India, Jan. 20 -- An official note issued last year stated that pay commission recommendations are generally implemented once every ten years. It added, "Usually, the recommendations of the pay commissions are implemented after a gap of every ten years. Going by this trend, the effect of the 8th Central Pay Commission recommendations would normally be expected from 01.01.2026."

Millions of central government employees are hoping for a salary increase once the 8th Pay Commission comes into force from January 1, 2026. However, the wait may be longer than expected. According to a study released by ICRA as part of its Budget 2026-27 analysis, the commission's recommendations are still 15 to 18 months away from being submitted to the governme...