TCS Employee’s Post Shocks Internet As Pay Drops From ₹25,000 To ₹22,800 After 5.5 Years
TCS Employee’s Post Shocks Internet As Pay Drops From ₹25,000 To ₹22,800 After 5.5 Years
Reddit post sparks debate on career choices, performance ratings, and the harsh realities of stagnation in the IT sector
A Reddit post by a Java developer working at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has gone viral after he claimed that his salary reduced instead of increasing, despite spending more than five years with the company. The post has triggered intense discussion online, highlighting how career decisions, performance ratings, and skill stagnation can deeply impact long-term growth in the IT industry.
The employee shared that he joined TCS in 2020 with a monthly salary of ₹25,000. Fast forward to 2026, after five and a half years of service, his in-hand salary stands at just ₹22,800. This unexpected drop left many internet users stunned, especially considering TCS is regarded as one of India’s most stable and reputed IT companies.
In his detailed Reddit post on the r/developersIndia forum, the employee admitted that a major mistake on his part was not focusing consistently on building technical skills. Coming from a Tier-3 college, he said he spent a large part of his early years in TCS preparing for government job exams instead of strengthening his IT expertise. As a result, his work performance suffered.
He revealed that he regularly received low performance ratings, mostly in the C and D performance bands. In July 2025, he was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). While this phase could have ended his career at TCS, he managed to survive by working harder and taking an unusual step — he got himself assigned to another project without informing his manager. This helped him complete the PIP period, but his annual appraisal was stopped, which directly affected his salary growth.
In January 2026, he finally started taking his career seriously and upskilled himself as a Java Backend Developer. However, a new problem emerged. While he was clearing technical interviews in other companies, HR teams became suspicious after seeing his low salary slips. According to him, several job offers were stalled once recruiters reviewed his current compensation, assuming something must be “wrong” with his profile.
He ended his post with a desperate question: how can one survive in the IT industry when both experience and skill growth are questioned due to past mistakes?
The post quickly gained traction, with users offering varied advice. Some suggested joining startups even at a lower salary, saying startups offer faster learning and stronger exposure. One user pointed out that a single year in a startup can be equal to three years of experience in a service-based company.
Others proposed a complete career shift. One commenter recommended pursuing an MBA, stating that after five years of experience, earning ₹22,000 a month indicates a severe mismatch between potential and positioning.
Another user focused on mindset and storytelling. They suggested he should present his journey honestly to HR: that his attention was divided earlier, but once focused, he proved his ability to improve. According to them, this narrative itself could become his strength.
The post surfaced at a sensitive time for TCS, which recently reported a drop in profits and confirmed workforce reductions in its December quarter. Against this backdrop, the story resonated with many professionals who fear stagnation despite long-term loyalty to one company.
More than just a salary issue, the incident has reopened discussions about performance accountability, continuous learning, and the hidden cost of career indecision. It also shows how reputation alone cannot protect professionals from financial stagnation if skills are not upgraded consistently.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and should not be treated as career, financial, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified experts before making career or financial decisions.
