8th Pay Commission: Implementation Timeline and Key Updates
8th Pay Commission: Implementation Timeline and Key Updates
The much-anticipated 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, following the expiration of the 7th Pay Commission’s tenure on December 31, 2025. However, there is growing speculation that the rollout may face delays.
8th Pay Commission: Government Approval and Next Steps
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the 8th Central Pay Commission on January 16, 2025, for the revision of salaries and pensions for central government employees. While the government has confirmed its constitution, details regarding the terms of reference (ToR), chairman, and commission members are yet to be announced.
Legal expert Rohitaashv Sinha, Partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys, stated that the implementation process will follow the expiration of the 7th Pay Commission term in 2026. However, he indicated that the January 1, 2026 implementation date remains uncertain.
Historical Pay Commission Trends
The central government generally constitutes a Pay Commission every 10 years to review and revise salary structures. The previous 7th Pay Commission was formed in 2014, with its recommendations implemented in January 2016, following the 6th Pay Commission’s implementation on January 1, 2006.
Announcing the 8th Pay Commission on January 16, 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that early establishment would allow ample time for recommendations before the 7th Pay Commission’s term ends in 2026. He also confirmed that the chairman and two commission members will be appointed soon.
Demand for DA Merger Before Implementation
Meanwhile, the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has called for the merger of Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic salaries ahead of the 8th Pay Commission’s implementation. In a meeting with Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Secretary Rachna Shah, the council highlighted that DA has already surpassed the 50% threshold, reinforcing the need for early action.
With the 8th Pay Commission officially in motion, central government employees eagerly await further updates on implementation timelines and salary revisions.
