Bengaluru AI Startup’s Unbelievable Job Posting: No Resume, No Degree, College doesn’t Matter; ₹40 LPA Salary on Offer
In a bold move that challenges traditional hiring norms, a Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence startup, Smallest AI, has posted a job listing that eliminates two of the most common hiring prerequisites: a resume and a degree. Instead, the company is inviting applications based on skill, with a lucrative pay package of ₹40 lakh per annum (LPA) up for grabs.
A Hiring Revolution?
The job posting, shared by Kamath, a key figure at Smallest AI, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), states:
“We are looking to hire a talented full-stack engineer at Smallest AI. Please send a short 100-word introduction about yourself and links to your best work to info@smallest.ai”
The job offers a total compensation of ₹40 LPA, which includes a base salary of ₹15-25 LPA and ESOPs worth ₹10-15 LPA. The role requires immediate joining in Bangalore’s Indiranagar and is open to candidates with 0-2 years of experience. However, there is a catch—the company requires employees to work from the office five days a week.
We are looking to hire a cracked full-stack engineer at @smallest_AI
— Sudarshan Kamath (@kamath_sutra) February 24, 2025
Salary CTC – 40 LPA
Salary Base – 15-25 LPA
Salary ESOPs – 10-15 LPA
Joining – Immediate
Location – Bangalore (Indiranagar)
Experience – 0-2 years
Work from Office – 5 days a week
College – Does not matter…
Social Media Buzz: Applause and Debate
The job post quickly gained 3.3 lakh views, igniting a discussion on hiring practices, talent evaluation, and fair compensation.
Some netizens applauded the move, emphasizing the importance of skills over degrees:
- “This seems like a fantastic opportunity for aspiring engineers. I hope you find the right candidates to join your team!”
- “Amazing! This is how future hiring should be done.”
However, not everyone was convinced. Some questioned the attractiveness of the salary package:
- “The package isn’t even decent; it’s only somewhat attractive. Terms like ‘cracked,’ ‘full-stack,’ and ‘5 days in the office’ deserve way more than ₹25L fixed and a few promises.”
- “But I heard AI can do that work in just a few hours. Why hire at all?”
There were also concerns about the company’s longevity, with one user speculating, “This company will probably shut down within nine months due to lack of funding and no MVP.”
A Shift in Hiring Trends?
While the debate rages on, Smallest AI’s unconventional hiring approach signals a shift in how startups scout for talent. With more companies embracing skill-based hiring, this could be a glimpse into the future of recruitment. Whether this experiment succeeds or not, it has certainly sparked an important conversation about how companies evaluate potential hires in an AI-driven world.
