The 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring major salary, allowance, and pension hikes for central government employees, with DA likely rising to 60% and big pay revisions ahead
8th Pay Commission Update
8th Pay Commission: If you or your family members are working in the central government, this news update is important. Lakhs of central government employees and pensioners are eagerly waiting for the 8th Pay Commission. The term of the 7th Pay Commission has officially come to an end on December 31, 2025. Since then, only one question is being raised when will the new pay commission be implemented?
After the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission by the government, more than one crore people in the country will get the benefits.
In December 2025, the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) showed no increase and stayed at 148.2. Because of this, there is strong expectation that Dearness Allowance (DA) may rise by 2% from January 2026.
If this hike happens, DA will go up from 58% to 60%. Reports suggest that the government could announce the DA hike before Holi. In that case, employees are likely to receive arrears for January and February together.
Some media reports even suggest that DA could rise up to 63%, but for now, a 60% DA looks almost certain.
The official website of the 8th Pay Commission was launched recently. The government has invited suggestions from ministries, departments, employees, unions, pensioners, and other stakeholders.
A questionnaire with 18 questions has been uploaded on the MyGov.in portal. All responses must be submitted online only. Submissions through email, PDF files, or paper formats will not be accepted.
The last date to submit feedback is March 16, 2026. These responses will help the commission prepare its report on salary revision, allowances, and other related factors.
Right now, employees are waiting for the next DA hike under the 7th Pay Commission. However, once the 8th Pay Commission recommendations are implemented, much bigger changes are expected.
Employee unions are demanding that the new pay commission be implemented as early as possible. Common citizens can also take part in this process by submitting their views on MyGov. The impact of the new commission will be visible not only in salaries but also in pensions and other benefits.
The actual salary increase will depend on the fitment factor. This factor is used to multiply the current basic pay to arrive at the new salary.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was 2.57. For the 8th Pay Commission, media reports give different estimates:
Some reports suggest a fitment factor between 1.83 and 2.86
Others claim it could range from 1.92 to 2.57
Employee unions are demanding a higher factor of 2.86 to 3.25 or more
If the fitment factor is 2.0 or higher, employees in Level 1 to Level 5 could receive lump-sum payments worth several lakhs.
Currently, the minimum basic salary is ₹18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission.
With a 2.57 fitment factor, it could rise to around ₹46,260
At 2.46, the basic pay may reach ₹44,280
At 2.86, it could increase to ₹51,480 or more
According to union demands:
3.0 fitment factor → basic pay up to ₹54,000
3.25 fitment factor → basic pay up to ₹58,500
Most reports indicate a 30% to 34% salary hike, especially if the fitment factor stays close to 2.57. Some estimates put the increase between 20% and 34%.
However, the real hike could be much higher ranging from 40% to even 70% because the existing DA will be merged into the new basic salary. This merger will also increase HRA, TA, and other allowances, leading to a significant jump in gross salary.
