This time, the rollout of arrears could be larger, as the 8th Pay Commission is unlikely to submit its report before 2027. The panel has been given an 18-month period by the Centre. Since it was formally constituted on Nov. 3, 2025, the deadline is likely to lapse on May 2, 2027. The recommendations would be scrutinised by the Centre, before giving its final assent for the once-in-a-decade salary and pension overhaul.
Going by this estimated timeline, the Centre may end up paying arrears for a period of 1.5-2 years. To be sure, the government has not yet confirmed whether the arrears would be paid. In the press note, the government said it would “normally be expected” to roll out the revised pay retrospectively.
Key stakeholders, however, are firm that the Centre will be implementing the 8th Pay Commission retrospectively. The process will take time, but the effective date of implementation has to be the start of 2026, said Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary (staff side) of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery, in an earlier conversation with NDTV Profit.
“The process is likely to take time. The commission will be set up and hold deliberations with the stakeholders and then submit its recommendations. Then it will be approved by the government… What we are saying is that irrespective of the delay, the effective date of salary hike must be Jan. 1, 2026,” he had said.
