Salary kitni bolun? Kam bhi na ho, zyada bhi na lage?
How to answer “What are your salary expectations?”
Money questions make most people nervous, so they either name a number too low to be safe or dodge the question entirely. Both cost you. The first can cost you lakhs over the next few years; the second can make you look unprepared.
The goal is to give a researched range, explain it briefly, and stay calm and flexible. It is a conversation, not a test with one right answer.
Practise it now: 15 seconds to think, 60 to speak →
Try it now
Pick one. You get a prompt and a timer.
Talk to a random prompt. 15 seconds to think, 60 to speak.
Why interviewers ask it
Companies have a budget for each role. The interviewer wants to know whether you fit within it before they spend more time on you. It is a practical question, not a judgement of your worth.
They also watch how you handle it. In many roles, especially in sales, client management and leadership, you will need to talk about money confidently. Panicking or apologising here tells them something.
For freshers in campus placements, salary is usually fixed by the company in advance, so this question is less common. For lateral hires, expect it in the HR round and sometimes in the very first screening call.
A simple structure: Research, Range, Reason
Research
Before the interview, find the typical range for this role, city and experience level from people you know, job portals and salary sites.
Range
Give a range, with the bottom of the range being a number you would genuinely be happy with.
Reason
One sentence on why: your experience, a specialised skill, or the market rate for the role.
Flex
Signal that you are open to discussing the full package, not just the fixed pay.
In India, be clear whether you are talking about CTC or in-hand salary. They can differ a lot.
Sample answers for freshers
“From what I’ve seen for similar entry-level analyst roles in Bengaluru, the range is roughly 4.5 to 6 lakhs per annum CTC. Given my internship experience with SQL and dashboards, I’d be looking at around 5 to 6 lakhs. That said, for my first job the learning and the team matter a lot to me, so I’m open to discussing the overall offer.”
Why it works: A researched range, one reason, and a flexible close.
“I understand that for this role the salary is usually in a fixed band. I’d like to know what the band is and whether there are shift allowances or performance incentives. If the band is in line with the market for customer support roles in Hyderabad, I’m comfortable with it.”
Why it works: When the pay is usually fixed, it is fine to ask for the band first.
Sample answer for experienced professionals
“I’m currently at 14 lakhs CTC. For this role, given that it includes leading a small team and the market rate for this level in Pune, I’m looking for something in the range of 18 to 21 lakhs. I’m also interested in the variable component and the notice period buyout, so I’m happy to look at the full package together.”
Why it works: Honest about current CTC, a clear range, and opens the wider conversation.
Use these for the shape, not the words. An answer in your own words, about your own work, always beats a memorised one.
5 common mistakes
“Anything is fine”
It sounds humble but invites a low offer. Give a range.
Naming one exact number
A single number gives you no room. A range lets the conversation happen.
No research
Guessing can leave you far below market. Spend thirty minutes researching before the interview.
Mixing up CTC and in-hand
Saying 6 lakhs when you mean in-hand, and they hear CTC, can cost you a lot. Be explicit.
Apologising
“Sorry, I know it’s a lot, but…” Say the range calmly and stop talking. Silence is fine.
Follow-up questions to expect
- “What is your current CTC?”
- “What is the lowest you would accept?”
- “Do you have any other offers?”
- “Can you join earlier if we buy out your notice?”
How to practise this answer
- Research three sources for the salary range and write the range down. Seeing a number makes it easier to say.
- Practise saying your range out loud, then stopping. Count to three in silence. Getting comfortable with that pause is the real skill.
- Role-play a counter: a friend says “That’s higher than our budget.” Practise a calm reply about the full package.
Reading about an answer is not the same as saying it. Use the timer above, or come and do it in front of real people.
Questions people ask
Should I tell them my current salary?
In India it is common to be asked, and many companies verify it with payslips, so do not inflate it. You can share it and then explain why your expected range is higher.
What hike should I ask for when switching jobs?
It varies a lot by industry and role. Research what the new role pays in the market rather than adding a fixed percentage to your current salary.
Can I ask them for the budget first?
Yes, politely: “Could you share the range budgeted for this role?” Some will tell you; if not, give your researched range.