Google SDE compensation in India is a mix of base pay, a joining bonus, and GSUs (Google's equivalent of RSUs) that vest over several years — so year-1 total comp typically looks lower than the headline CTC number often quoted.
SDE compensation (India, 2026, approximate)
| New grad / L3 (SDE-1 equivalent) | ≈ ₹30–45 LPA |
| L4 (SDE-2 equivalent) | ≈ ₹45–70 LPA |
| L5 (SDE-3 equivalent) and above | ₹75 LPA+, driven mostly by larger GSU grants |
| Components | Base salary + joining bonus + GSUs (equity, vests over multiple years) |
These are approximate, publicly-reported ranges rather than exact figures — self-reported numbers move quickly, so cross-check current figures on Glassdoor or Levels.fyi before negotiating.
Negotiate on total compensation, not just base pay — the GSU vesting schedule and joining bonus usually matter more to your actual take-home in years 1–2.