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

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.

"Cracked" Engineers Wanted

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 info@smallest.ai." Kamath also made it clear: "College – does not matter. Resume – not needed."

Job Posting Goes Viral

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."

Is Rs 40 Lakh Enough?

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."

A Shift in Hiring Practices?

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?