New Delhi: While social media is buzzing with talk of a 3.0 Fitment Factor, the Ministry of Finance has released specific clarifications regarding the 8th Pay Commission’s timeline. As of January 2026, the transition from the 7th CPC to the 8th CPC is officially in motion. To help our readers distinguish between Official Government Orders and Employee Union Demands, we have compiled this comprehensive guide.
1. The Speculation: Fitment Factor Demands
Moving from facts to demands, various employee federations have submitted their memoranda to the Justice Desai Committee. Here is a comparison of what is being demanded versus what the 7th CPC provided:
| Commission | Fitment Factor | Minimum Wage Result |
|---|---|---|
| 7th CPC (Actual) | 2.57 | ₹18,000 |
| 8th CPC (Expected/Low) | 1.92 – 2.28 | ₹34,560 – ₹41,040 |
| 8th CPC (Union Demand) | 2.86 – 3.00 | ₹51,480 – ₹54,000 |
2. Arrears Calculation Logic
Since the implementation date is fixed as January 1, 2026, but the payout will be delayed, employees will receive a lump-sum arrear. For instance, if the new basic is finalized by July 2027, you will receive 18 months of salary difference in one go. Check our detailed Arrears tracker for more info.
3. Recommended Reading for Today
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