Overview

• A CA student’s WhatsApp inquiry about expected work hours and stipend was met with an “oversmart” rebuke from a mid-sized Faridabad firm, which advised them not to apply.
• The student shared the exchange on Reddit, prompting widespread criticism of the firm’s conduct and debate over whether stipend information should be disclosed before interviews.
• Many users argued that early compensation transparency can prevent wasted time and protect students from potential exploitation during mandatory CA articleships.
• Others maintained that stipend discussions should occur only after face-to-face interviews, reflecting differing norms in recruitment practices.
• After the incident, the student secured an articleship with another firm offering a ₹2.4 LPA stipend, and the original firm’s identity remains undisclosed.