Prepare for Work
Everything you need to know before and after joining your first job — pay slips, EPF, your rights, and how to spot a scam.
Week One
The first few days of any job feel overwhelming. This is completely normal. Here is how to navigate them well — and make a strong first impression that stays with your employer.
Understanding Your Salary
Your pay slip is a document your employer must give you every month. It shows exactly what you earned and what was deducted. Here is what each part means.
Note: Employer also contributes an additional 12% of basic to your PF account (₹720 in this example) — this does NOT come from your salary. It is extra money the employer saves for you. Plus 3.25% ESI from the employer side.
PF (12% of basic) and ESI (0.75% of gross) are calculated automatically. This calculator gives an estimate — your actual pay slip may vary slightly based on your employer's structure.
Your Savings & Insurance
Many first-time employees see PF and ESI as "deductions" and feel cheated. In reality, they are the two most important financial benefits you will receive as an employee in India. Understanding them will change how you see them.
How to Access Your EPF
Know Your Rights
As an employee in India you have rights guaranteed by law. Knowing them does not make you a difficult employee — it makes you a protected one.
Overtime beyond these hours must be paid at double the normal wage rate. You cannot be forced to work overtime without extra pay. A 30-minute break must be given after every 5 hours of continuous work.
After completing 240 days of work in a year, you earn earned leave (1 day for every 20 days worked). Unused leave can accumulate up to 30 days. Leaves must be given in writing by the employer each year.
Women employees who have worked for at least 80 days in the 12 months before delivery are entitled to 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. ESI pays this benefit — your employer cannot refuse it. An employer cannot fire or deny promotion due to pregnancy.
Every workplace with 10+ employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for sexual harassment complaints. You have the right to complain and be protected from retaliation. If your workplace has no ICC, report to the Local Complaints Committee in your district.
Helpline: 181 (Women's Helpline, Telangana)
After completing 3 months of service, an employer must give you 30 days' notice or 30 days' pay before dismissal (unless for serious misconduct). You must also give the same notice when resigning. You cannot be dismissed for filing a legal complaint or for pregnancy.
Your employer must give you a written or digital pay slip every month. Wages must be paid on or before the 10th of the following month. You cannot be asked to sign for an amount different from what you received. Wages cannot be paid in alcohol or goods instead of money.
| Category / Zone | Unskilled | Semi-Skilled | Skilled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garments / Tailoring | ₹9,580 | ₹10,210 | ₹10,900 |
| Beautician / Hairdressing | ₹9,580 | ₹10,210 | ₹10,900 |
| Healthcare / Hospitals | ₹10,020 | ₹10,680 | ₹11,380 |
| Computer / IT Enabled | ₹10,450 | ₹11,130 | ₹11,870 |
| Electrical / Electronics | ₹9,870 | ₹10,520 | ₹11,220 |
| Commercial / Shops (Zone A) | ₹10,020 | ₹10,680 | ₹11,380 |
These are approximate figures — minimum wages are revised periodically. Check the Telangana Labour Department website for current rates. If you are paid below minimum wage, you can file a complaint with no fee.
Protect Yourself
Job scams target freshers specifically — because freshers are eager, less experienced, and often don't know what a real employer looks like. These red flags will protect you.
Government Support
These schemes are free to apply for and are specifically designed for people from vocational training backgrounds like yours.
Workplace Judgement
Each scenario tests real workplace situations you may face. Pick the option you think is best — then see the feedback and learn why. There are no tricks, just real judgement calls.