Archive · 18 Aug 2026
8th Pay Commission: 2.57 fitment factor could hike salaries
In India, the government has special committees called Pay Commissions.
These committees decide how much money government workers and retired people receive.
A new one, called the 8th Central Pay Commission, is now doing this job.
It is talking to workers, soldiers, and pensioners to hear what they need.
The committee uses something called a 'fitment factor,' which is a number that makes salaries bigger.
If it uses 2.57, a worker whose basic pay is ₹18,000 would get about ₹46,260.
More than one crore employees and pensioners could benefit.
Some groups are asking for an even bigger number, up to 3.83.
The commission must finish its report by May 2027.
The 8th Central Pay Commission is holding consultations with employee and pensioner unions across India.
Its recommendations are expected to benefit over 1 crore people — about 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners.
A fitment factor of 2.57, same as the 7th CPC, would take Level 1 basic pay from ₹18,000 to ₹46,260.
Employee and pensioner groups have demanded fitment factors ranging from 1.83 to 3.83.
Chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission must submit its report by May 2027.
- Who
- The 8th Central Pay Commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, along with central government employee and pensioner unions.
- What
- Consultation on revising pay, allowances and pensions, including the possible use of a 2.57 fitment factor similar to the 7th CPC.
- When
- Consultations ongoing since March; recommendations expected between February and April 2027, with the report due by May 2027.
- Where
- India, with commission visits scheduled to Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur and Puducherry.
- Why
- To review and rationalise pay, allowances and pensions for over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners amid demands for a higher fitment factor.
Employees and unions
Government and commission
Fitment factor level
Employees and unions
Employee and pensioner groups demand a higher fitment factor, ranging from 1.83 to as much as 3.83.
Government and commission
The commission is examining what is 'desirable and feasible,' with estimates often based on the 7th CPC's 2.57.
Scope of pay revision
Employees and unions
Stakeholders are pressing for higher fitment factors and improved pay, allowances and pensions for employees and retirees.
Government and commission
The commission must weigh rationalisation, contemporary functional requirements and specialised needs in deciding any changes.
- Commission
- 8th Central Pay Commission
- Chairperson
- Former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
- Constituted
- 3 November 2025
- Report deadline
- May 2027 (recommendations earliest Feb-Apr 2027)
- Beneficiaries
- Over 1 crore — about 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners
- 7th CPC fitment factor
- 2.57 (basic pay rose from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000)
- 8th CPC fitment factor (estimate at 2.57)
- Level 1 basic pay: ₹18,000 to ₹46,260; Level 18: ₹2,50,000 to ₹6,42,500
- Demanded fitment factors
- 1.83 to 3.83