The year 2026 is expected to bring major financial relief for central government employees and pensioners. Clear signs suggest that new salary structures under the 8th Pay Commission could come into force from January 2026.
The government has already started moving quickly on this issue. This has raised strong hopes of a pay hike for millions of employees and retired staff.
Even though the final report of the 8th Pay Commission will take time, government rules suggest that once approved, the revised salaries will be paid with arrears from January 2026.
Assam Becomes the First State to Form the 8th Pay Commission
Assam has taken a major lead by becoming the first Indian state to set up its own 8th Pay Commission. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the commission will be headed by former Additional Chief Secretary Subhas Das.
He said, “The Centre has already formed the 8th commission, but no state government has so far constituted a pay commission after that. Assam will become the first state in the country to constitute it.”
Himanta Biswa Sarma also called this move a major step towards employee welfare and progressive governance.
Assam will become the first state in the country to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, marking a significant step towards employee welfare and progressive governance.#5YearsOfSewa pic.twitter.com/3LHeyDqZtZ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 1, 2026
Will Other States Follow Assam’s Example?
By setting up its Pay Commission early, Assam has created a strong example for other states.
Usually, state governments wait for the Central Pay Commission’s recommendations before making any changes. However, Assam’s decision may encourage other states to begin their own internal reviews of salaries and service conditions. This could lead to faster salary reforms across the country.
7th Pay Commission Term Has Ended
The 7th Pay Commission officially ended on December 31, 2025. However, the government has not yet confirmed whether the 8th Pay Commission will be implemented from January 1, 2026.
During a recent debate in Parliament, the government said the final start date will be decided after the commission submits its report.
8th Central Pay Commission Has Started Work
The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has already begun its work based on the government’s approved Terms of Reference.
It has been given up to 18 months to study pay structures, pensions, allowances, and service conditions before submitting its final recommendations.
What Is a Central Pay Commission?
A Central Pay Commission is set up every 10 years to review the salaries, pensions, allowances, and service rules of central government employees. Once its recommendations are approved, they usually bring major pay hikes and improved benefits for employees and pensioners.
