A recent Reddit post by a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee has sparked widespread debate about salary growth and career progression in India's IT sector. The employee, a Java developer, revealed that their monthly in-hand salary has decreased from ₹25,000 in 2020 to ₹22,800 in 2026, after 5.5 years with the company.

The post, shared on the r/developersIndia forum, quickly went viral, drawing attention to the challenges faced by some IT professionals in maintaining salary growth within large IT services firms. The employee, who graduated from a tier-3 engineering college, admitted to initially prioritizing preparation for government job exams over upskilling in the IT field. This resulted in consistently low performance ratings, receiving C to D bands in multiple appraisal cycles.

In July 2025, the employee was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). While they managed to secure a new project internally without disclosing their PIP status, their appraisal process was halted, effectively freezing their salary. Despite upskilling as a Java backend developer in January 2026 and clearing job interviews, the employee claims that HR departments at prospective employers have withdrawn offers upon reviewing their salary history.

The Reddit community responded with a mix of advice and criticism. Some users suggested focusing on early-stage startups or pursuing an MBA to reset their career path. Others emphasized the importance of continuous upskilling and strategic job transitions to avoid salary stagnation.

The situation has ignited a broader discussion about performance management and salary structures within large IT companies. Some commentators pointed to rigid performance systems and slow appraisal processes as potential factors derailing early careers. Others noted that focusing on basic pay is important because it determines Provident Fund (PF), Gratuity, and Leave Encashment. The incident also highlights concerns about variable pay cuts for senior employees at TCS and raises questions about the fairness and transparency of bonus payouts.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale for young IT professionals, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, strategic career planning, and proactive measures to ensure consistent salary growth in a competitive industry.