Central government employees and pensioners anticipate a salary hike with the 8th Pay Commission, expected to be effective from January 1, 2026. While the commission's recommendations will determine the exact pay revision, arrears will accumulate from the effective date even if formal approval and payment occur later, following past trends. The fitment factor, a key multiplier, will dictate the magnitude of salary and pension increases, with expectations high for a significant revision compared to previous commissions.