‘Candidates Living in Rented Homes or PGs Not Eligible’: Mumbai Firm’s Campus Placement Ad Sparks Online Outrage
A Mumbai-based company has sparked widespread criticism after a job application form revealed a strict eligibility condition that disqualifies candidates living in paying guest accommodations or rented flats.
The issue came to light after an X user, Abhinav, shared a screenshot of the company’s job description online. The post quickly went viral, triggering a sharp debate around hiring ethics and workplace discrimination in India.
The screenshot shows that apart from academic qualifications, the application form included residential requirements. Candidates were required to hold a B.E. degree in Computer Science or IT. However, it was the section on address proof that drew strong reactions.
Under “Document Requirements (Mandatory) for Eligibility,” applicants were asked to submit an Aadhaar card showing their current Mumbai residential address along with a PAN card. A note at the end of the form clearly stated that candidates staying in rented houses or PG accommodations were not eligible to apply.
Later, the user who shared the post clarified that the job opening was part of a campus placement drive, which further intensified the discussion around fairness and equal opportunity.
Internet reacts
The hiring condition was widely criticised on social media, with many users calling it unfair and exclusionary. Some questioned the intent behind the rule, suggesting it could be a way to limit salary expectations.
One user remarked that candidates living in their own homes may have fewer living expenses, allowing companies to justify offering salaries below market standards. Another suggested that the firm may be avoiding non-local candidates because it cannot afford accommodation-related costs.
Several users also argued that such criteria infringe on individual rights and set a worrying precedent for recruitment practices, especially for young graduates seeking their first job.
The controversy has reignited conversations about transparency, inclusivity, and ethics in campus hiring across the country.
