CPWD DSR 2023 explained: how to use it for a house estimate
Published 5 Oct 2026
The Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR) 2023, published by CPWD, is a book of ready-made composite rates for civil work items. Each rate already includes materials, labour, plant, water charges, contractor's profit and overheads, and GST. Use it as a neutral, defensible rate basis for a BOQ, then adjust for your location. Do not add margin on top.
What is the DSR?
CPWD's DSR is the most widely referenced civil rate book in India. It is the canonical rate base for central government civil works, and most state PWDs build their own schedules of rates from it with regional adjustments. In practice it is used to prepare government estimates, to fix rates for extra items, to evaluate tenders and as a baseline by private architects and builders.
The current civil volume is DSR 2023 (the electrical volume is a separate, later edition). Always cite the edition, and check cpwd.gov.in for correction slips before you rely on an item.
What is inside a DSR rate
A DSR rate is a composite rate built up from an analysis of rates:
| Component | What it means |
|---|---|
| Materials | Quantity of each material per unit of finished work, priced at the DSR base rate |
| Labour | Skilled and unskilled labour days per unit, at notified minimum wages |
| Plant and machinery | Hire or usage for the item, where applicable |
| Water charges | A small allowance built into the rate |
| Contractor's profit and overheads | 15% already included |
| GST | Included in the DSR 2023 rates |
Because profit, overheads and GST are already inside, adding your own margin on top double-counts them. This is the most common DSR mistake.
Two things to remember: Delhi prices and April 2023
DSR 2023 reflects Delhi market prices of April 2023, and labour at the minimum wages applicable from 1 April 2023. For a project elsewhere, or well after that date, the raw DSR figure needs adjustment through the applicable cost index or area factor, or a state schedule built on it.
Illustration with assumed numbers: an item priced at Rs 1,000 in the DSR with a cost index of 1.15 for your station becomes Rs 1,150. Use the index notified for your station and the correct edition, and do not stack extra overhead on top.
DSR vs state PWD rates vs market rates
| Basis | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| CPWD DSR 2023 | Neutral baselines, valuation, government-style estimates, client budgets | Delhi, April 2023 prices; needs an index for other places and dates |
| State PWD schedule of rates (SOR) | Estimates for state departments and projects that follow the state schedule | Edition year; specifications and item descriptions can differ from CPWD |
| Market rates | Live procurement, volatile materials (steel, cement), metro labour | Quotations date quickly; document the source |
The professional pattern is to use both. Anchor on the schedule, then compare the high-value items against current written quotations.
How to use the DSR in a house BOQ
- List items from the drawings. Earthwork, PCC, RCC, steel, formwork, masonry, plaster, flooring, doors and windows, finishing.
- Match each item to a DSR item. Read the full description. DSR items have specific inclusions, exclusions, units and lead and lift conditions.
- Measure to the DSR unit. If the DSR measures plaster in sqm and you measured in sq ft, convert. See units of measurement in an Indian BOQ.
- Apply the rate and the index. Quantity x rate, adjusted for your station and date.
- Handle items not in the DSR. Treat them as non-scheduled items and attach a market rate analysis. See how to do a rate analysis.
- State the basis. Name the DSR edition and any correction slips in the BOQ so a reviewer can check it.
Common DSR mistakes
- Using an old edition. An estimate on outdated rates is likely to be flagged and returned for correction.
- Missing correction slips. Rates are amended between editions.
- Adding margin or overhead on top. The 15% is already inside the rate.
- Assuming concrete includes steel or formwork. In the DSR these are separate line items. Do not assume the concrete rate covers them.
- Ignoring the item description. A rate for 9-inch brickwork in 1:6 mortar is not a rate for a different mortar or wall thickness.
- Quoting DSR for volatile items without checking the market. Steel and cement move, and the DSR does not.
How InstaBOQ uses DSR 2023
InstaBOQ's estimates use DSR item codes and descriptions, but their rates come from an indicative table that mixes market rates with figures converted from DSR 2023. It is not a clean DSR 2023 schedule, so treat those totals as a budget figure. For an estimate that has to stand on DSR 2023, enter the rates from your own copy of the schedule against the same quantities, for example in the free BOQ format template. For the market view, compare against current material rates by city.
Get the quantities for a DSR BOQ
Upload working drawings to the Detailed Estimate, or fill a BOQ in the online BOQ editor, for a quantified BOQ you can export to Excel. Their rates are indicative; for a DSR 2023 price, put the rates from your DSR copy against the same quantities.
Frequently asked questions
What does DSR stand for?
Delhi Schedule of Rates, published by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
Is DSR 2023 the latest edition?
It is the current civil volume at the time of writing. Check cpwd.gov.in for newer editions and correction slips before relying on it.
Do DSR rates include GST?
DSR 2023 rates include GST. Confirm the treatment in your contract documents.
Can I use DSR rates for a private house?
Yes, as a neutral baseline. Adjust for your location and date, and compare key items against local quotations.
What if an item is not in the DSR?
Prepare a market rate analysis from materials, labour, plant, overhead and profit, and attach it as a non-scheduled item.