26 LPA sounds like ₹2.17L/month gross. In-hand is lower — employer PF, professional tax, and income tax on fixed pay leave most people with ₹1.5–1.7L on fixed-heavy packages in metros.
Tax planning at 26 LPA
Old regime with HRA + 80C/NPS can beat new regime if you actually invest the deductions — not if you just claim rent receipts. New regime wins if you claim nothing and want zero paperwork. Run both in an income tax calculator before April.
- Fixed-heavy 26 LPA in metro: often ₹1.5–1.7L/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
Quote in-hand range to family — not CTC. Saves awkward expectations and keeps your budget honest.