The 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) announcement has generated excitement among Defence personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). These uniformed forces play a vital role in safeguarding national security and maintaining law and order across India.
While the 7th Pay Commission brought structural changes, several issues like salary parity, allowances, and pension reforms remained unresolved. The 8th CPC is expected to address these concerns, ensuring better compensation and recognition for those who serve the nation.
Table of Contents
Overview of Defence Personnel and CAPF under Pay Commissions
Defence Personnel Pay Structure
Defence salaries are structured differently from civilian employees. Apart from the basic pay and grade pay, they receive Military Service Pay (MSP), field allowances, and risk/hardship benefits.
CAPF Salary Structure and Parity Issues
CAPF personnel have been strongly demanding equal risk and hardship allowances with Defence forces, citing their consistent frontline role in counter-insurgency, border security, and internal operations. This demand is based on parity for dangerous postings and operational hazards faced by both CAPF and armed forces in areas like J&K, Northeast, and insurgency
Key Recommendations Expected from the 8th Pay Commission
Salary Hike and Pay Matrix Revisions
The 8th CPC may recommend a 20–30% salary hike for Defence and CAPF personnel, adjusting pay scales to inflation and economic realities.
Improved Allowances for Defence & CAPF
Allowances like Field Area Allowance, Risk Allowance, and HRA are expected to be revised to reflect the rising cost of living and deployment hardships.
Pension Revisions for Ex-Servicemen
The One Rank One Pension (OROP) issue for Defence is already under partial implementation. The 8th CPC may revise pension fixation formulas for both Defence and CAPF retirees.
The One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for Defence personnel is currently under partial implementation, with OROP-I and OROP-II arrears and revised pensions paid to nearly 25 lakh ex-servicemen as of 2025. The latest revision under OROP-III has also started disbursing arrears and updating pension amounts. However, OROP is not applicable to CAPF retirees, who continue to demand parity with Defence veterans due to their similar service conditions and risks.
OROP Status for Defence Personnel
- Revised pensions and arrears have been paid for OROP-I and OROP-II.
- OROP-III updates began in 2024–2025, with arrears payments totalling nearly ₹16,925 crore by March 2024.
Eligible beneficiaries: Around 25 lakh armed forces pensioners and families.
Revision formula: Pension for each rank is now the average of minimum and maximum rates of pension for live data of 2023 retirees with similar length of service.
CAPF OROP Demand and 8th CPC
- CAPF personnel and unions have repeatedly asked for OROP parity, citing their harsh deployments and operational sacrifices.
So far, no OROP scheme for CAPF retirees has been implemented, though the demand was officially recommended by several CAPF DGs and raised in Parliament.
Experts expect the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) (due 2026) to review and possibly update pension fixation formulas for both Defence and CAPF, potentially offering:
- Higher minimum pensions: Projected to rise from ₹9,000 (7th CPC) to ₹20,500–₹25,000, depending on fitment factor and pay scale.
Updated pension calculation: Likely to be based on live data and standardized matrix across ranks and services, bringing more parity between past and future retirees.
Periodic pension revisions: Ideally every five years to ensure fairness for all pensioners, aligning with OROP’s principles.
Special Demands of Defence Personnel
Risk and Hardship Allowances
Defence personnel are demanding higher hardship allowances for those posted in border areas, high-altitude regions, and conflict zones.
Better Housing and HRA Revisions
With rising rental costs in cities, the House Rent Allowance (HRA) slabs are expected to be revised. More Defence housing schemes may also be proposed.
Military Service Pay (MSP) Upgrades
Military Service Pay (MSP) was last revised by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC): officers (up to Brigadier) receive ₹15,500/month, and JCOs/jawans receive ₹5,200/month. Defence associations and veteran groups have demanded a substantial increase—most notably, JCOs have consistently advocated for MSP to be raised to ₹10,000 or more, arguing for parity with officers, while public sources report demands for “equal MSP” (₹15,500) for all ranks, including jawans and JCOs. Some recent demands highlight ₹10,400–₹15,500/month for JCOs/jawans in the coming 8th CPC review
CAPF-Specific Benefits Under 8th CPC
Parity with Defence Forces in Allowances
CAPF personnel seek equal risk allowances with Defence forces, considering their frontline role in internal security.
Demands for One Rank One Pension (OROP) in CAPF
Unlike Defence, CAPF does not enjoy OROP. Associations are lobbying for similar pension benefits to ensure fairness.
Medical Facilities and CGHS Coverage
CAPF veterans and families often struggle with healthcare access. The extension of CGHS cashless treatment is among the key demands.
Impact on Ex-Servicemen and Retired CAPF Personnel
Pension Fixation Formula
Check our Expected 8th CPC PENSION CALCULATOR.
The 8th CPC is expected to recommend a simpler pension fixation formula that links pensions to the last drawn pay with automatic inflation adjustments.
Dearness Relief and Family Pension Benefits
Both Defence and CAPF pensioners may see higher Dearness Relief (DR) rates and improved family pension benefits for dependents.
Challenges in Implementing Defence and CAPF Benefits
Budgetary Constraints
Pay Commission recommendations significantly impact the Union Budget, especially Defence allocations. Balancing welfare with fiscal responsibility will be a challenge.
Balancing Defence, CAPF, and Civil Employee Demands
The government must ensure fairness across all sectors while addressing the unique risks faced by uniformed services.
Comparison: 7th Pay Commission vs Expected 8th CPC
Salary Growth Trends
The 7th CPC brought a 14–20% hike for Defence personnel. The 8th CPC is expected to exceed this with inflation-adjusted increments.
Allowance Enhancements
Unlike the 7th CPC, which faced criticism for inadequate risk allowance revisions, the 8th CPC is expected to prioritize field hardship allowances.
Timeline for 8th Pay Commission Implementation
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be set up by 2024–25, with recommendations submitted by 2026. Implementation may start from January 1, 2026, in line with previous cycles.Check the expected date for 8th CPC Commission set up here.
Expert Opinions and Reactions from Defence Associations
Defence associations and CAPF unions have welcomed the government’s move but stress that parity, risk allowances, and pensions must be prioritized. Experts believe that a fair pay structure will boost morale and retention in uniformed services.
Key Points Stressed by Associations
- Parity in Pay and Allowances: Both defence and CAPF associations are urging the government to eliminate longstanding disparities between the armed forces and paramilitary services. This includes risk allowances for frontline duty, service pay (MSP/PMSP), and other benefits so that similar roles attract similar compensation.
- Defence experts agree that a fair and transparent pay structure—with standardized risk allowances and pension benefits across services—is essential to:
- Boost morale and pride among personnel
- Prevent attrition and encourage long-term commitment in uniformed roles
- Ensure operational effectiveness and preparedness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Will Defence personnel get a salary hike under the 8th CPC?
Yes, Defence salaries are expected to rise by 20–30%.
Q2. Will Military Service Pay (MSP) be revised?
Yes, MSP for officers, JCOs, and jawans is expected to see a significant revision.
Q3. What benefits will CAPF personnel get?
Parity in allowances, better medical coverage, and possibly OROP-like pension reforms.
Q4. Will CAPF also get One Rank One Pension (OROP)?
Currently, OROP applies only to Defence. CAPF associations are pushing for inclusion.
Q5. What healthcare benefits are expected?
Expansion of CGHS cashless treatment for both Defence and CAPF families.
Q6. When will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented?
Likely from January 1, 2026, after report submission.
Conclusion: A Boost for India’s Uniformed Forces
The 8th Pay Commission promises major benefits for Defence personnel and CAPF, with higher salaries, better allowances, and improved pensions on the horizon. By addressing long-pending demands like parity in allowances, MSP revisions, and healthcare coverage, the commission could mark a turning point for India’s uniformed services.
These reforms won’t just strengthen financial security—they’ll also boost morale, retention, and operational efficiency in the forces safeguarding the nation.