What is the story about?
Central government employees may receive a major financial boost starting January 1, 2026, as the 7th Pay Commission ends on December 31, 2025 and expectations
build around the 8th Pay Commission. While the final salary revision will be known only after the commission submits its report and the government approves it, discussions around the fitment factor have already gained momentum. A Pay Commission is constituted roughly every 10 years and plays a crucial role in revising the basic pay, allowances, and pensions of millions of employees and pensioners.
- 6th Pay Commission: Fitment factor of 1.92
- 7th Pay Commission: Fitment factor of 2.57
For the 8th Pay Commission, experts are discussing possible fitment factors of 1.92, 2.15, or even 2.57.
How Are Central Government Pay Levels Structured?
Central government employees are placed under Pay Levels 1 to 18.
- Level 1: Entry-level / Group D employees
- Level 18: Topmost post, including the Cabinet Secretary
Between these are 16 levels, covering Group A, B, C, and D employees.
What Could Be the Fitment Factor in the 8th Pay Commission?
According to payroll and pension experts, the fitment factor is decided based on:
- Existing Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Expected DA increase till implementation
- Annual increments
- Average family size and living costs
Employee bodies suggest a likely fitment factor of around 2.13 for the 8th Pay Commission.
Current Basic Pay Under the 7th Pay Commission (Level 1–18)
- Level 1: Rs 18,000
- Level 2: Rs 19,900
- Level 3: Rs 21,700
- Level 4: Rs 25,500
- Level 5: Rs 29,200
- Level 6: Rs 35,400
- Level 7: Rs 44,900
- Level 8: Rs 47,600
- Level 9: Rs 53,100
- Level 10: Rs 56,100
- Level 11: Rs 67,700
- Level 12: Rs 78,800
- Level 13A: Rs 1,18,500
- Level 13: Rs 1,31,100
- Level 14: Rs 1,44,200
- Level 15: Rs 1,82,200
- Level 16: Rs 2,05,400
- Level 17: Rs 2,25,000
- Level 18: Rs 2,50,000
Salary Increase If Fitment Factor Is 1.92
- Level 1: Rs 34,560 (Increase: Rs 16,560)
- Level 5: Rs 56,064 (Increase: Rs 26,864)
- Level 10: Rs 1,07,712 (Increase: Rs 51,612)
- Level 15: Rs 3,49,824 (Increase: Rs 1,67,624)
- Level 18: Rs 4,80,000 (Increase: Rs 2,30,000)
Salary Increase If Fitment Factor Is 2.15
- Level 1: Rs 38,700 (Increase: Rs 20,700)
- Level 5: Rs 62,780 (Increase: Rs 33,580)
- Level 10: Rs 1,20,615 (Increase: Rs 64,515)
- Level 15: Rs 3,91,730 (Increase: Rs 2,09,530)
- Level 18: Rs 5,37,500 (Increase: Rs 2,87,500)
Salary Increase If Fitment Factor Is 2.57
- Level 1: Rs 46,260 (Increase: Rs 28,260)
- Level 5: Rs 75,044 (Increase: Rs 45,844)
- Level 10: Rs 1,44,177 (Increase: Rs 88,077)
- Level 15: Rs 4,68,254 (Increase: Rs 2,86,054)
- Level 18: Rs 6,42,500 (Increase: Rs 3,92,500)
Why the 8th Pay Commission Matters
- Higher basic pay means higher DA, HRA, and pension
- Improves purchasing power of employees and retirees
- Boosts consumption and economic activity
These figures are indicative estimates based on assumed fitment factors. The final salary hike will depend on the official recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission and government approval.
