There’s growing buzz that the 8th Pay Commission may finally be announced soon. According to sources, the fitment factor—a key multiplier used to revise salaries—could see a major hike.
This factor was last set at 2.57 under the 7th Pay Commission. In the upcoming 8th Pay Commission, it might rise to 2.86, leading to a steep increase in base salaries.
However, the delay in setting up the commission has created some worry among government employees. Right now, there’s no official panel in place, and the final decision rests with the new appointees.
Expected Salary Increase (Estimate)
Here’s what the numbers look like based on the expected fitment factor:
| Salary Component | Current Value | Expected Value (Post-8th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Basic Pay | ₹18,000 | ₹26,000 – ₹51,400 (estimated) |
| Fitment Factor | 2.57 | 2.86 (proposed) |
| Impact on Gross Salary | Moderate | Significant increase |
If the recommendations go through, entry-level employees might see their base pay nearly double. But remember, this is just an estimate—final numbers will depend on the official commission’s report.
Will Allowances and Contributions Change Too?
Yes. A change in basic pay often affects other salary components and benefits.
What may get revised:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on city category and posting
- Travel Allowance (TA): Depends on work-related travel frequency
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Will reset as per new base pay
- National Pension Scheme (NPS):
- Employees currently contribute 10% of basic + DA
- Government contributes 14%
- With revised salaries, both contributions are likely to rise
CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme):
Membership charges are based on salary slabs. So, a rise in basic pay may also increase CGHS subscription fees.
Is This Really Going to Happen in 2025?
While there’s no official notification yet, reports suggest that January 1, 2025, is being considered as the effective date. The government may set up the commission in the latter half of 2024 to ensure implementation in time.
However, past trends show that forming the commission and finalizing its recommendations can take time—sometimes 1–2 years.
Who Stands to Benefit Most?
This update is expected to help:
- Central government employees in lower pay bands
- Retired pensioners whose income hasn’t kept up with inflation
- New recruits who joined on older pay scales
For many families managing rising living costs, this revision could bring much-needed breathing room.
What Employees Should Watch For
Before the commission is officially set up, here’s what employees should keep in mind:
- Stay updated via trusted government sources only (e.g. pib.gov.in, persmin.gov.in)
- Don’t rely on unofficial salary calculators until the fitment factor is finalized
- Be cautious of agents or portals claiming “advance salary updates”
FAQs – 8th Pay Commission Explained
Q: Will my salary really double under the 8th Pay Commission?
Not exactly double, but significant hikes are likely if the fitment factor increases to 2.86.
Q: When will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented?
Sources suggest January 1, 2025, but there’s no official confirmation yet.
Q: What is the fitment factor?
It’s a multiplier used to revise existing basic pay under the new pay structure.
Q: Will pensioners benefit too?
Yes. Pension revisions are generally aligned with salary updates of active employees.
Q: Will HRA and NPS contributions also change?
Likely yes, since both depend on basic salary which is set to increase.