'Candidates living in PGs, rented flats not eligible': Mumbai firm’s strict hiring rule; internet reacts

Representative photo

• Mumbai firm criticized for excluding renters and PG residents from job applications.
• Viral job ad sparked debate over hiring ethics and discrimination
• Many online called the criteria unfair and possibly unconstitutional

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A Mumbai-based company has come under fire for disqualifying jobseekers who live in rented or paying guest (PG) accommodation from applying for its openings. A screenshot of the company’s application form has gone viral online — and not for good reasons.

The controversy began after X user Abhinav shared an image of the job description on the platform. His post quickly triggered a heated debate about hiring practices and ethics in Indian workplaces.

The viral screenshot shows that the application form lists eligibility criteria extending beyond education and skills to include where the applicant lives. While the role required candidates to hold a B.E. degree in Computer Science or IT, it was the clause on residential status that drew widespread criticism.

what pic.twitter.com/vBixENr2xM

— abhinav (@AbhinavXJ) December 27, 2025

Under the section titled “Document Requirements (Mandatory) for Eligibility,” applicants were asked to submit an Aadhaar card reflecting their current residential address in Mumbai, along with a PAN card.

A note at the bottom of the form went on to state that candidates staying in rented houses or PGs were “not eligible” to apply.

In the comments, Abhinav later clarified that the job advertisement had been issued as part of a campus placement drive.

Internet reacts

The job posting triggered sharp criticism on X, with many users calling the criteria “unfair.” Some even speculated that the company preferred Mumbai-based candidates so it could justify offering lower salaries.

“If a candidate lives with their parents in their own home, they don't have rent to pay. The company can offer a significantly lower salary below market standards,” one user pointed out, calling the ad a “red flag”.

“Maybe they aren't able to pay enough for a student to cover accomodation so they prefer locals,” another said.

Some users also argued that the requirement violates an individual’s constitutional rights.