rates. Figures below are the consolidated monthly amounts.
Quick Answer
UP’s minimum wages range from about ₹12,356/month (Unskilled, Category III) to ₹16,868/month (Skilled, Category I / Noida & Ghaziabad), as consolidated monthly figures. Effective April 2026.
₹12,356 - ₹16,868
per month · Shops & Commercial Establishments
VDA / DA
IncludedNext revision
1 October 2026Last updated: June 2026. Figures are compiled from the latest available notifications and reputable compliance sources and are provided for guidance only. Minimum wages and VDA change frequently - verify against the official notification (Uttar Pradesh Labour Department) before using for payroll.
Complete Rate Card - 3 Categories
Uttar Pradesh general / Shops & Commercial Establishments - consolidated monthly minimum wage by skill and district category, effective April 2026.
| Skill Category | Cat I (Noida / Ghaziabad) | Cat II (Nagar Nigam) | Cat III (Other) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹13,690 | ₹13,006 | ₹12,356 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹15,059 | ₹14,306 | ₹13,590 |
| Skilled | ₹16,868 | ₹16,025 | ₹15,224 |
Consolidated monthly figures (Basic + VDA), effective April 2026 under the new three-category structure that superseded the February 2026 statewide schedule. Daily wage ≈ monthly ÷ 26. This is a very recent change and not all sources reflect it - confirm against the official gazette before payroll use.
Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wage Categories (2026)
From April 2026, UP classifies districts into three categories by cost of living.
Category I — Noida belt
Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad - the highest-wage category.
Category II — Nagar Nigam districts
Districts that have a Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam).
Category III — Other districts
All remaining districts of the state.
What Every Uttar Pradesh Employer Must Do
Pay at least the notified zone-wise rate
Use the rate matching each branch’s location - not the head-office zone. Paying below the notified minimum is illegal even if the employee agrees.
Apply the latest VDA / revised rate
Update payroll the moment a new notification or VDA revision is published. Arrears apply from the effective date, not the date you noticed.
Maintain wage & attendance registers
Keep statutory registers, wage slips and muster rolls. Inspectors can demand records for the past several years.
Layer statutory costs correctly
On top of minimum wage, account for PF (12% of basic), ESI (3.25% if wage ≤ ₹21,000), bonus and gratuity provision.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Under the Code on Wages, 2019 (in force across India from 21 November 2025), paying any worker below the notified minimum wage attracts a fine up to ₹50,000 for a first offence, and imprisonment up to 3 months or a fine up to ₹1,00,000 (or both) for a repeat offence within five years. The employer must also pay the full wage arrears due. Failing to maintain the prescribed wage and attendance registers carries a further fine up to ₹10,000. The Uttar Pradesh Labour Department enforces this through Inspector-cum-Facilitator inspections across Noida, Ghaziabad and Lucknow's manufacturing, IT/ITeS and retail establishments, so Uttar Pradesh employers should keep payroll and statutory registers audit-ready year-round.
Source: Code on Wages, 2019 (Act 29 of 2019), Sec. 54 · Uttar Pradesh Labour Department
Download the Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages 2026 Rate Card
Get the full PDF - all zones, every role band, VDA breakdown and an employer compliance checklist. Free, ready for your HR & payroll records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh in 2026?
Under the new category structure (effective April 2026), UP minimum wages range from about Rs.12,356/month (Unskilled, Category III) to Rs.16,868/month (Skilled, Category I / Noida & Ghaziabad).
Did Uttar Pradesh change to zones in 2026?
Yes. In April 2026 UP introduced a three-category district structure (Category I = Noida/Ghaziabad, II = Nagar Nigam districts, III = others), superseding the earlier statewide schedule.
Which districts have the highest minimum wage in UP?
Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad - Category I - carry the highest rates, reflecting their higher cost of living.
How often are UP minimum wages revised?
The VDA is revised half-yearly, effective 1 April and 1 October, based on the AICPI-IW index. The next revision is due 1 October 2026.
What is the penalty for paying below minimum wage?
Paying below the notified minimum is illegal even with the employee's consent. Under the Code on Wages, 2019 employers face fines up to Rs.50,000 (first offence) and up to Rs.1,00,000 with imprisonment for repeat offences, plus full wage arrears.
Does minimum wage include PF and ESI?
No. Minimum wage is the gross amount paid to the worker. On top of it the employer pays PF (12% of basic), ESI (3.25% of gross if wage is up to Rs.21,000), statutory bonus and a gratuity provision.
Explore Minimum Wages Across India
Minimum wages differ by state, zone, skill and industry. Compare Uttar Pradesh with other states, or see the full national overview.
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