7th Pay Commission pay matrix: Level 1 to 18 starting pay and old grade pay
The 7th CPC pay matrix has Levels 1 to 18. Starting basic pay runs from ₹18,000 (Level 1) to ₹2,50,000 (Level 18). Each level replaced an old grade pay (for example, Level 6 = GP ₹4,200; Level 7 = GP ₹4,600). Pay rises by 3% every year (the next cell in the column), and DA (60% now) is paid on top of basic pay.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | 1 to 18 (plus 13A) | 7th CPC pay rules 2016 |
| Minimum / maximum entry pay | ₹18,000 (Level 1) / ₹2,50,000 (Level 18) | 7th CPC |
| Annual increment | 3% of basic pay, rounded to the next ₹100 cell | CCS (RP) Rules 2016 |
| Increment dates | 1 January or 1 July | CCS (RP) Rules 2016 |
| DA on basic | 60% from 1 Jan 2026 | Ministry of Finance |
Level-wise starting pay
| Level | Old grade pay (6th CPC) | Starting basic pay | Basic + 60% DA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,800 | ₹18,000 | ₹28,800 |
| 2 | 1,900 | ₹19,900 | ₹31,840 |
| 3 | 2,000 | ₹21,700 | ₹34,720 |
| 4 | 2,400 | ₹25,500 | ₹40,800 |
| 5 | 2,800 | ₹29,200 | ₹46,720 |
| 6 | 4,200 | ₹35,400 | ₹56,640 |
| 7 | 4,600 | ₹44,900 | ₹71,840 |
| 8 | 4,800 | ₹47,600 | ₹76,160 |
| 9 | 5,400 (PB-2) | ₹53,100 | ₹84,960 |
| 10 | 5,400 (PB-3) | ₹56,100 | ₹89,760 |
| 11 | 6,600 | ₹67,700 | ₹1,08,320 |
| 12 | 7,600 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,26,080 |
| 13 | 8,700 | ₹1,23,100 | ₹1,96,960 |
| 13A | 8,900 | ₹1,31,100 | ₹2,09,760 |
| 14 | 10,000 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹2,30,720 |
| 15 | HAG | ₹1,82,200 | ₹2,91,520 |
| 16 | HAG+ | ₹2,05,400 | ₹3,28,640 |
| 17 | Apex | ₹2,25,000 | ₹3,60,000 |
| 18 | Cabinet Secretary | ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,00,000 |
Add HRA and transport allowance for gross salary — use the 7th Pay Commission salary calculator.
How increments work
- Each year you move one cell down your level’s column: basic pay rises by 3%, rounded to the nearest ₹100 in the matrix.
- Example, Level 1: ₹18,000 → ₹18,500 → ₹19,100 → ₹19,700 …
- On promotion, you get one notional increment in your current level and are placed in the next level at the equal or next higher cell.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary in Level 7?
Basic pay ₹44,900. With 60% DA it is ₹71,840, plus HRA (₹4,490 to ₹13,470 depending on city) and transport allowance.
Which grade pay is Level 6?
Level 6 corresponds to the old grade pay of ₹4,200.
How much is the annual increment?
3% of basic pay, given on 1 January or 1 July.
Will the pay matrix change in the 8th Pay Commission?
Yes. A new matrix will be made after the 8th CPC report, expected around May 2027. Current pay will be moved into it using the fitment factor.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- Department of Expenditure — 7th CPCPay rules and pay matrix
- Department of Personnel & TrainingPromotion and pay fixation orders
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