Bengaluru AI Startup's Unconventional Hiring Approach Sparks Debate

Rs 40 lakh salary, no resume: Bengaluru startup's job offer goes viral. Check details

A Bengaluru-based AI startup, Smallest AI, has gone viral for its unconventional hiring approach. Founder Sudarshan Kamath announced a job opening for a "cracked full-stack engineer" with a salary of Rs 40 lakh per annum -- without requiring a resume or a specific educational background. Candidates with zero to two years of experience can apply by sending a 100-word introduction along with links to their work. A Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence (AI) company has gained attention on social media for its unconventional hiring process. Sudarshan Kamath, the founder of Smallest AI, recently announced a software engineer job opportunity with an annual salary of Rs 40 lakh. What sets this job apart is that candidates do not need to submit a resume or have a specific educational background to apply. Kamath took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the job listing, stating, "We are looking to hire a cracked full-stack engineer at Smallest AI... Send a small 100-word text introducing yourself + links to your best work to [email protected]." He emphasized that factors such as the candidate's college or resume would not play a role in the selection process. The term "cracked full-stack engineer" is not a standard industry title but is commonly used in tech circles to describe an exceptionally skilled and resourceful software engineer. These engineers are known for their expertise in both front-end and back-end development, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. The position is open to candidates with zero to two years of experience and requires them to work from the company's Indiranagar office five days a week. Kamath's job post quickly gained traction, garnering nearly 3.5 lakh views within hours. Many users praised the skills-first approach, while others debated whether the salary offered was sufficient for a "cracked" engineer. One X user commented, "I really loved that you are asking for PoW (proof of work) rather than college and grades. I have sent you the mail." Another software engineer, Satvik Khare, raised concerns about the cost of living in Bengaluru, stating, "Indiranagar is such an expensive place that out of Rs 15 lakh where in hand will be Rs 1 lakh approximately, Rs 35,000 will go just in accommodation in a sharing apartment plus groceries plus weekends plus education loan EMI or discretionary spending EMI. Feel yourself lucky if you can save Rs 20,000." While many applauded Kamath's skills-first hiring approach, some tech professionals expressed skepticism about the salary being offered. A user remarked, "Don't add 'cracked' if you can't pay a cracked salary. Respectfully, it's not a good look for you and your company." Despite the mixed reactions, Kamath's approach challenges traditional hiring norms by focusing on practical skills over degrees and resumes. His initiative has sparked discussions on whether similar hiring models could become more prevalent in the tech industry.

Want Rs 40 lakh per annum job? This Bengaluru techie is offering job to anyone who applies with a 100-word introduction

A Bengaluru-based AI startup, Smallest AI, is challenging traditional hiring practices by eliminating resumes and degrees from its selection process. Founder Sudarshan Kamath is offering a software engineering role with a Rs 40 lakh annual salary, based purely on candidates' skills. The job listing, posted on X, sparked a heated debate -- some praised its focus on merit, while others questioned the salary's competitiveness. The viral post has drawn attention to the changing landscape of tech recruitment, where proof of work is gaining precedence over formal qualifications.A bold hiring call from Bengaluru-based AI startup Smallest AI is making waves online. Founder Sudarshan Kamath announced a software engineering role with a salary of Rs 40 lakh per annum -- without requiring candidates to submit a resume or disclose their educational background. Instead, applicants must introduce themselves in 100 words and share links to their best work. Kamath's job posting, shared on X (formerly Twitter), sought a "cracked full-stack engineer" -- a term widely recognised in tech circles as someone deeply skilled in both front-end and back-end development. The role, open to candidates with zero to two years of experience, mandates working from Smallest AI's Indiranagar office five days a week. The listing read: "We are looking to hire a cracked full-stack engineer at Smallest AI... Send a small 100-word text introducing yourself + links to your best work to [email protected]." Kamath also made it clear: "College - does not matter. Resume - not needed." Within hours, Kamath's unconventional approach went viral, attracting nearly 3.5 lakh views. The internet quickly divided into two camps -- one applauding the skills-based selection, the other questioning whether the salary was sufficient for such a high-demand role. A user on X, Darshan (@SirusTweets), welcomed the approach: "I really loved that you are asking for PoW (proof of work) rather than college and grades. I have sent you the mail." However, not everyone was convinced. Some pointed out Bengaluru's high cost of living, particularly in Indiranagar, where Smallest AI is based. Software engineer Satvik Khare (@satvikkhare31) commented, "Indiranagar is such an expensive place that out of Rs 15 lakh where in hand will be Rs 1 lakh approximately, Rs 35,000 will go just in accommodation in a sharing apartment plus groceries plus weekends plus education loan EMI or discretionary spending EMI. Feel yourself lucky if you can save Rs 20,000." While 40 LPA sounds lucrative, some questioned if the base salary -- Rs 15-25 lakh, with ESOPs worth Rs 10-15 lakh -- was truly competitive for a "cracked" engineer. One user remarked, "Don't add 'cracked' if you can't pay a cracked salary. Respectfully, it's not a good look for you and your company." Others were more sceptical about Smallest AI's long-term prospects. One comment read, "This company will close within 9 months from lack of funding because of no MVP." Smallest AI's hiring approach aligns with a growing shift in tech recruitment -- where skills and proof of work take precedence over prestigious degrees. While some argue that this is the future of hiring, others feel that financial compensation must match the expectations set by the job description. As the discussion unfolds, Kamath's experiment raises a crucial question: Will companies increasingly prioritise talent over traditional credentials, or does pedigree still hold weight in the competitive tech industry?

Techie freshers offered Rs 40 LPA salary for Indiranagar, Bangalore, job. Candidate asks can he save 20K a month?

A Bengaluru-based tech firm is offering an annual salary of ₹40 lakh for a five-day in-office full-stack developer position without requiring specific college credentials or extensive coding experience. Candidates need to submit a brief self-introduction and examples of their best work for consideration.No IIT, NIT, or BITS Pilani tag needed. No exceptional portfolio and extensive coding credentials are required. A Bengaluru-based firm's hiring policy seems to be a 'dream come true' for techies. The company is on the lookout for a "brilliant full-stack developer" to create "instantaneous artificial intelligence accessible to everyone." Notably, the organization is providing an annual salary of Rs 40 lakh for a five-day, in-office position. They are open to candidates ranging from recent graduates with no experience to those possessing up to two years in the field. To apply, candidates are required to submit a 100-word self-introduction along with examples of their best work. Upon reviewing the job listing, one social media user commented, "X is turning into LinkedIn." While some individuals found the job listing impressive, others were less enthusiastic. One X user commented, "This isn't even a respectable, moderately appealing offer. 'Brilliant,' 'full-stack,' and 'five days in the office' warrant much more than Rs 25 lakh fixed and a series of promises." Another inquired, "But I've heard AI can accomplish that work in hours. Why are they hiring?" A third person predicted, "This company will shut down within nine months due to a lack of funding because they have no minimum viable product." "Cracked full stack engineer in just 0-2 year? Is it possible?" wrote another. Others also pointed out how the job may not be feasible for techies. "Indira Nagar is such an expensive place that out of 15 lacs where in hand will be 1 lac approx, 35k will go just in accommodation in a sharing apartment plus groceries plus weekends plus education loan EMI or discretionary spending EMI. Feel yourself lucky if you can save 20k." read one comment. "ESOP was great years back, but it's not guaranteed that the startup business will be profitable, and I hope it does make a lot of profit in this case..." pointed out another. "We are aiming to recruit a brilliant full-stack developer at smallest.ai," announced the company's founder, Sudarshan Kamath, on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Salary CTC: Rs 40 LPA, salary base: Rs 15-25 LPA, salary ESOPs: 10-15 LPA. Joining -- immediate. Location: Bangalore (Indiranagar). Experience: 0-2 years. Work from the office -- 5 days a week," read the job description. Kamath added, "College does not matter. Resume -- Not needed." Kamath then invited applications. "Send a small 100-word text introducing yourself + links to your best work to [email protected]," he wrote. smallest.ai is a California-based software development firm focused on developing "instantaneous artificial intelligence accessible to everyone."