What does your CTC actually look like in-hand?

It's levied by state governments, so the amount (and whether it applies at all) depends on where you're employed — a few states don't levy it at all.

Yes, through a Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) contribution, which many employers allow — this increases your retirement savings but also increases the deduction from your in-hand pay.

It depends on your actual deductions — try our Old vs New Regime Calculator alongside this one, or book a consultation for a definitive answer.