8th Pay Commission Update: Central Govt Employees' Salaries set to surge to Rs.6 Lakh by 2028 with 2.46 fitment factor

Digital Desk

Central government employees are eagerly awaiting the full rollout of the 8th Pay Commission, which could boost salaries significantly by 2028. Approved by the Union Cabinet in January, the commission's implementation is delayed due to pending official notifications, terms of reference, and member appointments. Experts predict complete execution by 2028, benefiting over 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners.

The highlight? A proposed 2.46 fitment factor, lower than the 7th Pay Commission's 2.57, but still promising substantial hikes. Entry-level (Level-1) basic pay may jump from Rs.18,000 to Rs.44,280. Higher levels could see even bigger gains—for instance, Level-18 salaries might reach Rs.6,15,000.

How Will Salaries Increase Under 8th Pay Commission?

The fitment factor multiplies existing basic pay to determine the new scale, factoring in inflation and living costs. Dearness Allowance (DA) resets to zero post-implementation, as the revised pay already accounts for inflation. Currently at 55%, DA will merge into the new basic, potentially moderating the immediate total salary boost.

Take a Level-6 employee: Current basic pay Rs.35,400 + 55% DA (Rs.19,470) + 27% HRA (Rs.9,558) totals Rs.64,428. With 2.46 fitment, new basic becomes Rs.87,084 + 27% HRA (Rs.23,513), yielding Rs.1,10,597 a notable rise despite DA reset.

Why the Delay to 2028?

Pay commissions typically span 2-3 years from formation to rollout. The 7th, formed in 2014, was implemented in 2016 but effective from January 1, 2016. Similarly, the 8th's benefits will retroactively apply from January 1, 2026, ensuring arrears for employees.

Historical precedents like the 6th Commission's 2006-2008 timeline—suggest patience is key. As inflation bites, this update offers hope for financial relief amid rising costs.