As anticipation builds around the 8th Pay Commission, millions of central government employees and pensioners are keen to understand how their salaries might change. While the commission is yet to be formally constituted, projected fitment factors provide an early glimpse into what employees in pay matrix Levels 1 to 10 could expect in terms of revised basic pay.
In this article, we explore the possible best- and worst-case salary scenarios based on historical pay commission trends and projected fitment factors. These calculations will help employees prepare for the upcoming financial impact and understand how their pay scales might evolve.
Why the Fitment Factor is Crucial
The fitment factor acts as a multiplier used to revise existing basic salaries and pensions. It is the most significant component in calculating new pay scales and has been consistently used in previous pay commissions. Whether uniform across all levels or varying for different groups, it plays a pivotal role in determining financial outcomes.
Fitment Factors from Previous Pay Commissions
In the 6th Pay Commission, a fitment factor of 1.86 was applied. For the 7th Pay Commission, the multiplier rose to 2.57. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to recommend a new fitment factor, possibly somewhere between 1.82 (conservative scenario) and 2.48 (optimistic scenario), depending on inflation and dearness allowance projections.
Impact of Fitment Factor on Basic Pay: Example
If an employee’s current basic salary is ₹18,000, then:
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With a 2.0 fitment factor: Revised pay would be ₹36,000.
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With a 2.57 fitment factor: Revised pay would jump to ₹46,260.
The wide variation emphasizes how impactful the chosen fitment factor will be on take-home pay.
Allowances Will Be Revised Too
Besides basic pay and pensions, the Pay Commission also recommends hikes in other components such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and various special allowances. These changes contribute significantly to the overall compensation package.
How Is the Fitment Factor Calculated?
Two elements influence this number:
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The prevailing Dearness Allowance (DA) as of January 1, 2026
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The expected percentage rise in salary approved by the Cabinet
Currently, DA stands at 55%. If upcoming hikes remain modest, DA might reach 59% (worst-case). If generous, it could reach 61% (best-case).
Fitment Factor Scenarios: Best vs Worst Case
Worst-Case Fitment Factor (1.82):
Assumes only a minimal increase in DA and a conservative salary hike (similar to the 2nd Pay Commission’s 14.20% recommendation).
Best-Case Fitment Factor (2.48):
Based on the 6th Pay Commission’s 54% salary hike and optimistic DA projections.
Estimated Revised Salary Matrix at 1.82 Fitment Factor
Using 1.82 as the multiplier, the estimated revised basic pay for select levels could be:
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Level 1 (₹18,000): ₹33,120
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Level 3 (₹21,700): ₹39,928
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Level 5 (₹29,200): ₹53,728
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Level 6 (₹35,400): ₹65,136
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Level 8 (₹47,600): ₹87,584
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Level 10 (₹56,100): ₹1,03,224
Estimated Revised Salary Matrix at 2.48 Fitment Factor
With a 2.48 multiplier, revised basic pay estimates improve significantly:
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Level 1 (₹18,000): ₹44,640
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Level 3 (₹21,700): ₹53,816
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Level 5 (₹29,200): ₹72,416
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Level 6 (₹35,400): ₹87,792
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Level 8 (₹47,600): ₹1,18,048
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Level 10 (₹56,100): ₹1,39,128
These figures reflect only the revised basic pay and exclude revised allowances and benefits that may also be introduced with the 8th Pay Commission.
FAQs
What is the expected timeline for the 8th Pay Commission to be implemented?
As of April 2025, the commission is yet to be officially formed. Implementation is expected after the panel submits its report and the Cabinet approves the recommendations.
What is a fitment factor and why is it important?
The fitment factor is a multiplier used to revise current basic pay. It determines how much your salary will increase under the new pay structure.
What were the previous fitment factors in the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions?
The 6th Pay Commission used 1.86 while the 7th Pay Commission used 2.57 as fitment factors.
Will allowances like HRA and TA also be revised under the 8th Pay Commission?
Yes, typically, allowances are revised alongside basic pay increases to reflect inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
What happens if the fitment factor is lower than expected?
A lower fitment factor will result in a smaller increase in revised salary. This might happen if inflation and DA remain low during the assessment period.
How can I calculate my revised salary?
Multiply your current basic pay by the projected fitment factor (e.g., 1.82 or 2.48) to estimate the revised basic salary.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.