Home > India > Will the 8th Pay Commission Approve a 3.25 Fitment Factor for Govt Employees?

Will the 8th Pay Commission Approve a 3.25 Fitment Factor for Govt Employees?

FNPO has urged the 8th Pay Commission to adopt a graded fitment factor up to 3.25 and a 5% annual increment to significantly raise central government employees’ salaries

By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: January 25, 2026 15:55:57 IST

8th Pay Commission: The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has officially sent its recommendations to the 8th Pay Commission. The focus is on higher basic pay, better annual increments, and a restructured pay system for postal employees in every category.

These proposals were forwarded to the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery – NC-JCM). This body is currently gathering suggestions from different organisations that represent central government employees.

The staff representatives of the NC-JCM have started drafting their memorandum for the 8th Central Pay Commission, which shows that formal work on salary revision demands is now underway.

8th Pay Commission Setup Underway

An official message dated January 20, 2026, confirmed that office space has already been assigned to the 8th Pay Commission. The office is located in Chandralok Building, Janpath, New Delhi.

Once the commission starts functioning, employee unions will submit a joint memorandum. This document will include issues common to all central government staff.

8th Pay Commission: NCJCM Meeting Scheduled

According to ET Wealth, FNPO Secretary General Sivaji Vasireddy, who is also part of the NCJCM staff side, shared key updates:

NCJCM will meet draft committee members on February 25, 2026

Inputs from all employee organisations will be reviewed

A final recommendation report will then be sent to 8th Pay Commission chairperson Ranjana Prakash Desai

The final draft will cover:

  • Fitment factor

  • Minimum and maximum wages

  • Allowances (including Railway staff)

  • Overall pay structure

This information was confirmed to ET Wealth Online by Vasireddy.

8th Pay Commission: Proposal for Multi-Level Fitment Factor

One major demand from FNPO is the use of a graded fitment factor instead of a single rate for everyone.

The organisation says earlier pay commissions did not balance salary increases fairly across all levels. To correct this, FNPO suggests different fitment multipliers ranging from 3.0 to 3.25, based on job level and seniority.

“Our fitment factor calculation is based on the Akroyd formula, assuming a four-member family,” Vasireddy told ET Wealth.

What Is the Akroyd Formula?

The Akroyd formula, created by Dr Wallace Akroyd, is used to estimate the minimum living wage. It considers:

  • 2,700 calories of food per adult

  • Clothing needs

  • Housing

  • Other essential living expenses

Level-Wise Fitment Plan

As per ET Wealth, FNPO’s structure includes:

1. Lower Levels (Level 1–5)

Fitment factor: 3.00
Purpose: To correct wages where real income loss has been the highest.

2. Middle Levels (Level 6–12)

Fitment factor: 3.05 to 3.10
Reason: These roles need more skills, involve supervision, and carry greater responsibility.

3. Senior Administrative (Level 13–15)

Moderate rise to reward leadership while preventing sudden large pay jumps.

4. Apex Levels (Level 16 and above)

Highest fitment factors, up to 3.25, used selectively to maintain pay hierarchy and avoid salary compression.

FNPO said this method follows the approach of previous pay commissions, including the 7th CPC.

Illustrative Pay Structure Suggested by FNPO

The table below shows how salaries may change if these proposals are accepted:

Level Category 7th CPC Entry Pay (₹) Fitment Factor Proposed 8th CPC Pay (₹)
Level 1 Entry Level (Group C) 18,000 3.00 54,000
Level 2 Group C 19,900 3.00 59,700
Level 3 Group C 21,700 3.00 65,100
Level 4 Group C 25,500 3.00 76,500
Level 5 Group C 29,200 3.00 87,600
Level 6 Group B Entry 35,400 3.05 1,08,000
Level 7 Group B 44,900 3.05 1,37,000
Level 8 Group B 47,600 3.05 1,45,200
Level 9 Group B 53,100 3.05 1,62,000
Level 10 Group A Entry 56,100 3.10 1,74,000
Level 11 Group A 67,700 3.10 2,09,900
Level 12 Group A 78,800 3.10 2,44,300
Level 13 Senior Administrative 1,18,500 3.05 3,61,500
Level 13A Senior Administrative 1,31,100 3.05 3,99,900
Level 14 Senior Administrative 1,44,200 3.15 4,54,300
Level 15 HAG 1,82,200 3.15 5,74,000
Level 16 HAG+ 2,05,400 3.20 6,57,300
Level 17 Apex Scale 2,25,000 3.25 7,31,300
Level 18 Cabinet Secretary 2,50,000 3.25 8,12,500

Overall Impact

If accepted, these proposals could significantly raise salaries across all levels of central government service. The fitment factor system aims to balance fairness, living costs, and job hierarchy while improving take-home pay.

Most Popular

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?