Offer Letter Checklist: What to Check Before You Accept

The checklist

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The pay

CTC as a total, and its split: fixed, variable, and employer contributions like PF and gratuity.
How variable pay is decided and when it is paid: monthly, quarterly, yearly, and against what target.Hike calculator
Any joining bonus, and whether it must be paid back if you leave within a period.

The job

Your title and who you report to.
Work location, whether it can change, and the work-from-home terms if any.
The joining date, and whether it works with your notice period.Notice period calculator

The terms

Probation: how long, and the notice period during it.
Notice period after confirmation, and whether it can be bought out.
Any service agreement or bond: how long, the amount if you leave early, and which documents they keep.
Conditions on the offer: background verification, documents, a medical, a deadline to accept.Verification

Before you sign

Everything agreed on calls is in the letter. If not, ask for a revised letter.
Ask about anything unclear, in writing, before accepting.Negotiation email
Accept by email with the CTC and joining date, then resign.Acceptance email

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Questions people ask

What is the difference between CTC and in-hand salary?

CTC is everything the company spends on you in a year, including variable pay and its own PF and gratuity contributions. In-hand is what reaches your bank each month after your PF, tax and other deductions. The offer letter usually shows the CTC split; ask for it if it does not.

Is a bond in an offer letter legal?

Service agreements are common, and whether a particular one can be enforced depends on its terms. Read the amount, the period and which documents they hold, and ask questions before signing. For a large amount, get advice.

Can I ask for changes to the offer letter?

Yes, before you accept. Ask once, in writing, with a reason, and get the change in a revised letter.

All clear? Accept in writing

A short email that puts the CTC and joining date in writing, then your resignation letter.

Offer acceptance email Resignation letter

General guidance, not legal advice.

Offer letter checklist