New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- Every 10 years, the Centre reviews pay scales, retirement benefits and other service conditions for its employees, a process with significant implications for the government's personnel costs.

In October, the government finalized the terms of reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), which has been given 18 months to submit its recommendations. While the report is due sometime in 2027, the recommended pay scales are expected to be effective from 1 January 2026.

Here is a look at the previous CPCs' recommendations and their impact on the government's fiscal situation.

Mounting spend, melting share

The CPC determines the fitment factor, which is arrived at by calculating the minimum pay required for a fam...