Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Delhi Job Seeker Rejected After ₹14,000 Hyderabad Interview Trip
A job seeker from Delhi was invited to interview for a fermentation-related job in Hyderabad.
He spent about ₹14,000 on a flight and took time off work.
He said he waited while other candidates were interviewed first.
He also said some candidates spoke Telugu with the HR team.
His own interview lasted only about 10 minutes.
He felt he did not get enough time to show his technical skills.
The company later rejected him, and he said it would not reimburse his travel costs.
The company’s account of the interview was not included, so the claims have not been independently confirmed.
A Delhi-based industrial-fermentation professional says he spent nearly ₹14,000 flying to Hyderabad for a pharmaceutical-company interview.
He said the interview lasted about 10 minutes and involved little detailed technical discussion.
The candidate alleged that Telugu-speaking and local applicants were interviewed before him, despite arriving earlier.
He questioned why the company shortlisted him if his experience was considered unsuitable.
The company’s HR department reportedly said his travel expenses had not been approved for reimbursement.
- Who
- A Delhi-based professional working in industrial fermentation and an unnamed major pharmaceutical company.
- What
- The candidate travelled to Hyderabad for an interview, was rejected after a reported 10-minute discussion, and sought reimbursement for his flight.
- When
- The experience was reported on September 28, 2026; the interview date was not specified.
- Where
- The candidate travelled from Delhi to an interview venue in Hyderabad.
- Why
- He attended because he had been shortlisted for a fermentation-related role and believed his experience matched the position.
Candidate’s concerns
Alternative explanations
Reason for the short interview
Candidate’s concerns
The candidate said the discussion lacked detailed technical questions and gave him little opportunity to demonstrate his fermentation expertise.
Alternative explanations
Some commenters suggested the rejection may have reflected an experience mismatch or a standard hiring decision rather than unfair treatment.
Possible regional bias
Candidate’s concerns
The candidate alleged that the HR team mainly communicated in Telugu and called local or Telugu-speaking candidates before him, making him suspect bias.
Alternative explanations
The alleged bias was not independently verified, and the company’s response to that specific claim was not reported.
Travel reimbursement
Candidate’s concerns
The candidate believed an outstation interview justified reimbursement after he spent nearly ₹14,000 travelling to Hyderabad.
Alternative explanations
Commenters said reimbursement should normally be discussed or arranged in advance, while another suggested that experienced candidates often receive tickets and accommodation before final-round interviews.
- Travel cost
- Nearly ₹14,000 for a flight from Delhi to Hyderabad
- Role
- A fermentation-related position at a major pharmaceutical company
- Interview length
- About 10 minutes, according to the candidate
- Candidate’s allegation
- He said Telugu-speaking and local candidates were prioritized
- Reimbursement request
- The candidate said HR told him reimbursement had not been approved
- Source of claims
- The account was shared on Reddit and had not been independently verified by News18
- Public reaction
- Reddit users debated regional bias, travel reimbursement, and whether virtual interviews should be preferred