8th Pay Commission: Central government employees and pensioners were expecting a hike in salary and pension from the 8th Pay Commission, which was to be implemented from January 2026. However, according to the latest reports, its implementation may be delayed and the revised pay scale and pension changes are likely to be implemented by early 2027. According to sources, the commission’s recommendations may take 15 to 18 months to be finalised.
However, it will take additional time to implement it effectively. The good thing is that whenever the new pay scale is implemented, employees and pensioners will get 12 months’ arrears.
Process and expected timeline
The government announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission on 16 January 2025. Since then, there have been several significant developments regarding the terms of reference (ToR) and processes of the commission. According to reports, the central government may approve the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Pay Commission next month. After approval, the commission can start its work from April 2025.
The government was questioned in this regard in Parliament, to which it replied that the decision on the notification of the Commission, appointment of the chairman and members and the timeline will be taken at the appropriate time.
Government and employees
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had sought suggestions from the staff side of the JCM to finalise the ToR of the 8th Pay Commission. Now it remains to be seen how much priority the government gives to these recommendations and to what extent it accepts the demands of the employees.
Salary and pension hike
Given the process of previous pay commissions (7th Pay Com), it will take additional time for the government to implement it after receiving the final report. In such a situation, salary and pension hike will be possible only by the beginning of 2027. However, employees and pensioners will still have the possibility of getting 12 months’ salary and pension arrears.