8th Pay Commission: 2025 Actions, 2026 Hopes & Arrears Possibility Explored

• In 2025, the government constituted the 8th Pay Commission, appointed its chairman, and notified its Terms of Reference (TOR).
• There is no official confirmation that the 8th Pay Commission will be implemented from January 1, 2026.
• Implementation date depends on the commission's recommendations; arrears from January 1, 2026, are a possibility.
• The 8th Pay Commission is unlikely to submit its report in 2026, as it has up to 18 months, potentially leading to recommendations in 2027.
• Central government employees and pensioners will continue to receive DA/DR increases under the 7th Pay Commission until the new one is implemented.

Why It Matters: 8th Pay Commission constituted in 2025, but 2026 implementation is uncertain; arrears possible.