The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a newly announced life-long guaranteed pension plan for central government employees set to begin on April 1 2025. This scheme offers a guaranteed pension equivalent to 50% of the average monthly salary drawn during the last 12 months before retirement. Employees will have the choice to opt for the National Pension System (NPS) or the UPS with the latter providing the security of a fixed pension. Under the UPS the minimum pension will be determined based on average salaries and the potential impact of the 8th Pay Commission which is speculated to take effect on January 1 2026. Although the government has yet to confirm this past trends indicate pay commission revisions every decade to adjust salaries and pensions for central employees. 8th Pay Commission Likely Salary & Pension The fitment factor used to revise government salaries and pensions will be a crucial determinant of the minimum pension under the UPS. Under the 7th Pay Commission a fitment factor of 2.57 was applied. Reports suggest the 8th Pay Commission might introduce a fitment factor of 1.92. However experts including Shiv Gopal Mishra Secretary of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) advocate for a higher fitment factor of 2.86 as per NDTV report. If the fitment factor is set at 2.86: The minimum salary of a government employee would rise to Rs 51480 up from Rs 18000. Correspondingly the minimum pension would increase to Rs 25740 doubling the current pension of Rs 9000. Minimum Pension under UPS The UPS guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 10000 for retirees with at least 10 years of service. Additionally in the event of a pensioners death their spouse will receive 60% of the pension. For full pension eligibility an employee must complete 25 years of service. Those with shorter tenures will receive a proportionate pension. Other Key Features of UPS Pro-rata Pension for Shorter Service Periods: Employees with less than 25 years of service will receive a reduced pension based on the years served. Spouse Protection Clause: Ensures financial support for the pensioners family in case of death. While Rs 25740 is a projected figure (based on a 2.86 fitment factor) the final pension will depend on government decisions in 2026. The UPS is a step towards providing financial security and stability for government employees blending features of the older pension schemes with modern guarantees.