How? From ₹5.5L to ₹45L CTC in One Year!: Devesh’s Viral Tweet Sparks Curiosity and Inspiration Online

His 9x salary jump has the internet asking just one question: How?!

A jaw-dropping career leap shared by a user named Devesh on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has taken the internet by storm. Devesh revealed that within just one year, his CTC (cost to company) skyrocketed from ₹5.5 lakh per annum to ₹45 lakh per annum, a ninefold jump that’s left netizens stunned and full of questions.

Never mentioned it but tbh, I still sometimes think I am still in a dream, bcoz I started my full time career last year at IBM with just a CTC of 5.5 LPA, and now having an offer of over 45 LPA CTC in hand within an year, for a middle class guy like me, it's still a dream❤️.

— Devesh (@theywayshhh) May 26, 2025

The viral post quickly gained traction, crossing 8,000 likes, 250 retweets, and hundreds of comments ranging from congratulatory messages to skeptical queries. With many asking how such a massive leap is even possible, Devesh responded with practical insights that resonated with both young professionals and industry veterans.

So, what’s his secret?

In his replies, Devesh emphasized a few key strategies:

• Focus on learning early in your career, not the paycheck.
• Start small if you must, but build skills and expertise that companies value.
• Continuously apply for better opportunities — don’t settle.
• Big companies like MAANG/FAANG (Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) offer fixed CTC bands and don’t always consider your previous salary when making offers.

“They won’t judge you based on your last drawn salary,” he said, adding that structured companies hire based on talent and role fit, not your old payslip.

Responses: Applause & Skepticism

While many celebrated his success, some couldn’t believe it.
“Seems unreal,” one user commented. Another added, “How do you negotiate when you’re at 5.5 LPA? Most recruiters cap hikes at 25%.”

To that, Devesh had a reassuring answer — don’t let your current CTC box you in. Go where your skills are valued, and where the compensation is structured around role, not history.

Why This Story Matters

In a competitive and often disheartening job market, Devesh’s story serves as a reminder that big leaps are possible with the right mindset, skills, and strategy. For many young professionals feeling stuck at the lower end of the pay scale, his message offers hope and direction.

As Devesh puts it:

“Share your journey — both the wins and losses. Platforms like X are not just for trends, but for real stories that inspire.”

So, next time you feel like you’re underpaid or undervalued, remember one year can change everything.