Credit scores will update weekly, PAN Aadhaar linking becomes compulsory, and UPI and SIM verification rules get stricter to curb fraud.
Tougher social media rules for children are being considered.
Central government employees may see a 20 to 35 percent pay and pension hike, DA is likely to rise.
The new year will bring many new rules that will change how people work, spend money, and use services in India. From January 1, 2026, new rules related to banks, salaries, social media, farming support, and fuel prices will start. These changes are meant to reduce fraud, improve control, and help government schemes reach people better. Some rules may help people save money, while others may require updating documents or following new steps. Since all these are to be implemented at the dawn of the year, one needs to keep abreast of all the developments to avoid inconveniences and make the most out of the benefits.
SurveyBanking and digital payment rules
Major changes are planned in the banking sector, as credit scores will now be updated every week, unlike earlier when they were updated once every fifteen days. This means loan records will reflect recent payments more quickly. Several big banks have already cut loan interest rates, which may help borrowers, and the new fixed deposit rates will also apply from January.
PAN and Aadhaar linking will become compulsory for most banking and government services. Those who do not complete the linking may face service blocks. Furthermore, the rules for UPI and digital payments are also being revised.
SIM verification for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram is also becoming stricter to control fraud.
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Social media and rules for children
The Centre is also considering making stronger rules for social media use by children below the age of 16, with the prime focus on age limits and parental control. These steps are being discussed to protect young users and reduce online harm. One thing to keep in mind is that India is not the first country to enforce such laws, as similar systems already exist in some other countries.
Pay, allowances and workers
The new year will also bring the latest 8th Pay Commission, with which the central government employees will see a significant increase in salaries and pensions (estimated ~20–35% hike) with revised pay scales and benefits.
Moreover, the dearness allowance is also expected to rise, offering support against rising prices. Some states, including Haryana, may increase minimum wages for part-time and daily wage workers.
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Changes affecting farmers
Other than the abovementioned, the farmers in states like Uttar Pradesh will need a unique farmer ID to receive money under the PM Kisan scheme. As per the reports, the farmers will likely not get any payments if this ID card is not present.
Furthermore, farmers can now claim compensation for crop loss caused by wild animals under the PM Kisan Crop Insurance Scheme. However, the losses must be reported within 72 hours.
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Fuel prices, transport and taxes
Prices of LPG, commercial gas cylinders and aviation fuel will also be revised from January 1, 2026. Additionally, some cities are also planning to limit the entry of the petrol- and diesel-run commercial vehicles in the hope of controlling the issue of pollution in the area. Lastly, a new income tax return form is also expected, with more pre-filled details and closer checks.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
