The 8th Pay Commission has been approved, and over 1 crore central employees and pensioners are eagerly awaiting details on salary hikes. While some experts predict a 108-186% increase, former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg suggests the hike may be limited to 20-30%. Let’s break down the possible salary changes based on the fitment factor.
What is the 8th Pay Commission?
Government employees currently receive salaries under the 7th Pay Commission, which has been in effect since 2016. Every Pay Commission revises salary and pensions based on inflation and economic conditions. The 8th Pay Commission, expected to be implemented in January 2026, will determine the next salary hike.
Understanding the Fitment Factor
The fitment factor determines how much the basic salary will multiply after the pay revision. Different experts suggest different fitment factors:
📌 1.92 – 2.08 (Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg)
📌 2.86 (Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC-JCM)
Expected Salary Increase Under the 8th Pay Commission
1️⃣ If the Fitment Factor is 1.92 (20% Increase)
🔹 Current Minimum Salary: ₹18,000
🔹 After DA (60% assumed by 2026): ₹28,800
🔹 New Minimum Salary: ₹34,560
🔹 Increase: ₹6,560
2️⃣ If the Fitment Factor is 2.08 (30% Increase)
🔹 Current Minimum Salary: ₹18,000
🔹 New Minimum Salary: ₹37,440
🔹 Increase: ₹9,440
3️⃣ If the Fitment Factor is 2.86 (80% Increase)
🔹 Current Minimum Salary: ₹18,000
🔹 New Minimum Salary: ₹51,480
🔹 Increase: ₹33,480
Salary Hike Without Considering DA
📌 1.92 Fitment Factor → 92% Increase
📌 2.08 Fitment Factor → 108% Increase
📌 2.86 Fitment Factor → 186% Increase
Will the 8th Pay Commission Bring a Big Salary Hike?
While many employees expect a huge increase, the final decision will depend on:
✅ Economic conditions of the country.
✅ Government budget and financial policies.
✅ Inflation and fiscal deficit.
Pros & Cons of the 8th Pay Commission
✅ Benefits:
✔️ Higher salaries and pensions will boost employee income.
✔️ Increased purchasing power will benefit the economy.
❌ Challenges:
❗ Higher government expenditure may put pressure on the treasury.
❗ Salary hike may impact inflation.
❗ Widening salary gap between government and private sector employees.
Final Takeaway
While some reports suggest a massive 186% increase, experts believe a 20-30% hike is more realistic. The exact salary revision will be confirmed closer to 2026 when the government finalizes the 8th Pay Commission recommendations. Stay tuned for further updates! 🔔
