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8th Pay Commission demand: 3.25 fitment factor, 5% annual hike. Will the new formula be implemented? How much is the Salary increase?

newscrab | January 23, 2026 5:41 PM CST

8th Pay Commission Latest Update: Federation of National Postal Organisation (FNPO) has increased the fitment factor from 3.0 to 3.25 and 5% annual increment in the 8th Pay Commission ...Read More

8th Pay Commission Latest News: Around 50 lakh central employees and 69 lakh pensioners of the country are eagerly waiting for the 8th Pay Commission. Meanwhile, a major organization of central employees has placed an important demand before the government regarding salary hike. The Federation of National Postal Organization ( FNPO demands 8th CPC ) has demanded an increase in the fitment factor from 3.0 to 3.25 and an annual increment of 5% in the 8th Pay Commission. This is expected to be a big benefit especially for lower and middle level employees.

What demands did the FNPO make?

The FNPO has sent its recommendations to the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NCJCM-Staff Side). Shivaji Vasireddy, the organization's general secretary, stated that these suggestions will be part of the draft being prepared for the 8th Pay Commission. According to Vasireddy, the NC-JCM will meet on February 25, 2026. The final recommendations will then be sent to Ranjana Prakash Desai, chairperson of the 8th Pay Commission.

Why fitment factor 3.0 to 3.25?

The FNPO states that previous pay commissions failed to apply the fitment factor uniformly across all levels. Therefore, this time a multi-level fitment factor has been demanded. This calculation is based on the Akroyd Formula, which takes into account a family of four, 2,700 calories of food, clothing, housing, and other essential expenses.

Proposed Level-wise Fitment Factor

Level 1 to 5 (Group C/D)	Fitment Factor 3.00
Levels 6 to 12	3.05 to 3.10
Level 13 to 15	3.05 to 3.15
Level 16 and above	3.20 to 3.25

Proposed salary for the 8th Pay Commission

Grades and categories	Current Basic Pay	Proposed Fitment Factor	Estimated Basic Pay
Level 1 (Entry Level Group C)	18,000	3.0	54,000
Level 2	19,900	3.0	59,700
Level 3	21,700	3.0	65,100
Level 4	25,500	3.0	76,500
Level 5	29,200	3.0	87,600
Level 6 (Group B Entry)	35,400	3.05	107,970
Level 7	44,900	3.05	136,945
Level 8	47,600	3.05	145,180
Level 9	53,100	3.05	161,955
Level 10 (Group A Entry)	56,100	3.10	173,910
Level 11	67,700	3.10	209,870
Level 12	78,800	3.10	244,280
Level 13	118,500	3.05	361,425
Level 13-A	131,100	3.05	399,855
Level 14	144,200	3.15	454,230
Level 15 (HAG)	182,200	3.15	573,930
Level 16 (HAG+)	205,400	3.20	657,280
Level 17 (Apex Scale)	225,000	3.25	731,250
Level 18 (Cabinet Secretary)	250,000	3.25	812,500

FNPO says that this will keep the salary structure balanced and the difference between senior and junior will also remain.

Why is the demand for a 5% annual increment important?

Currently, central government employees receive a 3% annual increment. FNPO wants this increase to 5%. According to the organization, a 5% increment will provide employees with a tangible and visible salary increase. It will reduce resentment caused by a lack of promotions. The government salary structure will move closer to that of the private sector. This demand is especially important for Group C and D employees, where promotion opportunities are limited.

Demand to continue the pay matrix of 7th Pay Commission

The FNPO has also urged the government to continue with the 7th Pay Commission's pay matrix system, arguing that this ensures clear salary fixation and reduces disputes.

Why is this demand important?

If the 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor of 3.25 and 5% annual increment are approved, the salaries and pensions of central government employees and pensioners could see a significant increase. All eyes are now on the February 2026 meeting and the commission's final recommendations.