Corporate India is handing out handsome hikes in pay packets this year. Across most platforms, modest escalations will be in the range of 15 per cent

Analysts suggest that even at base levels, salaries are rising in the 20-40 per cent bracket, but at senior levels you could make much, much more - as much, in fact, as 200 per cent and still asking.

Companies in India are growing much faster than in more mature markets, and as a logical extension promotions and higher increments are signalling a more vibrant job market.

At entry levels, attrition rates are high; middle management is stuck with the issue of loyalty, resulting in higher salary bandwidths simply to retain one's employees, while at the top end you could find yourself waiting anywhere from six months to a year to fill vacancies or fill up posts for new jobs.

Retail, the business of making money, could be the biggest money spinner for India's crop of management grads who're looking to the malls and marts and hypermarkets for a future.

With a large number of banks entering India for the first time, and financial services set to grow at a scorching pace, there's simply no supply that can keep up with the demand for chief executives in the industry.

If some years back the biggest surges were in the IT, telecom and insurance sectors, followed more recently in the aviation and media segments, this year's top earner is most likely to be the financial sector, according to Sanjeev Bhikchandani, CEO of naukri.com.

"There is a global play of executives in the market," explains Gita Dang, senior client partner, Korn/Ferry International, "who are demanding and delivering as per global packages. India is fast catching up as a hub for churning out global executives."

(http://in.rediff.com)