8th Pay Commission latest update: Will it be implemented from January 1, 2026? Here's what the Finance Ministry says

Pankaj Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Finance, said on Monday that the date for the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission (CPC) will be decided by the government. He did not comment on January 1, 2026, as the rollout date for the 8th CPC.

"The date of implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission shall be decided by the Government," Chaudhary mentioned in his written response to a question on whether the government intends to roll out the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) from January 1, 2026.

8th Pay Commission latest update: Will it be implemented from January 1, 2026?

There have been rumours that the 8th Pay Commission will be implemented from January 1, 2026. The minister's response has come amid growing speculation on the implementation date, clarifying that the government has not yet taken a decision. The government is likely to decide after the 8th Pay Commission submits its report, a process that may take up to 18 months from the date of notification.

"The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has already been constituted. The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission have been notified vide Ministry of Finance' Resolution dated 03.11.2025. The number of Central Government employees is 50.14lakh and the number of pensioners is 69 lakh approximately. The date of implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission shall be decided by the Government. Government will make appropriate provision of funds for implementing the accepted recommendations of 8th CPC."

"The 8th Central Pay Commission will devise methodology and procedure for formulating its recommendations," he added.