Pay Commission in India: Know when employees got reprimanded

New Delhi. In India, the recommendations of the Pay Commission (Central Pay Commission, CPC) have been implemented from time to time for changes in the salary and allowances of central employees. Usually these commissions are constituted approximately once every 10 years and their decisions have a direct impact on the pockets of lakhs of government employees. Till now, a total of seven Central Pay Commissions in India have implemented their recommendations.

1. First Pay Commission (1st CPC)

Formed: January 1946

Applicable: 1946

The first Pay Commission came to regulate the salaries of government employees in independent India.

2. Second Pay Commission (2nd CPC)

Formed: August 1957

Applicable: 1 January 1959

This commission recommended improvements in the pay scales of employees and new allowances.

3. Third Pay Commission (3rd CPC)

Formed: April 1970

Entered into force: 1 January 1973

The Third Commission attempted to make the pay structure more modern and employee friendly.

4. Fourth Pay Commission (4th CPC)

Formed: June 1983

Applicable: 1 January 1986

Along with salary increase, this commission also recommended improvements in pension and allowances.

5. Fifth Pay Commission (5th CPC)

Formed: April 1994

Applicable: 1 January 1996

This commission brought massive salary hikes and reforms in allowances for government employees.

6. Sixth Pay Commission (6th CPC)

Formed: October 2006

Applicable: 1 January 2006 (backdated)

The Sixth Commission established balance in the pay scales of various sections and recommended changes in the pension system.

7. Seventh Pay Commission (7th CPC)

Formed: February 2014

Applicable: 1 January 2016

The recommendations of this commission were applicable to government employees throughout the country and included significant increases in salaries.

Eighth Pay Commission

The government has issued the notification of the 8th Pay Commission on 28 October 2025 and 18 months have been given for its report. Its suggestions are likely to be implemented from January 1, 2026. Its impact will be seen on the salaries and allowances of lakhs of central employees.