<p>No direct announcement was made about the 8th Pay Commission in the 2026 budget. The increase in expenditure shown in the budget is not enough to implement the new pay commission, suggesting its implementation might be delayed. Find out the details.</p><img><p><strong>8th pay commission:</strong> Central govt employees hoped for the 8th Pay Commission in the 2026 budget, but it wasn’t announced. Does budget data hint at another delay?</p><img><p>The budget shows a minor ₹41,413 crore spending increase, likely for new hires and DA, not a new pay commission. No separate funds were allocated, making implementation this year unlikely.</p><img><p>In early 2026, 1.19 crore central employees and pensioners await a pay hike from the 8th Pay Commission. With rising inflation, demands for a better fitment factor are up.</p><img><p>The government announced the 8th Pay Commission on Jan 15, 2025, but the process was slow. The official notice came on Oct 28, 2025, giving the commission 18 months to report.</p><img><p>Adding 18 months to Oct 2025, the report is due by July 2027. Implementation will take time, so benefits may only arrive in mid-2027 or early 2028, as hinted in the budget.</p>