8th Pay Commission News: 2026 will be a great year for central employees and pensioners as the new pay scales under the 8th Pay Commission will be implemented from January 2026 ...Read More

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for central government employees and pensioners. There are clear indications that new pay scales under the Eighth Pay Commission will be implemented from January 2026. The government has also intensified its efforts regarding the 8th Pay Commission. Consequently, it is clear that salaries for employees and pensioners will increase in the coming days

The new pay scales under the Eighth Pay Commission are expected to be implemented from January 2026. While the commission's report and implementation will take time, as is the practice, employees will receive arrears retrospectively.

Possibility of increase in dearness allowance (DA)

In fact, the Consumer Price Index (AICPI-IW) increased by 0.5 points in November, reaching 148.2. This index has been steadily increasing for the past five months. According to the November data, the dearness allowance has now reached 59.93%.

According to these figures, the DA from January 2026 could reach 60%, up from 58% last year. However, the final decision will be made by the government, so it would be premature to expect such an increase.

How is the increase in DA and DR decided?

It should be noted that the government reviews inflation data every six months and determines DA for employees and DR for pensioners based on that data. The figures available so far are for the period from July to November. The increase, which will be implemented in January, may be based on data up to December.

What are the updates regarding 8th Pay?

It's worth noting that the government approved the eighth pay scale in November 2025. The new commission is headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Although its recommendations may take approximately 18 months to come, the good news is that they will be considered effective from January 1, 2026. This means that even if there is a delay in implementing the rules, employees will receive their full salary starting January 1.

How much will salaries increase?

 If we talk about the salary and pension increases following the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, this could lead to a significant increase in the minimum basic salary of employees. According to ongoing discussions, the minimum salary could rise from ₹18,000 to ₹26,000. The minimum pension is also expected to rise to ₹20,500

Regarding the increase in salaries and pensions after the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, it could lead to a significant jump in the minimum basic salary of employees. According to current discussions, the minimum wage could increase from Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 26,000. Similarly, the minimum pension is also expected to rise to Rs. 20,500.

Furthermore, after the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, not only the basic salary but also HRA, travel allowance, and medical allowance are expected to increase. This means that the in-hand salary of government employees could also increase significantly.

 PC: Jagran Josh/Times of India