8th Pay Commission vs 7th Pay Commission: Level-wise Salary Comparison & Hike Analysis
LATEST UPDATE: JANUARY 9, 2026 | INSIDER REPORT
As the 8th Pay Commission begins its implementation phase, the most common question in every government office is: “How much more will I actually get compared to the 7th CPC?”
While the 7th CPC brought a significant jump in 2016, the 2026 revision is unique because it accounts for a massive 60% Dearness Allowance (DA) merger. To help you visualize the shift, we have mapped out the projected changes across various pay levels using the widely discussed 2.81 Fitment Factor.
7th CPC vs 8th CPC: The Comparison Table
This table compares the entry-level basic pay for different Pay Matrix levels. Note that these are projected figures based on current cabinet discussions.
| Pay Level | 7th CPC Basic (Min) | 8th CPC Basic (Proj) | Estimated Hike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (MTS) | ₹ 18,000 | ₹ 34,560 | + ₹ 16,560 |
| Level 2 (LDC) | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 38,208 | + ₹ 18,308 |
| Level 6 (SO/Insp) | ₹ 35,400 | ₹ 67,968 | + ₹ 32,568 |
| Level 10 (Gazetted) | ₹ 56,100 | ₹ 1,07,712 | + ₹ 51,612 |
Why the 8th CPC Hike Feels Larger
Many employees noticed that the jump from 7th to 8th CPC seems higher than previous transitions. This is due to the “Compounding Effect” of inflation. Since the basic pay of the 7th CPC was already higher, applying a fitment factor to that larger base creates a massive absolute increase in rupees.
Did you know?
Along with Basic Pay, your House Rent Allowance (HRA) will also be revised once the 8th CPC is implemented. For X-category cities, HRA is expected to jump to 30%.
What’s Next for You?
While the table above gives you a clear picture of the salary hike, the real benefit lies in how you manage your 8th CPC Arrears. We recommend checking our Monthly Income Scheme guide to plan your reinvestment strategy early.
For those who want to see their specific salary based on their current increment stage, use our Interactive 8th CPC Salary Calculator here.
Disclaimer: The figures mentioned are based on current data and fitment factor proposals (2.81). The final figures will be subject to the official Gazette Notification by the Government of India.