The National Calendar is based on the Saka Era with ‘Chaitra’ being its first month. It was adopted from 22nd March 1957 along with the Gregorian calendar inter alia for the following official purposes: Gazette of India; news broadcast by All India Radio; calendars issued by Government of India; and, Government communications addressed to the members of the public. It consists of 365 days in a normal year and its dates correspond with those of the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the first day of Chaitra always corresponds to 22nd March in a normal year and to March 21 in leap year.
The National Calendar is adopted for the following official purposes : (i) Gazette of India, (ii) news broadcast by All India Radio, (iii) calendars issued by the Government of India and (iv) Government communications addressed to the public.
Saka | Gregorian |
| 1 Chaitra (30/31 days) | March 22/21 |
| 1 Vaishka (31) | April 21 |
| 1 Jaishta (31) | May 22 |
| 1 Ashadha (31) | June 22 |
| 1 Shravana (31) | July 23 |
| 1 Bhadra (31) | August 23 |
| 1 Ashvina (30) | September 23 |
| 1 Karthika (30) | October 23 |
| 1 Margashirsha (30) | November 22 |
| 1 Pausha (30) | December 22 |
| 1 Magha (30) | January 21 |
| 1 Phaguna (30) | February 20 |