8th Pay Commission: Salary Hike Expected, But Not Immediately

• 8th Pay Commission effective Jan 1, 2026, but actual pay revision expected after May 2027.
• Employees will receive arrears from Jan 1, 2026, once recommendations are approved.
• Fitment factor could raise minimum salary from Rs 18,000 to Rs 32,940-Rs 44,280.
• Overall hike estimated between 14% and 54%, though a 54% jump is unlikely.
• Government denies reports of merging Dearness Allowance (DA) with basic pay; no such proposal.

Why It Matters: Central govt employees to get 8th Pay Commission hike with arrears, but actual payment delayed.