# 100xFounder - Site: https://100xfounder.com/ ## How to Get a Job at Elastic in 2026: Process, India Roles and Tips - Link: https://100xfounder.com/how-to-get-a-job-at-elastic/ - Published: 2026-10-12T18:26:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan To get a job at Elastic in 2026, apply on its Greenhouse-powered careers site and expect the process laid out on its official “How we hire” page. That process runs from a 30-minute recruiter screen through department interviews and, for some roles, a panel presentation and a technical assessment. Elastic has been distributed by design since it was founded, so many roles are posted country by country rather than tied to an office. India had 14 openings on 4 October 2026. 100Xfounder is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elastic. **Key takeaways** * Elastic’s public job board listed 392 postings on 4 October 2026. They covered 203 distinct roles, because the same role is often posted separately in several countries. * Elasticsearch platform engineering was the largest group (103 postings), but none of those roles were listed in India that day. * India had 14 postings, mostly in Bengaluru and mostly in sales, solutions architecture, consulting, IT and finance. * Elastic’s own hiring page lists a recruiter screen, department interviews, a panel presentation and a technical assessment, each with a published time range. * Elastic says it allows AI for preparation but wants interviews kept “strictly human-to-human”. ## How Elastic works: distributed by design Elastic, the company behind Elasticsearch and Kibana, has no headquarters in the usual sense. Its [annual report for the year ended 30 April 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707753/000170775326000018/estc-20260430.htm) says it is “a distributed company” and has no principal executive office. The same filing says it had 4,019 employees in over 40 countries, and that its processes and teams are built so people can generally work without being in the same place as colleagues. Revenue for that fiscal year was $1.739 billion, up 17%, the filing shows. This goes back to the beginning. An [Elastic culture post from April 2020](https://www.elastic.co/blog/culture-elastic-distributed-by-design) says the founding team was spread across Israel, Germany and the Netherlands. The company runs on asynchronous tools such as GitHub, Slack and Zoom, holds department meetings at times that suit several regions, and uses leadership “ask me anything” sessions to share plans. The job posts repeat this. Many engineering listings say the company is “distributed by intention” and hires the best engineers “wherever they are”. A [senior vector search engineering post](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161519) gives bonus points for having collaborated over the internet, and “double bonus points” for doing it asynchronously. ### The Source Code values Elastic sums up its culture in a set of values it calls the [Source Code](https://www.elastic.co/about/our-source-code). They include “Customer, 1st”, “Home, Dinner” (balance between work and life), “Space, Time” (room to think and to fail), “IT, Depends” (complex questions deserve nuanced answers) and “HUMBLE, Ambitious”. One value is written as “01.02, /FORMAT”. It is about empathy across cultures in a distributed company, and the page sums it up as “don’t assume malice”. Elastic’s hiring page tells candidates to read these values before interviewing, and at least one India posting lists alignment with them as a requirement. ![Shay Banon standing at a lectern presenting Elasticsearch at the Berlin Buzzwords conference in 2010](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/shay-banon- standing-at-a-lectern-presenting-elasticsearch-at-the-berli-680x1024.jpg) Shay Banon talking about Elasticsearch at Berlin Buzzwords in 2010. · [Photo: Richard Wöber / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shay_Banon_talking_about_Elasticsearch_at_Berlin_Buzzwords_2010.jpg) ## Where Elastic is hiring right now We pulled every live posting from [Elastic’s public Greenhouse job board](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/elastic/jobs?content=true) on 4 October 2026. The board listed 392 postings for 203 distinct job titles. Elastic often posts one role in many countries. For example, a senior vector search engineer role appeared as separate listings in nine countries. The largest departments by posting count were: | Department | Postings | | Platform – Elasticsearch | 103 | | Security – Cross Team | 26 | | Security – Integrations | 19 | | IT | 14 | | Sales – AMER West | 12 | | Observability – Application Observability | 11 | By country, the United States had the most postings (about 120), followed by Canada and Spain (37 each), Ireland and Portugal (23 each), Greece (22), the UK (21), Poland( 16) and India (14). The Elasticsearch core engineering roles were open in 11 countries: the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Romania, Norway, Poland and Switzerland. Because each listing names a country, check that it is one where you can legally work before you apply. The postings we read do not say whether Elastic sponsors visas, so ask the recruiter if that matters to you. Our [Elastic jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/elastic/) shows the same openings, refreshed from the official feed. ## Elastic jobs in India On 4 October 2026, ten India postings were in Bangalore (Bengaluru), one in Mumbai and three were listed simply as “India”. They covered: * **Consulting:** three consulting architect roles in observability, platform and search. The [search consulting architect post](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=7447236) requires an active Elastic certification and at least seven years as a consulting architect or similar. It mentions travel to client sites of up to 20%. * **Solutions architecture and partners:** a senior solution architect in Mumbai, a [senior partner solutions architect](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8226083)( 8+ years, travel up to 30% across India) and an APJ partner sales specialist for cloud marketplaces. * **Sales development:** a senior SDR and an [SDR for India’s public sector](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8067061). That post asks for experience with ministries, defence, healthcare or government agencies, plus an “AI-first mindset”. * **IT engineering:** a [Kubernetes platform engineer](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8237463)( 5+ years with infrastructure-as-code and cloud providers) and a lead Salesforce full-stack AI engineer (12+ years). * **Finance and operations:** two revenue manager roles, a strategic sourcing analyst( three to five years) and a [fixed-term marketing operations coordinator](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161139)( one to three years). The pattern matters. If you want to work on Elasticsearch itself from India, there were no such openings that day. The realistic routes into Elastic India right now are customer-facing technical roles, internal IT and business functions. If you hold an Elastic certification, consulting is the clearest fit. For other Bengaluru engineering openings, see our [engineering jobs in Bengaluru](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/engineering-jobs-in-bengaluru/) list. ![Bengaluru city skyline with office towers and trees under a blue sky](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bengaluru-city-skyline-with-office-towers- and-trees-under-a-blue-sky-1024x365.jpg) Most of Elastic's India openings in October 2026 were listed in Bengaluru. · [Photo: Saad Faruque from Bangalore, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangalore_skyline_2011_(5392899266).jpg) ## The hiring process, step by step Elastic publishes its process on its [How we hire](https://www.elastic.co/careers/how-we-hire) page. Not every role has every stage, but this is the official outline: 1. **Application.** Elastic asks people to apply only to roles that match their experience, and to tailor the CV with concrete project examples. Cover letters are optional but welcome. 2. **Recruiter screen (30 minutes).** A phone or video call to introduce the role and answer your questions. 3. **Department interviews (45–90 minutes each).** Several conversations with peers, the hiring manager and leaders. 4. **Panel presentation (45–90 minutes), for some roles.** Role-play scenarios or product demos that simulate the job. 5. **Technical assessment (60–90 minutes), for some roles.** Depending on the job, this can be a deep technical discussion of Elastic’s products, a test of architecture and problem-solving, or a timed, proctored coding exercise. 6. **Decision and offer.** Elastic says successful candidates often hear within days of the final review, though timing varies. The recruiter then shares pay, start date and onboarding details. Elastic says there is no dress code, and it tells candidates to test their setup before video interviews. For adjustments during the process, email candidate_accessibility@ elastic.co. The postings say Elastic replies within 24 business hours. ### What candidates report Individual accounts add some colour, but they are **candidate reports**, not policy, and older ones may be out of date. A 2022 [LeetCode Discuss post](https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/2578843/) from a backend candidate in Bengaluru describes this sequence: * a half-hour recruiter screen; * a behavioural round with the hiring manager; * a take-home coding assignment, done within 24 hours of starting it; * a round with a principal engineer that went deep into the submitted code; * a further round with an architect. The candidate was rejected at the end. The main lesson is that Elastic interviewers may examine your own code line by line, so be ready to defend every choice in it. ## How Elastic treats AI in interviews In July 2026 Elastic published a [guide to AI in the interview process](https://www.elastic.co/blog/ai-guidelines-interview-process). It allows AI for proofreading, structuring your thoughts, brainstorming answers and preparing presentations. It does not allow inventing experience, letting AI do the main thinking, or using AI tools during the interview itself, which should stay “strictly human-to-human”. The guide says Elastic uses AI-detection tools on applications. Deliberate misrepresentation can lead to disqualification, or to dismissal if it comes to light after hiring. This sits alongside job posts that ask for AI fluency. The US vector search posting, for example, asks for a track record of using AI to speed up development and debugging“ while still owning the final outcomes”. In practice: use AI as a tool at work, but be able to explain every line yourself. ![A woman working on a laptop at a desk in a dimly lit room](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-woman-working-on-a-laptop-at-a-desk-in-a-dimly- lit-room-684x1024.jpg) Elastic allows AI for interview preparation but wants interviews kept human-to-human.· [Photo: Shixart1985 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_woman_sits_at_a_desk_with_her_laptop,_deeply_focused_on_her_work_in_a_low-light_environment.jpg) ## Pay, benefits and how to stand out ### What the postings disclose Where the law requires it, Elastic publishes base-pay ranges. The [US senior software engineer, vector search posting](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161511) lists a typical starting base salary of $133,100 to $210,600. A higher range of $159,900 to $252,900 applies in select high-cost areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York. A [US director of engineering post](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8237959) lists $199,700 to $315,900. Those posts say the roles are eligible for Elastic’s stock programme and a US 401(k) with matching up to 6%. The India postings we reviewed carried no pay figures, and we have not included unverified numbers. In India, offers are usually quoted as annual CTC (cost to company) in lakhs per annum (LPA; one lakh is ₹100,000). Use our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/) to turn CTC into monthly take-home pay, and confirm tax details with a qualified professional. Benefits listed across postings and on Elastic’s [benefits page](https://www.elastic.co/careers/benefits) include at least 16 weeks of parental leave, donation matching up to US$2,000 a year, 40 hours of volunteer time and money towards setting up a home workspace. The postings also say pay is based on the work you will do at Elastic, not your previous salary. Benefits vary by country. ### Practical tips 1. **Prove you work well remotely.** Point to open-source pull requests, design docs or projects you delivered with people in other time zones. Elastic’s own posts reward this. 2. **Know the product.** The technical assessment can cover Elastic’s products. Run Elasticsearch and Kibana yourself, and if you are applying for consulting, get the Elastic certification the role names. 3. **Write clearly.** A distributed company runs on written updates. A tight CV with specific project results, and an optional short cover letter, shows you can do that. 4. **Prepare to defend your own code.** Both the official technical stage and the candidate report point to deep discussion of how and why you built something. 5. **Use AI only within Elastic’s rules.** Use it to prepare, never to fake experience, and leave it out of live interviews. 6. **Apply selectively.** Elastic asks for this directly. Pick the one or two listings, in a country where you can work, that genuinely fit. ![Diagram of an Elasticsearch cluster showing nodes, shards and replicas](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/diagram-of-an-elasticsearch-cluster-showing- nodes-shards-and-replicas-1024x791.png) Technical assessments can cover Elastic's products, so hands-on Elasticsearch experience helps. · [Photo: ^demon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elasticsearch_Cluster_August_2014.png) ## Bottom line Elastic is one of the few public software companies of its size that is distributed by design. It publishes its interview stages, its AI rules and, in many countries, its pay ranges. That openness makes preparation easier. Remember, though, that roles are posted country by country, and in India the current openings lean towards customer- facing, IT and business roles rather than core Elasticsearch engineering. Applicants who show strong written communication, real product knowledge and a record of remote collaboration fit what Elastic says it wants. ## FAQ ### Is Elastic fully remote? Elastic calls itself distributed by design and has no principal executive office. Its annual report says employees can generally work without being in the same location as colleagues, though it also has offices and employee hubs. Each posting names a country or city, and some customer roles need travel. ### Does Elastic hire in India? Yes. On 4 October 2026 it had 14 India postings, mostly in Bengaluru, across consulting, solutions architecture, sales development, IT and finance. ### How many interview rounds does Elastic have? It depends on the role. The official outline is a recruiter screen, department interviews, and for some roles a panel presentation and a technical assessment, followed by an offer decision. ### Can I use ChatGPT or other AI tools during Elastic interviews? No. Elastic’s July 2026 guidance allows AI for preparation but says interviews should be human-to-human, and that misrepresentation can disqualify you. ### Where should I apply? Apply only through Elastic’s official careers site at jobs.elastic.co, or browse our [Elastic jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/elastic/). Never pay anyone for a referral or an interview. ## Sources 1. Elastic, [“How we hire”](https://www.elastic.co/careers/how-we-hire), accessed 4 October 2026 2. Elastic, [“Elastic’s guide to AI in the interview process”](https://www.elastic.co/blog/ai-guidelines-interview-process), 16 July 2026 3. Elastic, [“Elastic: Distributed by design”](https://www.elastic.co/blog/culture-elastic-distributed-by-design), 20 April 2020 4. Elastic, [“Our Source Code”](https://www.elastic.co/about/our-source-code), accessed 4 October 2026 5. Elastic, [“Benefits”](https://www.elastic.co/careers/benefits), accessed 4 October 2026 6. Elastic N.V. (SEC), [“Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026”](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707753/000170775326000018/estc-20260430.htm), 8 June 2026 7. Elastic (Greenhouse job board API), [“Elastic job postings”](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/elastic/jobs?content=true), accessed 4 October 2026 8. Elastic, [“Senior Software Engineer – Vector Search – Elasticsearch” (United States)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161511), 27 August 2026 9. Elastic, [“Senior Software Engineer – Vector Search – Elasticsearch” (Spain)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161519), 27 August 2026 10. Elastic, [“Director of Software Engineering – Distributed Systems, Serverless – Elasticsearch”](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8237959), 29 September 2026 11. Elastic, [“Consulting Architect – Search” (India)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=7447236), 5 December 2025 12. Elastic, [“Senior Partner Solutions Architect” (Bangalore)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8226083), 25 September 2026 13. Elastic, [“Sales Development Representative (India Public Sector)”](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8067061), 26 August 2026 14. Elastic, [“Platform Engineer – Kubernetes” (Bangalore)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8237463), 29 September 2026 15. Elastic, [“Coordinator, Marketing Operations (Fixed Term)” (Bangalore)](https://jobs.elastic.co/jobs?gh_jid=8161139), 7 September 2026 16. LeetCode Discuss (candidate report), [“Elastic | SDE2 | Backend developer | Bangalore | Rejected”](https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/2578843/), 15 September 2022 Featured image: Elastic describes itself as distributed by design, with employees in over 40 countries. · [Photo: TimeZonesBoy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:World_Time_Zones_Map_1.png) ## How to Get a Job at CRED in 2026: Open Roles, Interviews and Tips - Link: https://100xfounder.com/how-to-get-a-job-at-cred/ - Published: 2026-10-12T16:42:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan To get a job at CRED in 2026, apply through its careers site, careers.cred.club, which pulls every opening from a Lever job board. On 4 October 2026 that board had just eight roles, all full-time and on-site. Seven were in Bengaluru and one was in Hyderabad, and none were in engineering. 100Xfounder is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CRED. This guide covers where CRED is hiring, what its job posts ask for, what candidates report about interviews and how to prepare. **Key takeaways** * CRED’s public Lever board listed eight open roles on 4 October 2026: seven in Bengaluru and one in Hyderabad, all full-time and on-site. * The openings are in business development, payments, growth, writing and finance. There were no engineering, design or data roles on the public board that day. * Most posts ask for four or more years of experience, and the senior payments and partnerships roles ask for six to twelve. * Founder Kunal Shah left in June 2026 to run WhatsApp at Meta, which invested $900 million in CRED. Miten Sampat is interim CEO. * Candidate reports for engineering roles describe a take-home or online coding test, problem-solving and design rounds, and a final round with a senior leader. These are individual accounts, not an official process. ## What CRED does and what changed in 2026 CRED started in 2018 as a rewards app for paying credit card bills. It now offers payments, lending, insurance, wealth management and lifestyle services to 17 million monthly active users, according to [Entrackr](https://entrackr.com/exclusive/exclusive-inside-creds-new-funding-metas-stake-and-esop-expansion-12163561). The same report says CRED handles more than 40% of India’s credit card bill payments. Its operating revenue for the year to March 2025 (FY25) rose 16% to ₹2,735 crore, and its operating loss fell 51% to ₹298 crore. One crore is ₹10 million, so that revenue is about ₹27.4 billion. The big change came on 22 June 2026. Meta agreed to invest $900 million in CRED at a post-money valuation of about $4.5 billion, and named Kunal Shah as WhatsApp’s new chief executive, [TechCrunch reported](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/22/whatsapp-gets-new-chief-as-meta-taps-indias-cred-founder-kunal-shah-and-invests-900m-in-startup/). Miten Sampat, who joined CRED in 2020, became interim CEO. Shah remains a large shareholder but has stepped away from running the company. For job seekers, the useful detail is what the money is for. In an interview with [Moneycontrol](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/we-have-a-highly-talent-dense-company-we-are-in-safe-hands-miten-sampat-on-leading-cred-after-kunal-shah-s-exit-13964976.html) in July 2026, Sampat said about $450–500 million of the deal would go to CRED’s balance sheet. He named three priorities: scaling CRED’s credit card business to a few million users, using AI more heavily, and running several separate apps, such as Kuvera and Cash by CRED. He also said CRED had recently reported its first profitable quarter. ![Kunal Shah wearing a FreeCharge T-shirt, photographed in 2015](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/kunal-shah-wearing-a-freecharge-t-shirt-photographed- in-2015-1024x683.jpg) Kunal Shah, pictured in 2015 when he ran FreeCharge, founded CRED in 2018 and left in June 2026 to lead WhatsApp. · [Photo: Kaustubha Dahibhate / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kunal_Shah_in_FreeCharge_T-Shirt.jpg) ## Where CRED is hiring right now CRED’s [openings page](https://careers.cred.club/openings) listed seven roles on 4 October 2026, all in Bengaluru. Its public [Lever job board](https://api.lever.co/v0/postings/cred?mode=json) had eight, because it also carried a finance role in Hyderabad for Prefr, a lending business. Here is how the eight roles split by the team named on each posting: | Team (business unit) | Open roles | Roles | | Consumer products (product and growth) | 2 | Credit card bill payments growth; business development and partnerships | | Business – CREDpay | 2 | Lead, on-deck payments; business development and strategic partnerships (D2C) | | Business (VA Tech) | 1 | Business development and partnerships, commercial lead | | Brand strategy (marketing) | 1 | Copywriter | | Public relations (corporate and business strategy) | 1 | Long-form content writer/editor | | Finance (Prefr) | 1 | Accounts payable manager, Hyderabad | All eight were full-time and marked on-site. Six of them were posted after the Meta deal was announced on 22 June. The oldest, the copywriter role, had been open since November 2025. Two of these units are not the main CRED app. VA Tech, formerly Happay, is CRED’s business-to-business payments infrastructure company, according to its [commercial lead posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/b532b595-bc8d-4b51-a2e6-7228ef1cabfc). Prefr, run by CreditVidya, is a digital lending platform that offers personal loans of ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh, according to the [accounts payable posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/aa98a938-af3a-45f5-851d-966b2b5bad33). One lakh is ₹100,000. ### What if you are an engineer? The public board had no engineering, design or data science openings on 4 October. That can change quickly, so check the board regularly. You can follow new CRED openings, refreshed from the official feed, on our [CRED jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/cred/). For similar roles at other companies, browse [engineering jobs in Bengaluru](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/engineering-jobs-in-bengaluru/). ## What CRED looks for CRED does not publish a “how we hire” guide, but its values page and job posts make the bar clear. ### Ownership with numbers attached The [credit card bill payments growth posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/b3fdba2a-802c-4e03-b445-5284c5e3c157) asks for four to seven years in user growth or category management, or three to five years in consulting, banking or strategy. It wants someone who has taken growth projects from idea to measured result. The role covers funnel metrics, A/B tests and reward campaigns judged on return on spend. The [on-deck payments lead](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/aa501081-1787-4617-bfa9-9f4ecaf68f30) needs six to ten years in payments or fintech. It also asks for experience owning a profit and loss account and working within regulated payment rails. ### Sellers, not relationship managers The partnership roles are explicit about this. The [D2C partnerships posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/a65bef0e-0f4c-40af-b662-9313f255189e) says it is a builder and seller role that carries a revenue quota. It asks for four or more years in quota-carrying sales or partnerships, plus an existing network among direct-to-consumer (D2C) founders. The [VA Tech commercial lead](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/b532b595-bc8d-4b51-a2e6-7228ef1cabfc) asks for seven to twelve years. It wants proof that you have run a pipeline from first contact to signed deal with banks, NBFCs (non-bank lenders) or payment networks. ### A point of view you can defend The writing roles test judgement as much as craft. The [copywriter posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/f846af12-7da9-4737-a0b1-3770c55830fc) wants someone who brings a point of view, can defend it, and gives direct feedback regardless of seniority. The [long-form writer posting](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/84aa0489-b7e1-4670-bfa9-7a9654197cc3) asks for a body of work across formats, experience writing in a founder’s voice, and fintech, business or lifestyle editorial experience. ### The values behind it CRED’s [values page](https://careers.cred.club/values) lists seven values, including“ high agency”, “fast & right” and “frugal”. The page sums up high agency as “no passengers, no excuses”. Sampat told Moneycontrol that former employees often say they miss CRED’s talent density, meaning the concentration of strong people. In February 2025, before he left, Kunal Shah said a team sport or group game often shows cultural fit better than a formal interview, [Business Today reported](https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/hiring-tips-creds-kunal-shah-says-team-sports-reveal-true-cultural-fit-of-candidates-better-than-interviews-465641-2025-02-23). That was a personal view, not a description of CRED’s process. ![An open wallet packed with bank, ID and access cards](https://100xfounder.com/ wp-content/uploads/2026/10/an-open-wallet-packed-with-bank-id-and-access-cards-1024x685. jpg) CRED began with credit card bill payments, and its growth roles still centre on them. · [Photo: Saad Akhtar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:6._Wallet_-_Flickr_-_Saad.Akhtar.jpg) ## The hiring process: what we know and what candidates report CRED has not published a standard interview loop, and it almost certainly varies by team. Here is what is confirmed: you apply through the Lever posting, and every current role is full-time and on-site in a named city. Everything below comes from** candidate reports** on GeeksforGeeks. They date from 2022 to 2024 and cover engineering roles, so treat them as individual experiences, not a guarantee. 1. **An assignment or online test.** An Android developer who interviewed for an SDE role described a take-home assignment with a 24-hour deadline ([GeeksforGeeks, June 2022](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-sde/)). A fresher applying for an automation engineer role reported a proctored online test on HackerRank of 105 minutes with three coding problems ([GeeksforGeeks, September 2024](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-automation-engineer-online-coding-round-fresher/)). 2. **Problem-solving rounds.** The Android candidate described a 90-minute data structures round written in a shared document, judged on approach and explanation. A second software developer report describes a technical interview on coding and engineering principles ([GeeksforGeeks, May 2024](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-a-software-developer/)). 3. **Domain and design.** The Android candidate had a long round on platform fundamentals and app architecture. Both engineering reports include a system design round. 4. **A senior or culture conversation.** Both reports end with a round on culture fit and career goals. In the Android account it was combined with design and led by an engineering head. The Android candidate said every round had two interviewers. None of the reports we found give a reliable timeline from application to offer. We found no public candidate reports for the business, payments or writing roles that make up the current board. Glassdoor’s CRED interview pages were not accessible when we checked, so we have not used them. ### Interview focus by role Without an official loop, use each job post as your guide. * **Growth and category roles:** bring funnel numbers you owned, experiments you ran and campaigns you stopped because the return was poor. * **Payments roles:** prepare to discuss regulated payment rails, partner banks and networks, and the trade-off between growth and cost to serve. * **Partnerships and sales:** bring a list of deals you sourced and closed, with sizes where you can share them, and the brands or banks you know well. * **Writing roles:** expect your portfolio to be the main test. Pick pieces that show range and a clear voice. * **Finance (Prefr):** the post asks for a chartered accountant with four to seven years of experience and working knowledge of Indian tax and company law (TDS, GST, MSME Act, Companies Act). ![People working at desks in a shared office space in HSR Layout, Bengaluru](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/people-working-at-desks-in-a-shared-office- space-in-hsr-layout-bengalu-1024x682.jpg) Every CRED opening is on-site, so plan for office work in Bengaluru or Hyderabad.· [Photo: Coworker2016 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BHIVE_Workspace_-_HSR_Bangalore.jpg) ## How to stand out 1. **Use the product seriously.** CRED’s careers footer says CRED members make better team members. Knowing how bill payments, rewards, UPI payments and the newer apps work, and where they fall short, gives you something concrete to talk about. 2. **Lead with measured outcomes.** Almost every current post asks for a track record you can prove: quota delivered, metric moved or deals closed. Put numbers on your CV and be ready to explain how you got them. 3. **Match the experience band honestly.** The current roles ask for three to twelve years. There were no internships or graduate roles on the board on 4 October, so early-career candidates should watch for new postings rather than stretch into senior ones. 4. **Know the business unit you are applying to.** A VA Tech or Prefr role is a different company from the consumer app. Read the opening paragraph of each post and tailor your pitch to it. 5. **Plan for on-site work.** Every role is on-site in Bengaluru or Hyderabad. CRED’s perks page says it helps cover major relocation costs. ## Pay, perks and offers None of the eight postings show a salary range, and CRED does not publish pay bands. Figures on job forums and salary sites are not confirmed by the company, so we have left them out. What CRED does publish is a long list of benefits on its [perks page](https://careers.cred.club/perks): * **Equity:** employees receive ESOPs (employee stock options). Under an “accelerated wealth program”, staff can take up to 50% of annual cash pay as special ESOP grants that vest fully in one year. * **Liquidity:** CRED says it runs ESOP buybacks from time to time. Entrackr reported that CRED announced its fifth buyback with the Meta round, after four earlier ones worth ₹250 crore in total. * **Salary timing:** salaries are paid at the start of each month. Two job posts add that new joiners are paid before their joining date. * **Insurance:** health cover with top-up options, ₹50 lakh of personal accident cover and term life cover of three times annual CTC. * **Time and place:** an open leave policy, no tracked working hours, lunch at the office and help with relocation. Entrackr also reported, from company filings, that CRED expanded its ESOP pool with the Meta round. It estimated the full pool at about ₹5,000 crore ($526 million), or about 11.6% of fully diluted shares. ESOPs are worth something only if they can be sold, so ask how vesting and buybacks would apply to your grant. Indian offers are usually quoted as yearly CTC (cost to company) in lakhs per annum( LPA). Before comparing an offer with your current pay, work out the monthly take- home with our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/). If you need to leave a job early, the [notice period buyout calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/notice-period-buyout-calculator/) estimates the cost. Tax rules change, so confirm the details with a qualified tax professional. ![High-rise towers in Hyderabad's Financial District with construction machinery in the foreground](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/high-rise- towers-in-hyderabad-s-financial-district-with-construction-m-1024x683.jpg) The one role outside Bengaluru, a finance post at lending business Prefr, is in Hyderabad. · [Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Financial_District,_Hyderabad_-_Skyline_featuring_Aparna_Zenon_and_SAS_iRA_under_construction.jpg) ## Bottom line CRED is newly funded, under interim leadership and focused on credit cards, payments and AI. Its public hiring in October 2026 is narrow: eight experienced roles in business, payments, writing and finance, with no engineering openings on the board. If you fit one of those posts and can show measured results, apply directly and tailor your pitch to the specific business unit. Engineers and early-career candidates should watch the board for new roles. ## FAQ ### Does CRED hire freshers? Not on the current board. On 4 October 2026 every one of the eight roles asked for experience, mostly four years or more. One 2024 candidate report describes a fresher test for an automation engineer role, so entry-level hiring has happened before. ### Is CRED hiring software engineers in 2026? There were no engineering roles on CRED’s public Lever board on 4 October 2026. Openings change often, so check the official board or our CRED jobs page. ### Can I work remotely at CRED? Not in the current openings. All eight roles were marked on-site, seven in Bengaluru and one in Hyderabad. ### What is CRED’s interview process like? CRED has not published one. Engineering candidate reports describe an assignment or online coding test, problem-solving and design rounds, and a final culture round with a senior leader. Business roles may differ. ### Who runs CRED now? Miten Sampat has been interim CEO since founder Kunal Shah became WhatsApp’s chief executive in June 2026, according to TechCrunch. ### Where do I apply? Apply on CRED’s official [careers page](https://careers.cred.club/openings), which links to each Lever posting, or browse our [CRED jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/cred/). Never pay anyone for a referral or interview slot. ## Sources 1. CRED (Lever job board API), [“CRED job postings”](https://api.lever.co/v0/postings/cred?mode=json), accessed 4 October 2026 2. CRED, [“Careers: openings”](https://careers.cred.club/openings), accessed 4 October 2026 3. CRED, [“Careers: perks”](https://careers.cred.club/perks), accessed 4 October 2026 4. CRED, [“Careers: values”](https://careers.cred.club/values), accessed 4 October 2026 5. CRED (Lever), [“Credit card bill payments growth”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/b3fdba2a-802c-4e03-b445-5284c5e3c157), 24 September 2026 6. CRED (Lever), [“Lead – on deck payments”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/aa501081-1787-4617-bfa9-9f4ecaf68f30), 24 August 2026 7. CRED (Lever), [“Business development & strategic partnerships – D2C”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/a65bef0e-0f4c-40af-b662-9313f255189e), 21 August 2026 8. CRED (Lever), [“Business development & partnerships – commercial lead”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/b532b595-bc8d-4b51-a2e6-7228ef1cabfc), 24 July 2026 9. CRED (Lever), [“Copywriter”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/f846af12-7da9-4737-a0b1-3770c55830fc), 17 November 2025 10. CRED (Lever), [“Long form content writer/editor”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/84aa0489-b7e1-4670-bfa9-7a9654197cc3), 18 August 2026 11. CRED (Lever), [“Accounts payable manager”](https://jobs.lever.co/cred/aa98a938-af3a-45f5-851d-966b2b5bad33), 28 September 2026 12. TechCrunch, [“WhatsApp gets new chief as Meta taps India’s CRED founder Kunal Shah and invests $900M in startup”](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/22/whatsapp-gets-new-chief-as-meta-taps-indias-cred-founder-kunal-shah-and-invests-900m-in-startup/), 22 June 2026 13. Moneycontrol, [“We have a highly talent-dense company. We are in safe hands: Miten Sampat on leading CRED after Kunal Shah’s exit”](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/we-have-a-highly-talent-dense-company-we-are-in-safe-hands-miten-sampat-on-leading-cred-after-kunal-shah-s-exit-13964976.html), 3 July 2026 14. Entrackr, [“Exclusive: Inside CRED’s new funding, Meta’s stake and ESOP expansion”](https://entrackr.com/exclusive/exclusive-inside-creds-new-funding-metas-stake-and-esop-expansion-12163561), 14 July 2026 15. Business Today, [“Hiring tips: CRED’s Kunal Shah says team sports reveal true ‘cultural fit’ of candidates better than interviews”](https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/hiring-tips-creds-kunal-shah-says-team-sports-reveal-true-cultural-fit-of-candidates-better-than-interviews-465641-2025-02-23), 23 February 2025 16. GeeksforGeeks (candidate report), [“CRED interview experience for SDE”](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-sde/), 23 June 2022 (updated 9 October 2024) 17. GeeksforGeeks (candidate report), [“Cred interview experience for a software developer”](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-a-software-developer/), 8 May 2024 18. GeeksforGeeks (candidate report), [“Cred interview experience for automation engineer: online coding round (fresher)”](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-experiences/cred-interview-experience-for-automation-engineer-online-coding-round-fresher/), 26 September 2024 (updated 23 July 2025) Featured image: Seven of CRED's eight open roles in October 2026 were based in Bengaluru.· [Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangalore_Skyline_(UB_City)_(8082053923).jpg) ## How to Get a Job at Zscaler in India in 2026: Process and Tips - Link: https://100xfounder.com/zscaler-jobs-india-how-to-apply/ - Published: 2026-10-12T12:48:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan Zscaler, the San Jose cloud security company, employs more than a third of its global workforce in India, and it is still hiring here across Bengaluru, Mohali, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurugram and Mumbai. As of 4 October 2026, its official Greenhouse job board lists 82 India-based roles out of 364 worldwide. To get in, apply to a specific posting and prepare for Zscaler’s published six-stage process, which uses structured interviews scored on role knowledge, problem-solving and fit with its values. _100Xfounder is an independent site. This guide is not official, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by Zscaler. Confirm every detail with your recruiter and on Zscaler’s careers site._ **Key takeaways** * **India is central to Zscaler.** Its annual report says 36% of its global workforce was in India on 31 July 2026, mostly in R&D, finance and operations. * **Bengaluru leads, Mohali is second.** 42 India roles are Bengaluru-only and 13 are in Mohali, near Chandigarh; the rest are spread across other cities or multi-city. * **Zscaler publishes its process:** application, recruiter review, manager review, structured interviews, decision and offer. * **Every India posting we checked is hybrid.** Zscaler says teams meet in the office three or more planned days a week. * **No AI help in live interviews.** Zscaler allows AI for preparation but bans it during interviews and assessments without written permission. ## Zscaler in India: a big share of the company Few US software companies lean on India as heavily as Zscaler. In its [annual report for the year to 31 July 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1713683/000171368326000157/zs-20260731.htm), filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on 3 September 2026, Zscaler said it had more than 8,700 employees worldwide and that 36% of its workforce was based in India, mostly in R&D, finance and operations. It describes India as a source of skilled talent, warns that competition for technical staff there is intense and rising, and says it runs R&D centres outside the US in India, Israel and Spain. The same filing records a change worth knowing about. On 1 September 2026, Zscaler committed to a restructuring that it expects to cut its worldwide headcount by about 3%, while moving resources towards its AI and growth initiatives. Hiring continues, as the job board shows, but the emphasis is on specific skills rather than broad expansion. Zscaler’s [careers page](https://www.zscaler.com/careers) lists India offices in Bangalore, Mohali, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and New Delhi. Mohali, in Punjab next to Chandigarh, is an unusual location for a US tech company and is one reason Zscaler is a strong option for candidates in north India who do not want to move to Bengaluru. The company [reopened its Bangalore, Pune and Mohali offices](https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/zscaler-life/zscaler-associates-india-return-office) on 2 May 2022 after nearly two years of remote work. ![Aerial view of Chandigarh with tree-lined streets and low-rise buildings](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/aerial-view-of-chandigarh-with-tree-lined- streets-and-low-rise-buildin-1024x768.jpg) Chandigarh, next to Mohali, where Zscaler has its second-largest cluster of India roles. · [Photo: Muzammil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ariel_view_of_Chandigarh.jpg) ## Which roles are open in India right now We pulled Zscaler’s public Greenhouse feed on 4 October 2026. By location, 42 roles are Bengaluru-only, 13 are in Mohali, five are open in either Bengaluru or Mohali, and the rest are in Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, remote within India, or a mix. By function, using our own grouping of job titles: | Function | Approx. roles | Examples from the board | | Software engineering | 29 | Sr. Software Development Engineer, Staff and Principal SDE (Go, Java, C/C++, Rust, Python), agentic systems, browser extension | | Site reliability, platform and security research | 8 | Staff SRE, Senior Staff Platform Engineer, Senior Detection Engineer, Staff Threat Researcher, vulnerability management | | Support and customer success | 14 | Customer Support Associate I, Designated Support Engineer III, Escalation Engineers (cloud, DLP, SD-WAN), Technical Success Managers | | Sales and pre-sales | 15 | Account Executives, Senior and Principal Sales Engineers (enterprise and public sector), professional services | | Finance, operations, IT, product and people | 16 | Accounts payable, India tax, project managers, a principal product specialist, Jira and LMS administrators, employee relations | The engineering roles reflect Zscaler’s product: its Zero Trust Exchange platform, which sits between users and the internet or apps to inspect and secure traffic. Postings ask for networking and systems depth (IPSec, SD-WAN, Linux and network troubleshooting), distributed systems in Java or Go, and low-level C and C++. Experience bars are clear: Sr. Software Development Engineer posts ask for about three years or more, Staff SDE posts five or more, and principal posts ten or more. The most junior roles on the board that day were in Mohali support and in operations, asking for about two years of experience. See the current list on our [Zscaler jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/zscaler/), which is refreshed from the same official feed, or compare with other [engineering jobs in Bengaluru](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/engineering-jobs-in-bengaluru/). ### How Zscaler works: hybrid by design All 82 India postings describe the role as hybrid, usually naming the city, for example “a Hybrid role in Bangalore”. The careers page says Zscaler is “hybrid by design”, and its [Candidate Resource Hub](https://www.zscaler.com/candidate-resource-hub) says teams meet in offices three or more planned days per week. Postings also list in-office perks among benefits. Plan to live near the office the posting names. ![Office towers in Hitec City, Hyderabad](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/10/office-towers-in-hitec-city-hyderabad-1024x768.jpg) Several Zscaler engineering roles can be based in Bengaluru or Hyderabad. · [Photo: Syced / Wikimedia Commons, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitec_City,_Hyderabad_(53165).jpg) ## What Zscaler looks for Zscaler’s [culture page](https://www.zscaler.com/culture) sets out three core behaviours: ownership and collaboration (“step in where the team needs you, beyond org charts or titles”), trust through outcomes, and a challenge culture built on direct, respectful feedback. Its recruiting materials add five values summed up as TOPIC: Teamwork, Ownership, Passion, Innovation and Customer Obsession. Manager candidates are also assessed against five leadership principles, HUMAN: hire, develop and inspire the best; understand and innovate with the customer; model a thoughtful bias for action; act like an owner; and nurture a growth mindset. Recent postings use the same “success profile” language. A [Staff Software Development Engineer post](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zscaler/jobs/5209653007) in Bangalore says Zscaler wants people who thrive in ambiguity, act like owners, run towards hard problems, collaborate with high trust and keep learning. Many postings now also list a foundational understanding of AI and ML as a minimum qualification, even for non-AI roles. ## The hiring process, step by step Zscaler’s Candidate Resource Hub lays out six stages: 1. **Application.** Zscaler reviews your background, skills and competencies. It asks you to show the scope and scale of your work and the results you delivered. 2. **Recruiter review.** A recruiter calls to discuss the role, scope, location and compensation, and to ask how you see Zscaler’s culture. It suggests reading Zscaler’s“ Ways of Working” before this call. 3. **Manager review.** The hiring manager reviews the strongest candidates against current and future team needs. 4. **Interviews.** Several interviewers run structured interviews. 5. **Decision.** The team reviews feedback and the recruiter tells you the outcome. 6. **Offer.** Your recruiter walks you through terms, benefits and people programmes. Zscaler says it uses structured interviewing for “clear, equitable, and consistent” assessment. Interviewers score three areas: role-required knowledge (your functional or technical skill), general cognitive ability (how you analyse situations and make decisions), and culture add and ways of working, measured against the TOPIC values. The hub does not give a timeline. ### The AI rules Zscaler has published unusually specific [AI guidelines for applicants](https://www.zscaler.com/aicandidateguide). You may use AI to polish a resume, research the company, practise answers and study before assessments. You may not use AI during live interviews, coding challenges or assessments without explicit written permission. Impersonation, invented qualifications and submitting AI-generated work as your own are also banned. Zscaler says violations can lead to disqualification, a withdrawn offer, or termination if found after hiring. ![Illustration of a padlock over a blue circuit board pattern](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/illustration-of-a-padlock-over-a-blue-circuit-board- pattern-1024x576.png) Zscaler bans AI assistance during live interviews and assessments unless it gives written permission. · [Image: jaydeep_ / Wikimedia Commons, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cybersecurity.png) ### What candidates report The following comes from a candidate report, not from Zscaler. In a February 2024 [LeetCode Discuss post](https://leetcode.com/discuss/interview-question/4706480/Zscaler-or-Internship-+-FTE-or-Software-Developer-CC++-or-On-Campus-or-Bangalore-Offer-Accepted/), a graduate hired on campus for a Bangalore C/C++ developer role described an online assessment with three medium-to-hard data-structures-and-algorithms problems in 90 minutes. Two technical interviews of about 75 to 80 minutes followed, each spending most of the time on C, operating systems and computer networking concepts before a coding question. That matches the systems focus of many current postings, but formats vary by team, level and year. ## How to stand out * **Write your resume the way Zscaler asks.** Show the scope and scale of your work, the results, how you handled ambiguous problems, and evidence of ownership and a growth mindset. * **Know networking cold for engineering and support roles.** TCP/IP, TLS, DNS, proxies, VPNs and IPSec come up across postings, as do Linux internals and operating- system basics. * **Pick a language and go deep.** Postings are specific: Go or Java for distributed systems, C or C++ for data-plane work, Python for automation, Rust for some principal roles. * **Prepare for structured questions.** Build two or three stories for each TOPIC value, with a clear situation, what you did and the measurable result. * **Follow Zscaler’s own interview tips.** The hub advises researching Zscaler, the cybersecurity market and your interviewers; having a professional Zoom background; asking good questions; and closing with a short summary of why you fit. * **Show AI fluency honestly.** Many postings now ask for it, so be ready to explain how you use AI tools at work, but never during the interview itself. ## Pay, notice periods and offers Zscaler’s India postings do not publish salary ranges, and we have not found an official India pay range, so we do not quote one. The recruiter review stage covers compensation, so have a number ready. Indian offers are usually quoted as CTC (cost to company) in LPA, meaning lakh rupees per annum (one lakh is ₹100,000), and may include RSUs (restricted stock units) in the US-listed parent; confirm the tax treatment with a qualified tax adviser. Use our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/) to turn a CTC figure into monthly take-home pay, and our [salary hike calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/salary-hike-calculator/) to compare an offer with your current package. ![Rows of server racks in a data centre aisle](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/10/rows-of-server-racks-in-a-data-centre-aisle-1-1024x683.jpg) Zscaler's engineering roles lean heavily on networking and systems knowledge. · [Photo: PiDatacenters / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Racks_Amravati_Data_Center.jpg) ## Why it matters With more than a third of its people in India, Zscaler is effectively a large Indian technology employer with a US listing, and it gives candidates a rare choice of cities, including Mohali. The trade-off is a demanding, structured process, a firm hybrid policy and a company that is reshaping teams around AI, as its September 2026 restructuring shows. Strong networking and systems skills, clear evidence of ownership and an honest approach to AI give you the best chance. ## FAQ ### Where is Zscaler hiring in India? Mostly in Bengaluru, then Mohali. On 4 October 2026, 42 India roles were Bengaluru- only and 13 were in Mohali, with others in Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and remote India. ### What are the Zscaler interview rounds? Zscaler lists six stages: application, recruiter review, manager review, interviews, decision and offer. Interviews are structured and score role knowledge, cognitive ability and fit with the TOPIC values. ### Can I use ChatGPT or other AI tools in a Zscaler interview? Not during live interviews, coding challenges or assessments unless Zscaler gives explicit written permission. AI for preparation, research and resume polishing is allowed. ### Is Zscaler India remote? Mostly no. Every India posting we checked was hybrid, and Zscaler says teams meet in the office three or more planned days a week. A few roles were listed as remote within India. ### Does Zscaler hire freshers in India? Candidates report campus hiring, but there were no India internship or graduate postings on the public board on 4 October 2026. The most junior listed roles asked for about two years of experience. ## Sources 1. Zscaler (Greenhouse job board), “Zscaler jobs API”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/zscaler/jobs) 2. Zscaler, “Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 31, 2026”, 2026- 09-03. [Link](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1713683/000171368326000157/zs-20260731.htm) 3. Zscaler, “Candidate Resource Hub”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.zscaler.com/candidate-resource-hub) 4. Zscaler, “Ethical AI Guidelines for Zscaler Job Applicants”, accessed 2026-10- 04. [Link](https://www.zscaler.com/aicandidateguide) 5. Zscaler, “Careers”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.zscaler.com/careers) 6. Zscaler, “Culture”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.zscaler.com/culture) 7. Zscaler Blog, “India returns to work for Zscaler Associates”, 2022-07-11. [Link](https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/zscaler-life/zscaler-associates-india-return-office) 8. Zscaler, “Staff Software Development Engineer (Bangalore)” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/zscaler/jobs/5209653007) 9. LeetCode Discuss (candidate report), “Zscaler | Internship + FTE | Software Developer C/C++ | On-Campus | Bangalore”, 2024-02-10. [Link](https://leetcode.com/discuss/interview-question/4706480/Zscaler-or-Internship-+-FTE-or-Software-Developer-CC++-or-On-Campus-or-Bangalore-Offer-Accepted/) Featured image: Bengaluru hosts the largest share of Zscaler's India openings. · [Photo: Saad Faruque / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangalore_skyline_(7121517855).jpg) ## How to Get a Job at Okta in India in 2026: Process and Tips - Link: https://100xfounder.com/okta-jobs-india-how-to-apply/ - Published: 2026-10-12T08:33:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan Okta, the San Francisco identity and access management company, does almost all of its India hiring in Bengaluru, and most of it is senior engineering. As of 4 October 2026, its official Greenhouse job board lists 113 India-based roles out of 368 worldwide, and 111 of them are in Bengaluru. To get in, apply to a specific posting, then expect a recruiter screen, technical interviews and a hiring-manager conversation. Many candidates also report a timed online coding test first. _100Xfounder is an independent site. This guide is not official, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by Okta. Confirm every detail with your recruiter and on Okta’s careers site._ **Key takeaways** * **Bengaluru is the whole story.** 111 of 113 India roles are there; one sales role each is listed in New Delhi and Mumbai. * **It is an experienced-hire market.** By our count, about 82 of the 113 roles are software or reliability engineering, and staff, senior and principal titles dominate. * **Okta publishes its process only for early-career roles:** a CodeSignal pre- screen, recruiter screen, technical interview and hiring-manager interview for technical interns. * **Expect hybrid work.** 99 of the 113 India postings carry Okta’s hybrid tag, and new hires get in-person onboarding. * **Identity knowledge helps.** Many postings list OAuth, OpenID Connect, SAML, SCIM or directory services such as Active Directory and LDAP. ## Okta in India: from new office to engineering hub Okta’s India story is recent. In August 2023, [DQIndia reported](https://www.dqindia.com/okta-ventures-into-bangalore-india-with-new-office-and-global-innovation-center/) that Okta had opened an office in Bangalore with its first innovation centre in the Asia Pacific region. Okta said then that it planned to create hundreds of roles over three years and that the India team would start owning product areas from 2024. By November 2024 the pace had picked up. According to a [PTI report carried by The Week](https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2024/11/16/dcm18-biz-hiring-okta-india.html), Okta said it had tripled its India workforce to 300 in a year and planned to hire more than 200 more people over the next year, mainly in engineering and solution development, taking headcount past 500. Ben Goodman, Okta’s senior vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific and Japan, called India a key part of its growth and innovation strategy, and said Okta was launching a new Innovation Centre in Bengaluru. Okta’s own [Bengaluru office page](https://www.okta.com/company/bengaluru-office/) now calls the site its “India Innovation Centre”. It says teams there work on foundational technology for both the Okta and Auth0 platforms (Auth0 is Okta’s developer-focused identity product), on secure AI, and on global operations. Teams based there include product and engineering; technology, data and intelligence; customer success; sales and marketing; and people and workplace operations. ![UB City towers lit up at night in central Bengaluru](https://100xfounder.com/wp- content/uploads/2026/10/ub-city-towers-lit-up-at-night-in-central-bengaluru-1-1024x678. jpg) Okta calls its Bengaluru site its India Innovation Centre. · [Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangalore_Skyline_(UB_City)_(8082053923).jpg) ## Which roles are open in India right now We pulled Okta’s public Greenhouse feed on 4 October 2026. Grouping the 113 India roles by title gives this picture: | Function | Approx. roles | Examples from the board | | Software engineering and architecture | 69 | Senior, Staff and Principal Software Engineer; fullstack, Java and Node.js roles; macOS, Windows and Android; engineering managers and architects | | Site reliability and infrastructure | 13 | Senior and Staff SRE, Kubernetes platform SRE, Staff Network Engineer, Staff DevSecOps Engineer | | Data and analytics | 8 | Senior Data Engineer, Senior Data Analyst (including Auth0), People Analytics | | Product, design, writing and identity specialists | 9 | Senior Product Manager, UX researchers, Staff UX Designer, technical writers | | Sales, partners, solutions and other business roles | 14 | Enterprise Account Executives in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, solutions engineers, partner operations, finance and people roles | The engineering work is spread across Okta’s core identity platform, applications, infrastructure, the Auth0 customer identity products (listed as CIAM, customer identity and access management), privileged access management (PAM) and lifecycle management, which handles how user accounts are created, synced and removed. Experience bars are explicit. A typical [Senior Software Engineer post](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/opportunity/8239278?gh_jid=8239278) asks for five or more years building reliable software, Java or another object-oriented language, relational databases, REST APIs and directory services. Staff roles usually ask for seven to eight years or more, and principal roles often ten to twelve or more. Entry-level roles are scarce. The only “associate” title on the India board that day was an Associate Solutions Engineer post, and it asked for four or more years of pre-sales experience. Okta’s [intern programme page](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/intern-program/) does list Bangalore among its intern locations, so watch that page for student roles. You can browse current openings on our [Okta jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/okta/), which is refreshed from the same official feed, or compare them with other [engineering jobs in Bengaluru](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/engineering-jobs-in-bengaluru/). ### How Okta works: hybrid and in person at the start Okta’s India postings are tagged hybrid; 99 of the 113 carried the tag when we checked. The standard text at the end of each post says Okta has more than 20 offices worldwide and that every new hire starts with an “immersive, in-person onboarding experience”. Plan to live within commuting distance of the Bengaluru office unless your recruiter says otherwise. ![A tree-lined road running through a business park in Bengaluru](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-tree-lined-road-running-through-a-business-park- in-bengaluru-1024x768.jpg) Most Okta India roles are hybrid, so living within reach of the office matters. · [Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bengaluru_Business_park_road.jpg) ## What Okta looks for Okta’s [careers page](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/) describes a “high-performance culture” with five values: love our customers, always secure, always on, build and own it, and drive what’s next. Its operating principles add: raise your own bar, turn action into traction, thrive in change, and move fast, simplify, repeat. For early-career hires, Okta says it wants builders focused on concrete outcomes rather than effort alone, and people who see change as a chance to improve. Inside the Bengaluru office, a senior recruiter quoted on Okta’s office page describes a culture built on an “owner’s mindset”: if you see a problem, you have the autonomy to fix it. Expect interviewers to look for that. Prepare stories where you spotted a problem nobody owned and fixed it. Because Okta sells security, its technical bar has a security flavour. Postings mention identity protocols (OAuth, OpenID Connect, SAML, SCIM), Active Directory and LDAP, and in reliability roles, AWS, Kubernetes and Terraform. In our count of the 113 India postings, Java appears in 49, OAuth in 37, Python and SAML in 34 each, and Kubernetes in 27. You do not need all of these, but knowing how a login, a token and a provisioning flow work will help in almost any Okta engineering interview. ## The hiring process, step by step Okta publishes interview steps only for its intern and early-career programme. For technical roles the [intern page](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/intern-program/) lists: 1. **CodeSignal pre-screen**, an online coding assessment on an outside platform. 2. **Recruiter screen.** 3. **Technical interview.** 4. **Hiring manager interview.** For non-technical roles, the steps are a recruiter screen, interviews with team members, and a hiring-manager interview. Okta’s careers page also links to an [interview guide](https://oktainterviewguide.splashthat.com/) hosted on Splash; open it before your first call, since the official guidance there may be more current than any third-party summary. ### What candidates report for experienced roles The following is based on candidate reports, not on Okta. DesignGurus, a third-party prep site, compiled [candidate accounts in September 2026](https://www.designgurus.io/blog/okta-interview-guide) into five stages for software engineers: * **Recruiter screen** of about 30 minutes on background, level and motivation. * **Online coding assessment**, often on CodeSignal, typically 70 to 90 minutes with easy-to-medium problems. * **Hiring manager call** of 45 to 60 minutes on past projects and decisions. * **Technical loop** of up to three roughly hour-long interviews covering live coding, system design and identity basics. Junior candidates often skip design; senior and staff candidates report a deeper architecture round. * **Behavioural round** on collaboration, ownership and customer trust. The same summary says most candidates finish in three to six weeks. Some report that the live-coding round revisits their assessment code and asks them to explain and improve it. Your recruiter will confirm the loop for your team and level. ![A black YubiKey hardware security key used for two-factor authentication](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-black-yubikey-hardware-security-key- used-for-two-factor-authenticati-1024x768.jpg) Identity basics such as multi-factor authentication, OAuth and SAML come up across Okta roles. · [Photo: Jonathan Molina / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_YubiKey_06.jpg) ## How to stand out * **Apply to the exact team.** India postings name teams such as Lifecycle Management, PAM, Identity Administration, Workflows and Auth0 developer tools. Tailor your resume to that team’s stack: Java and Spring, Node.js, Go, macOS or Windows clients, or Kubernetes. * **Learn the identity basics.** Be able to explain OAuth 2.0 versus OpenID Connect, what SAML does in single sign-on, and how SCIM provisioning works. Okta’s own developer documentation is free. * **Practise timed coding.** If a CodeSignal test comes first, a working answer under time pressure matters more than an elegant one you cannot finish. * **Bring outcomes, not effort.** Okta says it values concrete results, so quantify what changed because of your work: latency, incidents, adoption or revenue. * **Show you think about security and reliability.** “Always secure, always on” is literally in Okta’s values. In design rounds, discuss failure modes, rate limits, audit logs and how you would protect secrets. * **Have an ownership story ready.** The Bengaluru team describes an owner’s mindset, so expect “tell me about a time you fixed something nobody asked you to”. ## Pay, notice periods and offers Okta’s India postings do not publish salary ranges, and we have not found an official India pay range, so we do not quote one. Recruiters typically discuss expectations early. Offers in India are usually expressed as CTC (cost to company) in LPA, meaning lakh rupees per annum (one lakh is ₹100,000). Equity at US-listed companies usually comes as RSUs (restricted stock units); confirm how they are taxed in India with a qualified tax adviser. Use our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/) to see what a fixed salary means each month, and our [notice period buyout calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/notice-period-buyout-calculator/) if you need to leave a current job faster. ![Java source code displayed on a laptop screen](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/10/java-source-code-displayed-on-a-laptop-screen.jpg) Java appears in more Okta India postings than any other programming language we checked. · [Photo: qubodup / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/21051491@N02/15390902985) ## Bottom line Okta has turned Bengaluru from a new office in 2023 into a large engineering centre that builds parts of both the Okta and Auth0 platforms. For candidates, that means plenty of openings but a high bar: most India roles are senior, staff or principal, and they reward real experience with identity, distributed systems and reliability. Read Okta’s values and interview guide, brush up on identity protocols, practise timed coding, and apply to the team whose problems you already understand. ## FAQ ### Where is Okta hiring in India? Almost entirely in Bengaluru. On 4 October 2026, 111 of Okta’s 113 India roles were in Bengaluru, with one enterprise sales role each in New Delhi and Mumbai. ### What is the Okta interview process? For technical interns, Okta lists a CodeSignal pre-screen, recruiter screen, technical interview and hiring-manager interview. Candidates for experienced roles report a similar flow plus a multi-interview technical loop and a behavioural round. ### Does Okta hire freshers in India? Rarely, judging by the current board. Okta’s intern page lists Bangalore as an intern location, but no India internship or graduate role was open on 4 October 2026. ### Is Okta India remote? Most India roles are tagged hybrid, and Okta says new hires get in-person onboarding. Ask your recruiter about office days for your team. ### What skills should I learn for an Okta interview? Coding fundamentals and system design, plus identity basics such as OAuth, OpenID Connect, SAML and SCIM. Reliability roles often add AWS, Kubernetes and Terraform. ## Sources 1. Okta (Greenhouse job board), “Okta jobs API”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/okta/jobs) 2. Okta, “Careers”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/) 3. Okta, “Interning at Okta”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/intern-program/) 4. Okta, “Okta Bengaluru”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.okta.com/company/bengaluru-office/) 5. Okta, “Senior Software Engineer (Bengaluru)” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.okta.com/company/careers/opportunity/8239278?gh_jid=8239278) 6. Okta, “Interview Guidelines”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://oktainterviewguide.splashthat.com/) 7. The Week (PTI), “Okta India plans to hire over 200 new employees in a year”, 2024- 11-16. [Link](https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2024/11/16/dcm18-biz-hiring-okta-india.html) 8. DQIndia, “Okta ventures into Bangalore, India, with new office and Global Innovation Center”, 2023-08-10. [Link](https://www.dqindia.com/okta-ventures-into-bangalore-india-with-new-office-and-global-innovation-center/) 9. DesignGurus (third-party, candidate reports), “Okta Interview Guide: Process, Questions, and How to Prepare”, 2026-09-18. [Link](https://www.designgurus.io/blog/okta-interview-guide) Featured image: A Bengaluru tech park. 111 of Okta's 113 India roles are based in the city. · [Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bagmane_Tech_Park,_Bangalore_(2024)_36.jpg) ## Best Education Marketing Agency in India: Our #1 Pick and 6 Specialists - Link: https://100xfounder.com/best-education-marketing-agency-india/ - Published: 2026-10-12T01:44:27+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan Admissions marketing in India runs on a calendar most agencies never learn. Parents start searching for schools months before the session. Engineering and medical aspirants search around entrance results. MBA and postgraduate searches cluster around counselling windows. An agency that runs the same campaign in June that it ran in February wastes the budget, and a college that judges an agency on lead count alone usually ends up with a spreadsheet of numbers that never pick up the phone. If you are searching for the best education marketing agency in India, this guide does three things. It explains what a good education marketing agency actually does. It shows our featured pick. And it gives you a shortlist of six specialist agencies, with their names and details unlocked by a short form at the end of the list. ## Which is the best education marketing agency in India? **The best education marketing agency in India is the one that plans around your admission calendar, reports enrolments rather than leads, and shows real work from institutions like yours.** For schools, coaching institutes and colleges that want video-led content and a founder-led team, our pick is [Digihandler](https://digihandler.com/). Large universities should also compare the six specialist agencies in our shortlist below. ## What an education marketing agency should do for you Strip away the pitch decks and the job comes down to four things: * **Plan around your admission cycle.** Budgets should rise before application deadlines, entrance results and counselling rounds, and fall back in between. Agencies that specialise in education say this openly; ask yours to show you the calendar it would run. * **Bring enquiries you can convert.** A lead is a name and a number. An enrolment is a fee paid. Ask every agency how it measures the step between the two, and what it counts as a qualified lead. * **Build trust that parents and students can see.** Reels from your campus, faculty talking to camera, alumni stories and honest answers to fee questions do more than a banner ad. Education is a slow, considered purchase, so content that answers objections keeps working long after the campaign ends. * **Be found on search and maps.** Most families shortlist online. Your Google Business Profile, your programme pages and your answers to common questions decide whether you make the shortlist at all. ## Our pick: Digihandler – Best Edtech Marketing Agency in India [Digihandler](https://digihandler.com/) is a creative social and performance marketing studio based in Rohtak, Haryana. It was founded in 2018 and, by its own figures, has a team of 15 and has worked with more than 250 brands across India and abroad. The two founders, Lovish Madaan and Manasvi Madaan, stay on client accounts themselves rather than handing them to a junior team. The reason we feature it for education is that Digihandler runs an education business of its own. [Digihandler Academy](https://digihandleracademy.com/) is an ISO 9001 certified digital marketing institute in Rohtak that, according to its website, has trained more than 300 students, government officials and university learners over three years, with weekday and weekend batches offline and online. The Academy also offers an LMS for other institutes. In other words, the team fills its own classrooms with its own marketing, so it deals with the same problems a school or coaching institute does: enquiries that go cold, parents who want to see the campus, and a batch start date that will not move. **What it offers institutions:** * Premium video editing and campus reels, the format that holds attention on Instagram and YouTube Shorts * Founder and faculty personal branding, so the people behind the institution become visible * Performance marketing on Google and Meta, with measurement checked before campaigns are optimised * AI-assisted SEO and website design for programme and admission pages * Social media management that runs all year, not just in admission season **Worth knowing before you call:** Digihandler’s published case studies cover seven sectors, and education institutions other than its own academy are not yet among them. Its strengths are video-led content and paid campaigns, and it is a better fit for schools, coaching institutes and colleges that want strong creative and a hands-on team than for a large university that needs offices in several cities. It offers a free 30-minute strategy call and an audit, and will sign an NDA before looking at your accounts. [Visit Digihandler](https://digihandler.com/) · [See Digihandler Academy](https://digihandleracademy.com/) ## The shortlist: six more contenders for best education marketing agency in India These six agencies focus mainly or entirely on education. They range from firms that work only with universities to agencies built around school admissions. We chose them from their own published work and client lists; none of them paid to be here. Fill in the short form to see their names, websites, specialisms and the results each one claims. _Open the article on 100xFounder to see the full list._ ## Questions to ask before you sign 1. **What did you change for an institution like mine, and what happened to enrolments?** Ask for enrolments, not leads, impressions or followers. 2. **How do you define a qualified lead?** If the answer is “anyone who filled the form”, expect a lot of wrong numbers. 3. **What will you run in each month of my admission cycle?** A good agency shows you a calendar, not a fixed monthly plan. 4. **Who works on my account every week?** Meet them before you sign, not just the person selling to you. 5. **Do I own the ad accounts, the creative and the website files?** You should, and you should be able to take them with you. 6. **How will you report?** Weekly numbers you can check in your own Google Ads and Meta accounts beat a monthly PDF. ## Red flags * Guaranteed admissions or guaranteed rankings. Nobody can promise either. * Lead counts with no cost per enrolment. * Ad accounts created in the agency’s name instead of yours. * Stock photos instead of your real campus, students and faculty. * A “top 10 agencies” list written by the agency itself, with itself at number one, and no disclosure. ## Where education leads usually come from Most institutions use a mix of channels. Paid search catches families who are actively comparing options. Instagram and YouTube reels build familiarity long before the search starts. Education portals such as Shiksha.com and CollegeSearch.in remain a large lead source for many courses, though which portal works depends on the programme. Your own website and Google Business Profile are where every other channel ends up, so fix those first: a fast page that answers fees, eligibility, placements and hostel questions converts better than any ad. ## How much does an education marketing agency cost in India? There is no standard price list, and any article that quotes one is guessing. What you can compare is how agencies charge, because the model decides who carries the risk: * **Monthly retainer.** A fixed fee for content, social media and campaign management, with ad spend paid separately to Google and Meta. Predictable, and the most common model for schools and coaching institutes. * **Cost per lead.** You pay for each enquiry. It looks safe, but it rewards volume, not quality, so agree in writing what counts as a lead before you start. * **Cost per enrolment or admission.** Rare, because the agency carries the risk, but the cleanest way to align interests. Expect a higher rate per admission. * **Project fee.** A one-off price for a website, a campus video shoot or an admission- season campaign. Whichever model you choose, keep the ad spend in an account you own, ask for the agency fee and the media spend as separate lines, and ask for cost per enrolment at the end of every admission cycle. That one number tells you more than any monthly report. ## Education marketing for schools, colleges and coaching institutes The same agency rarely fits every kind of institution, because the buyer changes: * **Schools (K-12):** parents decide, usually within a few kilometres of home. Local search, Google Business Profile reviews, campus tours on video and WhatsApp follow-up matter most. * **Coaching institutes:** students decide, often with parents paying. Results, faculty credibility and short-form video drive enquiries, and demo classes convert them. * **Colleges and universities:** students compare many options across cities. Paid search during entrance and counselling windows, programme pages that answer fees and placements, and education portals carry the load. * **EdTech companies:** the funnel is online end to end, so performance marketing, landing pages and retargeting matter more than campus content. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does an education marketing agency do? It brings students or parents to your institution and helps turn their enquiries into admissions. That usually means paid ads on Google and Meta, social media and video content, search engine optimisation, landing pages, and reporting on cost per lead and cost per enrolment. ### Is digital marketing worth it for a school or coaching institute? Yes, when it is measured by admissions. Families research online before they visit, so an institution that cannot be found, or looks outdated when it is found, loses enquiries to competitors who show up with clear information and real campus content. ### When should an institution start its admission campaign? Before families start searching, not when seats are still empty. Build content and reviews months ahead, then raise paid spend in the weeks before application deadlines, entrance results and counselling rounds. ### Should I hire an agency or build an in-house team? Smaller schools and coaching institutes usually get more from an agency, because they get editors, designers and media buyers for the cost of one or two hires. Large universities often run a mix: an in-house team that owns the brand and an agency for paid campaigns and production. ### How do I choose the best education marketing agency in India? Shortlist three agencies that work with institutions like yours, ask each the six questions above, and pick the one that shows enrolment results you can check, not just leads or followers. ### How do I know if an agency’s results are real? Ask for case studies from institutions like yours, references you can call, and read-only access to past ad accounts. Be wary of figures that cannot be checked, and of any agency that guarantees admissions or rankings. ## The bottom line Choose an agency that understands your admission calendar, measures enrolments rather than leads, and shows you real work from institutions like yours. If you want the best education marketing agency in India for a hands-on, video-led approach from a team that runs its own institute, start with [Digihandler](https://digihandler.com/). If you are a large university, compare it with the specialists on the shortlist above. Whoever you speak to, ask the six questions before you sign. ## How to Get a Job at MongoDB in India in 2026: Process and Tips - Link: https://100xfounder.com/mongodb-jobs-india-how-to-apply/ - Published: 2026-10-11T20:17:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan MongoDB, the New York database company, is hiring steadily in India, and most of its openings sit in Gurugram (Gurgaon), near Delhi. As of 4 October 2026, its official Greenhouse job board lists 82 India-based roles out of 390 worldwide, and 64 of them are in Gurugram alone. The way in is to apply to a specific team’s posting, then clear a recruiter conversation, technical interviews on coding and system design, and a final talk with a director or VP. Those are the steps MongoDB itself publishes. _100Xfounder is an independent site. This guide is not official, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by MongoDB. Check every detail with your recruiter and on MongoDB’s careers site._ **Key takeaways** * **Gurugram is the hub.** 64 of the 82 India roles we counted on 4 October 2026 are Gurugram-only; Bengaluru, Mumbai and multi-city listings make up the rest. * **Engineering leads, but it is not the only door.** Roughly 35 roles are software, business-systems or reliability engineering. The rest span technical support, sales, finance, HR, marketing and product. * **The official process has six steps:** apply, recruiter conversation, initial technical interview, technical assessments (system design and coding), a director or VP interview, then an offer. * **Expect hybrid work.** 75 of the 82 India posts say MongoDB wants candidates based in that city for its hybrid model. * **Most roles want experience.** We found no India internship or new-graduate posting on the board that day. ## MongoDB in India: why Gurugram matters For years MongoDB’s Indian offices mostly sold and supported its database. That changed when it started building products here. In a June 2026 post, [MongoDB said](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/news/mongodb-upskill-two-million-builders-india-by-2030) it has more than 700 employees in the region across Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurgaon. It said it serves half of India’s top 100 companies by market capitalisation and more than 50 unicorns (startups valued at $1 billion or more). The same post said a dedicated engineering team launched in India the previous year and already owns pieces such as the management plane for MongoDB Enterprise Advanced and parts of its modernisation platform. At its Investor Day on 29 September 2026, MongoDB [launched Atlas Agent Engine](https://www.mongodb.com/company/newsroom/press-releases/mongodb-launches-atlas-agent-engine-to-put-ai-agents-in-production-without-a-new-stack), a product for running AI agents in production. A day later, according to [CXOToday](https://cxotoday.com/media-coverage/mongodb-launches-atlas-agent-engine-powered-by-rapidly-growing-rd-hub-in-india/), the company said its India R&D team of about 110 engineers, set up roughly 18 months earlier, had owned core architectural parts of that product. The team also worked on backup features for MongoDB 9.0 and on AI-assisted migration and code-translation tools. CXOToday put MongoDB’s regional headcount at more than 750 across Gurugram, Bengaluru and Mumbai, and quoted director of engineering Nitin Aggarwal saying the team’s work reaches MongoDB’s largest enterprise customers worldwide. For job seekers, the takeaway is simple: Gurugram is no longer only a sales and support office. Product engineering roles there now sit on teams that ship globally. ![Glass office towers in Cyber City, Gurugram, seen from a distance](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/glass-office-towers-in-cyber-city-gurugram-seen-from- a-distance-1024x498.jpg) Cyber City in Gurugram, the business district where most of MongoDB's India roles are based. · [Photo: Tarun4u / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cyber_City_View.jpg) ## Which roles are open in India right now We pulled MongoDB’s public Greenhouse feed on 4 October 2026. Here is how the 82 India roles break down by function, using our own grouping of job titles: | Function | Approx. roles | Examples from the board | | Software and business-systems engineering | 31 | Software Engineer 3, Senior and Staff Software Engineer, Engineering Manager (AI Builder Experience), Salesforce and GTM Tech engineers | | Reliability and cloud operations | 4 | Senior and Staff Site Reliability Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer, Lead Platform Engineering | | Support and customer success | 10 | Associate TSE II, Technical Services Engineer, Technical Account Manager | | Sales, partners and pre-sales | 14 | Account Development Representative, Enterprise Account Executive, Solutions Architect, Forward Deployed Engineer | | Finance, HR, marketing, product and programmes | about 23 | Revenue and payroll specialists, recruiters, marketing managers, Senior Product Manager, Technical Program Managers | Three patterns stand out in the postings. First, several Gurugram teams are new and AI-focused. One [Senior Software Engineer post](https://www.mongodb.com/careers/job/?gh_jid=7590644) describes a new platform to help customers build AI applications on MongoDB, and other roles sit in teams called AI Builder Experience and AI Framework Integrations. Second, experience bars are clear: Software Engineer 3 posts ask for roughly two to five years, senior roles for five or more, and staff roles for about eight or more. Third, even the “associate” support roles ask for around four years of relevant experience. You can browse the live list on our [MongoDB jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/mongodb/), which is refreshed from the same official feed. ### How MongoDB works: hybrid, and based in the city MongoDB’s careers page describes four working models: in-office (three to five days a week at a dedicated desk), flexible (one to two days a week at a shared desk), fully remote, and customer-facing remote. It says the model depends on the role and is agreed between employee and manager. In practice, almost every India posting we read uses the same line: MongoDB is “looking to speak to candidates who are based in” Gurugram, Bengaluru or Mumbai “for our hybrid working model”. One [Software Engineer 3 listing](https://www.mongodb.com/careers/job/?gh_jid=8208074) spells it out as three days in the office and two at home. So if you live in another city, say so early and ask whether relocation is expected. Do not assume a remote arrangement just because MongoDB offers one elsewhere. ## What MongoDB looks for MongoDB lists six values on its careers site: Think Big, Go Far; Build Together; Embrace the Power of Differences; Make it Matter; Own What You Do; and Be Intellectually Honest. Its job posts also refer to a “Leadership Commitment” that guides how people make decisions. Expect behavioural questions that test these ideas, especially ownership and honesty about mistakes. On the technical side, engineering posts keep returning to distributed systems. The Gurugram senior role asks for a background in building core parts of high-scale compute and data systems and an interest in Python, Go and Java. The AI teams add Node.js and AI frameworks. Business-systems roles are Salesforce-heavy, and support roles want deep troubleshooting skills with databases and operating systems. ![Rapid Metro elevated track running between office buildings in DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/rapid-metro-elevated- track-running-between-office-buildings-in-dlf-cyb-1024x768.jpg) Most India postings ask for candidates based in the city for MongoDB's hybrid model.· [Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DLF_Cyber_City_with_Rapid_Metro,_Gurgaon.jpg) ## The hiring process, step by step MongoDB’s [engineering careers page](https://www.mongodb.com/company/careers/teams/engineering) sets out a typical six-step process: 1. **Apply** to a specific opening. 2. **Recruiter conversation** about your career goals and the role. 3. **Initial technical interview** to gauge your technical depth. 4. **Technical assessments**, covering system design and coding. 5. **Director or VP interview**, a broader conversation about the team and your fit. 6. **Job offer**, followed by onboarding. A 2021 post by MongoDB technical recruiter Bryan Spears on the [company blog](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/culture/recruiting-tips/how-prepare-your-engineering-interview-mongodb) adds useful context, though it is a few years old. It says hiring is team-based: you interview for a specific team, the panel includes future teammates and your manager, and one recruiter stays with you throughout. At the time, the process was one or two virtual interviews followed by an “onsite” held over Zoom, with the format varying by team and seniority. ### What technical interviewers grade The same post lists what MongoDB engineers look for, and it is the most useful official prep material available: * **Writing code:** strong command of your language, concurrency-safe code that handles edge cases, and sound object-oriented design. * **Software engineering:** data structures and algorithms, runtime versus memory trade-offs, and testing your own code. * **Collaboration:** readable, organised code, taking hints well, and explaining where you are stuck. * **System design:** designs that scale for concurrency, throughput and reliability, avoid common bottlenecks, and weigh alternatives. Topics can include concurrency, distributed systems, algorithms, system design and language-specific coding. MongoDB says its questions come from real problems it has solved, not riddles. Behavioural rounds cover successes and failures, mentoring, career goals and projects you have owned. ### What candidates report The following comes from candidate reports, not from MongoDB. TechPrep, a third- party prep site, summarises [2025 and 2026 candidate accounts](https://www.techprep.app/blog/mongodb-interview-process) as a roughly 30-minute recruiter screen, a 60-minute technical screen, a hiring- manager round and a virtual onsite of three to four back-to-back sessions, over about three to five weeks. It says candidates describe the technical screen as often run through Karat, an outside interviewing service, for earlier-career levels, and with a MongoDB engineer for senior roles. Treat these as patterns, not promises; your recruiter will confirm the exact loop for your team. ![Rows of rack-mounted servers with blinking lights in a data centre](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/rows-of-rack-mounted-servers-with-blinking-lights- in-a-data-centre-1024x683.jpg) MongoDB's interviews lean on concurrency, distributed systems and system design.· [Photo: Victorgrigas / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wikimedia_Foundation_Servers-8055_15.jpg) ## How to stand out MongoDB senior technical recruiter Lauren Sokal shared four resume tips in a [2021 blog post](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/culture/recruiting-tips/four-tips-writing-applying-your-engineering-resume) that still apply: * **Keep it to one page**, or two if you have 15 or more years of experience. List only the technologies where you have recent, concrete examples. * **Keep it clear.** Use a plain font and a simple layout. Put education near the top if you are a recent graduate, and recent experience first if you are not. * **Be intentional.** Tailor the resume to the job description and apply to roles that genuinely fit. You do not need every listed skill. * **Show what makes you different** with a short summary or interests section, including why MongoDB appeals to you. Beyond the resume, a few practical moves help: * **Use the product.** MongoDB points candidates to its free MongoDB University courses and its documentation. Building a small project on Atlas gives you real things to talk about. * **Practise concurrency and design, not just puzzles.** MongoDB’s own list puts concurrency-safe code and scalable design next to algorithms. * **Talk while you code.** Collaboration and communication are graded explicitly. * **Match the team.** For the AI teams, show backend work in Node.js or Python and familiarity with AI frameworks. For business systems, show Salesforce depth. For support, show calm, methodical debugging. * **Prepare stories** about a failure you learned from and a project you owned end to end. Those map directly to the behavioural round. ## Pay, notice periods and offers MongoDB’s India postings do not publish salary ranges. Some mention a “competitive” or “top-range” salary with equity and benefits, and one Gurugram sales-support post lists 20 weeks of paternity and 26 weeks of maternity leave. We have not found an official India pay range, so we do not quote one. Recruiters normally ask for your expectations on the first call. Work out what a fixed salary means in your pocket with our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/). If your current employer has a long [notice period](https://100xfounder.com/notice-period-buyout-india/), our [notice period buyout calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/notice-period-buyout-calculator/) helps you plan the conversation. In Indian offers, pay is usually quoted as [CTC](https://100xfounder.com/in-hand-salary-from-ctc/)( cost to company) in LPA, meaning lakh rupees per annum; one lakh is ₹100,000. Equity at US-listed companies like MongoDB usually comes as RSUs (restricted stock units). Their tax treatment in India is specific, so confirm it with a qualified tax adviser. ![Exterior of a MongoDB office building in Palo Alto with company signage](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/exterior-of-a-mongodb-office-building- in-palo-alto-with-company-signag-1024x768.jpg) MongoDB hires globally, but India roles follow the same team-based interview process.· [Photo: BrokenSegue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MongoDB_Palo_Alto_Office.jpg) ## Bottom line MongoDB’s India hiring has shifted from mostly go-to-market roles to real product engineering, with Gurugram at the centre and AI work on its newest launches. That makes it one of the more interesting database companies to join in India in 2026. It also means the bar is experienced-hire: most roles want several years of distributed- systems, Salesforce, support or sales experience, and you should expect to be in the office part of the week. Read MongoDB’s own interview guidance, practise concurrency and system design, and apply to the specific team whose work you can speak to. ## FAQ ### Where is MongoDB hiring in India? Mostly in Gurugram. On 4 October 2026, 64 of 82 India roles were Gurugram-only. Bengaluru had nine, Mumbai two, and the rest were multi-city or listed as “India”. ### How many interview rounds does MongoDB have? MongoDB’s engineering page lists a recruiter conversation, an initial technical interview, technical assessments on system design and coding, and a director or VP interview before an offer. The exact loop varies by team and level. ### Does MongoDB hire freshers in India? MongoDB runs intern and graduate programmes globally, but we found no India internship or new-graduate posting on its board on 4 October 2026. Watch the board and MongoDB’s campus pages. ### Is MongoDB India remote? Most India postings ask for candidates based in the office city for a hybrid model. At least one engineering post specifies three days in the office and two at home. ### Do I need a referral? No. You can apply directly through MongoDB’s careers site. A referral from someone who knows your work can help, but MongoDB’s published process starts with a normal application. ## Sources 1. MongoDB (Greenhouse job board), “MongoDB jobs API”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/mongodb/jobs) 2. MongoDB, “Engineering careers”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/careers/teams/engineering) 3. MongoDB, “Careers”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/careers) 4. MongoDB Blog, “How to Prepare for Your Engineering Interview at MongoDB”, 2021- 10-21. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/culture/recruiting-tips/how-prepare-your-engineering-interview-mongodb) 5. MongoDB Blog, “Four Tips for Writing and Applying with Your Engineering Resume”, 2021-09-03. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/culture/recruiting-tips/four-tips-writing-applying-your-engineering-resume) 6. MongoDB Blog, “MongoDB to Upskill Two Million Builders in India by 2030”, 2026- 06-30. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/blog/news/mongodb-upskill-two-million-builders-india-by-2030) 7. MongoDB, “MongoDB Launches Atlas Agent Engine to Put AI Agents in Production Without a New Stack”, 2026-09-29. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/company/newsroom/press-releases/mongodb-launches-atlas-agent-engine-to-put-ai-agents-in-production-without-a-new-stack) 8. CXOToday, “MongoDB Launches Atlas Agent Engine, Powered by Rapidly Growing R&D Hub in India”, 2026-09-30. [Link](https://cxotoday.com/media-coverage/mongodb-launches-atlas-agent-engine-powered-by-rapidly-growing-rd-hub-in-india/) 9. MongoDB, “Software Engineer 3 (Gurugram)” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/careers/job/?gh_jid=8208074) 10. MongoDB, “Senior Software Engineer (Gurugram)” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.mongodb.com/careers/job/?gh_jid=7590644) 11. TechPrep (third-party, candidate reports), “MongoDB’s Interview Process (2026)”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://www.techprep.app/blog/mongodb-interview-process) Featured image: MongoDB is headquartered in New York, but much of its newest product work now happens in Gurugram. · [Photo: Jerzy Fischer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MongoDB_NYC_Headquarters.jpg) ## What are AI agents? A 2026 guide for founders and teams - Link: https://100xfounder.com/what-are-ai-agents-guide/ - Published: 2026-10-11T18:07:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan An AI agent is software that uses a large language model to decide its own next steps and call tools, such as a code runner, a browser or a company API, until a goal is met. That separates it from a chatbot, which only answers. For founders and teams in 2026, the practical questions are where agents earn their cost, which frameworks to build on, and how to keep them safe. **Key takeaways** * Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and IBM all describe agents in similar terms: a model that plans, picks tools and acts with some independence, not just a chat window. * Agents are already running in production: coding agents from Anthropic, OpenAI and GitHub, Salesforce’s Agentforce for customer service, and Klarna’s support assistant. * The main building blocks are open: SDKs from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Microsoft, frameworks such as LangGraph and CrewAI, and two shared protocols, MCP and A2A. * The risks are real. Gartner expects over 40% of agentic AI projects to be cancelled by the end of 2027, and prompt injection tops OWASP’s list of LLM risks. * Start with one narrow, measurable workflow, give the agent few permissions, and keep a human in charge of anything irreversible. ## What an AI agent actually is There is no single official definition, but the major labs and vendors now describe agents in very similar terms. In its widely read December 2024 essay “Building effective agents”, [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/building-effective-agents) splits “agentic systems” into two kinds. **Workflows** are systems where models and tools follow code paths a developer has fixed in advance. **Agents** are systems where the model directs its own process and decides which tools to use and when. Much of what gets marketed as an “agent” is really a workflow, which is often the better choice. OpenAI’s April 2025 guide, “A practical guide to building agents”, describes agents as systems that complete tasks on a user’s behalf with a high degree of independence, according to [OpenAI](https://cdn.openai.com/business-guides-and-resources/a-practical-guide-to-building-agents.pdf). Apps that use a model without letting it control the workflow, such as simple chatbots or sentiment classifiers, do not count. In OpenAI’s framing an agent has three parts: a **model** that reasons and decides, **tools** that let it read from and act on outside systems, and **instructions** that set its behaviour and guardrails. [Google Cloud](https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-agents) defines agents as software systems that use AI to pursue goals and complete tasks for users, showing reasoning, planning and memory along with some autonomy to make decisions. [IBM](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-agents) describes an agent as a system that performs tasks autonomously by designing its own workflow with the tools available to it. A useful working test: if the software chooses its own next action, calls outside tools and keeps going until the goal is met or it hands back to a person, it is an agent. If every step is scripted, it is automation with a model inside. ### How an agent works, step by step Most agents run a loop. 1. **Take a goal.** A user, a schedule or an event (a new support ticket, a failed build) gives the agent a task. 2. **Plan.** The model breaks the task into steps. IBM calls this goal initialisation and planning. 3. **Act through tools.** The model calls a tool: a search, a database query, a code runner, a browser or a company API. 4. **Observe and adjust.** It reads the result and decides what to do next, retrying or changing course if something fails. 5. **Stop or hand off.** It finishes, or it returns control to a human. OpenAI’s guide says agents should be able to halt and give control back to the user when they fail. Agents trade latency and cost for better results on hard tasks, and their autonomy brings higher costs and a risk of compounding errors, according to [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/building-effective-agents). That is why the same essay advises starting with the simplest thing that works, often a single well-prompted model call, and adding agentic behaviour only for open- ended tasks whose steps cannot be predicted. ![Rows of networking equipment and cables at the core of a data center](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/rows-of-networking-equipment-and-cables- at-the-core-of-a-data-center.jpg) Every agent step is a model call and a tool call, which is why cost and latency rise with autonomy. · [Photo: motleypixel / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/16894864@N05/6239564720) ## Real AI agents already in production ### Coding agents Software engineering was the first area where agents became everyday tools. Anthropic introduced **Claude Code** as a limited research preview on 24 February 2025, describing a command-line tool that can search and read code, edit files, write and run tests, and commit and push to GitHub, according to [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-3-7-sonnet). OpenAI launched **Codex** on 16 May 2025 as a coding agent inside ChatGPT that works in an isolated cloud sandbox preloaded with the user’s repository. At launch it had no internet access while running a task, according to [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/16/openai-launches-codex-an-ai-coding-agent-in-chatgpt/). GitHub announced the **Copilot coding agent** on 19 May 2025. Developers assign a GitHub issue to Copilot, which works in a GitHub Actions environment and opens a draft pull request for review, according to [GitHub](https://github.blog/news-insights/product-news/github-copilot-meet-the-new-coding-agent/). Its guardrails make a good template: the agent can push only to branches it created, the developer who asked for the change cannot approve it, CI/CD workflows need human approval before they run, and internet access is limited to trusted destinations. ### General-purpose agents On 17 July 2025 OpenAI launched **ChatGPT agent**, which combines the website-browsing abilities of its earlier Operator tool with the research abilities of deep research. It can work through a user’s calendar, build editable slide decks and run code, according to [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/openai-launches-a-general-purpose-agent-in-chatgpt/). OpenAI disabled some memory features at launch to reduce prompt injection risk, the report said. ### Customer service agents Salesforce made **Agentforce** generally available on 29 October 2024, pricing its Service Agent from $2 per conversation, according to [Salesforce](https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2024/10/29/agentforce-general-availability-announcement/). In the same release, publisher Wiley reported a more than 40% increase in case resolution compared with its previous chatbot. Klarna’s assistant is the most cited case. In February 2024 Klarna said its AI assistant had handled 2.3 million conversations in its first month, two-thirds of its customer service chats, doing work equal to 700 full-time agents and cutting average resolution time from 11 minutes to under two, according to [Klarna](https://www.klarna.com/international/press/klarna-ai-assistant-handles-two-thirds-of-customer-service-chats-in-its-first-month/). By May 2025, chief executive Sebastian Siemiatkowski told Bloomberg that the company was hiring human agents again because a focus on cost had led to lower quality, as reported by [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/05/09/klarna-ai-humans-return-on-investment/). The lesson: customers still want a guaranteed route to a person. ![Customer service staff working at desks with headsets in a call centre](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/customer-service-staff-working-at-desks- with-headsets-in-a-call-centre.jpg) Customer service is one of the busiest areas for AI agents, though customers still expect a route to a person. · [Photo: markhillary / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/56087830@N00/3309490947) ## Frameworks and SDKs for building agents You do not have to write the agent loop yourself. The main options, as each project describes itself: | Toolkit | From | What it is good for | | OpenAI Agents SDK | OpenAI | A lightweight library built around agents, handoffs between agents, guardrails and sessions, with built-in tracing. OpenAI calls it a production-ready upgrade of its earlier Swarm experiment. | | Claude Agent SDK | Anthropic | The same tools, agent loop and context management that power Claude Code, in Python and TypeScript, with hooks, subagents, permissions and MCP support. | | Agent Development Kit (ADK) | Google | An open-source framework for Python, TypeScript, Go, Java and Kotlin that works with Gemini and other models and deploys to your own infrastructure or Google Cloud. | | Microsoft Agent Framework | Microsoft | An open-source SDK and runtime, announced on 1 October 2025, that combines Semantic Kernel and AutoGen and supports MCP and A2A. | | LangGraph | LangChain | An MIT-licensed, low-level orchestration framework for stateful agents with human-in-the-loop checks and persistent memory. | | CrewAI | CrewAI | An open-source framework for multi-agent “crews” that work inside event-driven “flows”. | Sources: [OpenAI Agents SDK docs](https://openai.github.io/openai-agents-python/), [Claude Agent SDK docs](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview), [Google ADK docs](https://adk.dev/), [Microsoft](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/foundry/introducing-microsoft-agent-framework-the-open-source-engine-for-agentic-ai-apps/), [LangChain](https://www.langchain.com/langgraph) and [CrewAI](https://docs.crewai.com/en/introduction). If you depend on one model provider, its SDK is usually the shortest path; if you need to swap models or run branching with approvals, a model-neutral orchestrator gives more control. Either way, insist on tracing, because debugging an agent without a record of its decisions is close to impossible. ## MCP and A2A: the plumbing between agents and tools The **[Model Context Protocol](https://100xfounder.com/model-context-protocol-mcp-explained/)( MCP)**, launched by Anthropic on 25 November 2024, is an open standard for connecting AI applications to data sources and tools through one interface instead of a custom connector for each system, according to [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol). On 9 December 2025 the Linux Foundation formed the Agentic AI Foundation, with MCP, Block’s goose and OpenAI’s AGENTS.md as founding projects, according to the [Linux Foundation](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press/linux-foundation-announces-the-formation-of-the-agentic-ai-foundation). It said there were more than 10,000 published MCP servers and that MCP had been adopted in Claude, Cursor, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, VS Code and ChatGPT. The **Agent2Agent protocol (A2A)**, announced by Google on 9 April 2025 with more than 50 technology partners, gives agents built on different frameworks a standard way to communicate and coordinate, according to [Google](https://developers.googleblog.com/en/a2a-a-new-era-of-agent-interoperability/). Google positions it as complementary to MCP: MCP connects an agent to tools and context, while A2A connects agents to each other. For a startup, exposing your product’s key actions through an MCP server makes it usable by customers’ agents without bespoke integrations. ![Source code on a screen with a security-themed overlay](https://100xfounder.com/ wp-content/uploads/2026/10/source-code-on-a-screen-with-a-security-themed-overlay. jpg) Prompt injection tops OWASP's list of risks for LLM applications, and agents are especially exposed. · [Photo: Christiaan Colen / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY-SA 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/132889348@N07/20607701226) ## Risks: security, cost and reliability ### Prompt injection and over-broad permissions Prompt injection is ranked first in OWASP’s Top 10 for LLM applications. [OWASP](https://genai.owasp.org/llmrisk/llm01-prompt-injection/) separates direct injection, where a user’s input changes the model’s behaviour, from indirect injection, where instructions hidden in a web page, file or email take over the model when it reads them. Agents are especially exposed because they act on what they read. OWASP’s recommended mitigations include giving the model the minimum access it needs, requiring human approval for privileged actions, and clearly separating untrusted content from instructions. Its Agentic Security Initiative published a separate guide in February 2025 covering agent-specific threats such as memory poisoning, tool misuse and privilege compromise, according to [OWASP](https://genai.owasp.org/resource/agentic-ai-threats-and-mitigations/). ### Cost and unclear value Gartner predicted in June 2025 that more than 40% of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027 because of rising costs, unclear business value or weak risk controls, according to [Reuters](https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/over-40-agentic-ai-projects-100510349.html). Gartner also warned of “agent washing”, the rebranding of chatbots and assistants as agents, and estimated that only about 130 of the thousands of vendors claiming agentic AI were genuine. It still expects agentic AI to make at least 15% of day- to-day work decisions autonomously by 2028, up from 0% in 2024. Separately, an IBM survey of chief executives found that only one in four AI projects had delivered the expected return on investment, as reported by [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2025/05/09/klarna-ai-humans-return-on-investment/). ### Reliability Errors compound across a long run. Anthropic recommends extensive testing in sandboxed environments with guardrails. OpenAI’s guide names two triggers for handing control to a person: when the agent exceeds a set number of failures or retries, and before high-risk actions that are sensitive, irreversible or high stakes. ## How to start with AI agents 1. **Pick a workflow that has resisted automation.** OpenAI’s guide points to three signs: complex judgement calls, rule sets that have become hard to maintain, and heavy use of unstructured text. If simple rules work, use rules. 2. **Try a workflow before an agent.** Many tasks only need a fixed chain of model calls. 3. **Start with one agent and a few tools.** OpenAI recommends growing a single agent by adding tools before splitting work across several agents, because it keeps evaluation and maintenance simpler. 4. **Set permissions first.** Read-only by default, scoped keys, approval for production writes, and a log of every tool call. 5. **Measure against a baseline.** Track task success, cost per completed task and how often a human steps in, compared with the old process. If you want to work on these systems rather than buy them, our [AI and machine learning jobs board](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/ai-ml-jobs/) lists openings from official career pages, including roles at [Anthropic](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/anthropic/) and [OpenAI](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/openai/). ![Students coding on laptops at a hackathon](https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/ uploads/2026/10/students-coding-on-laptops-at-a-hackathon.jpg) The safest way to start is one narrow workflow, a few tools and a human in the loop.· [Photo: hackNY / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY-SA 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/61623410@N08/6887025506) ## Why it matters Agents shift software from presenting information to taking action, which lets small teams cover more ground. But the evidence so far rewards restraint: narrow tasks, tight permissions, honest measurement and a human for the hard cases. Teams that treat agents as a product to test, not a label for a chatbot, are likelier to avoid Gartner’s 40%. Follow our [AI news coverage](https://100xfounder.com/news/) for new launches as they happen. ## FAQ ### What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot? A chatbot answers messages. An agent decides its own next steps and uses tools such as search, code execution or business APIs to complete a task. ### What is the difference between an agent and a workflow? In Anthropic’s definition, a workflow follows code paths fixed in advance, while an agent lets the model decide the process and which tools to use. ### Which framework should a startup use to build AI agents? If you are committed to one model provider, start with its SDK, such as the OpenAI Agents SDK or the Claude Agent SDK. For model-neutral orchestration with human approvals, consider LangGraph, Google’s ADK or Microsoft Agent Framework. ### What is MCP in AI agents? The Model Context Protocol is an open standard, launched by Anthropic in November 2024 and now part of the Linux Foundation’s Agentic AI Foundation, for connecting AI applications to tools and data through one common interface. ### Are AI agents safe to use with company data? They can be, with controls. Because of prompt injection, OWASP recommends least- privilege access and human approval for privileged actions. ## Sources 1. Anthropic, “[Building effective agents](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/building-effective-agents)“, 19 December 2024 2. OpenAI, “[A practical guide to building agents](https://cdn.openai.com/business-guides-and-resources/a-practical-guide-to-building-agents.pdf)“, April 2025 3. Google Cloud, “[What is an AI agent?](https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-agents)“, updated 2 April 2026 4. IBM, “[What are AI agents?](https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-agents)“, accessed 4 October 2026 5. Anthropic, “[Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Claude Code](https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-3-7-sonnet)“, 24 February 2025 6. TechCrunch, “[OpenAI launches Codex, an AI coding agent, in ChatGPT](https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/16/openai-launches-codex-an-ai-coding-agent-in-chatgpt/)“, 16 May 2025 7. GitHub, “[GitHub Copilot: Meet the new coding agent](https://github.blog/news-insights/product-news/github-copilot-meet-the-new-coding-agent/)“, 19 May 2025 8. TechCrunch, “[OpenAI launches a general purpose agent in ChatGPT](https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/17/openai-launches-a-general-purpose-agent-in-chatgpt/)“, 17 July 2025 9. Salesforce, “[Salesforce’s Agentforce is here](https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2024/10/29/agentforce-general-availability-announcement/)“, 29 October 2024 10. Klarna, “[Klarna AI assistant handles two-thirds of customer service chats in its first month](https://www.klarna.com/international/press/klarna-ai-assistant-handles-two-thirds-of-customer-service-chats-in-its-first-month/)“, 27 February 2024 11. Fortune, “[Klarna plans to hire humans again, as new landmark survey reveals most AI projects fail to deliver](https://fortune.com/2025/05/09/klarna-ai-humans-return-on-investment/)“, 9 May 2025 12. OpenAI, “[OpenAI Agents SDK documentation](https://openai.github.io/openai-agents-python/)“, accessed 4 October 2026 13. Anthropic, “[Agent SDK overview](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview)“, accessed 4 October 2026 14. Google, “[Agent Development Kit documentation](https://adk.dev/)“, accessed 4 October 2026 15. Microsoft, “[Introducing Microsoft Agent Framework](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/foundry/introducing-microsoft-agent-framework-the-open-source-engine-for-agentic-ai-apps/)“, 1 October 2025 16. LangChain, “[LangGraph](https://www.langchain.com/langgraph)“, accessed 4 October 2026 17. CrewAI, “[Introduction](https://docs.crewai.com/en/introduction)“, accessed 4 October 2026 18. Anthropic, “[Introducing the Model Context Protocol](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol)“, 25 November 2024 19. Linux Foundation, “[Linux Foundation announces the formation of the Agentic AI Foundation](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press/linux-foundation-announces-the-formation-of-the-agentic-ai-foundation)“, 9 December 2025 20. Google for Developers, “[Announcing the Agent2Agent Protocol (A2A)](https://developers.googleblog.com/en/a2a-a-new-era-of-agent-interoperability/)“, 9 April 2025 21. OWASP, “[LLM01:2025 Prompt Injection](https://genai.owasp.org/llmrisk/llm01-prompt-injection/)“, updated 17 April 2025 22. OWASP, “[Agentic AI – Threats and Mitigations](https://genai.owasp.org/resource/agentic-ai-threats-and-mitigations/)“, 17 February 2025 23. Reuters (via Yahoo), “[Over 40% of agentic AI projects will be scrapped by 2027, Gartner says](https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/over-40-agentic-ai-projects-100510349.html)“, 25 June 2025 Featured image: Coding was the first field where AI agents became everyday tools.· [Photo: Marc Mueller (seven11nash) / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Macro_laptop_coding_(Unsplash).jpg) ## How to Get a Job at GitLab in 2026: The All-Remote Hiring Process - Link: https://100xfounder.com/gitlab-hiring-process-how-to-apply/ - Published: 2026-10-11T15:47:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan GitLab has no headquarters to visit and no office to commute to: it is one of the world’s largest all-remote companies, and it documents its hiring process in a public handbook. Getting a job there means applying to a specific posting, passing a 30- to-40-minute recruiter screen, completing an assessment or a merge-request-based technical interview for some roles, then team interviews, references and a background check. As of 4 October 2026, its official Greenhouse board lists 211 open roles, including 28 in India. _100Xfounder is an independent site. This guide is not official, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by GitLab. GitLab’s handbook changes often, so check the live pages and confirm details with your recruiter._ **Key takeaways** * **Seven published stages:** application, screening call, assessment (some roles), technical interview (some roles), team interviews, references and an optional conversation with an employee resource group, then offer and background screening. * **The engineering technical interview is a code review.** You get a merge request at least 72 hours ahead, review it asynchronously, then spend 90 minutes on a video call improving it. * **Location still matters.** GitLab hires only in countries where it has a legal entity or an employer-of-record partner, and it does not sponsor visas, except for some candidates who already hold Dutch work permits. * **India is growing.** GitLab India Private Ltd employs staff directly, and current postings describe a Bengaluru support hub and India-based engineering and recruiting teams. * **Beware of scams.** Real GitLab recruiters write only from @gitlab.com addresses, interview only on Zoom and never ask for money. ## What “all-remote” means for applicants GitLab’s [candidate handbook](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/candidate-faq/) describes the company as a fully remote, global workforce with team members in more than 50 countries. There is no office to relocate to, so the question a recruiter asks is not “can you move?” but “can we employ you where you live?”. GitLab’s [employment solutions page](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/people-group/employment-solutions/) answers that: it hires in countries where it has a legal entity without hiring restrictions, or a PEO (a professional employer organisation that employs people on its behalf). Where it has neither, it is not currently hiring. India is on the entity list as GitLab India Private Ltd, which employs team members directly. Two other rules surprise candidates. The screening call asks whether you need visa sponsorship, and the handbook says GitLab cannot proceed if you do, unless you already hold a work permit in the Netherlands. Its referral rules add that it does not transfer existing work permits. In practice, apply for roles open in the country where you already have the right to work. Remote work also changes what GitLab tests. Postings stress clear written communication, self-direction and asynchronous work, meaning you write things down and do not wait for meetings to make progress. A recent [Intermediate Backend Engineer posting](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8775507002) for India calls GitLab “remote-first” and “asynchronous”, and expects every team member to use AI in daily work. ![A home office desk with a computer set up beside a window](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-home-office-desk-with-a-computer-set-up-beside- a-window.jpg) At an all-remote company, the question is whether GitLab can employ you where you live. · [Photo: cogdogblog / Openverse (Flickr), CC0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/37996646802@N01/2159365780) ## Where GitLab is hiring now We pulled GitLab’s public Greenhouse feed on 4 October 2026. Of 211 roles, the largest groups were listed as remote in the US and Canada, followed by Bengaluru (26), the UK (15) and Germany (10), with smaller numbers in Poland, Singapore, Japan, Australia, France, the Netherlands, South Korea, Ireland and Israel. The 28 India roles (26 listed as “Bangalore, India” and two as “Remote, India”) are worth a closer look, because they show GitLab building teams in India: * A [Director, Support role](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8629019002) to build a “Bengaluru Center of Support”, an India-based regional support hub alongside GitLab’s Americas and EMEA hubs. The posting calls it a remote-friendly role based in Bengaluru. * A [Director of Recruiting for Engineering and IT](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8726744002) to lead India-based recruiting, supporting 100 to 200 or more engineering and IT openings across India and the wider Asia-Pacific region. * Engineering roles at intermediate, senior and staff levels: backend (Ruby on Rails and Go), frontend, site reliability, release engineering, database change management, an NLP role and several engineering managers. One staff role describes acting as the senior technical anchor for an India-based engineering group. * Support engineers, a solutions architect for southern India, technical programme managers, a staff data analyst, and associate renewals and revenue operations roles that require full working rights in India. You can browse current openings on our [GitLab jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/gitlab/), which uses the same official feed. ## What GitLab looks for GitLab’s [values](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/values/) spell CREDIT: Collaboration, Results for Customers, Efficiency, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Iteration, and Transparency. These are not decoration. The handbook links values competencies to job levels, and interviews probe them directly. The handbook defines iteration as doing the smallest valuable thing to get fast feedback, and says everything at GitLab is public by default. If you can show both in past work, say so. Engineering postings ask for production experience, sound judgement on security, reliability and performance, strong written communication, and practical AI fluency, including the ability to review and correct AI-generated code. GitLab also says many successful candidates do not meet every requirement and encourages people to apply anyway. ![View over Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road with office buildings and traffic](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/view-over-bengaluru-s-outer-ring-road- with-office-buildings-and-traffi-1024x768.jpg) GitLab's India roles include a new Bengaluru support hub and India-based engineering teams. · [Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Outer_Ring_Road_from_Bangalore_Central_(7988561197).jpg) ## The hiring process, stage by stage The candidate handbook lists seven stages: 1. **Application.** Apply through GitLab’s jobs page. GitLab says it aims to review every application but cannot reply to all of them. 2. **Screening call.** A recruiter call of 30 to 40 minutes, longer for some specialist roles. Expect questions on why GitLab, why you left past jobs, your experience with each listed skill, STAR-style examples, your location, visa needs, [notice period](https://100xfounder.com/notice-period-buyout-india/) and whether the salary range works for you. The recruiter waits five minutes; a no-show without notice is disqualified. 3. **Assessment**, for certain roles. 4. **Technical interview**, for certain roles (see below). 5. **Team interviews.** These may be behavioural, panel or technical. You can ask your recruiter which types to expect. 6. **References and an optional TMRG connection.** GitLab asks for three references, at least one a former manager. You can also opt in to talk with a member of a Team Member Resource Group (an employee community) to hear what working there is like. 7. **Offer and background screening.** Depending on your country, the background check starts alongside references or after the offer. Because interviewers sit in many time zones, GitLab asks for availability across at least two weeks to schedule team interviews. It processes only three of your applications at a time if you apply to several roles, and similar roles may carry a cooldown of six months or more after a rejection. If you clear the technical stage for an R&D role and reapply within six months in the same job family, that technical feedback can be reused. ### The merge-request technical interview This is GitLab’s most distinctive stage. According to its [technical interview guide](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/interviewing/technical/), you receive a link to a self-contained merge request against a small application built for the interview, at least 72 hours before your call. GitLab suggests spending up to an hour reviewing it as you would any contribution, and finishing at least 24 hours before the call so the interviewer can read your comments. The interview itself is a 90-minute video and screen-sharing session: you walk through your review, then write code to improve the merge request. The aim, GitLab says, is to see how you communicate asynchronously, how well you know the technology and how you collaborate. The exercises come from a curated bank, not live issues, and GitLab says it is open to an alternative assignment if a candidate objects. Its [AI guidelines](https://about.gitlab.com/jobs/ai-interview-process/) encourage transparent AI use in technical work, provided you can explain your prompts and decisions, but ask you not to read AI-produced answers during interviews. ![Screenshot of a threaded code review discussion on a GitLab merge request](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/screenshot-of-a-threaded-code-review- discussion-on-a-gitlab-merge-requ.png) GitLab's engineering technical interview starts with reviewing a merge request like this one. · [Image: Lucas Werkmeister / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Code_review_thread_on_GitLab.png) ### How interviewers score you GitLab’s [interviewer guide](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/conducting-a-gitlab-interview/) is public too. It tells interviewers to spend 80 to 85% of the time on their own questions, using behavioural questions answered in STAR form (situation, task, action, result) and situational “what would you do” questions. Engineering scorecards include a level category, so an interviewer can say you performed at, for example, the senior or intermediate level. That can steer you to a better-matched role rather than a flat rejection. Interviews after the recruiter screen are on camera; the guide asks interviewers to watch for deepfake avatars and coaching. ## How to stand out * **Write well.** In an asynchronous company, your written review comments are evidence. Make them specific, kind and actionable. * **Practise code review, not just coding.** GitLab recommends reading its own code review guidelines before the technical interview. Review a few open-source merge requests to build the habit. * **Use the product.** Host a side project on GitLab and use issues, merge requests and CI/CD pipelines, so you can talk about the product from experience. * **Prepare CREDIT stories.** Have a STAR example for iteration (shipping small), transparency, results for customers and efficiency. * **Check location eligibility first.** Confirm your country is listed for the role and that you can work there without sponsorship. * **Be honest about AI.** Show how you use it and where you check its output, in line with GitLab’s guidelines. ## Pay, referrals and scams GitLab’s [compensation handbook](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/total-rewards/compensation/) says it pays local market rates based on the cost of labour, not the cost of living. It sets ranges using Radford survey data for software companies. Outside the US, it uses major-metro data to build a single country-wide range, targeting the 50th percentile for most roles and the 75th for critical technical ones. Ranges typically run 20% below to 20% above the midpoint, and since 1 May 2026 every team member can see their own range. Total pay combines base salary, variable pay for some roles, and equity as RSUs. The screening call asks if the posted range suits you, and GitLab says offers are based on market pay, not your pay history. Indian readers can model take-home pay with our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/); offers in India are often discussed as [CTC](https://100xfounder.com/in-hand-salary-from-ctc/)( cost to company) in LPA (lakh rupees per annum). Referrals help, but GitLab’s [referral rules](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/referral-process/) distinguish a referral from an endorsement. A referral must come from someone who has worked with you or knows you well, and must be submitted for a specific open role; general referrals are not accepted. Finally, scams. In December 2025, GitLab [warned of fake recruiters](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/new-wave-of-fake-job-scams-impersonating-recruiters/) using lookalike domains, including gitlab[.]careers, and asking candidates to pay for equipment or certifications. GitLab says real recruiters use @gitlab.com addresses, interview only on Zoom and never request money. If a “GitLab” job is not on its official jobs page, treat it as suspect. ![Screenshot of the GitLab web interface showing a project repository page](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/screenshot-of-the-gitlab-web-interface- showing-a-project-repository-pa-1024x576.png) Using GitLab's own product for a side project gives you real examples for interviews.· [Image: İsmail Arılık / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GitLab_running_14.3.0-pre_(2021-08).png) ## Bottom line GitLab is unusually transparent about how it hires, so you can prepare more precisely than for almost any other software company. The process rewards people who write clearly, review code well, iterate in small steps and work comfortably without a manager in the same room. For candidates in India it is a real option, with a legal entity, a growing support hub and engineering roles at several levels, provided you already have the right to work here. ## FAQ ### How many interview rounds does GitLab have? GitLab lists seven stages: application, screening call, an assessment and a technical interview for certain roles, team interviews, references, and offer with background screening. The number of team interviews varies by role. ### What is the GitLab technical interview? For engineering roles, you review a self-contained merge request sent at least 72 hours ahead, then join a 90-minute video call to walk through your review and write code to improve it. ### Can I work for GitLab from India? Yes, for roles open in India. GitLab employs people through GitLab India Private Ltd, and it had 28 India roles on 4 October 2026. ### Does GitLab sponsor visas? Generally no. The handbook says it cannot proceed with candidates who need sponsorship, except for some candidates who already hold a Dutch work permit. ### Can I reapply after a rejection? Yes. If you were rejected as insufficiently qualified, GitLab says you can reapply to the same position after six months, or sooner once you have gained the skills it flagged. ### Can I use AI in GitLab interviews? GitLab encourages transparent AI use in resumes and technical work, but asks candidates not to read AI-produced answers during live interviews. ## Sources 1. GitLab (Greenhouse job board), “GitLab jobs API”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/gitlab/jobs) 2. GitLab Handbook, “Candidate Handbook Page”, updated 2026-08-26. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/candidate-faq/) 3. GitLab Handbook, “Technical Interviews”, updated 2026-08-19. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/interviewing/technical/) 4. GitLab Handbook, “Conducting a GitLab Interview”, updated 2026-03-02. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/conducting-a-gitlab-interview/) 5. GitLab Handbook, “GitLab Values”, updated 2026-08-27. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/values/) 6. GitLab Handbook, “Employment Solutions – Overview”, updated 2026-04-09. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/people-group/employment-solutions/) 7. GitLab Handbook, “Compensation”, updated 2026-09-13. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/total-rewards/compensation/) 8. GitLab Handbook, “Referral Program and Process”, updated 2025-10-14. [Link](https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/hiring/referral-process/) 9. GitLab, “AI in our interview process”, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://about.gitlab.com/jobs/ai-interview-process/) 10. GitLab Blog, “What to know about a fake job scam impersonating GitLab”, 2025-12- 10. [Link](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/new-wave-of-fake-job-scams-impersonating-recruiters/) 11. GitLab, “Intermediate Backend Engineer, India” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8775507002) 12. GitLab, “Director, Support (Bengaluru)” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8629019002) 13. GitLab, “Director of Recruiting, Engineering & IT, Bangalore India” job posting, accessed 2026-10-04. [Link](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/gitlab/jobs/8726744002) Featured image: GitLab co-founders Dmitriy Zaporozhets and Sid Sijbrandij. The company they started runs without a headquarters office. · [Photo: GitLab / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gitlab-founders.jpg) ## Best free AI tools in 2026: 14 free tiers that are worth using - Link: https://100xfounder.com/best-free-ai-tools/ - Published: 2026-10-11T14:05:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan The best free AI tools in 2026 are ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini for everyday chat, Gemini Notebook (the tool formerly called NotebookLM) for research on your own documents, GitHub Copilot Free or Gemini Code Assist for coding, and a handful of specialist free tiers for meetings, design, voice, slides and automation. We checked every free plan below on the vendor’s own pricing or help page, as of 4 October 2026. Limits change often, so recheck before relying on any of them. ## Key takeaways * Free tiers are capped by messages, credits, minutes or daily requests. The most generous published numbers we found were Gemini Code Assist (6,000 code-related requests and 240 chats a day) and Otter (300 transcription minutes a month). * Read the small print: ElevenLabs’ free plan has no commercial licence, and Gamma’s free credits never refill. * On consumer plans your chats may be used to train models unless you change a setting. ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and GitHub Copilot all give you a switch. * Paid upgrades start at a few dollars a month (Google AI Plus at $4.99, ElevenLabs Starter at $6) and most mainstream “Plus/Pro” tiers sit around $20. ## Free AI tools at a glance ### How we checked We took the jobs people use AI for most (chat, research, writing, meetings, design, coding, voice, slides and automation) and kept a tool only if the vendor’s own page confirmed what its free plan includes. We couldn’t load Perplexity’s pricing page on the day we checked, so it is left out. Prices are in US dollars unless a vendor only showed us a local currency, which we note. If you’re tracking new launches in this space, our [launches feed](https://100xfounder.com/launches/) lists new AI products as they ship. | Tool | What’s free | Main limit | Paid upgrade from | | ChatGPT Free | Text chat with GPT-5.6 Luna, plus limited uploads, images, voice and deep research | Tools and uploads are capped | Go $8/month; Plus $20/month | | Claude Free | Chat, web search, file creation, code execution, memory, Artifacts, app connectors | Usage limits not published as numbers | Pro $20/month ($17/month billed annually) | | Gemini (free) | 3.6 Flash, varying access to 3.1 Pro, image generation, Deep Research, 15 GB storage | “Varying” access to the top model | Google AI Plus $4.99/month | | Microsoft Copilot (free) | Copilot chat, vision, audio and image creation at free-tier usage | Lower usage than paid plans | Microsoft 365 Personal $9.99/month | | Gemini Notebook | Source-grounded research notebooks | 100 notebooks, 50 sources each | Via Google AI plans | | Grammarly Free | Spelling, grammar, tone, 100 AI prompts | 100 AI prompts | Plus, priced locally (₹392/month billed annually on the page we saw) | | Otter Basic | 300 transcription minutes a month | 30 minutes per conversation; 3 lifetime imports | Pro $8.33/month annually or $16.99 monthly | | Canva Free | Editor, templates, 5 GB storage, some AI tools | Up to 20 Standard or Premium AI uses a month | Pro US$144/year | | GitHub Copilot Free | Inline suggestions, chat, agent mode | 2,000 completions and 50 chat requests a month | Pro $10/month | | Cursor Hobby | AI code editor, Composer access | “Limited” agent requests | Pro $20/month | | Gemini Code Assist (individuals) | IDE completions, chat, code reviews | 6,000 code requests and 240 chats a day | Standard $19/user/month (annual) | | ElevenLabs Free | Text to speech, speech to text, sound effects, music | 10,000 credits a month; no commercial licence | Starter $6/month | | Gamma Free | AI presentations, docs and sites, PPTX/PDF export | 400 one-off credits; 10 slides per prompt | Plus $9/seat/month billed annually | | Zapier Free | Unlimited two-step Zaps, basic AI features | 100 tasks a month | Professional $19.99/month annually | ## Chat assistants: the one free tool almost everyone needs ### ChatGPT Free According to [OpenAI’s pricing page](https://chatgpt.com/pricing/), the free plan offers unlimited text chats with GPT-5.6 Luna (subject to abuse guardrails), with limited messages that include uploads, limited image creation, limited voice chats, limited deep research and limited memory. The Go plan costs $8 a month and adds more of each, though OpenAI notes Go may include ads. Plus is $20 a month and brings advanced reasoning with GPT-6, projects, scheduled tasks and custom GPTs. ### Claude Free Anthropic’s free plan covers chat on web, desktop and mobile, plus web search, file creation, code execution, memory across conversations, app connectors and Artifacts, according to [Anthropic’s pricing page](https://claude.com/pricing). Anthropic doesn’t publish a hard message count for the free tier; it describes Free as covering everyday questions. Pro costs $20 a month, or $17 a month with a $200 annual payment. ### Gemini Google’s free Gemini plan includes access to 3.6 Flash, “varying” access to 3.1 Pro, image generation and editing, Deep Research, Gemini Live, Canvas and Gems, plus 15 GB of storage across Gmail, Drive and Photos, according to [Google’s subscriptions page](https://gemini.google/subscriptions/). Google AI Plus costs $4.99 a month for double the free usage; Google AI Pro is $ 19.99. When we loaded the same page in an Indian locale it listed Plus at ₹399 and Pro at ₹1,950 a month. ### Microsoft Copilot Microsoft offers a free Copilot experience but its individuals page describes it mainly by contrast: Microsoft 365 Personal ($9.99 a month) gives “higher usage than free” for Copilot chat, visual assistance from your screen or camera, AI-generated audio and image creation, according to [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals). The paid plan also puts Copilot inside the Word and Outlook desktop apps. ![A laptop screen showing a video conference with several participants](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-laptop-screen-showing-a-video-conference- with-several-participants-1024x768.jpg) Free transcription tiers such as Otter Basic cap each conversation and the monthly minutes. · [Photo: Project Kei / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Video_Conference_Using_Laptop.jpg) ## Research, writing and meetings ### Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) Google renamed NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook on 16 July 2026 and said more than 30 million people and 600,000 organisations use it, according to [the Google blog](https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/products/gemini-notebook/notebooklm-gemini-notebook/). It answers from the sources you upload, which makes it the best free tool here for working through reports or interview notes. The free Standard plan allows 100 notebooks per user and 50 sources per notebook, according to [Google’s help centre](https://support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/16213268?hl=en). Higher limits come through Google AI plans and some Workspace plans. ### Grammarly Free Grammarly’s free plan checks spelling and grammar, shows your writing tone and lets you generate text with 100 AI prompts, according to [Grammarly’s plans page](https://www.grammarly.com/plans). Grammarly shows prices in local currency; the page we loaded listed the Plus plan at ₹392 per member per month billed annually, or ₹1,000 billed monthly. ### Otter Basic For meeting notes, Otter’s free Basic plan gives 300 transcription minutes a month, caps each conversation at 30 minutes and allows three audio or video file imports over the life of the account, according to [Otter’s pricing page](https://otter.ai/pricing). Pro costs $8.33 per user per month billed annually or $16.99 monthly. ![A studio microphone on a boom arm in a small podcast studio](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/a-studio-microphone-on-a-boom-arm-in-a-small-podcast- studio-1024x768.jpg) AI voice tools like ElevenLabs offer free credits, but commercial use needs a paid plan. · [Photo: Myotus / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Microphone_in_SPNN_Podcast_studio.jpg) ## Design, slides and voice ### Canva Free Canva Free includes the drag-and-drop editor, more than 1.6 million templates, 5 GB of cloud storage and up to 20 Standard or Premium AI uses a month, according to [Canva’s pricing page](https://www.canva.com/pricing/). Free users get tools such as Magic Layers and image-to-video, but background removal and AI video creation are paid-only. Pro costs US$144 a year for one person and raises the allowance to up to 200 Premium AI uses. ### Gamma Free Gamma turns a prompt into a presentation, document or simple website. The free plan gives 400 credits at signup, up to 10 slides per prompt, PDF and PPTX import, and export to PDF, PPTX, PNG and Google Slides, according to [Gamma’s pricing page](https://gamma.app/pricing). The catch: those free credits don’t refill. Plus costs $9 per seat per month billed annually and adds 1,000 monthly credits and removes Gamma branding. ### ElevenLabs Free ElevenLabs’ free plan includes text to speech, speech to text, sound effects, voice design and music, with 10,000 credits a month and three Studio projects, according to [ElevenLabs’ pricing page](https://elevenlabs.io/pricing). The commercial licence starts on Starter, which lists at $6 a month (a discounted first month was on offer when we checked), and unused credits don’t roll over on Free. ElevenLabs is also hiring; see [open roles at ElevenLabs](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/elevenlabs/). ![Students working on laptops with code on their screens at a hackathon](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/students-working-on-laptops-with-code- on-their-screens-at-a-hackathon.jpg) Free coding assistants range from 50 chat requests a month to 240 a day. · [Photo: hackNY / Openverse (Flickr), CC BY-SA 2.0](https://www.flickr.com/photos/61623410@N08/6887025506) ## Coding and automation ### GitHub Copilot Free Copilot Free gives 2,000 completions and 50 chat requests a month, according to [GitHub’s plans page](https://github.com/features/copilot/plans). GitHub’s documentation adds that it includes chat in the IDE and on mobile, agent mode, MCP support and automatic model selection across several models, and that it’s only for individual developers who don’t already get Copilot through an organisation, according to [GitHub Docs](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/billing/individual-plans). Pro costs $10 a month. ### Gemini Code Assist for individuals Google offers Gemini Code Assist free to individuals with a personal Google account and no credit card, with limits of 6,000 code-related requests and 240 chat requests a day, according to [Google’s Code Assist site](https://codeassist.google/). That is far more headroom than Copilot Free’s monthly cap. The Standard business edition is $19 per user per month on an annual commitment. ### Cursor Hobby Cursor’s Hobby plan needs no credit card and includes Composer, but its agent requests are described only as “limited”, according to [Cursor’s pricing page](https://cursor.com/pricing). Pro is $20 a month. ### Zapier Free Zapier’s free plan includes unlimited two-step Zaps, 100 tasks a month and basic access to its AI features, including a daily-capped Copilot and its agents and chatbots, according to [Zapier’s pricing page](https://zapier.com/pricing). Professional starts at $19.99 a month billed annually ($29.99 monthly) for 750 tasks. ![Cartoon of a laptop whose screen is wrapped in a chain and secured with a padlock]( https://100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/cartoon-of-a-laptop-whose-screen- is-wrapped-in-a-chain-and-secured-wit-1024x783.png) Check the data-training setting on any free AI account before pasting in work material.· [Illustration: Free Clip Art / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Locked_Laptop_Screen_Cartoon.svg) ## Privacy and data-training settings on free tiers Here is what each vendor says about training on free consumer accounts, and the switch to flip. * **ChatGPT:** turn off “Improve the model for everyone” under Settings, then Data controls, and new conversations won’t be used for training. Temporary chats aren’t used for training and may be kept for up to 30 days for safety. Giving thumbs- up or thumbs-down feedback can still let that whole conversation be used, according to [OpenAI Help Center](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-faq). * **Claude:** since Anthropic’s August 2025 terms update, Free, Pro and Max users choose whether chats can be used to improve Claude. If you allow it, data is kept for five years; if not, the 30-day retention period applies. You can change it in Privacy Settings, according to [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/news/updates-to-our-consumer-terms). * **Gemini:** Google says it uses activity to improve services, including training generative AI models, and a subset of chats is read by human reviewers. Turning off Keep Activity stops future chats being used for training (unless you send feedback), but chats are still held for 72 hours. The default auto-delete period is 18 months, according to [Google](https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/13594961?hl=en). * **GitHub Copilot:** from 24 April 2026, GitHub uses interaction data from Copilot Free, Pro and Pro+ users, including prompts, outputs and code snippets, to train models unless you opt out under Privacy in settings. Business and Enterprise users are excluded, according to [The GitHub Blog](https://github.blog/news-insights/company-news/updates-to-github-copilot-interaction-data-usage-policy/). Don’t paste client contracts, customer data or unreleased code into a free consumer account until you’ve checked these settings, and ask your security or legal team before using any free tier with regulated data. ## How to pick the right free AI stack Start with the job, not the brand: one general assistant plus one specialist tool covers most people. * **Students:** Gemini for chat and Deep Research, Gemini Notebook for course material, and Gemini Code Assist if you code. * **Founders and marketers:** ChatGPT or Claude for drafting, Canva for visuals, Gamma for a first pitch-deck draft, Zapier for one or two simple automations. * **Developers:** Gemini Code Assist for volume, GitHub Copilot Free if you prefer the GitHub ecosystem, Cursor Hobby to test an AI-first editor. * **Remote teams:** Otter for short meetings, Grammarly for polish, and Microsoft Copilot if you already use Microsoft 365. If you want to work on these products rather than just use them, our [AI and ML jobs board](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/ai-ml-jobs/) lists openings at AI companies. ## What free tiers don’t give you Free plans exist to show you the product. Across the plans we checked, the recurring gaps are: * **Predictable capacity.** Several vendors (Claude, Cursor, Microsoft) don’t publish exact free limits, so you can hit a wall mid-task. * **Commercial rights.** ElevenLabs reserves its commercial licence for paid plans. * **Clean branding.** Gamma removes its branding only from Plus upward. * **Refilling credits.** Gamma’s free credits are one-off; Otter’s file imports are three for the life of the account. * **Top models and admin controls.** Free tiers get “varying” or “limited” flagship- model access and none of the admin controls or training exclusions of business plans. ## Best AI tools by use case This page covers free tiers. For paid plans and picks for a specific job or audience, see our dedicated lists: * [**Students**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-tools-for-students/): student plans, study modes and academic-integrity rules. * [**Startup teams**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-tools-for-startups/): a paid stack by company stage, with data-governance advice. * [**Coding**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-for-coding/): Claude Code, Copilot, Cursor and Codex compared. * [**Designers**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-tools-for-designers/): Figma, Firefly, Canva and more. * [**Image generation**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-image-generators/): prices and commercial rights. * [**Video generation**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-video-generators/): Veo, Runway, Kling, Pika, HeyGen. * [**Meeting notes**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-meeting-note-takers/): Otter, Fireflies, Granola, Fathom. * [**Marketing**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-marketing-tools/): content, SEO, ads and social. * [**Sales**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-sales-tools/): prospecting, outreach and CRM AI. * [**Customer support**](https://100xfounder.com/best-ai-customer-support-tools/): Fin, Zendesk, Sierra and more. * [**Recruiting**](https://100xfounder.com/ai-recruiting-tools/): screening, sourcing and the new rules. ## Bottom line You can do serious work with free AI tools in 2026 if you pick by job and respect the caps. Gemini Code Assist is the most generous on paper, Gemini Notebook is the stand-out research tool, and any of the big three chat assistants handles everyday writing. Pay only when a cap blocks real work, and check the data-training setting on day one. For more on the companies behind these tools, follow our [AI and startup news](https://100xfounder.com/news/). ## FAQ ### What is the best free AI tool in 2026? There’s no single winner. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all have capable free chat plans; Gemini Notebook is best for research on your own files; Gemini Code Assist has the highest published free coding limits we found. ### Is ChatGPT still free in 2026? Yes. According to [OpenAI](https://chatgpt.com/pricing/), the free plan includes unlimited text chats with GPT-5.6 Luna, with limits on uploads, image creation, voice and deep research, as of 4 October 2026. ### Is NotebookLM still free after becoming Gemini Notebook? Yes. Google’s help centre lists a free Standard plan with 100 notebooks and 50 sources per notebook, as of 4 October 2026. ### Can I use free AI output commercially? It depends on the vendor. ElevenLabs, for example, includes its commercial licence only from the paid Starter plan. Read each tool’s terms, and confirm with a qualified legal adviser for client or commercial work. ### Do free AI tools train on my data? Often by default or by choice on consumer plans. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and GitHub Copilot each provide a setting to stop new conversations being used for training. ## Sources 1. OpenAI, [“Pricing | ChatGPT”](https://chatgpt.com/pricing/), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 2. Anthropic, [“Plans and pricing | Claude”](https://claude.com/pricing), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 3. Google, [“Google AI plans (Gemini subscriptions)”](https://gemini.google/subscriptions/), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 4. Microsoft, [“Microsoft Copilot plans for individuals”](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 5. Google, [“NotebookLM is now Gemini Notebook”](https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/products/gemini-notebook/notebooklm-gemini-notebook/), 16 July 2026 6. Google, [“Upgrade Gemini Notebook”](https://support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/16213268?hl=en), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 7. Grammarly, [“Grammarly plans”](https://www.grammarly.com/plans), 4 October 2026( accessed) 8. Otter.ai, [“Otter.ai pricing”](https://otter.ai/pricing), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 9. Canva, [“Canva pricing: compare Free, Pro, Business and Enterprise plans”](https://www.canva.com/pricing/), 15 September 2026 10. GitHub, [“GitHub Copilot plans and pricing”](https://github.com/features/copilot/plans), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 11. GitHub Docs, [“Individual plans for GitHub Copilot”](https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/billing/individual-plans), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 12. Cursor, [“Cursor pricing”](https://cursor.com/pricing), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 13. Google, [“Gemini Code Assist”](https://codeassist.google/), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 14. ElevenLabs, [“ElevenLabs pricing”](https://elevenlabs.io/pricing), 4 October 2026( accessed) 15. Gamma, [“Plans and pricing | Gamma”](https://gamma.app/pricing), 4 October 2026( accessed) 16. Zapier, [“Zapier pricing”](https://zapier.com/pricing), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 17. OpenAI Help Center, [“Data controls in ChatGPT”](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-faq), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 18. Anthropic, [“Updates to Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy”](https://www.anthropic.com/news/updates-to-our-consumer-terms), 28 August 2025 19. Google Gemini Apps Help, [“Gemini Apps Privacy Hub”](https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/13594961?hl=en), 4 October 2026 (accessed) 20. The GitHub Blog, [“Updates to GitHub Copilot interaction data usage policy”](https://github.blog/news-insights/company-news/updates-to-github-copilot-interaction-data-usage-policy/), 25 March 2026 Featured image: Chat assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all have usable free plans in 2026. · [Photo: Jernej Furman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Smartphone_with_ChatGPT_app_and_laptop_(52917381683).jpg) ## How to Get a Job at Figma in 2026: Process, Rounds and India Hub - Link: https://100xfounder.com/how-to-get-a-job-at-figma/ - Published: 2026-10-10T21:50:00+05:30 - Author: Ishaan Vardhan To get a job at Figma in 2026, pick one role on its careers site and apply only to that one. Then prepare for a recruiter screen, a skills step (coding, a portfolio or a take-home, depending on the role) and a virtual onsite with technical and non- technical interviews. On 4 October 2026 Figma listed 162 open roles. Just two were in India, both at the Bengaluru office it opened in November 2025, and both on the business side. This guide sets out what Figma publishes about its process, what candidates report, and how to prepare. _100Xfounder is an independent site. This guide is not official, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by Figma. Confirm details with your recruiter and Figma’s careers pages._ **Key takeaways** * Figma’s job board listed 162 openings on 4 October 2026. Sales was the largest group (56), followed by Engineering (27). * Figma opened its first India office, in Bengaluru, in November 2025. It says India is its second-largest market by monthly active users. The two current India roles are an Enterprise Account Executive and an Office Manager. * Figma’s early-career page sets out four stages: application, recruiter screen, skill assessment and virtual onsite. It also describes the interview for each role type. * Figma encourages candidates to apply to the single role that best fits them. Its job posts invite people to apply even if their experience is not an exact match. ## Where Figma is hiring now Figma lists its jobs on a public Greenhouse board. On 4 October 2026 there were 162 openings. By team: Sales (56), Engineering (27), Business Operations (17), Design( 13), Marketing (9), Early Career (9), People (8) and Product (6), plus smaller groups in support, legal and talent. There were also three roles for Figma Weave. More than half were in San Francisco, New York or US-remote. London (19), Berlin (8), Tokyo (7), Paris and São Paulo (5 each) and Singapore (4) were the main hubs outside the US. India had two roles: * [Account Executive, Enterprise (Bengaluru)](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/5579204004?gh_jid=5579204004): a full-time role “based in our newly opened Bengaluru hub.” It asks for a strong understanding of the Indian market and several years of closing enterprise software sales with customers of 5,000+ employees, including complex sales cycles of six months or more. * [Office Manager (Bengaluru)](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/6191316004?gh_jid=6191316004): a hybrid role with four days a week onsite. It covers workplace operations and local people operations such as onboarding, benefits administration and compliance, and asks for 3+ years of experience. There were no engineering, design or product roles based in India that day. Figma’s [careers page](https://www.figma.com/careers/) says it hires across its global hubs and offers remote positions only in the US and Canada. So for now, India-based candidates for product and engineering roles would generally be looking at relocation. You can follow new openings on our [Figma jobs page](https://100xfounder.com/jobs/company/figma/), which reads the official feed. ![Three-dimensional rendering of the colourful Figma logo icon](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/three-dimensional-rendering-of-the-colourful-figma- logo-icon-1024x1024.png) Figma said in November 2025 that India is its second-largest market by monthly active users. · [Photo: Vijay Verma / Wikimedia Commons, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figma-dynamic-color.png) ## Figma in India: what the Bengaluru hub is for Figma announced the Bengaluru hub on 12 November 2025. In its [official post](https://www.figma.com/blog/figma-india-office/), Figma said India is its second-largest market by monthly active users. It also said more than 40% of BSE100 companies (the 100-stock index of the Bombay Stock Exchange) use Figma, and that the Friends of Figma community in India has nearly 25,000 members. Scott Pugh, Figma’s APAC vice-president of sales, said the company wanted to get closer to its users. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/figma-bets-on-india-to-expand-beyond-design) reported the same day that the office would first focus on sales and marketing. It quoted Figma’s VP of engineering, Abhishek Mathur, on reaching the many developers in India who may not yet think of Figma as their tool. That fits the current openings: an enterprise seller and an office manager, not an engineering team. If you are an engineer in India hoping for a local Figma role, watch the board, but don’t assume a Bengaluru engineering team exists until Figma posts for one. ## What Figma looks for Figma’s careers page lists five values: * **Build community:** people who enjoy what happens when others connect and work together. * **Run with it:** taking initiative on bold problems rather than following a playbook. * **Love your craft:** building for builders, solving the right problems and caring about quality. * **Grow as you go:** direct feedback and continuous learning, with humility and curiosity. * **Play:** unstructured exploration, which Figma says is where its best ideas come from. “Grow as you go” also shows up in every job post. The posts say Figma hires smart, curious people who want to learn. If your past experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly, they encourage you to apply anyway. That is a real signal: list the transferable experience you have rather than ruling yourself out over one bullet point. For engineers, current posts set a clear bar. The [Full Stack Software Engineer](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/5691911004?gh_jid=5691911004) post asks for experience shipping and maintaining full-stack applications in production. It wants strong front-end skills (React or TypeScript) and back-end technologies such as Ruby, Python, Go, C++ or PostgreSQL. It also asks for experience using AI- assisted development. The [Summer 2027 intern](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/6143238004?gh_jid=6143238004) post asks for clean code in at least one general-purpose language and a solid grasp of data structures and algorithms. For designers, an older Figma blog post explains how the company thought about hiring. In 2018 its then vice-president of design, Noah Levin, [wrote](https://www.figma.com/blog/how-we-built-the-figma-design-team/) that the team agreed detailed requirement lists and built them into its recruiting tool to reduce unconscious bias. He also noted that designers who can do absolutely everything are very rare, so they focused on the skills that were truly needed. ![Bengaluru city skyline with high-rise buildings under a hazy sky](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bengaluru-city-skyline-with-high-rise-buildings-under- a-hazy-sky-1024x548.jpg) Bengaluru, where Figma opened its first India office in November 2025. · [Photo: Saad Faruque from Bangalore, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bangalore_skyline_(7121517855).jpg) ## The hiring process, step by step Figma’s [early-career page](https://www.figma.com/careers/early-career/) is its most detailed public description of the process. It describes four stages: 1. **Application:** you apply to an early-career or intern role. 2. **Recruiter screen:** if you are selected, a recruiter contacts you to learn about your background and skills. 3. **Skill assessment:** some roles include a portfolio review, a take-home task or an online assessment. Your recruiter shares the details. 4. **Virtual onsite:** both technical and non-technical interviews, including a walk- through of your background with a potential mentor or manager. The same page describes the interview for each role type: * **Software engineering:** a coding interview on data structures and algorithms in any language you choose, plus a behavioural interview with a team member. * **Data science:** interpreting and discussing analysis techniques based on data visuals shown in the interview. Early-career candidates also present a past project. * **Product design:** a walk-through of your portfolio, then a design exercise alongside a member of the design team. * **PhD internships:** technical and non-technical interviews for the discipline, plus a presentation on your PhD research or a previous publication. Figma has also written about the tools it uses. In a 2021 [Figma blog post](https://www.figma.com/blog/inside-figma-how-figma-engineering-uses-figjam-to-scale/), an engineer described running system design interviews in FigJam, Figma’s online whiteboard. Candidates draw architecture diagrams and write code in embedded code blocks, and the team can revisit the file in its debrief afterwards. If you have never used FigJam, spend an hour in it before your interviews. ### What experienced engineers report For experienced engineering hires, the most detailed public account is from interview- practice platform [interviewing.io](https://interviewing.io/figma-interview-questions). It says its account draws on conversations with current and former Figma engineers and on Glassdoor data. **These are candidate reports, not an official Figma description.** The page is undated and may be out of date. It describes: 1. A 30-minute recruiter call. 2. A 45-minute behavioural call with the hiring manager. 3. An hour-long technical screen in CoderPad. Questions are algorithmic but framed around Figma’s product, at roughly LeetCode-medium difficulty. 4. An onsite of about four hours: coding, two system design interviews conducted in Figma, a behavioural interview and a project deep dive. The loop varies by specialism( for example ML, frontend or backend). 5. For Staff-level candidates, an extra behavioural “executive screen” with a director. The same source reports that the whole process takes about three to four weeks. It says candidates apply to a specific team, but most interviewers are drawn from a wider pool. Treat timings as a rough guide and ask your recruiter for the actual plan. ![Hand-drawn sketch of a mobile app interface in blue pen on grid paper](https:// 100xfounder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/hand-drawn-sketch-of-a-mobile-app-interface- in-blue-pen-on-grid-paper-768x1024.jpg) Figma’s product design interview combines a portfolio walk-through with a live design exercise. · [Photo: Jfietkau / Wikimedia Commons, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rough_mobile_UX_sketch.jpg) ## Pay, location and early-career programmes Figma’s US postings include salary ranges. The Full Stack Software Engineer role lists an annual base salary range of $153,000 to $376,000. A US Enterprise Account Executive role lists $165,000 to $190,000 in base salary, with sales incentive pay on top. The posts say compensation may also include equity and benefits. The two Bengaluru posts do not show a pay range, so ask the recruiter early. Once you have an Indian offer, our [in-hand salary calculator](https://100xfounder.com/tools/in-hand-salary-calculator/) helps you turn the fixed component into a monthly figure. Office expectations differ by role. Some US sales posts say “in office 2 days/week” at a US hub or remote in the US. The London Enterprise AE role is hybrid from the London hub, and the Bengaluru Office Manager role is four days onsite. Figma’s benefits list includes health cover, parental leave, a learning and development stipend and a work-from-home stipend. Some items, such as a 401(k) match, are clearly US-specific, so check what applies in your country. For students, Figma runs internships of 12 to 16 weeks in winter (January start) and summer (May or June start). Interns work hybrid from San Francisco, New York or London, and Figma says all internships are full-time (40 hours a week) and paid. It says immigration sponsorship “may be available for eligible roles”. On 4 October 2026 the Early Career team listed roles including Software Engineer Intern (Summer 2027 and Winter 2027), a London Software Engineer Intern role, and Product Design, Data Science and Data Engineer internships for 2027. Visa rules change often, so confirm sponsorship with the recruiter and official immigration sources before you plan around it. ## How to stand out * **Pick one role carefully.** Figma encourages candidates to apply to the role that best matches their experience. A focused application with a short note on why that team is a better use of your shot than several scattered ones. * **Know the product deeply.** Candidate reports say coding questions are framed around Figma’s product. Learn how frames, components, layers and Dev Mode work, and be ready to say what you would improve. * **Practise system design visually.** If your design rounds happen on a canvas, as Figma’s own blog describes, practise drawing clear diagrams quickly, not just talking through them. * **Designers: show your process, not only the result.** The official design interview combines a portfolio walk-through with a live exercise. Pick two or three case studies where you can explain trade-offs, constraints and what changed after feedback. * **India sales candidates: show Indian enterprise wins.** The Bengaluru AE post wants proven closing with large Indian enterprises and long sales cycles. Lead with named segments, deal sizes you can share, and how you handled multi-stakeholder buying. ![Person working on a laptop with a code editor open on screen](https://100xfounder. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/person-working-on-a-laptop-with-a-code-editor-open- on-screen-1024x683.jpg) Figma says its early-career coding interview is language-agnostic and focused on data structures and algorithms. · [Photo: Tirza van Dijk tirzavandijk / Wikimedia Commons, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laptop_coding_programs_(Unsplash).jpg) ## Bottom line Figma is hiring steadily, but its India presence is still young and focused on sales. Engineers and designers in India can apply to hub roles abroad or to early-career programmes, and should be ready for a practical, product-flavoured process. Use the official early-career page as your map of the stages, treat third-party reports as rough guidance, and put most of your preparation into knowing the product and showing your craft. ## FAQ ### Does Figma have an office in India? Yes. Figma opened a Bengaluru hub in November 2025. TechCrunch reported that its initial focus is sales and marketing. ### Is Figma hiring engineers in India? Not at the moment. On 4 October 2026 the only India roles were an Enterprise Account Executive and an Office Manager in Bengaluru. Figma says remote roles are available in the US and Canada. ### How many interview rounds does Figma have? Officially, the stages are a recruiter screen, a skill assessment for some roles and a virtual onsite with technical and non-technical interviews. Candidate reports for experienced engineers describe a hiring manager call, a technical screen and an onsite of about four hours. ### Can I apply to more than one Figma role? Figma’s early-career FAQ encourages you to apply to the role that most closely matches your experience or interests. Candidate reports say experienced applicants are asked to apply to one role at a time. ### What coding language should I use in a Figma interview? Figma says its early-career software engineering coding interview is language-agnostic, so use the language you know best. ## Sources 1. Figma (Greenhouse job board), “[Figma open positions](https://boards-api.greenhouse.io/v1/boards/figma/jobs)“, accessed 4 October 2026 2. Figma Careers, “[Account Executive, Enterprise (Bengaluru, India)](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/5579204004?gh_jid=5579204004)“, updated 22 July 2026 3. Figma Careers, “[Office Manager (Bengaluru, India)](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/6191316004?gh_jid=6191316004)“, updated 1 October 2026 4. Figma Careers, “[Software Engineer – Full Stack](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/5691911004?gh_jid=5691911004)“, updated 24 September 2026 5. Figma Careers, “[Software Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)](https://boards.greenhouse.io/figma/jobs/6143238004?gh_jid=6143238004)“, updated 17 September 2026 6. Figma, “[Careers at Figma](https://www.figma.com/careers/)“, accessed 4 October 2026 7. Figma, “[Early Career](https://www.figma.com/careers/early-career/)“, accessed 4 October 2026 8. Figma Blog, “[Figma Opens a New Hub in India](https://www.figma.com/blog/figma-india-office/)“, 12 November 2025 9. TechCrunch, “[Figma bets on India to expand beyond design](https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/12/figma-bets-on-india-to-expand-beyond-design)“, 12 November 2025 10. Figma Blog, “[From candidate interviews to developer crits: how Figma engineering uses FigJam to scale](https://www.figma.com/blog/inside-figma-how-figma-engineering-uses-figjam-to-scale/)“, 9 November 2021 11. Figma Blog, “[How we built the Figma Design team](https://www.figma.com/blog/how-we-built-the-figma-design-team/)“, 11 December 2018 12. interviewing.io (third-party; candidate and engineer reports), “[Figma’s Interview Process & Questions](https://interviewing.io/figma-interview-questions)“, undated, accessed 4 October 2026 Featured image: Figma co-founder and CEO Dylan Field at TechCrunch Disrupt in October 2022. · [Photo: TechCrunch / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dylan_Field_TechCrunch_Disrupt_2022_1435088532.jpg)