For lakhs of central government employees, very encouraging news is emerging around the 8th Pay Commission.
If the proposed 2.57 fitment factor is approved, salaries could see a major jump — and more importantly, employees may receive arrears worth several lakhs of rupees.
The 8th Pay Commission arrears could be significant if the fitment factor is revised upward.
The biggest questions right now are:
- How much will the salary increase?
- How big could the arrears be?
- When will the payment actually happen?
Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
8th Pay Commission: What’s the Latest Update?
According to current expectations:
- The salary effect may start from 1 January 2026
- However, actual implementation could happen in 2027
- This delay could result in 12 to 24 months of arrears
The longer the delay, the bigger the arrears amount.
Why 8th Pay Commission Arrears Matter So Much
Even if the government announces the new pay structure later, salaries are usually calculated from the back date.
That means:
- Employees continue drawing old salaries
- The difference accumulates every month
- Once implemented, the entire pending amount is paid as arrears
For many employees, this could mean ₹3–9 lakh or even more, depending on level.
What Is the Fitment Factor? (Most Important)
The fitment factor is a multiplier used to calculate the new basic salary.
Simple Formula:
Current Basic Salary × Fitment Factor = New Basic Salary
- In the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was 2.57
- For the 8th Pay Commission, estimates range between 2.0 to 2.57
If the factor reaches 2.57 again, the benefits increase sharply.
Current Basic Salary (7th Pay Commission)
| Level | Current Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
Estimated New Basic Salary (If Fitment Factor Is 2.57)
| Level | New Basic Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹46,260 |
| Level 2 | ₹51,143 |
| Level 3 | ₹55,769 |
| Level 4 | ₹65,535 |
| Level 5 | ₹75,044 |
Monthly Salary Increase (Estimated)
| Level | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹28,260 |
| Level 2 | ₹31,243 |
| Level 3 | ₹34,069 |
| Level 4 | ₹40,035 |
| Level 5 | ₹45,844 |
20-Month Arrears Estimate (Approx.)
| Level | Estimated Arrears |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹3.6 – ₹5.65 lakh |
| Level 2 | ₹3.98 – ₹6.25 lakh |
| Level 3 | ₹4.34 – ₹6.81 lakh |
| Level 4 | ₹5.10 – ₹8.01 lakh |
| Level 5 | ₹5.84 – ₹9.17 lakh |
This clearly shows that a 2.57 fitment factor can change the numbers dramatically.
Will DA and HRA Arrears Be Paid?
- DA arrears: Usually paid and recalculated on the new basic salary
- HRA & Transport Allowance: Generally not included in arrears
(unless a special government order is issued)
Important Advice for Employees
- Keep your old payslips safely
- Double-check DA recalculations after salary revision
- Avoid unofficial mobile calculators
- Final amounts should be trusted only after official notification
FAQs
When will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented?
Expected around 2027, but salary effect may be counted from 1 January 2026.
Who may benefit the most?
Employees in Level 4 and Level 5 could receive the highest arrears.
Is the 2.57 fitment factor final?
No. No official notification has been issued yet. These are estimates based on past trends.
Final Words
The 8th Pay Commission could bring massive financial relief for government employees.
If the 2.57 fitment factor is approved, arrears running into lakhs of rupees are very much possible. Until then, staying informed and prepared is the best move.
This article is for informational purposes only. Final salary and arrears amounts will depend on official government notification.
Also Read : IRS Refund Alert: Where’s My Refund Right Now? What Taxpayers Must Know Before Filing in 2026
