Salary guide for India

CTC vs in-hand

CTC includes employer PF, gratuity and variable pay. In-hand is typically 70-80% of CTC for salaried roles.

Fixed vs variable

Ask what percentage is variable and how it has actually paid out in the last two cycles.

Government pay levels

Central roles quote a Pay Matrix level plus DA, HRA and TA — the gross is well above the basic pay shown in a notification.

City weighting

HRA and allowances differ by city classification, so the same level pays differently in Delhi and a Tier-3 posting.

Notice and joining

Confirm notice period, buy-out policy and joining bonus in writing before resigning.