‘Tier 500 college graduates can't demand Tier 1 salaries’: Techie’s viral post sparks clash over ₹3.6 lakh graduate salaries

Social media has become a platform for fiery debates on fresher salaries, with many questioning whether ₹3.6 lakh per annum is sufficient for entry-level positions in India. Recently, Abhishek Nair, a tech professional, sparked widespread discussion on X (formerly Twitter) by stating that ₹3.6 lakh is reasonable for graduates from "tier 500 colleges" lacking programming skills. His remarks, which garnered over a million views, divided public opinion and reignited conversations about salaries, skill development, and the employment landscape.

Nair’s Perspective: “Don’t Expect Too Much”

In his post, Nair asserted, “I might get in trouble, but this needs to be said: ₹3.6 LPA isn’t bad if you’re from a tier 500 college and lack programming skills. Don’t expect a ₹1 crore package without a solid project portfolio. Don’t expect too much if your CV’s biggest highlight is your bachelor’s.”


His comments were aimed at freshers who enter the job market with minimal practical skills or achievements. Nair’s argument suggested that realistic expectations are essential, especially for those lacking technical expertise or standout credentials.

Mixed Reactions Online

Nair’s remarks triggered a wave of responses, with opinions ranging from agreement to outright criticism.

Several users agreed with Nair, arguing that employability is closely tied to skillsets. One commenter noted, “Many low-tier colleges need to focus more on skill development. Shockingly, I encountered a situation where I couldn’t select even one candidate from a pool of 500.”

Another user highlighted the gap between academic knowledge and practical application: “I interviewed an IIT graduate recently. While he knew advanced concepts like Fibonacci Heap, he failed to apply them effectively. The real issue is that many students lack application skills, regardless of their college tier.”

Criticism of ₹3.6 Lakh as a Salary Benchmark

Others were quick to call out the perceived inadequacy of ₹3.6 lakh given current economic conditions. “Inflation exists! A fresher’s salary in 2004 cannot be the same as in 2024. Offering ₹3.6 LPA today is exploitation,” one frustrated commenter said.

Some users also rejected the notion that top-tier college graduates automatically deserve higher packages. “What I disagree with is the insinuation that a Tier 1 college student deserves ₹1 crore and is always a genius,” wrote another. “Success or skills should not be judged by the ranking of one’s institute.”

Amid the criticism, Nair clarified his stance, explaining that he was not advocating for freshers to settle for less but encouraging self-assessment. “I’m not asking anyone to settle for less. If you feel undervalued, it’s probably time to look for a better role or organisation,” he said.

He further added that his comments were specifically directed at freshers with limited skills and not meant to generalise all entry-level job seekers.

The debate has also brought attention to broader systemic issues. Many argue that India’s education system, particularly in lower-tier colleges, often fails to equip graduates with the practical skills necessary to meet industry demands.

Work-life balance and job conditions for freshers are also a recurring concern. Rising costs of living, increasing urban expenses, and limited salaries have made it challenging for young professionals to manage expenses or save for the future.

In a related context, a statement by L&T chairman S. N. Subrahmanyan advocating for 90-hour workweeks has also fuelled concerns over the professional pressures faced by employees in India.