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8th Pay Commission: How Has Inflation Impacted Govt Salaries Since 1996?

Written by: Aayushi ChaubeyUpdated on: 25 Sept 2025, 4:39 pm IST
This article explores how government salaries have evolved since 1994, and what it means for the 8th Pay Commission.
8th Pay Commission
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Central government employees across India are eagerly waiting for the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, which will revise salaries, pensions, and allowances. The revision is based on a fitment factor, a key multiplier that takes into account inflation, employee needs, and the government’s financial capacity.

One of the most important factors in this process is inflation, as salaries are adjusted to match the rising cost of living. Here’s a look at past pay commissions and what to expect from the upcoming one.

Past Pay Commissions and Salary Changes

5th Pay Commission (1997)

 The 5th Pay Commission came into effect in 1997. At that time, the average inflation rate was 7%, and the minimum monthly salary for government employees was fixed at ₹2,550. This commission simplified the pay structure and added dearness relief. However, over time, inflation surpassed these wages, reducing their real value.

6th Pay Commission (2008)

 In 2008, during the 6th Pay Commission, inflation stood at 8-10%, and the minimum salary was increased to ₹7,000, a jump of ₹4,450 from the previous level. This commission introduced pay bands and grade pay, which modernized the salary structure and led to sharp increases in wages.

7th Pay Commission (2016)

 The 7th Pay Commission was implemented in 2016, when inflation averaged 5-6%. The minimum salary rose to ₹18,000, an increase of ₹11,000 from the 6th Pay Commission. This commission introduced the pay matrix system and improved pension formulas, while also emphasizing better work-life balance for employees.

8th Pay Commission: Expectations for 2026

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented in 2026, with inflation projected at 6-7%.

According to a report by Ambit Institutional Equities, salaries are expected to rise by 30-34%. However, the government has not officially announced any details yet.

The new pay scale will aim to adjust for inflation and economic growth, ensuring fair and equitable pay for employees across various roles.

Breakdown of Government Employee Salaries

A government employee’s salary is made up of:

  • Basic Pay – 51.5% of total income
  • Dearness Allowance (DA) – 30.9%
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 15.4%
  • Travel Allowance – 2.2%

Read more: 8th Pay Commission Calculator: How Much Will HRA Rise for Level 1–3 Govt Employees at 1.92x Fitment Factor?

Conclusion

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring significant salary revisions for government employees, helping them cope with rising inflation and living costs. While the exact details are yet to be announced, the expected 30-34% salary hike will bring relief to millions of employees and pensioners. This move will not only improve financial security but also boost overall morale within the public sector.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Published on: Sep 25, 2025, 11:08 AM IST

Aayushi Chaubey

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