Quick Summary: 8th CPC Arrears 2026
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026
- Expected Delay: 18 to 24 months
- Fitment Factor Range: 2.0 to 2.86 (not yet confirmed)
- HRA/TA in Arrears: No — basic pay difference only
- Calculator: Use our 8th CPC Salary Calculator
If you are a central government employee, one word is on everyone’s mind right now: arrears.
The 8th Pay Commission has officially launched its website and invited feedback from ministries and employees via MyGov. But here is the key reality: even though the effective date is January 1, 2026, revised salaries will not land in your account on that date. Implementation typically takes 18 to 24 months after the effective date.
That gap means one thing for you — a large lump-sum arrear payment the day the new pay structure goes live.
1. What Are 8th Pay Commission Arrears?
Arrears are the difference between what you should have been paid under the new pay structure and what you actually received under the 7th CPC during the delay period.
Formula
Arrears = (New Basic Pay − Old Basic Pay) × Number of Months
Example: If your revised basic is ₹36,000 and you were receiving ₹18,000 for 20 months:
(₹36,000 − ₹18,000) × 20 = ₹3,60,000 in arrears
⚠️ Important: HRA and Transport Allowance are NOT included in arrears. These are revised only from the actual date of implementation.
2. What Is the Fitment Factor?
The fitment factor is a multiplier applied to your current 7th CPC basic pay to calculate your revised 8th CPC basic pay.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was 2.57. For the 8th Pay Commission, the projected range is 2.0 to 2.86, with 60% DA (expected from January 2026) likely serving as the calculation anchor — just as 125% DA anchored the 7th CPC fitment factor in 2016.
No official fitment factor has been confirmed yet.
3. Level-Wise Arrears Estimate (20-Month Delay)
| Pay Level | 7th CPC Basic | New Basic @ 2.0 | Arrears @ 2.0 | New Basic @ 2.57 | Arrears @ 2.57 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 | ₹36,000 | ₹3.60 Lakh | ₹46,260 | ₹5.65 Lakh |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹39,800 | ₹3.98 Lakh | ₹51,143 | ₹6.25 Lakh |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹43,400 | ₹4.34 Lakh | ₹55,769 | ₹6.81 Lakh |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹51,000 | ₹5.10 Lakh | ₹65,535 | ₹8.01 Lakh |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹58,400 | ₹5.84 Lakh | ₹75,044 | ₹9.17 Lakh |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹70,800 | ₹7.08 Lakh | ₹90,978 | ₹11.12 Lakh |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹89,800 | ₹8.98 Lakh | ₹1,15,393 | ₹14.10 Lakh |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹95,200 | ₹9.52 Lakh | ₹1,22,332 | ₹14.95 Lakh |
Disclaimer: These are projections based on expected fitment factors. Final amounts will be confirmed only after the Commission submits its report and the Union Cabinet approves the revised pay structure.
4. What Happens to Dearness Allowance?
DA will reset to zero once the new 8th CPC pay structure kicks in. The current DA of 60% (expected from January 2026) will be merged into the new basic pay via the fitment factor. Your actual take-home will be substantially higher even after DA resets to 0%.
5. Key Dates to Watch
| Date / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Official 8th CPC effective date |
| February 2026 | Commission website live; MyGov feedback open |
| March 2026 (expected) | Cabinet approves 4% DA hike — DA reaches 60% |
| February 25, 2026 | Employee unions finalise salary demands |
| Mid to Late 2026 | Commission begins formal deliberations |
| Late 2026 – Early 2027 | Commission report submission expected |
6. What Should You Do Right Now?
1. Submit your feedback on MyGov
The 8th Pay Commission has invited all employees and pensioners to share views on fitment factor, allowances, and pension revision.
2. Use our 8th CPC Salary Calculator
Get a personalised estimate of your revised salary under different fitment factor scenarios.
3. Keep pay slips safe from January 2026 onwards
Your current basic pay is the baseline for arrear calculation.
4. Do not act on unverified social media claims
No fitment factor has been officially announced. Follow only 8cpc.gov.in and this portal.
Will pensioners also receive arrears?
Yes. Pensioners who retired on or before December 31, 2025 will be eligible for revised pension and corresponding arrears once the 8th Pay Commission is implemented.
Is HRA included in arrears?
No. HRA and Transport Allowance will be revised only from the actual date of implementation, not from January 1, 2026.
When will arrears actually be paid?
As a lump sum once the Union Cabinet notifies the revised pay structure — expected between late 2026 and mid-2027 based on past patterns.
Is the fitment factor of 2.86 confirmed?
No. 2.86 is a demand raised by employee unions. The government has not announced any confirmed number.
