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Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Clarifies Intent Behind ₹20 Lakh Chief of Staff Job Listing: ‘Hope Pay-to-Get-Job Doesn’t Become Norm’

Goyal Reveals Over 18,000 Applicants, Reiterates Focus on Learning, Not Money

New Delhi,  Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has clarified his intentions behind the controversial ₹20 lakh Chief of Staff job listing, stating that the goal was never to charge applicants for the opportunity. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Goyal explained that the hefty “fee” was intended as a filter to find candidates with a genuine interest in the learning experience the role offers, rather than those motivated purely by money.

The job listing, which invited applicants to pay ₹20 lakh for the chance to work directly with Goyal and contribute to Zomato’s future growth, sparked a wave of debate. The post stated that 100% of the payment would go to the Feeding India charity if the candidate was selected. Additionally, Goyal committed to donating ₹50 lakh to a charity of the chosen candidate’s choice, emphasizing that the role would provide an opportunity to learn far beyond what one could gain in two years at a top management school.

Clarification on the ₹20 Lakh “Fee”:
In his follow-up posts, Goyal made it clear that charging a fee was never the main intent. He wrote, “This wasn’t just another hiring post. The ₹20 lakh was merely a filter to find people who had the power to appreciate the opportunity of a fast-track career without getting bogged down by constraints in front of them.”

Goyal also shared a screenshot of a conversation with a user, reiterating that the ₹20 lakh “was never part of the plan,” and stated that Zomato would not eventually ask for this fee. Instead, the company is looking for applicants who are driven by the opportunity to learn and grow rather than by financial considerations.

Focus on Learning and Genuine Intent:
In his posts, Goyal stressed that money should never be the sole motivator for taking on such a role. “We are going to reject most of the applications from people who have money or even talked about the money. We are going to find genuine intent and a learning mindset from the sea of applications we have received,” he said. He also acknowledged the importance of money for people’s livelihood but emphasized that Zomato pays more than market rate to ensure that financial concerns don’t hinder great work.

The Role and its Unconventional Nature:
Goyal’s original job listing described the Chief of Staff position as a highly unconventional role, offering “10x more learnings than a two-year degree from a top management school” and the chance to work directly with some of the smartest minds in consumer tech. The role was designed not just for a regular job seeker, but for someone eager to take on a leadership position in Zomato’s growth, particularly its initiatives such as Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.

While the first year of the role does not offer a salary, Goyal mentioned that candidates would begin receiving a competitive salary (starting at over ₹50 lakh) from Year 2 onwards.

Key Points:
18,000+ Applications: Goyal announced that more than 18,000 people applied for the position, indicating strong interest in the unconventional role.
Focus on Charity: The ₹20 lakh payment, if accepted, would be donated in full to Feeding India to support the charity’s mission.
Looking for Mindset, Not Money: Goyal emphasized that the selection process would prioritize candidates’ learning mindset over financial considerations.
Goyal’s Call to Action:
He urged candidates to apply for the position “only for the learning opportunity it presents, rather than for a fancy, well-paying job.”

The job listing has sparked widespread attention, with many questioning whether such an approach to hiring is sustainable or ethical. However, Goyal’s clarification seems to signal that the initiative was intended to identify the right kind of candidate—one who is committed to making a meaningful impact rather than pursuing a high-paying role for its own sake.

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