Money Tips
How to Negotiate a Salary Hike in India 2026 Step by Step
Your strongest salary argument is evidence of increased responsibility and results. Prepare a business case before choosing a percentage.
1. Build a one-page evidence list
Record your responsibilities, delivered projects and outcomes you can substantiate. For an IT role, this might be incidents resolved, work automated or a service improved. Distinguish your own contribution from the team's result and avoid sharing confidential metrics externally.
2. Ask about the process
Find out when budgets are decided and who approves changes. State the role scope and compensation you want to discuss, then ask what evidence would support it. Compare job descriptions with similar responsibilities rather than relying on a single salary screenshot.
3. Leave with a next step
If an immediate raise is unavailable, ask for written objectives, a review date and clarity on promotion criteria. Compare fixed pay, variable pay and benefits separately. Do not count an unconfirmed raise in your monthly budget.