How to Answer "What Is Your Expected Salary?" in an Interview
How to research the right number, when to say it, and exact sentences to use when an Indian recruiter asks your current and expected CTC.
By the JobSpri teamUpdated 3 October 20266 min read
In India the question usually comes early, often in the first call with a recruiter: "What's your current CTC, and what are you expecting?" Answer it badly and you can lose lakhs a year for the whole time you're in the job, because every future raise is a percentage of what you start on.
Do your research first
Before the first call, know three numbers: what the role typically pays in your city, what companies like this one pay, and the lowest offer you'd genuinely accept. Listings that show salaries are the best guide, because they're what companies are actually offering right now.
Give a range, anchored a little high
Name a range whose lower end is a number you'd be happy with. Recruiters tend to offer near the bottom of whatever range you give, so don't start it below your real target.
Example: "Based on the role and what similar positions pay in Pune, I'm looking for something in the range of ₹14 to 16 lakh fixed. I'm flexible depending on the overall package and growth."
When they ask about your current CTC
- Be honest: many companies verify it later with payslips or a background check, and a false number can cost you the offer.
- Give context if you're underpaid: "My current CTC is ₹8 lakh. I know that's below market for my experience, which is part of why I'm moving."
- Mention anything that's coming: an appraisal next month, a pending bonus or stock that vests soon.
What hike is normal?
There's no fixed rule. Moving jobs often brings a bigger raise than an annual appraisal, and the right number depends on how in-demand your skills are and how your current pay compares with the market. Use market data for the role, not a percentage of your current salary, as your anchor.
Negotiating after the offer
- Thank them and ask for the written break-up.
- Compare the fixed pay with your research.
- If it's low, ask once, with a reason: "Given my experience with X and offers I'm seeing around ₹15 lakh, could you look at the fixed component again?"
- If the fixed pay can't move, ask about a joining bonus, an earlier appraisal or notice-period buyout support.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I say my expected salary first?
- If you've researched market rates, giving a well-reasoned range first is fine and saves time. If you haven't, ask what budget the role has before naming a number.
- Is it okay to negotiate after receiving an offer letter?
- Yes. A polite, specific request backed by market data is normal and rarely puts an offer at risk.