8th Pay Commission May Bring Salary Shock: Fitment Factor Could Triple Pay, Mega Proposal Submitted to Government
The ongoing discussions around the 8th Pay Commission have taken a dramatic turn. The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has proposed raising the fitment factor from 3.0 to 3.25, a move that could trigger unprecedented salary hikes for central government employees—from lower-level staff to top executives. Here’s a complete breakdown of the proposal and its potential impact.
Fitment Factor Proposal by FNPO
Historically, discussions around the 8th Pay Commission suggested fitment factors between 2.5 and 3.0. However, FNPO has now recommended a factor of 3.25, signaling a significant revision in basic salaries. If the government accepts this proposal, millions of central employees could see their pay increase two to three times, a scenario previously considered highly unlikely.
The proposal, submitted in a detailed 60-page letter to the National Council (JCM), not only covers fitment factors but also addresses pay structure, pay matrix, high-salary scales, annual increments, allowances, promotions, and service rules. FNPO highlights that previous uniform fitment factors caused imbalance across different employee levels, necessitating a level-wise approach.
Level-Wise Fitment Factor Recommendation
FNPO has suggested a multi-level fitment model based on the Akroyd Formula, which considers the minimum needs of a four-member family, inflation, cost of living, and wage erosion. Proposed fitment factors by level are:
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Level 1–5 (Group C/D): 3.0
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Level 6–12 (Middle Level Employees): 3.05–3.10
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Level 13–15 (Senior Officers): 3.05–3.15
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Level 16 and above (Top-Level Employees): 3.20–3.25
This model aims to maintain pay balance while providing real relief to lower- and middle-level employees.
Potential Salary Impact
Based on FNPO’s projections, the new fitment factor could lead to the following salary increases for select levels:
| Employee Level | Current Basic | Projected Salary (Fitment Factor 3.25) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Group C/D) | ₹18,000 | ₹58,000+ |
| Level 10 (Group A Entry) | ₹1,80,000 | ₹1,80,000+ |
| Level 18 (Top Level) | — | ₹8,00,000+ |
Interpretation: Many employees could see 2–3x increases in their base salary compared to current pay, a record rise in central government pay scales.
Annual Increment Proposal
FNPO has also requested that the annual increment be raised from 3% to 5%, ensuring employees receive real economic benefit every year, particularly for Group C and D employees, where promotions are limited.
Next Steps
The NCJCM meeting is scheduled for 25 February 2026, where the draft committee will consolidate proposals from all central employee organizations. The final recommendations will then be submitted to Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the 8th Pay Commission, before government approval. Only after this will the final picture of pay revisions be clear.
Bottom Line:
If accepted, FNPO’s proposal could revolutionize central salaries, delivering long-awaited relief to employees across all levels and addressing historical disparities. The 8th Pay Commission may well be a “make-or-break” moment for millions of central government staff.
