Short answer
Give a range, not one number, and make the bottom of the range the figure you are happy with.
Base it on the market rate for the role first and your current CTC second. Say it calmly, then stop talking.
How to Decide Your Expected CTC
- 1Find the market range for the role, years and city on Naukri, AmbitionBox or Glassdoor
- 2Check what % hike that is over your current CTC with the Salary Hike Calculator
- 3Set your lowest acceptable number (your walk-away figure)
- 4Make that the bottom of a 10-15% range
- 5Check the monthly in-hand with the CTC to In-Hand Calculator
Market first, current CTC second: if you are underpaid today, a % over your current CTC will keep you underpaid.
The Range Method
A range keeps the talk open and anchors it high. The bottom is the number you are happy with.
| Your lowest acceptable | Say this range |
|---|---|
| Rs 6 lakh | Rs 6-6.8 lakh |
| Rs 9 lakh | Rs 9-10 lakh |
| Rs 12 lakh | Rs 12-13.5 lakh |
| Rs 18 lakh | Rs 18-20 lakh |
| Rs 25 lakh | Rs 25-28 lakh |
- Keep the range tight (10-15%), a wide range looks unsure
- Never put your walk-away number at the top
- Round numbers sound confident: 9 to 10 lakh, not 9.37
How Much Hike to Ask For
| Your situation | Common ask over current CTC |
|---|---|
| Same role, same level | 20-35% |
| Bigger role or promotion with the switch | 30-50% |
| Underpaid vs the market | Ask the market rate, even if it is 50%+ |
| Already paid well, moving for growth | 10-20% |
| Holding another offer | Match or beat it by a little |
These are common asks, not rules. For context, the average yearly increment in India for 2027 is projected at 9.1% (Aon, Oct 2026), so a switch is usually the bigger jump.
Type your current and expected CTC to see the % and the in-hand change
Check My Hike %12 Exact Lines You Can Use
| When | Say this |
|---|---|
| First HR call | "Based on the role and the market, I am looking at 9 to 10 lakh." |
| They push for one number | "I would be comfortable at 9.5 lakh fixed." |
| They ask before sharing the role details | "Could you share the budget for this role? I am flexible for the right role." |
| They say it is above budget | "What is the range for this role? I am open to looking at the full offer, including fixed pay and joining bonus." |
| They offer lower than your range | "Thank you. Can we bring the fixed part closer to 9 lakh? Then I can confirm quickly." |
| You hold another offer | "I have an offer at 10 lakh, but I prefer this role. Can you match the fixed pay?" |
| Fresher | "I am open to your standard package for freshers. If you need a number, 4 to 4.5 lakh." |
| Career gap | "Given my experience and skills, I am looking at 7 to 8 lakh." |
| Long notice period | "My notice is 90 days. If you need me sooner, a buyout support would help." |
| Email reply | "My expected CTC is 9 to 10 lakh per year, depending on the role and the full offer." |
| Asked to justify | "This is the market range for this role with my 4 years in React and the scale I have handled." |
| Accepting | "Thank you, 9.6 lakh fixed works for me. Please share the offer letter." |
After you say the number, stop. Silence feels long, but explaining or lowering it at once costs you money.
Expected CTC in Forms and on Naukri
- Write one number in lakhs per year, like 9.5
- Use the middle of your range
- If there is a "negotiable" box, tick it
- Current CTC must match your payslips, companies check it
What Not to Say
| Avoid | Say instead |
|---|---|
| "Whatever you think is fair" | A clear range |
| "I need more because of my EMI" | The market rate for the role |
| A number lower than you want | Your real range, with the walk-away number at the bottom |
| A fake current CTC | Your real CTC, then the market range |
| "Negotiable" with no number | A range, and that you are open to the full offer |
Fixed Pay vs Variable Pay
- Variable pay and bonus are not guaranteed, fixed pay is
- Ask: "What is the fixed part of this CTC?"
- Gratuity and employer PF sit inside CTC but are not paid monthly
- Compare offers on monthly in-hand, not CTC
See the monthly in-hand for any CTC, new vs old regime
Check In-Hand SalaryFrequently Asked Questions
How do I answer expected CTC in an interview?
Give a range based on the market rate for the role, with the bottom of the range at the figure you are happy with. For example: "Based on the role and the market, I am looking at 9 to 10 lakh."
How much hike should I ask when switching jobs?
There is no fixed rule. Start from the market rate for the role. Many people ask 20-35% over current CTC for the same level, and more for a bigger role or if they are underpaid today.
Should I tell my current CTC honestly?
Yes. Companies often check it with payslips or bank statements. Lying about current CTC can get an offer withdrawn.
What should a fresher say for expected CTC?
Say you are open to the company's standard fresher package, then give a range if pushed, based on what similar companies pay freshers for the role.
Is it okay to say negotiable?
Only as a last resort. Most HRs need a number to move ahead, so a clear range works better than "negotiable".
What should I write in the expected CTC field on Naukri or a form?
Write one number in lakhs per year, like 9.5. Use the middle of your range so you have room to talk later.
Should expected CTC include variable pay?
Say it clearly: "I am looking at 10 lakh fixed" or "10 lakh total, with at least 9 lakh fixed". Variable pay is not guaranteed.
What if HR says my expectation is too high?
Ask what the budget for the role is, then talk about fixed pay, joining bonus, notice buyout or a review after 6 months instead of dropping your number at once.
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About the author
Prajwal Karkera
Digital product specialist with 8+ years of experience in digital products and the creator of ToolsFlow. I write simple guides for everyday tasks. More about me