8th Pay Commission: What’s Driving Expectations of a 1.8–2.57 Fitment Factor?

With the 8th Pay Commission’s work officially underway, one number has captured the attention of millions of government employees the fitment factor. This multiplier determines how much salaries and pensions are revised when the new pay structure is implemented.

As per news reports, the expected range for the fitment factor lies between 1.8 and 2.57, setting the stage for the next major pay revision. 

But what’s behind these numbers? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding the Fitment Factor

The fitment factor acts as a multiplier for revising basic pay and pensions during each pay commission cycle. For instance, the 7th Pay Commission applied a factor of 2.57, meaning existing basic pay was multiplied by that number to arrive at the revised structure.

While the 8th Pay Commission’s formula is still under discussion, as per news reports employees are anticipating a figure in the range of 1.8 to 2.57, depending on inflation, living costs, and the cost of living index based.

Illustrating the Possible Salary Changes

If the current minimum basic salary of ₹18,000 (as set by the 7th Pay Commission) is used as a base, the new structure could look like this:

Note: The figures shown above are illustrative estimates based on indicative fitment factor ranges. These are not official projections and the government has not announced any confirmed figures regarding the 8th Pay Commission fitment factor.

When to Expect 8th Pay Implementation

As per current developments, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented around January 2026, aligning with the government’s typical pay revision cycle, which follows every ten years. 

The Union Cabinet has already approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the commission, marking the start of consultations and data assessment.

Read More: 8th Pay Commission Gets the Green Light; Revised Pay Hike Expected From January 1, 2026.

Conclusion

While the exact fitment factor remains under consideration, the expected range points to a moderate and measured salary revision. As consultations progress, clarity on both the structure and implementation timeline is expected in the coming months.

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.