In India this is exactly what happened with me. It was GS. Eventually I choose a startup (one of the large ones) as the GS team I was supposed to get into had a

In India this is exactly what happened with me. It was GS. Eventually I choose a startup (one of the large ones) as the GS team I was supposed to get into had a true legacy code and complete focus was maintaining the old, not at all brining in something new. They were offering me monthly salary which was a lot lower than what the startup offered (the one I eventually joined which was CTC = 95% fixed + 5% bonus). I tried to strike a balance with GS HRs but they were adamant and low monthly salary and an insane year end bonus. It was simple take it or leave it. I declined. I think it was a good call. That year that team got fried and bonus was low and there were firings too (knew some people in that team). From my experience I have noticed something that goes on in almost every company - your yearly bonus is dependent directly on your final rating and your final rating, love it or hate it, is almost entirely decided by the last few months and god help you if your manager changes towards the end.