13 pay scales demanded from 8th Pay Commission: Revised basic salaries that NC-JCM wants for central government employees

The 8th Pay Commission proposals could significantly raise salaries for central government employees. The NC-JCM has demanded a higher minimum pay, better allowances, and improved retirement benefits. A major highlight is the demanded fitment factor of 3.833, which may sharply increase the basic pay across levels, making this one of the most awaited salary revisions.

The minimum basic salary is demanded to be raised from Rs 18,000 to Rs 69,000. This increase is based on a fitment factor of 3.833. The demand includes a larger family size for wage calculation. If accepted, this change would directly boost take- home salaries, pensions, and other linked benefits for millions of employees.

The revised structure merges some levels and raises starting pay:
*Pay Scale 1: From Rs 18,000 → Rs 69,000
*Pay Scale 2 (merged Level 2 & 3): Rs 83,200 minimum
*Pay Scale 3 (merged Level 4 & 5): Rs 1.12 lakh minimum
These changes aim to simplify pay levels and ensure better early-career earnings.

Higher levels also see strong hikes:
*Pay Scale 4 (Level 6): Rs 1.35 lakh minimum
*Pay Scale 5 (Level 7 & 8 merged): Rs 1.72 lakh
*Pay Scale 6 (Level 9 & 10 merged): Rs 2.03 lakh
Levels 11–17 will be renumbered as Pay Scale 7–13, maintaining the same fitment factor benefits.

The proposal includes a 6% annual increment on basic pay, higher than current norms. HRA may rise to 40% (X cities), 35% (Y), and 30% (Z). Employees could also get at least a 30 days’ bonus on basic pay plus DA, along with assured career growth through multiple promotions over service years.

Major improvements have been suggested in leave policies: unlimited earned leave accumulation, up to 600 days’ leave encashment, 45 days paternity leave, and 240 days maternity leave. A 60-day parent care leave is also proposed, aiming to improve work-life balance and support employees’ family responsibilities.

The old pension scheme (OPS) restoration is a key demand. Employees have also sought 67% of last drawn pay as pension and 50% family pension. Other proposals include restoring commutation benefits after 11 years, extending GPF access, and introducing One Rank One Pension for civilian employees.

The government has not confirmed the rollout date yet. However, past trends suggest implementation could align with the end of the 7th Pay Commission term. If approved, these recommendations may come into effect from January 1, 2026, bringing a major financial upgrade for central government employees.