Last updated: 31 October 2026
Most people in India negotiate once, at the offer stage, and then live with that number for years, because every future hike is a percentage of it. A few minutes of preparation here is worth more than most appraisals.
Step 1: Know your number
- Check what your target role pays at that company on Weekday's company salary pages.
- Know your in-hand, not just CTC. Use our in-hand guides, e.g. 12 LPA, 16 LPA and 25 LPA.
- Decide three numbers: your ask, your target, and your walk-away.
Step 2: Handle "current CTC" and "expected CTC"
Indian recruiters almost always ask both. Be honest about current CTC (it's often verified with payslips), and anchor expected CTC on the role, not on your old salary.
"My current CTC is ₹9 LPA. For this role, given the scope and what similar roles pay, I'm looking at ₹13–14 LPA."
Step 3: Negotiate the offer
When the offer comes in lower than you hoped:
"Thank you, I'm excited about the role. Based on my experience with [skill] and market data for this position, I was expecting closer to ₹14 LPA fixed. Is there flexibility on the fixed component?"
If you have another offer:
"I have another offer at ₹14.5 LPA, but this team is my first choice. If you can get closer to that, I'm ready to accept."
Only mention offers you actually have. Recruiters often ask for proof.
Step 4: Negotiate more than base pay
| Lever | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Fixed vs variable | Move part of the variable into fixed pay |
| Joining bonus | Ask for one to cover a notice period buyout or a lost bonus |
| Notice buyout | Ask the new company to reimburse it |
| Joining date | More time if you need it |
| ESOPs / RSUs | Ask about the vesting schedule and current value |
| Remote / hybrid | Days in office, relocation support |
Hike benchmarks for 2026
| Source | Finding |
|---|---|
| Aon (Oct 2026) | 9% average increment in 2026; 9.1% projected for 2027; attrition 18% |
| Deloitte India (Apr 2026) | 9.1% average increment in 2026 |
| Mercer (Dec 2025) | 9% median increment projected for 2026 |
| foundit (Jul 2026) | 70% want 21%+ to switch; 96% open to switching |
Tech consulting and services had the lowest projected increment in Aon's February 2026 survey (6.6%), which is one reason switches from services to product companies often bring bigger jumps.
Day, Weekday's free AI job agent, finds jobs that match your skills and pay, and applies when you say yes. On WhatsApp.
Say hi to Day on WhatsAppHow Day works →Mistakes that cost money
- Accepting on the call. Always ask for a day to review.
- Negotiating CTC but ignoring what's fixed and what's variable.
- Giving a single number instead of a range starting at your target.
- Lying about current CTC or offers.
- Negotiating over WhatsApp chat instead of a call, then confirming by email.
Want to know who to ask for referrals before the offer stage? See how to get a job referral.
FAQs
How much hike should I ask for when switching jobs?
Many professionals target 20–30% on a switch; in foundit's 2026 survey, 70% wanted 21% or more. Base your ask on what the role pays, not just your current CTC.
What is the average salary hike in India in 2026?
About 9%. Aon reported 9% actual for 2026, and Deloitte reported 9.1%.
Should I disclose my current CTC?
Usually yes, and honestly, since it's often verified. Anchor your expected CTC on the role and market data.
Can I negotiate a fresher salary?
There's usually less room on mass-hiring fresher packages, but you can sometimes negotiate joining date, location or a joining bonus.
What is a joining bonus used for?
Often to cover a notice period buyout or a bonus you lose by leaving your current job.
