The 8th Pay Commission has received a major demand from a central government pensioners’ organisation, with the All India Federation of Pensioners Associations (AIFPA) seeking a 3.83 fitment factor. If accepted, the proposed multiplier would result in a substantial revision of basic pay and pensions for central government employees and retirees.
However, the 3.83 demand is significantly higher than the estimates currently being discussed by experts. Conservative projections place the likely fitment factor between 1.83 and 2.00, while moderate estimates range from 2.00 to 2.57.
The final figure has not yet been decided, as the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is still conducting consultations with employees, pensioners and other stakeholders.
AIFPA Demands 3.83 Fitment Factor
AIFPA raised its demand during a consultation meeting with the 8th CPC in Chennai this week. The pensioners’ body has called for a 3.83 fitment factor, which is currently among the highest proposals put forward by stakeholder groups.
The Pay Commission is presently gathering views from employee and pensioner organisations, federations, unions and other representatives of central government and Union Territory employees.
The panel is also scheduled to hold consultations in other cities, including Chandigarh and Bengaluru, as part of its nationwide engagement process.
During these discussions, the commission is examining possible changes to salary structures, pay matrices, allowances and other employment benefits. Areas under consideration include basic pay, fitment factor, Dearness Allowance (DA), Dearness Relief (DR), House Rent Allowance (HRA), increments, promotions and other benefits.
Who Could Benefit From the 8th Pay Commission?
The recommendations of the 8th CPC are expected to affect more than 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
This includes approximately:
- 50 lakh central government employees
- 65 lakh pensioners
- Defence personnel and retirees
- Railway employees and pensioners
Central government employees and armed forces personnel together represent around 0.7% of India’s workforce of nearly 60 crore people, while they account for close to 9% of the country’s formal-sector workforce.
What Is the Fitment Factor?
The fitment factor is a multiplier used by Pay Commissions to revise an employee’s existing basic salary when a new pay structure is introduced. The same concept is used while revising pension payments for retirees.
The basic calculation is:
Current Basic Pay × Fitment Factor = Revised Basic Pay
For example, under the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was 2.57. Using the stated example, a basic salary of ₹7,000 multiplied by 2.57 resulted in a revised basic pay of ₹18,000.
The fitment factor is therefore one of the most important components in determining how much an employee’s basic salary or pension could change under the new pay structure.
What Fitment Factor Could the 8th CPC Approve?
A number of employee associations, pensioners’ organisations, unions and other stakeholder groups have demanded a higher multiplier under the 8th Pay Commission.
According to the estimates cited in reports, 3.83 represents the upper end of the demands being discussed. Meanwhile, conservative expectations are around 1.83 to 2.00, while moderate projections put the figure between 2.00 and 2.57.
It is important to note that these are only demands and estimates at this stage. The 8th CPC has not finalised the fitment factor.
Even after the commission submits its recommendations, the proposals will require approval from the Central government before they can be implemented.
8th Pay Commission Salary Calculation at 1.83 and 2.00
To understand how different fitment factors could affect basic pay, the following calculations apply multipliers of 1.83 and 2.00 to the existing 7th CPC basic salaries.
| Pay Matrix Level | 7th CPC Basic Pay | At 1.83 Fitment Factor | At 2.00 Fitment Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 | ₹32,940 | ₹36,000 |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹36,417 | ₹39,800 |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹39,711 | ₹43,400 |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹46,665 | ₹51,000 |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹53,436 | ₹58,400 |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹64,782 | ₹70,800 |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹82,167 | ₹89,800 |
| Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹1,02,663 | ₹1,12,200 |
| Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 | ₹2,25,273 | ₹2,46,200 |
| Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,57,500 | ₹5,00,000 |
These figures are illustrative estimates based solely on the respective fitment factors. The actual revised salary or pension will depend on the final pay matrix, minimum pay, DA treatment and other recommendations approved by the government.
When Will the 8th Pay Commission Recommendations Come?
Pay Commissions are generally constituted at 10-year intervals. The latest commission was formed on November 3, 2025, and is expected to submit its recommendations within 18 months, which would place the anticipated timeline around May 2027.
Before finalising its recommendations, the commission is collecting feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including labour representatives, ministries, pension organisations, central government institutions, employee unions and associations.
The information gathered during this consultation process will help the commission formulate recommendations covering pay, pensions, allowances and other service-related benefits.
How Much Salary Hike Could Central Government Employees Get?
At present, there is no confirmed figure for the salary or pension increase under the 8th CPC. The eventual hike will depend on several factors, including the fitment factor, minimum basic pay and treatment of Dearness Allowance.
Based on current estimates, three broad scenarios are being discussed:
- Conservative scenario: Around 20–30% increase
- Moderate scenario: Around 30–50% increase
- High-end scenario: Potentially more than 80%, if an exceptionally high fitment factor is approved
These percentages should not be treated as final salary-hike figures. They are estimates based on various stakeholder demands and market expectations.
8th Pay Commission: What Happens Next?
The demand for a 3.83 fitment factor has added another important dimension to the ongoing 8th Pay Commission discussions. While pensioners and employee organisations are seeking a substantial increase, the eventual recommendation could be considerably different from the demands being made today.
For central government employees and pensioners, the key factors to watch will be the final fitment factor, revised minimum pay, DA adjustment, pension formula and new pay matrix.
Until the commission completes its consultations and submits its recommendations, any estimate of the final salary or pension increase remains speculative.