Minimum Wages in India 2026 — State-Wise List, Rules & Latest Updates
Minimum wages in India are determined by both the Central and State governments, creating a complex web of rates that vary by state, skill level, and industry. For employers, staying compliant with the latest minimum wage notifications is critical to avoid penalties and legal action. This comprehensive guide covers the current minimum wage structure across all major Indian states.
How Minimum Wages Work in India
India does not have a single national minimum wage. Instead, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, empowers both Central and State governments to fix minimum wages for scheduled employments in their jurisdiction. The Central government sets minimum wages for establishments under its control (railways, mines, ports, etc.), while State governments set wages for all other establishments.
Minimum wages are typically categorized by skill level: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled. Some states further classify by zones (metro, non-metro, rural). Wages are revised periodically, usually every 6–12 months, through official government notifications.
State-Wise Minimum Wages Overview
Delhi
Delhi has among the highest minimum wages in India. Current rates (2026): Unskilled — ₹17,494/month, Semi-skilled — ₹19,279/month, Skilled — ₹21,215/month, Highly Skilled/Clerical — ₹23,258/month. Delhi revises minimum wages every 6 months based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Maharashtra
Maharashtra classifies minimum wages by zones (Greater Mumbai, other municipal corporations, and rural areas) and by industry category. Manufacturing wages differ from commercial establishment wages. Mumbai Zone 1 unskilled minimum wage is approximately ₹13,500–₹14,500/month depending on the industry category.
Karnataka
Karnataka minimum wages vary by industry and zone. IT/ITES sector wages are set separately from manufacturing and commercial establishments. Bangalore falls under Zone 1 with higher rates than other Karnataka districts.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu fixes minimum wages by industry through separate notifications. Major categories include factories, shops and establishments, automobile industry, and IT sector. Chennai rates are typically higher than other Tamil Nadu districts.
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers must ensure no employee is paid below the applicable minimum wage for their category and location. Violations can result in fines up to ₹50,000 and imprisonment up to 3 months. Employers must maintain wage registers, display minimum wage notifications at the workplace, and pay equal wages for equal work regardless of gender.
How INDPayroll Helps
INDPayroll maintains an updated database of minimum wages across all Indian states and automatically flags any employee whose salary falls below the applicable minimum wage for their work location and skill category. When minimum wages are revised, the system alerts HR teams and suggests salary adjustments. Start your free trial to ensure your company never falls below minimum wage compliance.
