What CTC should I ask for?
Three numbers to take into the HR call: what to ask for, what you'd be happy with, and when to walk away. Each one is checked against what it really puts in your account every month.
The short answer
For most job switches in India, a hike of about 15% to 35% on your current CTC is common, more if you have other offers or skills in demand, less if you need a job soon. Ask near the top of your range, because HR almost always comes down, rarely up. And always check the take-home, because a CTC also holds variable pay, PF and gratuity that never reach your monthly account.
An example
Your current CTC is ₹18 lakh and it's a normal switch. Ask for ₹24.3 lakh (35%), be happy at ₹22.5 lakh (25%, about ₹22,000 more a month in hand), and walk away below ₹20.7 lakh (15%). If their budget is ₹23 lakh, it's above your happy number: push toward your ask, and settling near their budget is fine.
How it works
- Your current CTC, and your take-home if you have it (or let Offer X-Ray fill it in).
- How strong your position is: you need a job soon, a normal switch, or strong (other offers, skills in demand).
- Their budget, if you know it. You get the three numbers, why each one, what your ask is made of, and a line to copy for HR.
Planning your notice period too? Job Gap and Salary Negotiate work together: your gap numbers add the right extra asks, like a joining bonus to cover the months between salaries.
Questions people ask
Should I tell HR my current CTC?
Many companies ask for it, and your payslips will show it anyway. Share it, then move the talk to the role and what you're looking for: one clear number with the fixed pay you need.
What if they ask for my expected CTC first?
Give your ask number, not your walk-away number. It leaves room to settle at or above your happy number.
Why check take-home and not just CTC?
Two offers with the same CTC can differ by thousands a month in hand, depending on variable pay, PF, gratuity and insurance inside the CTC.
Official sources
The rules behind these numbers come from official government websites. Check them yourself any time:
- Income tax rules: incometax.gov.in (Income Tax Department)
- PF and pension: epfindia.gov.in (EPFO)
Job Shift Careers is an independent app by Cutting Chai Studio. It is not a government app and is not linked to any government or government body.