Preparations have begun for the 8th Pay Commission, which will bring major changes to the salaries of central government employees. This time, the rate of salary increase is expected to be higher than under the 7th Pay Commission, and could range between 18 and 24 percent. The "fitment factor" will play a key role in this.

Government employees are currently awaiting the Eighth Pay Commission. Although the Eighth Pay Commission officially came into effect in January 2026, they will have to wait some more time for the actual salary increase. According to experts, if the fitment factor is set at 1.92, employees' minimum basic salary could jump from ₹18,000 to ₹34,560. This is also good news for pensioners, as a significant increase in the minimum pension is also expected.

Salary Increases and Fitment Factors
Salary increases under the Eighth Pay Commission depend primarily on the fitment factor. This has led to curiosity among employees about how much their salaries will increase and which levels will benefit the most.

Who will benefit the most?
According to preliminary estimates, employees from Level 1 to Level 6 are likely to benefit the most from the Eighth Pay Commission. Furthermore, due to rising inflation, the percentage increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) is also under scrutiny.

Implementation and Arrears
Although the commission has been implemented from 2026, its actual implementation may take until 2027. However, employees have no reason to worry, as the period between January 2026 will be paid as arrears.

What is a Pay Commission?
The Central Government periodically establishes a Pay Commission. Its role is to review the pay structure of government employees. This commission recommends changes in pay and allowances, taking into account inflation, economic conditions, and the government's financial capacity. The first Pay Commission in India was established in 1946. Since then, seven Pay Commissions have been implemented.

What happened during the Seventh Pay Commission? The Seventh Pay Commission was implemented in 2016. Under it, the minimum basic pay for central government employees was set at ₹18,000 per month, while the maximum basic pay was set at ₹2.5 lakh per month.

How have salaries increased over time?
Government employees' salaries have been consistently increased through the Pay Commission.

First Pay Commission (1946-47): Minimum pay ₹55, maximum ₹2,000.

Second Pay Commission (1957-59): Minimum ₹80, Maximum ₹3,000.

Third Pay Commission (1972-73): Minimum ₹196, Maximum ₹3,500.

Fourth Pay Commission (1986): Minimum ₹750, Maximum ₹8,000.

Fifth Pay Commission (1996): Minimum ₹2,550, Maximum ₹26,000.

Sixth Pay Commission (2006): Minimum ₹7,000, Maximum ₹80,000.

Seventh Pay Commission (2016): Minimum ₹18,000, Maximum ₹2.5 lakh.

PC: Navarashtra