A job listing by a Noida-based consulting firm has drawn sharp criticism for its exclusionary hiring practice, explicitly stating that “South Indian candidates are not eligible” for the role.
The controversial job posting, which was for a Data Analyst position, required over four years of experience and listed responsibilities such as working with cross-functional teams and delivering data solutions. However, the statement barring South Indian applicants at the end of the posting sparked widespread backlash.
The issue gained traction after a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared the listing, captioning it, “South Indians are not allowed to apply for a job.” The post quickly garnered attention, with many condemning the discriminatory nature of the requirement.
Social media users expressed anger and disappointment, calling the practice unfair and discriminatory. One user urged others to “report” the listing, while another pointed out that the bias could stem from the job’s emphasis on Hindi language proficiency. “The job demands communication and writing skills in Hindi, but the firm should not have generalized that South Indians cannot fulfill this requirement,” the user argued.
Others highlighted that many South Indians, particularly from Kerala, are proficient in Hindi due to their education. A user noted, “Many people from Kerala are fluent in Hindi, both spoken and written, thanks to their academic background. It’s unfair to generalize.”
Another commenter criticized the broader implications of regional bias, saying, “Most of us move to other states or even countries for jobs, but we face opposition when demanding fair opportunities within our own nation.”
While some defended the job’s Hindi requirement, many agreed that explicitly excluding candidates from South India was unnecessary and unprofessional. The incident has reignited conversations about regional discrimination and language barriers in the Indian job market.