**The 8th Central Pay Commission** is not effective from January 1, 2026, and central government employees and pensioners will not see an immediate increase in salary or pension. The 10-year tenure of the 7th Pay Commission ends on December 31, 2025, but the revised pay under the 8th Pay Commission will require the commission’s report, government approval and official notification—these processes are currently underway.

main events
– The government announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission in January 2025.
– The Union Cabinet approved its terms and conditions (ToR) on October 28, 2025 (some reports mention a November 3 notification).
– The Commission, which is a temporary body consisting of a chairperson, a part-time member and a member-secretary, has 18 months to submit recommendations (possibly by mid-2027).

A cabinet note said that, after a 10-year cycle, the recommendations “would normally be expected” from January 1, 2026, making this a possible previous effective date.

Implementation and increase in salary
The Commission is reviewing salaries, allowances and pensions on the basis of economic factors. A **fitment factor** (multiplier; 7th CPC was 2.57—expected to be higher for 8th) will be used for pay revision. There will be no immediate changes in January 2026; The actual rollout could happen after approval in late 2027 or 2028.

expected outstanding balance
Given past precedents (e.g., dues of 7th CPC accrued from January 2016, even though implemented later), the amendments will likely be applicable retrospectively from January 1, 2026. Employees/pensioners may get a lump sum amount due for the period of delay, although the government has not yet confirmed this.

Till then, the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) will continue under the 7th CPC rules. Employees should rely on the official notifications of the Finance Ministry for updates.