Defence & Railway Update
RISK & HARDSHIP MATRIX 2026
Siachen to Track Maintainer: New Rates
(The 9-Cell Matrix Explained)
New Delhi: The 8th Pay Commission is set to revise the “Risk and Hardship Matrix,” which governs the extra pay for soldiers in Siachen, CAPF personnel in Naxal areas, and Railway Track Maintainers. With the DA merger, the top-tier allowance (R1H1) is projected to cross ₹55,000 per month.
*Tap to get updates.
The “R x H” Formula:
“Allowances are categorized by Risk (Low to High) and Hardship (Low to High). The matrix has 9 cells (R1H1 to R3H3). The higher the risk, the massive the pay jump.”
Projected Rates: 8th CPC (Level 9 & Above)
Below is the expected revision for Officers (Level 9+). The rates for PBORs (Level 8 & below) follow a similar 25-30% hike ratio.
| Matrix Cell | Category Example | 8th CPC Rate (Est) |
|---|---|---|
| R1H1 (Top) | Siachen Glacier | ₹ 55,500 / pm |
| R1H2 (High) | Counter Insurgency (Cobras) | ₹ 26,500 / pm |
| R2H2 (Med) | Track Maintainer (Railways) | ₹ 8,500 / pm |
| R3H3 (Low) | Remote Area | ₹ 1,800 / pm |
🧮 DEFENCE & RAILWAY TOOLS: