8th Pay Commission: How Proposed INR 68,400 Minimum Pay Stacks Up Against Earlier Commissions
The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing demands from government employee and pensioner bodies, including proposals for a 3.8 fitment factor that could raise the minimum basic salary from INR 18,000 to INR 68,400. The proposed revision has sparked discussion over how it compares with earlier pay commissions and the evolution of salary structures since 1946.
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The 8th Pay Commission, constituted to revise salaries and pensions of central government employees and pensioners, is continuing consultations with various stakeholders before finalising its recommendations. Among the key issues under discussion is the proposed fitment factor, with several employee and pensioner groups reportedly seeking a multiplier of around 3.8.
If accepted, the proposed fitment factor could significantly increase the entry-level basic salary for central government employees from INR 18,000 to INR 68,400, triggering fresh discussion on how the revision compares with earlier Pay Commissions. 8th Pay Commission Latest News: How To Use Fitment Factor Calculator To Know Your Revised Salary.
What Is the Fitment Factor?
A fitment factor is a multiplier used to calculate revised salaries and pensions under a new pay structure. Under the 7th Pay Commission, the government adopted a fitment factor of 2.57. This revised the minimum entry-level basic pay from INR 7,000 under the 6th Pay Commission to INR 18,000.
The formula used was: 7000×2.57=17990. The revised amount was rounded to INR 18,000. Under the 8th Pay Commission, the same INR 18,000 figure will serve as the base salary for future revisions. 8th Pay Commission News: IRTSA Proposes INR 52,000 As Minimum Basic Pay and Sliding Fitment Factors for Railway Staff.
What a 3.8 Fitment Factor Could Mean
Several representative bodies have suggested that the fitment factor under the 8th Pay Commission should be around 3.8, citing inflation, rising living costs and pension concerns.
If the commission accepts the proposal, the revised entry-level salary would be calculated as: 18000×3.8=68400. This would increase the minimum basic salary to INR 68,400 for entry-level employees. Higher-ranking officials under different pay grades would receive proportionately higher revised salaries.
How Salary Revisions Changed Over the Years
India has had seven Pay Commissions so far, with the first constituted in January 1946. Traditionally, a new commission is formed approximately every 10 years. The 8th Pay Commission was constituted on November 3, 2025, and has been given 18 months to submit its recommendations on salaries, pensions and allowances.
Evolution of Minimum Basic Pay
The structure and calculation method for salary revisions have evolved significantly over the decades.
| Pay Commission | Minimum Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| 1st Pay Commission | INR 55 |
| 2nd Pay Commission | INR 80 |
| 3rd Pay Commission | INR 185 |
| 4th Pay Commission | INR 750 |
| 5th Pay Commission | INR 2,550 |
| 6th Pay Commission | INR 7,000 |
| 7th Pay Commission | INR 18,000 |
The fitment factor system was formally introduced in the 6th Pay Commission, which used a multiplier of 1.86. The 7th Pay Commission later adopted a fitment factor of 2.57. Before the introduction of fitment factors, salary revisions were calculated through methods such as pay rationalisation and need-based wage structures.
The commission is currently reviewing submissions from employee unions, pensioner associations and other stakeholders. No final decision has been taken yet on the fitment factor or revised salary structure. The final recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission are expected after the consultation process is completed.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 25, 2026 03:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
