If you got a 3.5 LPA job offer, you might be thinking, “How much will I get in my account every month?” You must know the difference between CTC and in-hand salary before accepting any job offer. 3.5 LPA seems to be a good amount, but you will not get the complete amount in your account. Some part of the CTC full form will be deducted, and the remaining will be transferred to your account.
In this article, we will learn details about the 3.5 LPA in hand salary, monthly breakup, deductions, and more.
What Does 3.5 LPA Mean?
3.5 lpa in hand salary means Rs. 3.5 lakhs per year salary. It is the CTC, which means the cost that the company will spend on you every year. CTC is not the same amount that will be credited to your account. The 3.5 LPA CTC usually includes basic salary, house rent allowance, special allowance, employer PF contribution, gratuity, insurance benefits, etc.
3.5 LPA In Hand Salary Per Month
3.5 lpa in hand salary per month As per the common salary structure in India, the average 3.5 lpa in hand salary is Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 25,000. The annual in hand salary is approximately Rs. 2.9 lakhs. The gross monthly salary is around Rs. 26,000.
| Salary Metric | Estimated Amount |
| Average Monthly In-Hand Salary | ₹24,000 – ₹25,500 |
| Annual In-Hand Salary | Around ₹2.9 lakh |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Around ₹26,000+ |
Salary Breakdown for 3.5 LPA in hand amount
Here is the typical structure for a 3.5 lpa in hand salary in hand amount:
| Component | Annual (₹) | Monthly (₹ approx.) |
| Basic Salary | 1,75,000 | 14,583 |
| HRA | 87,500 | 7,292 |
| Special Allowance | 58,000+ | 4,800 |
| Employer PF | 21,000 | — |
| Gratuity | 8,400 | — |
| Total CTC | 3,50,000 | — |
Read Also: 9 LPA In Hand Salary | 2.5 LPA in hand salary
Monthly Deductions From 3.5 LPA
There are some mandatory deductions that reduce your 3.5 LPA in hand salary, such as Employee Provident Fund, Professional tax, Income tax, and insurance. Here is an example of a deduction structure:
| Deduction | Annual | Monthly ( approx.) |
| Employee PF | Rs. 21,000 | Rs. 1,750 |
| Professional Tax | Rs. 2,400 | Rs. 200 |
| Income Tax | 0 | 0 |
| Total deductions | Rs. 23,400 | Rs. 1,950 |
3.5 LPA Salary Per Month After Tax (Old vs New Regime)
If you have a 3.5 lpa in hand salary package, your income tax will be zero in both tax regimes, as mentioned below:
| Tax Regime | Key Points |
| New Tax Regime (Most common) | Income tax: Usually ₹0Monthly in hand: ₹24k–₹25kBest for: Freshers with fewer deductions |
| Old Tax Regime | May save tax only if you claim deductionsUseful if you invest heavily in 80C, HRA, etc. |
Is 3.5 LPA a Good Salary in India?
A 3.5 lpa in hand salary package is considered average in India. Furthermore, it depends on the city you live in and your expenses. The 3.5 LPA is good if you are a fresher, residing in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city in India. Also, if you have low expenses, you can meet your needs from a 3.5 LPA.
On the other hand, if you reside in a metro city and have to support a family, you will find it challenging to make ends meet on a 3.5 lpa in hand salary package. As per experts, a 3.5 LPA is a decent entry-level package for living a modest lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Example on 3.5 LPA
Here is an example of a budget on 3.5 LPA, as per Rs. 25000 per month salary:
| Expense | Estimated Amount |
| Rent/PG | Rs. 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Food & groceries | Rs. 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Transport | Rs. 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Mobile & internet | Rs. 500 – 800 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs. 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Possible savings | Rs. 1,000 – 4,000 |
How can you increase the 3.5 LPA in hand salary?
Starting your career at 3.5 lpa in hand salary is not a bad start; your salary will grow with experience. Here are some tips that you must follow to increase your in hand salary:
- Negotiate fixed pay
When you discuss salary with the employer, make sure that at least 80% to 85% of the CTC is fixed. It will help you get the maximum amount in your account.
- Know the salary structure
Ask your HR about variable pay, joining bonus, insurance deductions, and PF details. It will help you know your salary better and make smart financial decisions.
- Choose the correct tax regime
Compare both the tax regimes and then choose one that helps you to increase your in hand amount.
- Upskill
You must keep learning and gaining new skills. After getting 1-2 years of experience from this company, you can try to switch jobs for a better salary.
- Reduce deductions
If your company allows, you must talk about opting out of voluntary deduction. It will increase your in hand salary.
Important Factors That Affect Your In-Hand Salary
There are several factors that affect your take-home amount, such as:
- Salary structure
- Your location
- Provident fund
- Professional tax
- Variable pay
- Insurance
- Old vs new tax regime
Conclusion
With a 3.5 lpa in hand salary package, you can earn from Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month. This is not a very high amount, but it’s good to start your career as a fresher. You must understand your salary breakup and make a budget accordingly. With some simple planning, you can further increase your 3.5 LPA in hand amount by up to 3,000 per month.
FAQs
Q1)How much amount will be credited to my account monthly as 3.5 LPA in hand salary?
Typically, you will get Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month in your account from a 3.5 LPA package. The actual amount depends on the deductions and the company’s salary structure.
Q2)Is it possible that I get only Rs. 20,000 in hand from a 3.5 LPA?
Yes, it is possible in case of high PF, insurance deductions, and high variable pay. You must discuss this with your HR before accepting the package.
Q3)Is 3.5 LPA a good salary for a fresher?
Yes, 3.5 lpa in hand salary is a good salary for a fresher to start a career. You can get a higher salary once you get 2-3 years of experience and learn new skills.
Read Also: 50 Lpa in Hand Salary | Infosys Salary Hike


