Education: B.Tech (Tier 3)
Years of Experience: 4.8 years
Prior Experience: Backend Developer (Java/Golang) at [TOP CRM company]
current role/level: SDE 2
Date of the Offer: Dec 2025
Company: Microsoft Title/Level: Software Engineer 2 (L61) Location: Hyderabad, India
Salary (Base): ₹32,00,000
Relocation/Signing Bonus: ₹6,40,000 ( 4L First year + 2.4L second year)
Stock bonus: $70,000 (Vested over 4 years)
Bonus: Performance-based bonus (Up to 20% of base)
Total comp (Salary + Bonus + Stock): ~₹51,00,000 - ₹53,00,000 (First Year) Benefits: Standard Microsoft Benefits (Car Lease Policy, Health Insurance, Gym, etc.)

I tried to negotiate for a higher base (35L) and more stocks ($90k) by citing my current fixed salary and competing interests. However, the recruiter was firm, stating that 32L was the absolute maximum budget for the L61 level. I decided to accept because the brand value of the Azure Data (Fabric) team and the long-term stock growth outweighed the immediate base salary difference.

Accepted the offer without further negotiation due to a tight timeline and the desire to transition quickly to a more stable and high-impact role in the Azure Data space.