What HCL, TCS, Infosys, Wipro & Tech Mahindra Q2 results say about IT jobs and layoff trends | Explained

IT Jobs 2025: The Indian IT industry is witnessing a significant workforce reshuffle in Q2 FY26, with a mix of hiring and layoffs across top companies.

Combined, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra employ over 1.56 million people, with freshers and lateral hires adding around 34,000 employees this quarter.

While HCL Tech added 3,489 employees and Wipro expanded by 8,203, TCS reduced its workforce by 19,755, and Tech Mahindra’s IT headcount declined slightly to 78,528.

Voluntary attrition rates remain high across the sector, averaging around 13–14 per cent, indicating continued employee mobility.

This mixed trend reflects a cautious yet selective hiring approach, with companies focusing on strategic talent additions in high-growth segments while optimising costs in other areas.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) continued its trend of cutting jobs. Its total headcount declined by 19,755 employees in Q2 FY26, from 613,069 in June 2025 to 593,314 in September 2025.

This reduction was about 66 per cent higher than planned layoffs, reflecting operational realignment amid changing business conditions.

Voluntary attrition in the IT services segment is estimated at ~12.8 per cent, and the company is focused on maintaining productivity while reducing excess capacity.

HCL Tech expanded its workforce, bucking the industry trend. Total headcount rose to 226,640, up 3,489 employees from 223,151 in Q1 FY26.

The company added 5,196 freshers, compared to 1,984 in the previous quarter, while technical staff reached 212,412 and sales/support staff 14,228.

Voluntary attrition moderated to 12.6 per cent, and women employees now form 29.3 per cent of the workforce. HCL’s strategy emphasises growth, fresher recruitment, and talent retention.

Infosys reported a total IT workforce of 78,528 employees, a slight decrease from 79,987 in Q1 FY26.

Utilisation dropped to 84.4 per cent, while attrition rose marginally to 12.8 per cent. The onsite-offshore mix was 21.7 per cent to 78.3 per cent.

The company continues selective hiring while managing projects efficiently and keeping attrition under control.

Wipro’s total employee count increased by 8,203, from 323,788 in Q1 FY26 to 331,991 in Q2 FY26.

Voluntary attrition in IT services eased slightly to 14.3 per cent LTM, while women employees accounted for 39.5 per cent of the workforce.

Wipro’s growth reflects a cautious approach with measured hiring and improved retention.

Tech Mahindra’s IT headcount declined by 1,459 employees, from 79,987 in Q1 FY26 to 78,528 in Q2 FY26. Utilisation was 84.4 per cent, and attrition rose slightly to 12.8 per cent.

The company maintains 21.7 per cent onsite and 78.3 per cent offshore staff, indicating a conservative approach amid rising workforce pressures.

Freshers Hiring vs. Experienced Cuts: HCL Tech stands out for aggressive fresher recruitment, while TCS continues strategic layoffs. Infosys and Wipro maintain stability, with selective hiring based on business growth.

Attrition Trends: Attrition is moderating at HCL (12.6 per cent) and Infosys (12.9 per cent) but remains higher at Wipro (14.3 per cent), reflecting the talent war in IT services. Tech Mahindra shows a slight uptick to 12.8 per cent.

Operational Efficiency: Companies are increasingly optimising headcount with utilisation focus, balancing offshore/onshore ratios, and automation to maintain margins.

The IT sector shows a dual trend, selective expansion in growth areas versus cost-driven layoffs elsewhere.

HCL Tech’s fresher hiring frenzy contrasts sharply with TCS’s workforce reduction, while Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra adopt cautious strategies.

For job seekers, the message is clear: skills in high-demand domains like AI, cloud, and BFSI continue to open opportunities, while companies remain vigilant about costs and efficiency.