New Delhi: The expectations of government employees have increased regarding the 8th Pay Commission. This commission, which is being prepared to be implemented from the year 2026, will change the salary structure of lakhs of Central Government employees. Especially the amount of increase in the salary of those in pay levels 1 to 5 will directly depend on the fitment factor.
So far the government has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Commission. The final recommendations will be implemented after the report comes. It is expected that the Commission's recommendations may become effective from January 1, 2026, but the date may go further depending on the approval process.
The fitment factor is the coefficient by which the basic salary is multiplied to create a new basic salary.
In the 7th Pay Commission it was 2.57.
This time the possible range under discussion is
| Fitment Factor | Old Basic (e.g., 18,000) | Possible New Basic |
| 1.92 | Rs 18,000 | Rs 34,560 |
| 2.15 | Rs 18,000 | Rs 38,700 |
| 2.57 | Rs 18,000 | Rs 46,260 |
| 2.86 (Proposed Upper Estimate) | Rs 18,000 | Rs 51,480 |
As the fitment factor increases, not only the basic salary but also these benefits will increase:
Therefore, the decision on the fitment factor is very important for both the pocket of the employees and the budget of the government.
This category belongs to those employees who:
Work in such positions and whose salary is less than before. If the fitment factor increases, it is these employees who will get the most direct and biggest benefit.
Although the salary increase is a ray of hope for the employees, the central government also faces a big challenge of balancing the budget. If the fitment factor is fixed at 2.57 or above, it is estimated that there may be an additional burden of lakhs of crores of rupees annually on the government. The Finance Ministry has already clarified that any wage reform will need to take into account the country's economic condition, revenue, and ongoing global uncertainties. This is why experts believe that an increase in the 8th Pay Commission is possible, but it may be a bit balanced and practical compared to expectations. Still, employees are hopeful that this time their salaries will improve as per inflation so that the pressure on daily expenses and living can be reduced.
The government will take the final decision considering inflation, financial condition, and market costs. After the report, Cabinet approval will be required. Negotiations between the government and unions may also increase.
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