8th Pay Commission 2026: Big Salary Hike Likely, Fitment Factor May Change

8th Pay Commission: With the beginning of 2026, the buzz surrounding the 8th Pay Commission has intensified. The National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC JCM) has geared up and has convened a crucial meeting in Delhi on February 25, 2026. This meeting will draft a final memorandum regarding employees’ salaries, allowances, and the Fitment Factor.

It is believed that this time the minimum wage may see a significant increase. Let’s understand in detail how the 8th Pay Commission will impact your salary and pension, and the true mathematics of the Fitment Factor.

Preparations for the 8th Pay Commission

The NC JCM (Staff Side), the largest representative body of central employees, has now formally begun work on proposals to be submitted to the government. The drafting committee is scheduled to meet on February 25, 2026, at its office on Ferozeshah Road in New Delhi.

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The seriousness of this meeting can be gauged from the fact that the committee members have been instructed to stay in Delhi for about a week after the meeting. During this time, sensitive issues such as pay structure, promotion policy, allowances, and pensions will be discussed in detail. Significantly, the 8th Pay Commission’s office has been allotted in the Chandra Lok Building on Janpath, indicating that the process is now on track.

How much will the ₹18,000 salary be?

The most important term in the Pay Commission discussion is the “Fitment Factor.” This is the magical number by which your current basic salary is multiplied to determine the new salary. Currently, the minimum basic salary under the 7th Pay Commission is ₹18,000. Employee unions are demanding that the fitment factor be kept significantly higher this time, given the rising inflation rate. For example, if the fitment factor is set at 3.0, the minimum basic salary will directly increase to ₹54,000.

However, some organizations, such as the FNPO, are advocating for it to be increased to 3.25, which could bring the figure to ₹58,500. The fitment factor in the 7th Pay Commission was 2.57, increasing the minimum salary from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000. This time too, employees are closely monitoring this number, as it will determine their financial situation.

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Government’s Challenge

While employee unions are expecting a substantial salary increase, experts like former Finance Secretary S.C. Garg are advising caution. They believe that a large increase in the fitment factor could impose a significant financial burden on the government. According to reports from some brokerage houses, the government may keep the fitment factor between 1.8 and 2.5, given the financial pressure.

The biggest challenge facing the 8th Pay Commission will be striking an ideal balance between employee aspirations and the limitations of the government treasury. Furthermore, addressing pay disparities at various levels will also be a priority.