Several anomaly related to your pay or pension may be there. Now, you have the opportunity to bring it to the right forum. The formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission has opened a historic opportunity for India’s Ex-Servicemen community to directly present long-pending pay, pension, and welfare issues before the commission. For the first time, individual Jawans, JCOs, veterans’ associations, and retired defence personnel have been invited to submit their own representations online without depending on higher authorities or departmental forwarding.
This is not just another administrative process — it is a rare chance for veterans to seek justice for anomalies that have remained unresolved from the 5th CPC, 6th CPC, and 7th CPC eras.
The last date to submit representations is 31 May 2026, and no postal submissions are being accepted.
Historic Opportunity for Ex-Servicemen
According to veteran representatives who recently interacted with the 8th CPC during meetings in Hyderabad and Dehradun, the commission has shown a positive attitude toward the concerns of Ex-Servicemen. Officials reportedly sought detailed justifications regarding long-standing anomalies affecting Jawans, JCOs, Honorary Commissioned Officers, and defence pensioners.
This is being described as the first time in the history of the Ex-Servicemen movement that retired soldiers and veterans’ associations are being allowed to directly communicate with the Pay Commission without the involvement of higher officers.
Veterans are being encouraged to wake up the community and ensure that every literate Ex-Serviceman submits his representation before the deadline.
Important Instructions for Submission
Key Points to Remember
- Last Date: 31 May 2026
- Mode of Submission: Online only
- Postal representations are NOT accepted
- Each individual or association can submit only once
- Ex-Servicemen fall under:
- Ministry of Defence
- Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Applicants must first register themselves on the official 8th CPC portal either as:
- An Individual
- An Association/Society
After registration, applicants can:
- Fill in the required details
- Select relevant issues
- Provide justifications
- Upload a PDF memorandum (optional, max 2 MB)
- Submit the representation
After successful submission, a Token Number is generated as confirmation.
How to Submit Representation to 8th CPC
Step-by-Step Process
1. Register on the 8th CPC Website
Create your profile using basic details as:
- Individual Veteran
- Ex-Servicemen Association
2. Select Relevant Issues
Read all the questions carefully and tick the points related to defence personnel and pensioners.
3. Write Your Concerns
In the text box, briefly explain your issues.
You may also write:
“Detailed memorandum is attached”
if you plan to upload a PDF file.
4. Upload Supporting PDF (Optional)
Veterans may upload a memorandum in PDF format up to 2 MB.
Uploading a file is optional but recommended for detailed submissions.
5. Submit and Save Token Number
Once submitted, save the generated token/reference number for future record.
Major Issues Ex-Servicemen Want 8th CPC to Resolve
Veterans across India are urging maximum participation so that the Pay Commission receives large-scale representations regarding defence pay and pension anomalies.
Below are some of the major demands being highlighted:
1. Equal MSP for All Combatant Soldiers Including Officers
Ex-Servicemen are demanding parity in Military Service Pay (MSP) for all combatant soldiers and officers considering the risks and hardships faced during military service.
2. Starting Pay Level Should Be Level-5
Many veterans believe that the current pay structure does not adequately reflect the qualification, training, and operational responsibilities of soldiers.
Hence, the demand is:
- Minimum starting pay should begin from Pay Level-5
3. Equal Group X Pay for All Diploma Holders
One major grievance concerns unequal treatment of diploma-qualified personnel based on retirement dates.
Veterans are demanding:
- Equal Group X Pay for all diploma holders irrespective of retirement year.
4. Merger of ECHS with CGHS
Many retired defence personnel are asking for:
- Integration or merger of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
The objective is to improve healthcare accessibility and remove disparities.
Relevant schemes include:
- Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
- Central Government Health Scheme
5. Enhanced Family Pension Till 67 Years
A major issue concerns soldiers retiring at relatively young ages between 32–39 years.
Veterans are demanding:
- Enhanced Rate of Family Pension up to 67 years of age
- Removal of the current 7-year cap
6. Pension Based on Maximum Pay Level
Another major representation seeks:
- Pension fixation based on maximum pay level
- Instead of “last pay drawn”
Veterans argue this would bring fairness and parity across batches.
7. Upgradation of Trades into Diploma Categories
Several defence trades are seeking recognition as diploma-qualified categories, including:
- Medical Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Meteorological Assistants
- AFSO
- ADSO
- Army Clerks
This upgradation could impact:
- Pay structure
- Group classification
- Pension benefits
8. Correction of Qualification Criteria in 7th CPC
Veterans argue that many current entries are made with:
- 10+2 qualification
- Diploma qualification
- 1-year BSc qualification with minimum 50%
However, outdated classifications from decades ago still reflect lower qualification standards such as 8th or 10th pass.
The demand is to correct these anomalies officially in the 8th CPC.
9. Restoration of Honorary Commission Rank Dignity
A significant demand concerns Honorary Commissioned Officers.
Veterans want:
- Restoration of earlier second-rank officer status
- Honorary ranks equivalent to:
- Flight Lieutenant (IAF)
- Captain (Army)
instead of lower beginning ranks like:
- Flying Officer
- Lieutenant
10. JCO Pay Above Captain/Flt Lt Rank
Veterans argue that before the 5th CPC:
- JCO pay scales were above Captain/Flight Lieutenant ranks
They seek restoration of this parity.
11. Time-Scale Promotions for Jawans and JCOs
Another major recommendation includes:
- Time-scale promotions for Jawans and JCOs
- Similar career progression opportunities as officers
12. Honorary Ranks in IAF at Par with Army
Ex-Servicemen from the Indian Air Force are demanding:
- Honorary ranks with benefits equal to Army personnel
Related service branch:
- Indian Air Force
OROP and Its Original Purpose
One of the most important issues being raised is the implementation of OROP (One Rank One Pension) in its true spirit.
One Rank One Pension
Veterans point out that:
- During the 3rd CPC, pension for Jawans and JCOs was reduced from 75% to 50%
- Officers and civilians were not similarly affected
- Civilian pension reportedly increased from 30% to 50%
Therefore, many veterans believe OROP was originally intended to compensate Jawans and JCOs for this historic pension reduction.
“Do Not Depend Entirely on Officers”
A strong message emerging from veterans’ groups is that Ex-Servicemen themselves must actively participate instead of waiting for officers or associations alone to raise these issues.
Veterans have emphasized:
- Officers have their own concerns such as NFU-related matters
- Jawans and JCOs must independently submit their own memorandums
The sentiment is clear:
“It is our Pay and our Pension.”
Why This Submission Matters
Veterans are reminding the community that many elderly Ex-Servicemen may not live to witness the 9th CPC.
This makes the 8th CPC especially important for:
- Future generations of soldiers
- Dignity of retired defence personnel
- Resolution of decades-old anomalies
Even a simple representation written in straightforward language can contribute toward strengthening the collective voice of the Ex-Servicemen community.
Final Appeal to Veterans
The 8th CPC process represents a rare and powerful opportunity for Jawans, JCOs, and Ex-Servicemen associations to directly engage with policymakers.
Veterans are being urged to:
- Submit representations before 31 May 2026
- Encourage fellow soldiers and retirees
- Highlight unresolved anomalies
- Upload supporting memorandums if possible
The collective participation of the veteran community may play a major role in shaping future defence pay and pension reforms in India.
Disclaimer
Final decisions regarding pay, pension, MSP, OROP, and related matters will depend on recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission and approval by the Government of India.