8th Pay Commission: Employees Hope For 13% Hike, Govt Braces For ₹3 Lakh Crore Bill Ahead- Here Is Everything You Need To Know

The government has officially kicked off talks to set up the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), aiming to revise salaries, allowances, and pensions for nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners starting January 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Finance is consulting key players like the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Personnel & Training, and state governments to gather crucial inputs.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary revealed in Parliament: “Inputs have been sought from major stakeholders, including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel & Training and from states.” Now, the big question: Are you ready for the changes this commission might bring? With the official nod pending to appoint the commission’s chairperson and members, it’s the perfect time to stay tuned and prepare for what could be a game-changer for your paycheck. What’s your wish list for the 8th CPC?

Stakeholder Input And Commission Setup

The Ministry of Finance is busy playing matchmaker, bringing together key players like the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Personnel & Training, and various state governments to shape the 8th Central Pay Commission. Minister Pankaj Chaudhary promises that once all the inputs are in, the government will officially notify the commission and name its chairperson and members—though the lineup is still under wraps. The goal? To craft pay and pension recommendations that truly reflect the needs of everyone involved, from soldiers on the frontlines to office staff, all while keeping things transparent and fair. Stay tuned—big decisions are brewing!

8th Pay Commission: Expected Salary Hikes And Fitment Factor:

• Kotak Institutional Equities suggests average salary increase around 13%, slightly lower than 14.3% from 7th CPC.
• Expected fitment factor is 1.8, reducing basic salary hike.
• Minimum basic pay may rise from ₹18,000 to ₹32,000.
• Dearness Allowance (DA) at ~55% will reset, moderating take-home pay gains.
• Employee unions push for fitment factor matching previous 2.57 but accept a lower multiplier may prevail.

8th Pay Commission: Dearness Allowance And Economic Impact:

• DA mechanism will continue post-8th CPC implementation, revised twice yearly (January & July) based on CPI-IW.
• DA currently exceeds 60%, reset expected with 8th CPC rollout.
• Estimated exchequer burden: ₹2.4 to ₹3.2 lakh crore, higher than ₹1.02 lakh crore for 7th CPC in FY2017.
• Group C employees (90% of workforce) likely to see biggest relative income increase.

8th Pay Commission: Timeline And Implementation Outlook

Get your calendars ready! The 8th Central Pay Commission is gearing up to follow the tried-and-true playbook of its predecessor, with a report expected by the end of 2025 and a rollout planned for January 1, 2026. Minister Chaudhary assures us that once the government gives the green light, the new pay and pension hikes will kick in. Right now, departments and states are busy gathering feedback—so if you’re a central government employee or pensioner, keep your eyes peeled and ears open. This countdown to better pay is officially on, and you won’t want to miss a beat.

Also Read: 8th Pay Commission Update: Pension Restoration, Salary Hike Expected From Jan 2026