Salary hike - Understanding

ESOPs are tricky. While they have potential value, they're not guaranteed cash. It's best to discuss them separately, after establishing your base salary expectations. You can mention the vested value (INR 50k) or the potential overall value (INR 3L), but emphasize that it's a long-term benefit and not immediate cash. How liquid are the ESOPs? Are they readily tradable?

It is best to provide a range, that is based on your base salary, and the additional allowance. For example, you could say 'my current compensation is in the range of 8.7L to 9.3L

What is the market rate for the position that you are interviewing for?

You can mention INR 9.80L as your CTC since WFH allowance is a benefit

If ESOPs are not guaranteed liquid cash they shouldn’t be included in negotiations

Avoid mentioning 12.31L unless explicitly asked about ESOPs Many companies only consider guaranteed components

You can say 8.7 or 9.8 or 12.3 as long as it is written in the compensation letter. Tell what is written in the compensation letter to HR

I'd recommend mentioning the total CTC (INR 12.31L) because it includes all your benefits, but be clear about how much of that is ESOP. Some companies may care more about the base salary and benefits, so balance your explanation accordingly.

It depends on the company you’re applying to. Some companies only care about the base salary, while others might consider your overall CTC. If you're negotiating, mentioning the total CTC could give you more leverage.