8th Pay Commission salary calculator: Estimated arrears for level 2-4 employees at 2.28, 2.57, 2.86 fitment factors

The National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff Side) has recommended a 3.83 fitment factor under the 8th Pay Commission. However, experts believe the final multiplier could be lower. Manjeet Singh Patel, National President, All India NPS Employees Federation, told ET Wealth Online that a 2.1 fitment factor appears more realistic, which would increase the minimum basic pay from Rs 18,000 to Rs 37,800.

According to the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, Level 1-5 employees form the backbone of the central government workforce. They include Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Lower Division Clerks (LDCs), Upper Division Clerks (UDCs), Senior Technicians, Stenographers Grade C and other employees responsible for essential day-to-day government functions.

For calculating arrears, Ramachandran Krishnamoorthy, Associate Partner, Managed Services, BDO India, assumes a 20-month delay in implementation, with revised salaries starting from September 2027.
The table above illustrates the estimated arrears payable if the fitment factor is fixed at 2.28.

The table above shows the estimated arrears for Level 1-5 employees if the fitment factor is 2.57.

The table above shows the estimated arrears payable if the fitment factor is fixed at 2.86. Since this multiplier results in a larger increase in basic pay, the estimated arrears are correspondingly higher.

These calculations are illustrative estimates based on assumed fitment factors and a 20-month implementation delay. The actual salary revision and arrears payable to Level 1-5 central government employees will be known only after the 8th Pay Commission submits its report and the government approves and implements its recommendations.

The government gave the 8th Pay Commission 18 months to submit its report after notifying it in November 2025. Some experts expect the revised pay structure to be implemented from March-April 2027, while others believe it could happen after May 2027. If required, the Commission can also seek an extension for submitting its report.