IIT Delhi Graduate Quits Rs 17 LPA Job: Chirag Madaan Alleges 15-Minute Lunch, No Sick Leave; Viral Video Sparks Debate

Chirag Madaan, a 24-year-old IIT Delhi alumnus, resigned from a corporate banking role paying about ₹17 LPA. He cited toxic culture, 15-minute lunch breaks and restricted sick leave in a viral resignation video.

Edited by Shreya Menon

Updated April 18, 2026 10:00 AM

    IIT Delhi Graduate Quits Rs 17 LPA Job

    Last updated: Apr 16, 2026 — 11:55 IST

    A 24-year-old IIT Delhi alumnus, Chirag Madaan , resigned from a corporate banking role paying about ₹17 lakh per annum , saying the workplace was toxic and ethically troubling. His resignation video went viral and triggered a national conversation on work culture and employee wellbeing.

    IIT Delhi Graduate Quits Rs 17 LPA Job: What He Alleges

    In the video and subsequent statements he reported enforced short breaks, difficulty getting sick leave, long shifts and high sales pressure. He said lunch breaks were limited to 10–15 minutes , typical weekday shifts ran 9 AM to 7 PM or longer , and staff were sometimes expected to be available on weekends.

    Madaan described targets that involved closing deals worth up to ₹10 crore and said pressure to push products in ways he viewed as mis-selling contributed to his decision to quit. Reports also state sick leave required lengthy explanations and that a standard five-day week sometimes stretched into six days.

    You may have seen the clip online: it struck a chord with many early-career professionals who say these issues reflect broader industry patterns.

    IIT Delhi Graduate Quits Rs 17 LPA Job: Numbers at a Glance

    Item Reported detail
    Age 24 years
    Salary ~₹17 LPA
    Lunch break 10–15 minutes
    Typical shift 9 AM to 7 PM (or beyond)
    High-value targets Up to ₹10 crore
    Workweek 5 days, sometimes 6

    What is confirmed and what is missing

    Confirmed details come from Madaan's public resignation video and media reports summarising it: his age, reported salary, and the workplace practices he described. The reports do not name an employer or include an official statement from the bank or company involved. There are also no independent employee testimonies cited alongside the claims in available reports.

    Because the employer has not issued a named response in the reporting, several key points remain unverified: the exact resignation date, the company identity, and formal HR or legal positions on the allegations.

    Why this matters

    The case has pushed discussions around Gen Z demands for reasonable leave policies, ethical selling practices and sustainable work-life balance into the open. It highlights tensions between high starting salaries and workplace conditions that early-career professionals find untenable.

    FAQs

    Who resigned? A: Chirag Madaan, an IIT Delhi alumnus.
    What was his reported salary? A: About ₹17 lakh per annum .
    Why did he quit? A: He cited a toxic workplace culture, ethical concerns over mis-selling, excessive pressure and restricted sick leave.
    What problematic practices were alleged? A: Short lunch breaks ( 10–15 minutes ), difficulty obtaining sick leave, long shifts ( 9 AM to 7 PM or longer ), aggressive sales targets up to ₹10 crore , and weekend availability at times.
    Did reports name the employer? A: No. Available reports did not name the employer or include an employer statement.
    Has the employer responded? A: As of the last update, no official employer response was reported.
    How did the story surface? A: Through a viral resignation video posted by Madaan that was widely shared on social media.
    What broader debate did this trigger? A: Discussions about work-life balance, leave policy fairness, ethical sales practices and the limits of “hustle” culture for young professionals.

    This post is for subscribers on the Free, Bronze and Gold tiers

    Already have an account? Log in