As Diwali has approached, the much-anticipated salary hike for central government employees and pensioners is also at bay. Though an announcement on the hike was also expected, which didn’t happen so far, it is still expected as soon as possible and that too after Diwali. The key proposal in 8th CPC, which is expected from January 2026, will impact over 1 crore employees and pensioners.
‘Actively consulting’ on 8th pay commission
8th Pay Commission: The Central government has said that it is “actively consulting” state governments on the matter, and an announcement in this regard is likely soon. It is expected that a go-ahead can be given to the constitution of the panel to take the matter forward. Only after these consultations that a notification will be made on constituting the 8th pay commission will happen. Here, we will be calculating an expected salary that could happen soon after Diwali.
- 8th Pay Commission: Significant salary hikes, revised salary slabs, and updated pay matrix for central government employees and pensioners
- Projected salary hike for central government employees is expected between 30-34%
- Fitment factor- will range between 1.83 and 2.46, directly impacting salary increases
- DA, HRA, and TA allowances will be revised according to the updated basic pay
8th Pay Commission: Fitment Factor
8th Pay Commission: The key proposal is to raise the fitment factor from 2.57 in the 7th CPC to 2.86. If approved, the minimum salary of the central government employees could increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480 and the minimum pension from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,740. This will be in addition to hikes in allowances like DA, HRA, and TA.
What exactly is the Fitment Factor, and what are the hikes?
8th Pay Commission: A fitment factor is important to decide the Central government employees’ salaries and pensions. Currently, in the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor is at 2.57. This will be increased to 2.86, if it is adopted. central government pay scales will rise sharply.
- Level 1: Rs 18,000 → Rs 51,480
- Level 5: Rs 29,200 → Rs 83,512
- Level 10: Rs 56,100 → Rs 1,60,446
- Level 13A: Rs 1,31,100 → Rs 3,74,946
- Level 18: Rs 2,50,000 → Rs 7,15,000
8th Pay Commission Update!
8th Pay Commission: The Government Employees National Confederation (GENC), which represents lakhs of Central and State Government employees, including those in Autonomous and Local Bodies, recently wrote a letter to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
In the letter, GENC asked for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to be set up immediately. They noted that the 7th CPC’s recommendations started on January 1, 2016. Normally, Pay Commissions are created well in advance to make sure pay revisions happen on time. A delay in forming the 8th CPC could affect the pay revision due on January 1, 2026.
