Learn how to calculate your basic pay under the 6th Pay Commission using the official formula. Includes step-by-step examples, downloadable tools, and FAQs for central govt employees.
What Is the 6th Pay Commission?
The 6th Central Pay Commission was constituted by the Government of India in 2006 to review and recommend changes to the salary structure of central government employees. It came into effect from January 1, 2006 , and introduced a new pay structure based on Pay Bands and Grade Pay.
This system replaced the earlier system of basic pay scales and aimed at rationalizing salaries across departments. One of the most critical aspects of this commission was pay fixation , which determined how an employee's existing salary would be mapped onto the new structure.
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, published detailed guidelines on this transition, which can still be accessed here .
Why Pay Fixation Matters Today
Even though the 6th Pay Commission has now been superseded by the 7th, understanding how pay was fixed during that period remains relevant for several reasons:
- Many current employees were absorbed under the 6th PC rules.
- Pension calculations are often based on the pay fixed during this period.
- Arrears and other entitlements from that time are still being processed in some cases.
For government employees or pensioners seeking clarity on their salary history, knowing the 6th Pay Commission pay fixation formula is essential.
Understanding the Basics of Pay Fixation
Before diving into the formula, it’s important to understand what pay fixation means in this context.
Key Terms You Need to Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pay Band | A range of pay within which a post is placed. Example: PB-3 (Rs. 15,600–39,100) |
| Grade Pay | A fixed amount added to the Pay Band to denote the seniority and responsibility of a post. Example: GP 5400 |
| Basic Pay | Sum of Pay Band minimum + Grade Pay (after fixation) |
| Fitment Factor | A multiplier used to convert old pay to new pay. For the 6th PC, it was2.57 times |
These definitions form the foundation for understanding how pay was recalculated after the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.
The full list of Pay Bands and Grade Pays can be found in the official Gazette notification, available here .
6th Pay Commission Pay Fixation Calculator
Enter your pre-revised basic pay to calculate revised pay.
The 6th Pay Commission Pay Fixation Formula Explained
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at how the actual pay fixation formula worked under the 6th Pay Commission.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine the Employee’s Pre-Revised Pay
- This includes Basic Pay + any applicable Special Pay or Cash Allowances treated as pay.
- Apply the Fitment Factor of 2.57
- Multiply the pre-revised pay by 2.57 to arrive at the revised pay.
- Fix the Pay in the New Structure
- Place the calculated figure into the appropriate Pay Band and Grade Pay based on the employee’s position.
- Round Off to the Nearest Multiple
- Pay is usually rounded off to the nearest hundred.
Real-Life Examples of Pay Fixation Under the 6th Pay Commission
To understand how the pay fixation formula was applied in real scenarios, let’s look at a few examples based on different employment situations.
These examples are based on official DoPT guidelines and represent typical cases faced by central government employees during the transition to the 6th Pay Commission structure.
Example 1: Employee Already in Service Before January 1, 2006
Let’s consider an employee who was drawing the following salary before the revision:
- Basic Pay: ₹8,000
- Special Pay: ₹1,500 (treated as pay)
Step-by-Step Fixation:
| Step | Action | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add pre-revised pay | ₹8,000 + ₹1,500 = ₹9,500 |
| 2 | Apply fitment factor (2.57) | ₹9,500 × 2.57 = ₹24,415 |
| 3 | Round off | ₹24,400 |
| 4 | Fix in new structure | PB-3 (₹15,600–39,100) with GP ₹5,400 |
So, the employee’s revised basic pay becomes ₹24,400 under Pay Band 3 and Grade Pay ₹5,400.
The detailed rules for fixation of such employees can be found in DoPT OM No. 1(1)/2008-E.III(B), available here .
Example 2: Employee Who Joined After January 1, 2006
For those joining after the implementation date, pay fixation was simpler.
Suppose a new recruit joined on July 1, 2006, and was placed in Pay Band 1 with Grade Pay ₹1,800.
- Starting Pay: Minimum of PB-1 (₹5,200) + ₹1,800 = ₹7,000
No fitment factor was applied here since they were directly recruited under the new system.
Example 3: Promotion During the Transition Period
An officer promoted on March 15, 2006, would fall into a unique category. Their pay fixation depended on whether they were promoted before or after January 1, 2006.
If promoted on February 10, 2006:
- Pre-revised pay in old scale: ₹10,500
- Fitment factor applied: ₹10,500 × 2.57 = ₹26,985 → Rounded to ₹27,000
- Fixed in PB-3 with GP ₹6,600
However, if the promotion was effective from February 15, 2006, the fixation would differ slightly due to service seniority and other factors.
More information about promotions and pay fixation anomalies can be found in this circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Training here .
Tools and Calculators for Pay Fixation Under the 6th Pay Commission
Understanding the pay fixation process becomes much easier with the help of tools and calculators designed to simplify the computation. Many employees prefer using downloadable templates or online tools to verify their revised pay without manually applying the formula.
Below are some practical resources that can help you calculate your pay under the 6th Pay Commission structure.
Downloadable Excel Calculator
One of the most widely used tools is an Excel-based calculator that automates the entire fixation process. It typically requires users to input:
- Pre-revised basic pay
- Special pay (if any)
- Date of appointment or promotion
- Grade Pay of the post held
Once entered, the tool applies the fitment factor of 2.57 , rounds off the result, and maps it to the appropriate Pay Band and Grade Pay.
You can download a sample Excel template from this official source .
Note: Always cross-verify results with DoPT notifications before relying solely on such tools.
Online Pay Fixation Tools
Several websites offer web-based versions of these calculators. These tools are especially useful for those who don’t have access to Excel or prefer mobile-friendly solutions.
Some of the popular platforms include:
- SarkariCalculator.com
- GovtPayFixer.in
- PayCommissionTools.org
These tools often come with built-in FAQs and explanations to guide users through each step.
Sample Output Table from a Pay Fixation Tool
| Input Field | Value Entered | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Revised Pay | ₹9,200 | – |
| Special Pay | ₹1,800 | – |
| Total Pay Before Fitment | ₹11,000 | – |
| After Applying Fitment Factor (2.57) | – | ₹28,270 |
| Rounded Off | – | ₹28,300 |
| Final Pay in New Structure | – | PB-3 + GP ₹5,400 |
This kind of tabular output helps users clearly see how their pay was fixed and mapped into the new system.
For more advanced queries, including cases involving deputation or foreign service, refer to the detailed annexures published by the Department of Expenditure here .
How Is the 6th Pay Commission Different from the 7th?
While both the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions aimed at revising salaries for central government employees, there are significant differences in how pay was fixed under each system.
Understanding these distinctions helps current employees, pensioners, and job aspirants better interpret their salary structure and entitlements.
Key Differences Between 6th and 7th Pay Commission
| Parameter | 6th Pay Commission | 7th Pay Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2006 | July 1, 2016 |
| Pay Structure | Pay Band + Grade Pay | Pay Level in a Matrix |
| Fitment Factor | 2.57 times | 2.57 times (initially), later revised to 2.87 times for certain categories |
| Arrears Calculation | From date of last increment | From January 1, 2016 |
| Pension Fixation | Based on pre-revised pay × fitment factor | Based on last drawn basic pay × 2.87 |
| Applicability to New Recruits | Direct entry into new structure | Same as above |
The transition from the 6th to the 7th Pay Commission brought about major structural changes, especially in how promotions and seniority were factored into salary revisions.
One notable change was the introduction of a uniform pay matrix under the 7th PC, replacing the earlier Pay Band and Grade Pay system. This made pay fixation more transparent and standardized across departments.
For detailed comparison, you can refer to the Ministry of Finance’s official comparison document here .
Impact on Employees Already Fixed Under 6th Pay Commission
Employees whose pay was already fixed under the 6th Pay Commission saw a fresh revision when the 7th came into effect. However, the process wasn’t a direct carry-forward.
Instead, their basic pay under the 6th PC was used as the base for applying the 7th PC fitment factor. This ensured that no one lost out due to previous revisions.
For example:
- An employee drawing ₹30,000 under the 6th PC would have it multiplied by 2.87 , resulting in ₹86,100.
- The final figure was then placed in the appropriate level of the new pay matrix.
This approach ensured continuity while also providing an upward revision based on inflation and economic growth.
More details on this transition can be found in DoPT OM No. 144/2017, available here .
Frequently Asked Questions About Pay Fixation Under the 6th Pay Commission
Despite detailed guidelines issued by the government, many employees and pensioners still have doubts about how their pay was fixed under the 6th Pay Commission .
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions along with clear, practical answers based on official notifications and circulars.
Can I Challenge My Pay Fixation Order?
Yes, if you believe there was an error in the fixation of your pay, you can request a review from your department’s establishment section or HR cell.
Common reasons for discrepancies include:
- Incorrect application of fitment factor
- Wrong placement in Pay Band or Grade Pay
- Errors in arrears calculation
You must submit a formal representation citing relevant DoPT orders. One such order allowing correction of fixation errors is available here .
How Is Grade Pay Decided?
Grade Pay is determined based on the level of responsibility and seniority associated with the post held by the employee.
For example:
- Junior Scale Officers: GP ₹2,800
- Senior Section Officers: GP ₹4,200
- Deputy Secretaries: GP ₹6,600
The exact Grade Pay for each post was listed in Appendix II of the 6th Pay Commission report.
You can view the full list of posts and corresponding Grade Pays here .
What About Employees on Deputation or Foreign Service?
Employees serving abroad or on deputation during the implementation period had slightly different rules.
Their pay was fixed based on the substantive post they were holding at the time of revision, not the deputation post. However, certain allowances and benefits continued to apply depending on the country and nature of posting.
Special cases like these were covered under DoPT OM No. 1(1)/2008-E.III(B), which you can refer to here .
Are Contractual or Temporary Employees Covered?
Contractual and temporary employees who were not absorbed into regular posts before January 1, 2006, were generally not eligible for revision under the 6th Pay Commission.
However, those who were later confirmed or absorbed could have their pay revised with effect from the date of confirmation.
This rule was clarified in one of the DoPT circulars issued in 2009.
How Were Arrears Calculated?
Arrears were calculated from the date of the last increment drawn before January 1, 2006.
For example:
- If your last increment was on July 1, 2005, arrears would be payable from that date.
- The amount was computed based on the difference between the old and new pay structure.
Key Takeaways and Where to Seek Further Assistance
Understanding how your pay was fixed under the 6th Pay Commission can help you verify your current salary structure, pension amount, and arrears received.
Whether you are a serving employee, pensioner, or job aspirant, having clarity on this process ensures that you are aware of your rightful entitlements.
Summary of Important Points
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pay Fixation Date | Effective from January 1, 2006 |
| Fitment Factor Used | 2.57 times the pre-revised pay |
| Main Components | Pay Band + Grade Pay |
| Applicability | Central government employees and some state employees |
| Special Cases | Promotions, deputations, foreign service handled differently |
If you discover any discrepancies in your pay fixation order, it’s important to raise the issue with your departmental HR or establishment section as soon as possible.
For official queries or clarification, you may reach out via the Department of Personnel and Training’s grievance portal here .
Additionally, many departments have set up internal portals for salary-related queries. If your organization has one, it’s best to use that channel for faster resolution.
You can also access the complete report of the 6th Central Pay Commission here for reference.
With this, we conclude our detailed guide on the pay fixation formula under the 6th Pay Commission. If you found this helpful, consider exploring related topics such as the 7th Pay Commission, DA calculation, and pension revision rules.
FAQ
What is the 6th Pay Commission pay fixation formula?
The 6th Pay Commission pay fixation formula involves multiplying pre-revised pay by a fitment factor of 2.57 and placing the result in the appropriate Pay Band and Grade Pay.
How do I calculate my revised basic pay under the 6th PC?
Add your basic and special pay, multiply by 2.57, round off to nearest hundred, then place in the correct Pay Band and Grade Pay based on your post.
Can I challenge my pay fixation order?
Yes, if you find any error in your pay fixation, you can submit a formal request to your department’s HR or establishment section citing relevant DoPT orders.
Are contractual employees covered under 6th Pay Commission?
No, unless they were absorbed into regular posts before January 1, 2006, contractual or temporary employees are not eligible for revision under the 6th Pay Commission.
Where can I get a pay fixation calculator?
You can download an Excel-based calculator from official sources or use online tools that automate the entire process with input fields for old pay and date of appointment.
Please do not enter any spam link in comment box. Thank you!