8CPC Office Memorandum: Engagement of Consultants on Contractual Basis
The Eighth Central Pay Commission (8CPC) has issued an office memorandum dated April 10, 2026, inviting applications for the engagement of Consultants on a contractual basis. The commission is tasked with recommending emolument structures for various categories of government officers, employees, and pensioners.
Engagement Categories and Eligibility
The following table outlines the three classifications for consultants based on experience and age as of April 1, 2026:
| Category | Relevant Experience | Upper Age Limit | Max Strength |
| Sr. Consultant | 10+ Years | 45 Years | 5 |
| Consultant | 6+ Years | 40 Years | 5 |
| Young Professional | 4+ Years | 32 Years | 10 |
Essential Qualifications:
- Education: Candidates must hold a Master’s/MBA in Finance, HR, or Industrial Relations, or an LL.B with relevant legal research or service matter experience.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel/spreadsheets and preparing presentations is mandatory for all categories.
- Preference: Given to those with experience in pay structures, compensation packages, or establishment matters.
Remuneration Structure
Consultants may be engaged on a full-time or part-time basis with fixed monthly fees:
| Category | Full-Time | Part-Time (12 days/month) | Part-Time (6 days/month) |
| Sr. Consultant | 1,80,000/- | 90,000/- | 45,000/- |
| Consultant | 1,20,000/- | 60,000/- | 30,000/- |
| Young Professional | 90,000/- | 45,000/- | 22,500/- |
- Taxes: Income tax and other applicable cesses will be deducted at source (TDS).
- Travel: While no TA/DA is provided for joining or interviews, domestic travel for official work is reimbursed based on Pay Level 10 (Young Professionals) or Level 11 (Consultants/Sr. Consultants) entitlements.
Key Conditions of Engagement
- Tenure: Initially for one year or the tenure of the Commission, whichever is less. Extensions are performance-based.
- Scope of Work: Includes analyzing pay structures, reviewing existing emoluments, legal research, data collation from ministries, and estimating fiscal impacts.
- Leave: Full-time consultants are eligible for 8 days of leave per year, accrued on a pro-rata basis.
- Confidentiality: Consultants are bound by the Indian Official Secret Act, 1923. They are strictly prohibited from sharing any data on public domains, AI tools, or social media.
- Termination: Consultants must provide 15 days’ notice to resign. The Commission reserves the right to terminate services at any time without notice or assigned reason.
Application Process
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online via the NIC Forms link
