8th Pay Commission – The central government announced the 8th Pay Commission earlier this year (January 16, 2025). However, as of the end of September, the commission’s official notification, terms of reference (ToR), and the appointment of members are still pending. This has raised concerns among employees and unions, and the big question is: will the 8th Pay Commission have to wait until 2028 to be implemented?
Why is the question of 2028 being raised?
Past experience shows that it takes two to three years from the formation of a pay commission to its implementation. If this pattern repeats itself this time, we may have to wait until 2028, meaning salary and pension increases could be delayed by two years.
To get an idea of how long it may take for the Eighth Pay Commission recommendations to be implemented, let us take a look at the timelines of the last two Pay Commissions – from announcement to implementation.
6th Pay Commission Timeline
The Sixth Pay Commission was constituted in October 2006. The Commission submitted its report to the government in March 2008. The government accepted the report in August 2008. The panel’s recommendations were implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2006. Thus, the Sixth Pay Commission took approximately 22-24 months from its formation to implementation.
7th Pay Commission Timeline
The Seventh Pay Commission was constituted in February 2014. Its work-to-do guidelines were finalized by March 2014. The Commission submitted its report in November 2015. The government accepted the recommendations in June 2016. They were implemented from January 1, 2016. Thus, it took approximately 33 months (2 years and 9 months) from its formation to implementation. This comparison clearly shows that both commissions took an average of 2-3 years.
Current status of the 8h Pay Commission
It was announced on January 16, 2025. The list of members or ToR has not been released yet. This means that the actual process hasn’t even begun. If the commission is formed in the coming months and the report takes two years to prepare, it would be ready by 2027. After that, the government will also need time to consider, amend, and approve the report. Therefore, implementation by 2028 is a realistic possibility.
However, the Commission’s recommendations will be applicable retrospectively from January 2026, thereby giving employees and pensioners arrears for the delayed period.
What do experts say?
According to our partner Financial Express, financial analysts believe that if the 7th Commission’s approach is repeated, the 8th Commission’s report and subsequent approval will take time. Given the current delays, it is likely to drag on until 2028.