As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues its crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s skies, the anticipation among its personnel grows with the formation of the 8th Pay Commission. Much like other central government employees, IAF members eagerly await an increase in their basic pay and allowances. Experts suggest the upcoming pay revision could see a fitment factor between 1.92 and 2.28, promising substantial boosts in monthly income.
Understanding the Current Pay Structure
The Indian Air Force’s ranks range from Junior Warrant Officers (JWO) to Air Commodores, each with defined pay levels under the 7th Pay Commission. Here’s a quick overview:
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs):
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Junior Warrant Officer (Level 6): ₹35,400 – ₹94,100
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Warrant Officer (Level 7): ₹44,900 – ₹94,100
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Master Warrant Officer (Level 8): ₹47,600 – ₹94,100
Commissioned Officers:
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Flying Officer (Level 10): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
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Flight Lieutenant (Level 10B): ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
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Squadron Leader (Level 11): ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
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Wing Commander (Level 12A): ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
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Group Captain (Level 13): ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
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Air Commodore (Level 13A): ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600
What Could the 8th Pay Commission Bring?
Though the 8th Pay Commission report is yet to be finalized, estimates hint at a fitment factor possibly ranging from 1.92 up to 2.86. For context, the 7th Pay Commission’s fitment factor was fixed at 2.57. The new commission’s recommendations are expected to come into effect from January 1, 2026, with arrears to be paid thereafter.
Salary Projections Across Ranks: Fitment Factors from 1.92 to 2.28
To provide a clearer picture, here are sample revised basic pay estimates for key ranks using fitment factors from 1.92 to 2.28:
Junior Warrant Officer (Current Basic Pay ₹35,400)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹67,968
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹70,800
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹80,712
Warrant Officer (Current Basic Pay ₹44,900)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹86,208
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹89,800
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹1,02,372
Master Warrant Officer (Current Basic Pay ₹47,600)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹91,392
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹95,200
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹1,08,528
Flying Officer (Current Basic Pay ₹56,100)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹1,07,712
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹1,12,200
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹1,27,908
Flight Lieutenant (Current Basic Pay ₹61,300)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹1,17,696
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹1,22,600
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹1,39,764
Squadron Leader (Current Basic Pay ₹69,400)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹1,33,248
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹1,38,800
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹1,58,232
Wing Commander (Current Basic Pay ₹1,21,200)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹2,32,704
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹2,42,400
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹2,76,336
Group Captain (Current Basic Pay ₹1,30,600)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹2,50,752
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹2,61,200
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹2,97,768
Air Commodore (Current Basic Pay ₹1,39,600)
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At 1.92 fitment: ₹2,68,032
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At 2.00 fitment: ₹2,79,200
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At 2.28 fitment: ₹3,18,288
Beyond Basic Pay: Allowances and Benefits
The 8th Pay Commission is expected not only to enhance basic salaries but also to revise various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), Military Service Pay, and others, further improving the financial outlook for IAF personnel.
What Lies Ahead?
While the final fitment factor and exact hike figures await official notification, the current estimates highlight a promising salary revision for Air Force employees. With the 7th Pay Commission’s tenure ending on December 31, 2025, the 8th Pay Commission’s timely rollout will ensure the deserving pay raise is reflected from the start of 2026.
For IAF personnel, this revision symbolizes more than just numbers—it’s recognition of their unwavering commitment and service to the nation’s security.