8th Pay Commission: Budget 2026 to Hint at Salary Hike for Central Employees?

• Over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners await Budget 2026-27 for potential 8th Pay Commission announcements.
• The 8th Pay Commission was formed three months ago, with its report expected by May 2027.
• A budget provision for salary and pension increases could signal the government's intent to expedite the commission's recommendations.
• Employees anticipate benefits from the 8th Pay Commission, even with a slightly lower Fitment Factor, due to current DA/DR rates.
• The 8th Pay Commission could impose an additional annual burden of 2.4 lakh crore to 3.2 lakh crore rupees on the government.

Why It Matters: Central employees and pensioners hope Budget 2026 will signal progress on the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations.