8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix 2026: Level 1 to 18 Salary Chart
The 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix 2026 is expected to replace the current 7th CPC pay matrix for all central government employees after the new pay commission is implemented. While the Government of India has not yet released the official pay matrix, employees can estimate their revised basic pay using projected fitment factors of 1.92x, 2.28x and 2.86x.
For example, an employee currently drawing a Level 6 basic pay of ₹35,400 could receive approximately ₹80,712 under the widely discussed 2.28x fitment factor, while Level 7 basic pay may cross ₹1 lakh.
Calculate Your Revised Pay Matrix Salary
What Is the 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix?
The pay matrix is the official salary framework used by the Central Government to determine the basic pay of employees across different pay levels. Instead of separate pay bands and grade pay, every employee is assigned a specific level and stage within the matrix.
When the 8th Pay Commission is implemented, the current pay matrix is expected to be replaced with a revised matrix based on the approved fitment factor. The revised basic pay then becomes the foundation for calculating HRA, transport allowance, NPS contributions, pension benefits and future annual increments.
Projected 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix (Expected 2.28x Scenario)
| Pay Level | Current Basic Pay | Projected Basic Pay | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 | ₹41,040 | ₹23,040 |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹45,372 | ₹25,472 |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹49,476 | ₹27,776 |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹58,140 | ₹32,640 |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹66,576 | ₹37,376 |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹80,712 | ₹45,312 |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹1,02,372 | ₹57,472 |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹1,08,528 | ₹60,928 |
| Level 9 | ₹53,100 | ₹1,21,068 | ₹67,968 |
| Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹1,27,908 | ₹71,808 |
| Level 11 | ₹67,700 | ₹1,54,356 | ₹86,656 |
| Level 12 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,79,664 | ₹1,00,864 |
| Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 | ₹2,80,668 | ₹1,57,568 |
| Level 13A | ₹1,31,100 | ₹2,98,908 | ₹1,67,808 |
| Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹3,28,776 | ₹1,84,576 |
| Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 | ₹4,15,416 | ₹2,33,216 |
| Level 16 | ₹2,05,400 | ₹4,68,312 | ₹2,62,912 |
| Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 | ₹5,13,000 | ₹2,88,000 |
| Level 18* | Cabinet Secretary | As Notified | — |
Pay Levels Explained (Level 1–18)
The pay matrix consists of multiple pay levels that correspond to different responsibilities, qualifications and seniority within central government services.
- Levels 1–5: Entry-level and clerical positions.
- Levels 6–9: Inspectors, Junior Engineers, Section Officers and supervisory posts.
- Levels 10–13A: Group A officers and senior administrative roles.
- Levels 14–17: Senior civil servants, directors and secretaries.
- Level 18: Cabinet Secretary (highest level).
Fitment Factor Scenarios
The revised pay matrix depends entirely on the fitment factor approved by the government.
| Fitment Factor | Status | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1.92x | Conservative Estimate | Moderate salary increase |
| 2.28x | Most Discussed Estimate | Balanced salary revision |
| 2.86x | Employee Union Demand | Highest projected increase |
How Basic Pay Progresses in the Pay Matrix
Every employee begins at the entry stage of their pay level and receives annual increments by moving to the next cell in the pay matrix. Promotions move employees to higher pay levels with corresponding increases in basic pay.
Salary Examples Using the Pay Matrix
| Employee | Current Basic Pay | Projected Basic Pay (2.28x) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Employee | ₹18,000 | ₹41,040 |
| Level 4 Employee | ₹25,500 | ₹58,140 |
| Level 6 Employee | ₹35,400 | ₹80,712 |
| Level 7 Employee | ₹44,900 | ₹1,02,372 |
| Level 10 Officer | ₹56,100 | ₹1,27,908 |
Related 8th Pay Commission Guides
- 8th Pay Commission Calculator
- Fitment Factor Explained
- Level 1 Salary
- Level 4 Salary
- Level 6 Salary
- Level 7 Salary
IndiaTools Editorial Note
This guide is based on the current 7th CPC pay matrix and projected fitment factors of 1.92x, 2.28x and 2.86x. It is designed to help central government employees understand how the proposed 8th Pay Commission could affect different pay levels. The figures are estimates and should be used for planning until official recommendations are published.
Source: 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, Government of India notifications, Department of Expenditure publications and publicly discussed 8th Pay Commission proposals. Final figures will depend on official government approval.