How much Salary to Jump from 2026! Cabinet Approves 8th Pay Commission Proposal, Know Details
8th Pay Commission: Here is some excellent news for Central Government employees and pensioners. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (October 27, 2025) approved the ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission. This decision is set to directly benefit approximately 50 lakh serving central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners. The new pay commission’s recommendations are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, which could lead to a significant jump in the monthly salaries of millions of employees.
Commission’s Structure and Timeline
The new 8th Pay Commission will be headed by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The commission has been given a period of 18 months to submit its complete report. According to information from the cabinet, the commission will also submit an Interim Report to the government. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the final implementation date would be decided based on the interim report, but it is “primarily expected to be effective from January 1, 2026.”
The Key to Salary Hike: Fitment Factor
The extent of the salary increase for employees depends entirely on the ‘Fitment Factor’. This factor is a multiplier used to calculate the new salary structure by multiplying the employee’s current Basic Pay. For context, the 7th Pay Commission (7th CPC), implemented in 2016, had a fitment factor of 2.57. This led to the minimum basic pay increasing from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000 at that time.
How Much Can Salary Increase in the 8th Commission?
Although the 8th Pay Commission has not yet announced any official pay slabs or a specific fitment factor, several possibilities are emerging based on various reports and expert opinions. Here are the potential scenarios:
Get Instant News Updates!
Join on Telegram| Scenario | Proposed Fitment Factor | Minimum Basic Pay (Current ₹18,000) | Approximate Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same as 7th CPC | 2.57 | ₹46,260 | 157% |
| Expert’s Opinion | 1.92 | ₹34,560 | 92% |
| As per Media Reports | 2.86 | Around ₹26,000 | 44% |
What is the Impact on West Bengal State Government Employees?
Following this announcement at the central level, it is natural for West Bengal’s state government employees to have questions.
- This is a Central Commission: Firstly, it is crucial to remember that the 8th Pay Commission is exclusively for central government employees. West Bengal employees receive their salaries based on the recommendations of the State Government’s Pay Commission (ROPA).
- Indirect Influence: However, typically after the implementation of a central pay commission’s recommendations, state governments also tend to form new pay commissions for their employees. The central structure often serves as a benchmark for state commissions.
In conclusion, the Union Cabinet’s approval of the ToR is a significant step that ensures a salary revision for employees from 2026. However, to know the exact fitment factor and the new pay structure, everyone must wait for the commission’s final report.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is based on available reports and announcements. Final decisions and figures will be subject to the official report of the 8th Pay Commission and government notifications.
