The National Council (JCM-Staff Side) has formally submitted a memorandum demanding a Fitment Factor of 3.68 for the 8th Pay Commission to revise the minimum wage to ₹26,000. This proposal seeks a higher revision compared to the government’s projected fitment range of 1.92 to 2.86.
● Status: JCM Demand Submitted | ● Effective Date: 01 Jan 2026 (Projected)
New Delhi: As the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission progresses, the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) has tabled a demand for a 3.68 Fitment Factor. If accepted by the Commission, this would raise the minimum basic pay from the current ₹18,000 to approximately ₹26,000. The government is expected to review this against AICPI-IW inflation data, which currently supports a lower factor between 1.92 and 2.86.
*Updated on: 15 January 2026 | Verified against JCM Staff Side Memorandum.
Update Watch: (The Cabinet’s final decision on the Terms of Reference (ToR) will be posted here.)
JCM DEMAND: 3.68 FITMENT FACTOR
(Union Proposal vs Govt Estimate | Salary Impact)
Quick Comparison
The Proposal: Unions argue that post-2016 inflation justifies a 3.68x hike to restore real income.
Govt’s Stance: Fiscal prudence points to a formula-based 1.92x to 2.86x hike. Government sources have cited fiscal burden and inter-generational equity as constraints in accepting a higher fitment factor.
Impact: A 3.68 factor would result in a 44% higher salary than the conservative estimate.
Salary Matrix Projection (Indicative)
Comparison of Basic Pay based on different Fitment Factors.
| Pay Level | Current (7th CPC) | Govt (2.86x) | JCM (3.68x) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (MTS) | ₹ 18,000 | ₹ 51,480 | ₹ 66,240 |
| Level 6 (SI/Postmaster) | ₹ 35,400 | ₹ 1,01,244 | ₹ 1,30,272 |
| Level 10 (Officer) | ₹ 56,100 | ₹ 1,60,446 | ₹ 2,06,448 |
Pensioner’s Impact
Minimum Pension Demand: If the 3.68 factor is accepted, the minimum pension (currently ₹9,000) would rise to approximately ₹33,120. Under the 2.86 factor, it is projected to be around ₹25,740.
⚠️ The “Zero DA” Reset Rule
Hidden Calculation: When the new Basic Pay is implemented, your existing DA (expected ~64%) will be merged into the new Basic and reset to 0%. Do not calculate the new basic plus the old DA rate. The net take-home hike typically ranges between 20-35%.
Who Will NOT Benefit Immediately?
- ❌ State Govt Employees: This Commission applies only to Central Govt staff. States will form their own commissions later.
- ❌ PSU/Bank Staff: Employees of BSNL, LIC, and Banks are covered under separate Wage Revisions, not 8th CPC.
- ❌ Contractual Staff: Casual and outsourced employees are generally excluded from Pay Commission recommendations.
⏳ What Happens Next?
The Fitment Factor will be finalized only after the 8th Pay Commission submits its report and the Union Cabinet approves the recommendations. Until then, all figures remain indicative and non-binding.
Related: Higher salary may push you into a new tax bracket. Check if you should switch regimes with our Old vs New Tax Regime 2026 Guide.
Source Analysis: Based on the JCM Staff Side Memorandum submitted to the Cabinet Secretary and historical Fitment Factor trends from 6th and 7th CPC.
❓ 8th CPC FAQs
What is the JCM demanding?
The JCM Staff Side is demanding a Fitment Factor of 3.68 to set the minimum wage at ₹26,000, arguing that inflation since 2016 has eroded real wages.
When will the new salary start?
While the effective date is Jan 1, 2026, the actual revised salary will likely be paid in 2027 or 2028 after the Commission submits its report. Arrears will be paid for the gap.
🇮🇳 हिंदी में सारांश (JCM की मांग)
यूनियन की मांग: ₹26,000 मिनिमम सैलरी
कर्मचारी यूनियन (JCM) ने सरकार से 3.68 फिटमेंट फैक्टर की मांग की है। अगर यह माना गया, तो सबसे कम सैलरी ₹26,000 होगी। वहीं सरकार 2.86 फैक्टर (₹18k -> ₹51k) पर विचार कर सकती है।
Lifecycle: Jan–March 2026
Source: JCM / Labour Bureau
✓ Indicative Projection