What are your salary expectations as a fresher?

For campus roles the package is usually fixed; show flexibility and focus on the role.

Model answer.

Context. In campus placements, the package is usually announced in advance by the company or placement cell and is the same for every fresher in that role. PSU salaries follow published pay scales. So this question is mainly testing your attitude and whether your expectations are realistic.

If the package has already been announced
"I'm aware of the package that was shared with the placement cell, and I'm comfortable with it. At this stage, my priority is the learning, training and the kind of work I'll get to do. I'm confident that if I perform well, my growth will follow."

If no package was announced (off-campus or a smaller company)

1. Research first. Check what similar roles pay for freshers in that city and industry, from your placement cell, seniors and reliable salary surveys. Use a range, not a single number, and only figures you have actually checked.
2. Give a range, linked to the role.

"Based on what I understand about similar graduate engineer roles in [city/industry], I would expect something in the range of [researched range]. But I'm flexible. The role, training and growth opportunities matter more to me at this stage, and I'm open to your company's standard structure."

1. Turn it back politely if appropriate. "Could you share the range you have in mind for this role?"

Things to avoid

• Naming a figure far above the market without justification.
• Confusing CTC with take-home salary. CTC includes components such as employer PF contributions and variable pay, so the monthly in-hand amount is lower. Understanding the difference shows maturity.

If you hold another offer. You can mention it honestly if it is real: "I have an offer from [type of company], but this role interests me more because [reason]." Never invent an offer to negotiate. It is easy to check and damages trust.

Likely follow-up. "What if we offer less than your expectation?" Respond calmly: ask about the full structure, benefits and growth path before deciding, and say you will consider it seriously.