8th Pay Commission: If Basic Salary is ₹18,000, How Much Arrear Will Be Received Under the 8th Pay Commission? Check Out the Calculation

8th Pay Commission: The 8th Pay Commission is nearing the finalization of its recommendations. Expectations are rising among Central Government employees regarding not only a substantial hike in salary but also the receipt of arrears. This commission has been deemed effective from January 1, 2026. However, it may still take another 14 to 18 months for its report to be submitted and subsequently implemented. It is precisely this delay that creates the possibility of a significant arrears payout. Let’s explore how much arrears employees with a basic salary of ₹18,000 might receive.

What is the Arrears Calculation?

The estimated arrears depend primarily on the ‘fitment factor’ approved by the government. If there is a delay of approximately 20 months in implementation, employees will receive the difference between their old salary and their revised salary for that entire duration. This accumulated difference constitutes the arrears payment.

In terms of calculation, the difference between the (New Salary + New Allowances) and the (Old Salary + Old Allowances) is multiplied by the number of months of delay. In other words, the calculation involves subtracting the existing salary from the revised salary and then multiplying that figure by the number of months for which the arrears payment is due.

What Will the Salary Be Under Different Fitment Factors?

If a fitment factor of 1.83 is applied, the basic salary could rise from ₹18,000 to approximately ₹32,940. With a factor of 1.92, it could increase to ₹34,560. Furthermore, a factor of 2.28 could push it up to ₹41,040. At a factor of 2.46, the revised salary could reach ₹44,280. Accordingly, if a fitment factor of 2.86 is approved, the new basic pay could rise to ₹51,480. However, employee unions are demanding a significantly higher fitment factor, ranging between 3.0 and 3.25. Under this scenario, the salary could potentially reach approximately ₹54,000.

How ​​much will the arrears amount to?

Arrears are calculated with retrospective effect, starting from January 1, 2026. If the new pay structure is implemented after a delay of approximately 20 months, employees will receive back pay for this entire period. The higher the fitment factor, the larger the difference between the old and new salaries will be. Consequently—according to current estimates—this amount could range from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹5.65 lakh.

What happens to the Dearness Allowance?

As soon as the new Pay Commission recommendations are implemented, the Dearness Allowance (DA) is reset to zero. Subsequently, it is recalculated based on the new basic salary. This implies that future salary increments will commence from a higher base, leading to an even greater increase in overall earnings.