Bengaluru, the city known for its buzzing tech corridors and vibrant startup culture, has once again found itself at the center of a storm—a storm of aggressive opinions, fierce debates, and a radical shift in how talent is being sought out in the tech world. In an era where resumes and college degrees are losing their shine, a Bengaluru-based startup called Smallest AI has dared to rewrite the hiring rulebook. With a job posting that promises a staggering salary—some say 240 LPA—and a complete dismissal of traditional credentials, founder Sudarshan Kamath has ignited a wildfire of opinions across social media and mainstream news alike. In this article, we dig deep into the details of this viral job posting, examine its implications on the tech industry, and offer a no-holds-barred, aggressive critique of what’s going wrong in today’s hiring practices.
A Bold, Unconventional Call for Talent
In a move that has shattered conventional recruitment norms, Smallest AI recently put up a job posting for a “cracked full-stack engineer.” The phrase “cracked” in tech lingo typically describes someone who is exceptionally skilled, innovative, and resourceful—a true maverick of code. But this posting goes far beyond the usual call for brilliance. It boldly states:
“College – Does not matter… Resume – Not needed.”
Instead, applicants are asked to send a 100-word text about themselves, along with links to their best work.
This radical approach is designed to strip away the biases of traditional hiring. No longer will candidates be judged solely on the basis of formal education or the conventional resume they painstakingly compile. Instead, Smallest AI places all its trust in raw skills and demonstrated talent. Kamath’s message is simple: if you have the capability and passion, your college name or resume is irrelevant. You only need to prove your worth in a brief, 100-word introduction.
The posting itself has gone viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views in a matter of hours. Such virality speaks volumes about the shifting attitudes in the tech industry. People are tired of being defined by grades and certificates; they want a platform that truly values what they can do. And for many, this posting represents hope—a sign that the future of hiring might be more meritocratic, more fearless, and far less bound by outdated traditions.
The Salary Controversy: 240 LPA or 40 LPA?
One of the most jaw-dropping elements of this job posting is the salary promise. While several reputable sources have reported a Rs 40 LPA package, the topic has also been floating around with claims of a 240 LPA offer. This discrepancy has only added fuel to the debate. The idea of paying a “cracked” engineer a cracked salary—one that matches their extraordinary skills—is appealing. However, many industry veterans and social media users have sharply criticized the notion.
Some X users (formerly known as Twitter) have been particularly vocal. One noted, “Skills prevail over resume,” reinforcing the idea that raw talent should trump paper credentials. In contrast, another warned, “Don’t add ‘cracked’ if you can’t pay cracked salary.” The criticism is fierce and clear: if you’re going to demand exceptional talent, you must be prepared to compensate it accordingly. This aggressive scrutiny is a call for accountability, and it challenges Smallest AI to ensure that its promises are not just flashy slogans but backed by tangible, competitive remuneration.
Smallest AI and the Rise of Skill-Based Recruitment
Smallest AI is not an isolated case. It stands at the forefront of a larger, global shift in recruitment practices—one that favors skills, creativity, and proof of work over conventional credentials. In the fast-paced tech world, where innovation and rapid problem-solving are the currencies of success, many forward-thinking companies are beginning to question the utility of traditional resumes.
Historically, resumes and college degrees have been used as shorthand for competence. But in an industry where a brilliant coder might have dropped out of college to launch a startup or build an innovative product from scratch, such markers are increasingly seen as outdated relics. The idea is simple: let the work speak for itself. By asking candidates to submit a 100-word introduction and links to their best projects, Smallest AI is effectively saying, “Show us what you’ve done; prove you can build, solve, and innovate.”
This approach does more than just level the playing field. It encourages a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement, where passion and proven ability are the primary measures of potential. It challenges other companies to rethink their own hiring strategies, and it forces the industry to confront a hard truth: the era of hiring based on degrees is rapidly coming to an end.
The Viral Storm: Reactions from Social Media and Industry Insiders
The job posting has not gone unnoticed by the online community. Social media platforms have erupted with opinions, and the reactions range from enthusiastic support to scathing criticism. On X, users are divided into two camps.
Supporters: A New Dawn for Meritocracy
Many users are thrilled by the shift towards skills-based hiring. They argue that this approach democratizes the hiring process and gives a chance to those who might have been overlooked by traditional metrics. A supporter tweeted, “I love that they care about what you can do, not where you went to college. This is the future of hiring!” Such voices see the posting as a beacon of hope, a necessary disruption in an industry bogged down by outdated norms.
This camp sees the job posting as a direct challenge to the gatekeepers of the tech world—those who have long relied on academic pedigree and standardized resumes to sift through candidates. For many, it is a refreshing reminder that talent can come from anywhere, and that real innovation happens when people are given the freedom to prove themselves without the weight of institutional bias.
Critics: The Harsh Reality of Compensation and Sustainability
On the other side of the debate, critics are quick to point out potential pitfalls. The primary contention revolves around compensation. One user bluntly stated, “Don’t add ‘cracked’ if you can’t pay cracked salary.” This aggressive criticism is not merely about the numbers—it’s about respect. The argument is that if a company claims to be looking for top-tier talent, it must be ready to match that talent with a salary that reflects their worth. There is a deep-seated frustration with companies that use flashy language to lure candidates but then fall short on actual compensation.
Moreover, some skeptics question the long-term sustainability of such a hiring model. They argue that while the idea of skills-based recruitment is appealing in theory, it might lead to a race to the bottom in terms of compensation. If companies start offering lower salaries under the guise of “opportunity” or “growth potential,” then the very promise of a meritocratic system could be undermined by financial realities.
The Broader Context: What’s Really Going Wrong?
The viral job posting is symptomatic of larger issues within the tech industry and the global job market. At its core, it reflects a growing discontent with traditional recruitment methods, which many believe are rigged in favor of candidates with privileged backgrounds. But beneath this shift lies a more aggressive, even unsettling, truth about what’s going wrong.
Outdated Metrics in a Modern World
For decades, hiring processes have relied on easily quantifiable metrics—college degrees, GPAs, years of experience—to filter candidates. However, these metrics are increasingly seen as poor indicators of actual skill, creativity, and problem-solving ability. The tech industry, in particular, thrives on innovation and agility—qualities that cannot be captured in a conventional resume. The aggressive move by Smallest AI is a direct response to this disconnect. It forces companies to confront the fact that traditional metrics may no longer serve the purpose they once did.
The Rising Cost of Living and Its Impact on Talent
Another critical issue highlighted by the posting is the skyrocketing cost of living in tech hubs like Bengaluru. Indiranagar, one of the city’s most sought-after locales, is infamous for its high rents and steep living expenses. Critics of the job posting point out that even if a salary of 40 LPA—or even 240 LPA, as some rumors suggest—sounds impressive on paper, the actual take-home pay can be significantly eroded by living costs. One pointed comment noted that a large portion of the salary might vanish in rent, groceries, and other daily expenses. This harsh reality forces us to ask: Is the compensation truly competitive if it barely allows for a decent quality of life?
A Culture of Instant Gratification and Hype
There is also a cultural dimension to this debate. In today’s hyper-connected world, virality and social media hype often take precedence over substance. The aggressive language used in many online discussions around this posting reflects a deeper dissatisfaction—a sense that the tech industry, and the job market in general, is increasingly driven by sensationalism. When companies make bold claims like “no resume needed” and “skills are all that matter,” they are tapping into a zeitgeist that prizes instant recognition and viral appeal. But this culture of instant gratification can sometimes mask underlying issues such as inadequate compensation, unsustainable work environments, and a lack of long-term support for employee growth.
Is This a Step Forward or a Dangerous Gamble?
The job posting by Smallest AI has undoubtedly sparked a fierce debate, and it’s time to take a strong, aggressive stance on what it represents—and what it fails to address.
The Double-Edged Sword of Radical Hiring
On the one hand, the move to prioritize skills over credentials is a welcome change. It has the potential to open doors for countless talented individuals who have been sidelined by a rigid, outdated system. It challenges the status quo and pushes companies to evaluate candidates based on what they can truly deliver. This approach could lead to more innovation, more diverse talent, and a workforce that is genuinely reflective of ability rather than background.
However, the aggressive rhetoric surrounding the posting reveals a stark reality: such radical changes come with significant risks. The promise of a “cracked” salary must be backed by real financial commitment. When critics shout, “Don’t add ‘cracked’ if you can’t pay cracked salary,” they are warning against a half-hearted experiment. It is not enough to disrupt the hiring process if the compensation fails to reflect the value of the talent being sought. In this light, the posting risks becoming nothing more than a flashy gimmick—a viral stunt that ultimately disappoints its audience and devalues the very notion of meritocracy.
The Imperative for Accountability
There is an urgent need for accountability in the tech hiring process. If companies claim to value raw talent and innovative thinking, they must also be prepared to invest in that talent fully. This means offering salaries that are not only competitive on paper but also sustainable in the real world. It means acknowledging that the cost of living in tech hubs is astronomical and that any serious attempt at skills-based recruitment must take these financial realities into account.
An aggressive reassessment of hiring practices is long overdue. The job posting from Smallest AI is a wake-up call—a clarion call to all companies that wish to attract top-tier talent. It is a demand for transparency, fairness, and, above all, respect for the skills that drive innovation. Employers must understand that if they fail to offer compensation that reflects the true value of their employees, they risk not only losing talent but also damaging their reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
The Pitfalls of Hype and the Need for Substance
The tech world is no stranger to hype. Every few months, another startup makes grandiose claims, and every few weeks, a viral post captures the imagination of the public. But hype, if not grounded in substance, is dangerous. It creates unrealistic expectations and sets the stage for disappointment. In the case of Smallest AI’s posting, the aggressive promotion of a skills-based approach must be matched with concrete actions. It must be supported by a salary structure that truly rewards innovation and hard work. Otherwise, the posting risks becoming a symbol of empty promises—a rallying cry that sounds good in theory but falters in practice.
The lesson here is clear: aggressive, sensationalist claims must be backed by equally robust support systems. A company that hires based solely on a 100-word introduction and a portfolio of work must also provide a work environment that nurtures talent, offers growth opportunities, and delivers financial stability. Without these pillars in place, the experiment is doomed to fail, leaving both the company and its potential employees disillusioned and betrayed.
The Changing Landscape of Tech Recruitment
The debate over Smallest AI’s job posting is part of a larger conversation about the future of tech recruitment. As the industry evolves, so too must the methods used to identify and reward talent. Here are some key trends that are emerging alongside this aggressive new approach:
Emphasis on Proof of Work
Increasingly, tech companies are moving away from relying on resumes and academic credentials. Instead, they are placing a premium on demonstrable skills—portfolios, code repositories, and real-world project experience. This shift is not merely a trend; it represents a fundamental rethinking of what it means to be qualified in today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. In this new landscape, your GitHub account, your open-source contributions, and your personal projects speak louder than any degree ever could.
Diversification of Talent Pools
By de-emphasizing traditional credentials, companies open the door to a wider, more diverse talent pool. This is particularly important in a world where many capable individuals may not have had access to elite educational institutions due to financial, geographic, or social barriers. Aggressive moves like the one made by Smallest AI have the potential to democratize opportunities in the tech field, ensuring that talent is recognized regardless of background.
The Role of Social Media and Virality
Social media now plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of hiring practices. Viral posts like this one from Smallest AI not only draw attention to innovative approaches but also invite aggressive debate and scrutiny. While virality can be a powerful tool for change, it can also lead to oversimplified narratives that overlook important nuances. In a landscape where every viral post is dissected and debated, companies must be prepared to engage with both praise and criticism in a meaningful way.
A Wake-Up Call for the Industry
It is time for an unyielding, aggressive stand on this matter. The tech industry can no longer hide behind outdated hiring metrics that favor prestige over ability. If companies like Smallest AI are to lead the way in creating a truly meritocratic environment, they must back their revolutionary ideas with real commitment and substantial support for their employees.
The posting that dismisses college names and resumes is not just a gimmick—it is a call to arms against a broken system. However, the bold claim of offering a 240 LPA salary (if indeed that is the figure being touted) must be met with financial muscle and a proven track record of rewarding talent appropriately. Failure to do so will only breed cynicism and disillusionment among the very people the industry seeks to empower.
To be clear, we demand that every tech company re-evaluate its hiring practices with a no-nonsense, aggressive approach. Talent is not something that can be measured by the prestige of an institution; it is measured by the ability to innovate, to solve problems, and to drive progress. We must cast aside the outdated notions of resume filtering and degree elitism and embrace a future where skills truly prevail.
The aggressive sentiment expressed by critics is not mere negativity—it is a necessary challenge to ensure that promises made in viral job postings are not empty. Companies must be held accountable. If you dare to call someone “cracked,” then prove it by offering a compensation package that matches the hype. Anything less is a disservice to the talent you claim to admire.
The Road Ahead: Transforming Tech Recruitment for Good
Looking forward, it is imperative that the tech industry takes decisive action. This means investing in better compensation structures, creating supportive environments that foster growth, and adopting transparent hiring practices that value demonstrable skills over hollow credentials. The future of tech recruitment should be built on the pillars of fairness, merit, and accountability—values that are too often sacrificed in the pursuit of viral marketing.
Companies must work aggressively to bridge the gap between hype and reality. Aggressive reforms are needed—not just in the way we hire, but in the entire ecosystem that supports tech talent. From offering competitive salaries that reflect the true cost of living in major cities like Bengaluru, to providing robust mentorship and career development programs, every element of the employment experience must be rethought and re-engineered for the modern era.
In the end, the aggressive stance taken by both supporters and critics of this viral job posting underscores a fundamental truth: the future of work demands change. If the tech industry refuses to evolve, it risks losing not only the best talent but also the trust and credibility of a generation that is determined to redefine success on its own terms.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Uncompromising Integrity
In conclusion, the viral job posting by Smallest AI is much more than a mere announcement—it is a powerful symbol of the ongoing revolution in tech recruitment. It challenges the status quo with an aggressive, no-holds-barred approach that prioritizes skill, innovation, and real-world ability over conventional academic achievements. However, for this revolution to be successful, every promise made in the spirit of disruption must be matched with uncompromising integrity and genuine support.
We must be clear: the age of empty resumes and outdated degrees is over. The aggressive demand for talent based solely on merit is not only justified—it is necessary. Yet, this call to action must come with a stark warning: if you claim to value talent, you must be prepared to invest in it wholeheartedly. Let no company hide behind flashy words and viral slogans without delivering on their promises.
Our world is changing rapidly, and the tech industry must change with it. The aggressive, disruptive energy seen in this job posting should serve as a wake-up call to all companies. The future is being shaped by those who dare to think differently, who challenge established norms, and who reject mediocrity in favor of genuine excellence. In this new era, every candidate should be judged by their ability to innovate, to create, and to drive progress—not by the letterhead on their resume.
For those reading this, whether you are a job seeker or a recruiter, let this article serve as both a challenge and a promise: a challenge to dismantle outdated hiring practices and a promise that the future of work can be built on true merit. The aggressive critique you hear is not mere anger—it is the passionate roar of a generation that demands fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The aggressive voice of today’s tech industry is clear: it is time to put talent first, to reward skill and passion with salaries that reflect their true value, and to create an ecosystem where every brilliant mind has the opportunity to shine. Smallest AI’s radical approach may be polarizing, but it is also a sign of progress—a sign that the old guard is finally being challenged.
A Final, Unyielding Stance
Let this be an unyielding call to every tech company and every recruiter out there: if you are going to disrupt the old system, do it with all the force and commitment you can muster. Do not settle for half-measures or superficial changes. The future of work demands aggressive, uncompromising action. The talent of tomorrow is not waiting for your outdated processes to catch up—they are ready to seize opportunities, break barriers, and build the future on their own terms.
In this era of rapid change, we must embrace a hiring culture that is as fearless and dynamic as the talent it seeks. We must reject mediocrity, demand transparency, and reward true innovation with the respect and compensation it deserves. Only then can we build a tech industry that is truly reflective of the brilliant, diverse minds that drive progress every day.
The aggressive debate ignited by this viral job posting is not just noise—it is the sound of a revolution in the making. And if there’s one thing we must remember, it is that the future belongs to those who are bold enough to challenge the norm and uncompromising enough to demand the best. Smallest AI’s radical approach is a clarion call for change—a call that demands we all step up, rethink our values, and commit to a future where talent is celebrated, nurtured, and rewarded without compromise.
In Summary
Bengaluru’s tech landscape is witnessing a seismic shift. With Smallest AI’s aggressive, viral job posting for a “cracked full-stack engineer,” the industry is forced to confront its outdated practices. By rejecting the importance of college degrees and resumes, and by calling for a focus solely on skills and proof of work, Sudarshan Kamath has not only disrupted conventional recruitment but also ignited an important conversation about the value of true talent.
This isn’t just about a job posting—it’s about redefining what it means to be worthy in a world that is constantly evolving. It is about creating opportunities based on ability rather than pedigree, about ensuring that every brilliant mind has a fair shot at success, regardless of background. The aggressive outcry from critics and supporters alike only underscores the urgency and importance of this movement.