With the arrival of January 2026, discussions around the 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table have reached their peak. For lakhs of Central Government employees, the Pay Matrix is the most important document of any Pay Commission. It does not just show a one-time salary increase—it clearly defines salary growth for the next 10 years, including annual increments and promotion-related pay progression.
In this detailed guide, we present a projected 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table covering all 18 pay levels, starting from entry-level Group D employees and going up to the Cabinet Secretary of India.
1️⃣ What is the 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix?
The Pay Matrix system, first introduced in the 7th Pay Commission, replaced the earlier and complicated structure of Pay Bands and Grade Pay. The matrix is designed as a simple table where:
- Horizontal Levels (Level 1 to Level 18) show the post, rank, or responsibility level
- Vertical Cells (Steps) show annual increments, usually at 3% growth within the same level
The 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table is expected to follow the same structure but will be revised using a new Fitment Factor, which is widely expected to be between 1.92x and 2.86x.
2️⃣ Key Change: 7th CPC vs 8th CPC Pay Matrix Logic
The shift from the 7th CPC to the 8th CPC is mainly due to rising inflation. Under the 7th CPC, Dearness Allowance (DA) has crossed the 50–60% mark, which traditionally signals the need for a new pay matrix.
When inflation rises to this level, the government usually:
- Merges DA into Basic Pay
- Creates a fresh pay matrix with a higher starting base
This is why a new matrix is expected under the 8th Pay Commission.
- 7th CPC Minimum Pay (Level 1): ₹18,000
- 8th CPC Minimum Pay (Projected):
- ₹34,560 (with 1.92x fitment factor)
- ₹51,480 (with 2.86x fitment factor)
3️⃣ 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table: Level 1 to Level 5 (Group C Employees)
Pay Levels 1 to 5 form the backbone of the Central Government workforce. These levels include posts such as MTS, Postmen, Constables, and Lower Division Clerks (LDC).
| Level | 7th CPC Entry Pay | 8th CPC (1.92x Fitment) | 8th CPC (2.86x Fitment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 | ₹34,560 | ₹51,480 |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹38,208 | ₹56,914 |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 | ₹41,664 | ₹62,062 |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹48,960 | ₹72,930 |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹56,064 | ₹83,512 |
Employee Insight:
If the government approves the 2.86x fitment factor, a Level 1 employee’s starting basic pay will be higher than the current Level 7 basic pay under the 7th CPC. This is exactly why the fitment factor is the most debated part of the 8th Pay Commission.
4️⃣ 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table: Level 6 to Level 9
(Group B – Gazetted & Non-Gazetted)
Pay Levels 6 to 9 include key administrative and technical posts such as Assistant Section Officers (ASO), Income Tax / Excise Inspectors, and Junior Accounts Officers. These levels act as the bridge between clerical staff and senior officers, and any revision here has a major impact on promotions and long-term earnings.
| Level | 7th CPC Entry Pay | 8th CPC (1.92x Fitment) | 8th CPC (2.86x Fitment) |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹67,968 | ₹1,01,244 |
| Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹86,208 | ₹1,28,414 |
| Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹91,392 | ₹1,36,136 |
| Level 9 | ₹53,100 | ₹1,01,952 | ₹1,51,866 |
5️⃣ 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table : Level 10 to 18 (Group A Services)
This includes IAS, IPS, IRS officers, and high-ranking defense officials up to the Cabinet Secretary (Level 18).
| Level | 7th CPC Entry Pay | 8th CPC (1.92x Fitment) | 8th CPC (2.86x Fitment) |
| Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹1,07,712 | ₹1,60,446 |
| Level 12 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,51,296 | ₹2,25,368 |
| Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹2,76,864 | ₹4,12,412 |
| Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 | ₹4,32,000 | ₹6,43,500 |
| Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,80,000 | ₹7,15,000 |
6️⃣ Understanding the “Annual Increment” in the 8th CPC
A key feature of the Pay Matrix is the Annual 3% Increment. In the new 8th CPC matrix, since the “Basic Pay” itself is much higher, the absolute value of your annual increment will double.
- Under 7th CPC (Level 1): Annual increment was approx ₹500–₹600.
- Under 8th CPC (Level 1): Annual increment will be approx ₹1,000–₹1,500.
This compounding effect over 10 years is what makes the 8th Pay Commission a massive wealth generator for government staff.
7️⃣ How to Read Your New Cell in the Matrix
When the 8th CPC is implemented, your current 7th CPC basic pay is multiplied by the fitment factor. If the resulting figure does not exactly match a cell in the new 8th CPC Matrix, your pay is “stepped up” to the immediate next higher cell in that level. This ensures that no employee loses even a single rupee during the transition.
8️⃣ Important Considerations for 2026
- The 50% DA Rule: Many expected a merger when DA hit 50% in 2024. However, the government chose to wait for the 8th CPC. This means the 2026 matrix will likely be “heavier” to compensate for the delayed merger.
- MACP Promotions: If you are due for a Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) in 2026, your leap in the Pay Matrix will be even more substantial, as you will move both horizontally (level) and vertically (cell).
9️⃣ Conclusion: A New Era of Compensation
The 8th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Table is more than just numbers; it represents the government’s response to the rising cost of living in 2026. Whether the fitment factor stays at a conservative 1.92x or touches the demanded 3.68x, the jump in basic pay will be the largest in Indian history.
Is your level not listed in the summary table above?
[Use our Interactive 8th Pay Commission Calculator] to generate a custom pay matrix for your specific level and see your year-by-year growth for the next decade!
Checklist for Readers:
- Download your latest salary slip to know your current Level and Cell.
- Compare your current Basic with the tables above.
- Bookmark this page, as we will update the tables the moment the official Gazette notification is released.