16 May, 2026: TCS CEO salary has become a major talking point after Tata Consultancy Services revealed that K Krithivasan earned more than ₹28 crore in FY26, a 6% increase from the previous year. The disclosure came at the same time the company confirmed its workforce shrank by 23,460 employees during the financial year.
Author: Aadarsh Patel | EQMint
The contrast is sharp.
India’s largest IT company is rewarding top leadership while simultaneously reducing headcount during one of the slowest periods for the global technology industry.
The numbers behind the controversy
According to TCS CEO salary annual report, K Krithivasan received total compensation exceeding ₹28 crore in FY26. That included:
- Salary and allowances
- Performance-linked incentives
- Benefits and stock components
Meanwhile, TCS’ employee count dropped significantly across the year as the company dealt with weaker global tech spending and slower client demand.
The IT sector has been under pressure for months because companies in the US and Europe reduced discretionary technology spending amid economic uncertainty.
TCS isn’t alone, but the optics look uncomfortable
Most large IT firms have slowed hiring or reduced workforce expansion recently.
Infosys, Wipro and other major tech companies also became cautious about recruitment after the post-pandemic hiring boom cooled sharply.
Still, TCS CEO salary cutting over 23,000 jobs while increasing CEO compensation creates uncomfortable optics, especially in India where IT jobs remain a major source of middle-class employment.
That’s why the story is drawing strong reactions online.
The larger issue is AI and efficiency pressure
This is bigger than one salary number.
Global IT companies are now under pressure to improve margins while clients demand:
- Lower project costs
- Faster delivery
- AI-driven automation
- Leaner teams
That changes hiring behaviour completely.
Companies that aggressively expanded during the digital boom are now trying to become more efficient. And efficiency in the IT industry usually means fewer employees per project.
That’s the real shift happening underneath these layoffs.
TCS CEO salary still remains financially strong
Despite slower growth, TCS CEO salary continues to generate strong profits and remains one of India’s most valuable companies.
The company is still viewed as relatively stable compared to smaller IT firms facing sharper demand pressure.
But the mood inside the sector has clearly changed.
A few years ago, Indian IT companies were competing aggressively for talent and offering massive salary hikes. Now the conversation revolves around automation, cost control and workforce rationalisation.
That transition is happening much faster than many employees expected.
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Disclaimer: This article is not an investment advice and is for educational purpose only
