A Bengaluru-based AI startup, Smallest AI, has set the tech world abuzz with its radical approach to hiring, offering positions with salaries reaching ₹40 lakh per annum (LPA) without the need for resumes or formal degrees. Instead of traditional qualifications, the company emphasizes skills and real-world experience.
The job listing, posted by founder Sudarshan Kamath on X (formerly Twitter), seeks what he describes as 'cracked full-stack engineers.' Applicants are encouraged to submit only a brief 100-word introduction and links to their portfolios, discarding the typical pathways of job applications.
Kamath's unique hiring framework attracted immediate attention, receiving nearly 350,000 views and sparking lively discussions across social media platforms. "Just FYI. This is how we have always hired. Not sure why this one blew up," Kamath stated. He highlights the diverse backgrounds of his current team, asserting, "Most of our team doesn’t have a Tier-1 college background. But they’re some of the smartest folks I have ever met. Brilliance can come from anywhere." Kamath's sentiment reflects growing sentiments within the industry favoring skills over pedigree.
The details of the job offer are impressive, with the total compensation package proposed at ₹40 LPA. This includes a base salary of ₹15-25 LPA and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) benefits approximated at ₹10-15 LPA. Candidates with up to two years of experience are eligible, and the position requires attendance at the company's office in Indiranagar five days a week.
The posting quickly divided opinions, with tech enthusiasts and job-seekers applauding the shift away from conventional hiring processes. Supporters hailed the focus on genuine ability, with one user exclaiming, "Skills prevail over resume." Many see it as a much-needed evolution within recruitment practices, especially for aspiring engineers without elite educational backgrounds.
Yet, skepticism remains. Critics raised concerns about the sustainability of such high salary expectations against Bengaluru's rising cost of living. Many pointed out extraneous issues such as housing costs, which can significantly diminish disposable income, criticizing the company for what many deem inadequate compensation relative to the skill level required. One user articulated, "Indiranagar is expensive! Out of ₹15 LPA base salary, your take-home pay could be around ₹1 lakh per month, and rent alone can be upwards of ₹35,000 for shared space!"
Despite this, the unconventional hiring process has ignited broader discussions about future hiring practices, reflecting similar trends seen globally at companies such as Google and Tesla. Smallest AI’s refundable model raises questions about whether hiring policies prioritizing practical skills and portfolios over formal qualifications could become mainstream.
While the initial reactions are mixed, many agree on one thing: Smallest AI is challenging deeply entrenched traditions and broadening the scope of who can find success. "Sometimes, I feel not being from a Tier-1 college limits my opportunities. But news like this gives me hope," commented another user.
Kamath’s strategy, whether seen as innovative or simply gimmicky, stands at the forefront of the push for meritocracy within tech. Time will tell if this model will provide the scalable foundation needed to alter perceptions around hiring, or if it's merely an attention-grabbing marketing campaign from this burgeoning startup.
With the shift to skills-based hiring gaining traction, one pressing question remains: Will other companies embrace this model, or will traditional hiring persist? Meanwhile, aspiring engineers weighing their options might find this bold move to be their golden ticket. Time will tell if Smallest AI's revolutionary hiring approach is the way of the future or just another momentary blip on the professional radar.