The 7th Pay Commission pay matrix marked a fundamental reform in how salaries of government employees in India are structured and administered. By replacing the earlier system of multiple pay bands and grade pay, the pay matrix introduced a single, transparent framework that clearly shows salary progression over time.
This article serves as a complete reference and usage guide for the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix for Grade Pay 1800 to 2800, covering Levels 1 to 5 under Pay Band-1 (₹5200 to ₹20200). It explains the structure, preserves the full official table, and helps employees understand how to read and apply it correctly.
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What Is the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix?
The pay matrix is a single consolidated table that shows:
- Pay levels (replacing grade pay)
- Annual increment stages within each level
- Clear salary progression without overlapping pay bands
Each employee is placed at a specific level and stage. Annual increments move the employee horizontally to the next stage, while promotions move them vertically to a higher level.
Understanding Grade Pay and Pay Band (Pre-7th CPC Context)
Before the 7th Pay Commission:
- Grade Pay was a fixed amount added to basic pay
- Pay Band-1 (PB-1) ranged from ₹5200 to ₹20200
Under the 7th Pay Commission, grade pay values of ₹1800 to ₹2800 were merged into Levels 1 to 5, eliminating complexity and ambiguity in pay fixation.
7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix: Grade Pay 1800 to 2800
Level Mapping Overview
- Level 1 – Grade Pay ₹1800 – Starting Pay ₹18,000
- Level 2 – Grade Pay ₹1900 – Starting Pay ₹19,900
- Level 3 – Grade Pay ₹2000 – Starting Pay ₹21,700
- Level 4 – Grade Pay ₹2400 – Starting Pay ₹25,500
- Level 5 – Grade Pay ₹2800 – Starting Pay ₹29,200
Complete Pay Matrix Table (Level 1 to Level 5 – PB-1)
The table below shows the complete salary progression for Grade Pay 1800 to 2800. This is the core reference section and should be read row-wise for annual increments.
| Stage | Level 1 (GP 1800) |
Level 2 (GP 1900) |
Level 3 (GP 2000) |
Level 4 (GP 2400) |
Level 5 (GP 2800) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ₹18000 | ₹19900 | ₹21700 | ₹25500 | ₹29200 |
| 2 | ₹18500 | ₹20500 | ₹22400 | ₹26300 | ₹30100 |
| 3 | ₹19100 | ₹21100 | ₹23100 | ₹27100 | ₹31000 |
| 4 | ₹19700 | ₹21700 | ₹23800 | ₹27900 | ₹31900 |
| 5 | ₹20300 | ₹22400 | ₹24500 | ₹28700 | ₹32900 |
| 6 | ₹20900 | ₹23100 | ₹25200 | ₹29600 | ₹33900 |
| 7 | ₹21500 | ₹23800 | ₹26000 | ₹30500 | ₹34900 |
| 8 | ₹22100 | ₹24500 | ₹26800 | ₹31400 | ₹35900 |
| 9 | ₹22800 | ₹25200 | ₹27600 | ₹32300 | ₹37000 |
| 10 | ₹23500 | ₹26000 | ₹28400 | ₹33300 | ₹38100 |
| 11 | ₹24200 | ₹26800 | ₹29300 | ₹34300 | ₹39200 |
| 12 | ₹24900 | ₹27600 | ₹30200 | ₹35300 | ₹40400 |
| 13 | ₹25600 | ₹28400 | ₹31100 | ₹36400 | ₹41600 |
| 14 | ₹26400 | ₹29300 | ₹32000 | ₹37500 | ₹42800 |
| 15 | ₹27200 | ₹30200 | ₹33000 | ₹38600 | ₹44100 |
| 16 | ₹28000 | ₹31100 | ₹34000 | ₹39800 | ₹45400 |
| 17 | ₹28800 | ₹32000 | ₹35000 | ₹41000 | ₹46800 |
| 18 | ₹29700 | ₹33000 | ₹36100 | ₹42200 | ₹48200 |
| 19 | ₹30600 | ₹34000 | ₹37200 | ₹43500 | ₹49600 |
| 20 | ₹31500 | ₹35000 | ₹38300 | ₹44800 | ₹51100 |
How to Read and Use the Pay Matrix Correctly
- Identify your level based on grade pay or appointment order
- Find your stage (usually Stage 1 for new entrants)
- Annual increment moves one stage to the right
- Promotion moves to a higher level, fixed using pay-fixation rules
The matrix shows basic pay only. Allowances such as DA, HRA, and TA are added separately.
Other 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Levels
- Level 6 to 9 – PB-2 (Grade Pay 4200 to 5400)
- Level 10 to 12 – PB-3
- Level 13 to 14 – PB-4
- Level 15 to 18 – HAG Scales
Benefits of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix
Simplified Structure
A single table removes ambiguity and confusion.
Transparent Progression
Employees can see salary growth clearly over their career.
Uniform Implementation
The matrix ensures consistency across departments.
Official Reference
For official notifications and pay matrix documents, refer to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the pay matrix include DA and HRA?
No. The pay matrix shows only basic pay. DA, HRA, and other allowances are calculated separately.
How often does salary increase in the pay matrix?
Salary increases annually by moving to the next stage within the same level.
Is this table applicable to state government employees?
This pay matrix applies to Central Government employees. State governments adopt it separately.