The 8th Pay Commission in India is generating a lot of buzz, especially among government employees eager to understand what salary changes might be on the horizon. With rising inflation affecting everyday costs and budgeting, the idea of a new pay commission brings a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Although the government hasn’t made any official announcements yet, conversations about its potential effects are already making waves. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the central government’s 8th Pay Commission and why it matters to you.
What’s the 8th Pay Commission all about?
The 8th Pay Commission is a panel set up by the government in India to review and adjust the salaries, allowances, and pensions for central government employees and retirees. It’s the latest in a long line of pay commissions established since India gained independence, aimed at ensuring that compensation is fair and keeps pace with inflation, economic shifts, and the changing needs of government workers.
On January 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the green light for the 8th Pay Commission, which is a big move towards updating pay scales for around 5 million central government employees and 6.5 million pensioners. These adjustments are crucial as they help boost financial stability and motivation among the workforce while promoting fair pay practices.
What kind of salary hikes can we expect at different levels?
Level 1 (peons, attendants, support staff): Basic pay could jump from Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480, which is an increase of Rs 33,480.
Level 2 (lower division clerks): Basic pay might rise from Rs 19,900 to Rs 56,914, an increase of Rs 37,014.
Level 3 (constables, skilled staff): Basic pay could go up from Rs 21,700 to Rs 62,062, an increase of Rs 40,362.
Level 4 (Grade D stenographers, junior clerks): Basic pay may increase from Rs 25,500 to Rs 72,930, an increase of Rs 47,430.
Level 5 (senior clerks, technical staff): The basic salary could rise from Rs 29,200 to Rs 83,512, which is an increase of Rs 54,312.
Level 6 (inspectors, sub-inspectors): The basic salary might go up from Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,01,244, marking an increase of Rs 65,844.
Level 7 (superintendents, section officers, assistant engineers): The basic salary may jump from Rs 44,900 to Rs 1,28,414, resulting in an increase of Rs 83,514.
Level 8 (senior section officers, assistant audit officers): The basic salary could rise from Rs 47,600 to Rs 1,36,136, which means an increase of Rs 88,536.
Level 9 (Deputy Superintendents of Police, accounts officers): The basic salary might increase from Rs 53,100 to Rs 1,51,866, an increase of Rs 98,766.
Level 10 (Group A officers, entry-level civil services): The basic salary may go up from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,60,446, which is an increase of Rs 1,04,346.