Job Offer Letter in India: 10 Things to Check Before You Sign

You passed the interviews. The HR called. You have the PDF offer letter in your inbox. In your excitement, you scroll straight to the bottom and sign it.

Stop. An offer letter is a legally binding contract. What HR told you verbally on the phone means absolutely nothing if it is not written in this document. Here are the 10 critical clauses you must check before accepting any job offer in India.

1. The CTC vs. Take-Home Gap

A 12 LPA CTC does not mean 1 Lakh per month in hand. Look at the annexure. Subtract the PF (Employer + Employee), Gratuity (you only get this after 5 years), professional tax, and variable pay. Calculate your actual monthly take-home salary.

2. The Variable Pay Clause

Is the 20% variable pay "guaranteed" or "performance-based"? Most companies tie variable pay to company performance, meaning you might get zero even if you perform perfectly. Ensure you understand the split between fixed and variable.

3. Notice Period and Buyout Policy

Notice periods in India are notoriously long (60 to 90 days). Check if there is a buyout clause. If there isn't, you will be trapped for three months when you eventually want to switch jobs.

4. Training Bonds (Crucial for Freshers)

Many IT services companies force freshers to sign 1-year or 2-year bonds. If you leave early, you owe them ₹1 Lakh to ₹2 Lakhs for "training costs." Know what you are signing up for.

5. Exact Role Title and Reporting Structure

You interviewed for "Senior Product Designer" but the letter says "UI Executive." This happens often due to internal HR banding. Ask for a correction. Your title dictates your market value for your next job.

6. Joining Date and Location

Does the letter explicitly state if the role is remote, hybrid, or completely work-from-office? Don't assume. Ensure the joining date gives you enough time to serve your current notice period.

7. Probation Period terms

Standard probation in India is 3 to 6 months. During this time, the notice period is usually 15 days on both sides. Check if your confirmation is automatic or requires a review.

8. Non-Compete Clauses

Are you legally barred from joining a competitor for 6 months after leaving? While strict non-competes are often legally unenforceable in Indian courts, companies can still harass you. Read it carefully.

9. Joining Bonus Clawbacks

If you received a ₹1 Lakh joining bonus, the letter will almost certainly state that you must return it if you leave the company within 12 months.

10. What to do if there's a discrepancy?

Do not sign it. Reply to the HR email: "Hi [Name], I noticed the joining date says 1st May, but we verbally agreed on 15th May. Could you please send an updated annexure?" Keep a paper trail.

Update Your Profile

Once the ink is dry, it's time to update your professional identity to reflect your new worth.

Update your resume and LinkedIn to reflect your new role — JobTether at jobtether.com.