The Indian government has officially accelerated the formation process of the 8th Pay Commission, a significant development for central government employees. The groundwork for the commission is underway, with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) releasing a vacancy circular for 35 posts, which will be filled on a deputation basis.
This recruitment move marks the beginning of what could bring another round of salary revisions for lakhs of employees in the near future.
In January 2025, the government announced plans to establish the 8th Pay Commission to review and revise the salaries, allowances, and pensions of central government employees. Now, in April 2025, a formal step has been taken with the issuance of a vacancy circular to appoint qualified personnel to the commission.
A total of 35 positions will be filled on deputation, meaning selected officers will temporarily work for the commission and return to their original roles once the commission’s work is completed.
As per the circular, appointments will follow standard DoPT rules and guidelines, which govern deputation procedures. Eligible central government employees can apply through the prescribed application format, attaching essential documents such as:
The last five years’ Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs)
Vigilance clearance
No objection certificate (NOC) from the current department
Notably, the government has not set a final deadline for applications. Instead, the recruitment process will remain ongoing, and positions will be filled as suitable candidates are found.
One of the most anticipated outcomes of a new pay commission is, of course, a revision in basic salary and pension structures. Much of this depends on the fitment factor—a multiplier used to calculate revised pay scales.
In the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was set at 2.57, which increased the minimum basic salary from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000. At that time, employee unions demanded a 3.67 fitment factor, which the government did not accept.
For the 8th Pay Commission, unions are now pushing for a fitment factor of 2.86. If approved, the minimum basic pay could jump to ₹51,480, and the minimum pension may increase from ₹9,000 to ₹25,740.
However, it’s important to note that no official confirmation has been made regarding these numbers yet.
The formation of the 8th Pay Commission signals a new phase for public sector compensation. With vacancies now being filled and planning in motion, central government employees can expect major developments in the coming months.
For eligible officers interested in being a part of this historic reform process, this is the perfect opportunity to contribute and be at the center of shaping the next phase of India’s salary structure for government workers.
