Government employees and pensioners may soon receive major financial relief as preparations for implementing the 8th Pay Commission are gaining momentum. While the central government has not yet announced an official implementation date, several states have already begun taking steps to revise salaries and pensions under the new pay structure. Experts predict a substantial increase in both salaries and pensions once the recommendations are applied.

Five States Likely to Lead Implementation

States with strong economic positions often move ahead without waiting for the central government. According to reports, the following five states are expected to implement the 8th Pay Commission first:

• Assam: Assam is reportedly taking the lead and plans to form its new State Pay Commission starting January 1, 2026.

• Uttar Pradesh: Given the large number of employees, the UP government is known for timely salary revisions.

• Maharashtra: With its robust economy, employees in Maharashtra are expected to benefit from the new pay structure early.

• Gujarat and Tamil Nadu: Both states have an active administrative setup and have already begun internal preparations for the new pay commission.

How Much Will Salaries Increase?

The exact increase will depend on the fitment factor, which determines the multiplier applied to the existing pay scale.

• Employees’ demand: The employee unions are requesting the fitment factor to be increased from 2.86 to 3.25.

• Salary calculation: If the government applies the current 2.86 formula, the minimum basic salary of Rs 18,000 could increase to approximately Rs 51,480.

• Expected increase: Even if the full doubling does not happen, experts anticipate a 30–35% direct increase in salaries for most employees.

Timeline and Arrears

The new recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission are expected to be applicable from January 1, 2026. Once implemented, arrears for the period from the effective date will likely be calculated and disbursed according to the state government rules.

Employees are advised to stay updated through official notifications from their respective state governments regarding implementation details, fitment factor confirmation, and arrears payment schedules.