22 LPA sounds like ₹1.83L/month. It is not. Employer PF, professional tax, and income tax on fixed pay leave most people with ₹1.3–1.5L in-hand on fixed-heavy packages.
Tax planning at 22 LPA
At this bracket, NPS employer contribution (if offered), 80C, and HRA under old regime can materially lower tax — but only if you invest, not if you just claim rent receipts. Run both regimes in an income tax calculator before April.
- Fixed-heavy 22 LPA in metro: often ₹1.3–1.5L/month in-hand.
- Step-up SIP on every appraisal — lifestyle inflation eats raises silently.
- Emergency fund target: 6 months of expenses, not 6 months of CTC.
The takeaway
Never sign a lease or car EMI on variable pay. Fixed pay pays rent; bonus is upside.