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The 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring about significant salary hikes. Level-1 employees like peons and sweepers may see an increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,300, while IAS officers who fall between Levels 15 to 18 may see their basic salary rise from…Read More
Many anticipate a significant increase in basic salary across all ranks, from entry-level peons to high-ranking officials such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The Narendra Modi government has given the green light to the 8th Pay Commission, signalling an end to the long wait for employees. This announcement confirms a significant salary increase for government employees in 2026.
Although the Pay Commission has not yet been constituted, and the government has not yet provided a clear picture of its plans, the commission’s members will certainly be appointed soon. Once appointed, the commission will research and submit suggestions and reports to the government regarding salary and pension increases.
The potential impact of the anticipated 8th Pay Commission on government salaries is a topic of considerable interest among employees. While definitive answers remain elusive, several reports based on previous pay commission outcomes are circulating. Many anticipate a significant increase in basic salary across all ranks, from entry-level peons to high-ranking officials such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries. However, until concrete details emerge from official sources, the exact scale of these potential salary increases remains a subject of conjecture.
Understanding the Salary Matrix
Analysing the potential impact of the 8th Pay Commission on salary structures, projections suggest notable increases across various levels. For instance, Level-1 employees, encompassing roles like peons and sweepers, currently earning a basic salary of Rs 18,000 after the 7th Pay Commission, could see their salaries rise to Rs 21,300.
Similarly, estimations indicate that Level-2 employees may experience an increase from Rs 19,900 to Rs 23,880, while Level-3 employees could see a jump from Rs 21,700 to Rs 26,040. The salary matrix also suggests that Level-4 employees might witness their basic salaries increase from Rs 25,500 to Rs 30,600, and Level-5 employees from Rs 29,200 to Rs 35,040. These anticipated increments are based on the current grade pay structure, which ranges from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,800 for employees in levels 1 to 5.
Salary Increase from Level 6 to Level 9
According to the salary matrix, the grade pay for employees from level 6 to 9 ranges from Rs 4,200 to Rs 5,400. This includes employees such as primary and secondary school teachers and Gram Vikas Adhikaris. The basic salary for level-6 employees is estimated to range from Rs 35,400 to Rs 42,480, while the basic salary for level-7 employees is estimated to increase to between Rs 44,900 and Rs 53,880. Similarly, the basic salary for level-8 employees will increase to between Rs 47,600 and Rs 57,120, while level-9 employees will receive an increase to between Rs 53,100 and Rs 63,720.
Benefits for Employees in Levels 10 to 12
The grade pay of level-10 to 12 employees is Rs 5,400 to Rs 7,600. Following the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the basic salary of level-10 employees will increase from Rs 56,100 to Rs 67,320. Level-11 employees will see their basic salary increase from Rs 67,700 to Rs 81,240. Level-12 employees will also benefit, with their current basic salary rising from Rs 78,800 to Rs 94,560.
Salary and Benefits for Levels 13 and 14
According to the pay matrix, employees in levels 13 and 14 come in the grade pay range of Rs 8,700 to Rs 10,000. After the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the basic salary of level-13 employees will increase from Rs 1,23,100 to Rs 1,47,720, while the basic salary of level-14 employees will increase from Rs 1,44,200 to Rs 1,73,040.
Salary Growth for Levels 15 to 18
Civil servants such as IAS officers, secretaries, and chief secretaries fall between levels 15 to 18. The 8th Pay Commission recommends an increase in basic salaries for these levels. Level-15 employees will see their basic salary rise from Rs 1,82,200 to Rs 2,18,400. Similarly, level-16 employees will experience an increase from Rs 2,05,400 to Rs 2,46,480. For level-17 employees, the basic salary will be raised from Rs 2,25,000 to Rs 2,70,000. Lastly, level-18 employees will receive an increase from Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 3,00,000.
The increase in basic salary will result in an overall salary increase. Employees’ total salary comprises not just the basic salary but also components like dearness allowance and various other allowances. The combined sum of all these components determines the actual salary received by an employee, which is significantly higher than just the basic salary.
