Software engineering salaries

Offer details: Fixed compensation of 31.5 LPA, Variable component of 3.5 LPA, total compensation 35 LPA. Candidate background: Data Engineer with approximately 3.3 years of experience. Current compensation (for reference): Fixed 23.6 LPA, Variable ~10% of fixed, additional 2 LPA JB, total ~27.6 LPA. Seeking insights on competitiveness of the offer, work‑life balance, tech stack, promotion path, learning opportunities, and future exit options.

Company: Jiostar / JioHotstar Role: SDE-2 Years of Experience: 3.2 years (rounded to 3) Base Salary: 34.2 LPA Variable Component: 3.8 LPA (10% of CTC) Total Compensation (CTC): 38 LPA

Date of Offer: Oct 2025 Offered Title: Software Development Engineer 2 Compensation Breakdown: Total CTC: ₹40 LPA Base Salary: ₹31L Target Performance Bonus: ₹2.2L (~7% of base) PF: ₹1.8L LTI : ₹5 L per year (stock replacement) Relocation: Company provides 14 days stay, flight tickets, and relocation of household goods Other Benefits: Life Insurance cover: Rs 89L, Group Personal Accident cover: Rs 89L, Hospitalization Insurance Policy: Family floater cover of Rs 5L

Base Salary: 26.5 LPA PF (Provident Fund): 1.5 LPA Cash Plan: 8 LPA (vesting after 1 year) Variable Bonus: 7% (approximately 2 LPA)

Current YOE: 2 years 2 months. Offered Role: SDE 2. Offered Salary (Fixed + Variable): ₹28L, which includes 7% variable and approximately ₹26.04L fixed. No stocks are included in the offer. Signing Bonus: ₹3L after 1st Year + ₹3L after 2nd Year. Total 1st Year Compensation: ₹31L. My expectation for an SDE 2 at HotStar was around ₹32L as Fixed. I feel lowballed as they do not seem open to negotiation. I do not have any other offers in hand, which makes negotiation difficult.

I am a 2025 graduate with 3 months of experience as SDE 1 in an Indian gaming studio. The Jiohotstar offer includes 18 LPA Base, 1.5 LPA Performance Bonus, 4 LPA Joining Bonus, and 4 LPA Cash Plan (to be received after 12 months), with a total first year compensation of approximately 28 LPA. I would have to return 1.5 L to my current company if I switch. Jiohotstar has received negative comments online. The company has a 3-month notice period, which I consider a red flag. My main goals are learning and long-term success, eventually targeting MANG or equivalent companies. I have a good DSA profile (1947 max rating in LeetCode) but struggle to get interviews because of my tier 3 college background.