In numbers: Hiring shifts in India's corporate job market

While corporates grow, funding winter drives dramatic startup headcount cuts

By Samreen Wani
Nov 12, 2025, 16:05 IST1 min
1/9
Overall headcount for NSE 500 companies was nearly 11 million in FY25, up significantly from 7.4 million in FY22
2/9
This growth was driven primarily by contractual rather than permanent roles
3/9
However, traditional industries like tobacco products and readymade garments show significant staff reductions
4/9
The most dramatic shift is visible in the once-booming startup sector, where headcount has plummeted
5/9
This drop was seen mainly among mature startups driven by the funding winter
6/9
Startup layoffs, however, have been steadily declining from over 16,000 in 2023 to less than 5,000 so far in 2025
7/9
These layoffs primarily impact startups in the education, food and finance sectors
8/9
In another indicator of labour market shift, along with a steady increase in involuntary attrition, total attrition rates across the industry remain above pre-pandemic levels
9/9
Salary hike projections are notably higher for 2026 than they were for 2025

Photogallery

9 photos
In numbers: Hiring shifts in India's corporate job market
BySamreen Wani
7 photos
In numbers: Ownership, Composition, and Financial Control in Tata Group
BySamreen Wani
25 photos
The real(ty) deal
ByForbes India
7 photos
In photos: Behind the scenes of Zepto's 10-minute delivery
ByMadhu Kapparath,Naini Thaker
5 photos
Hot Wheels: Top 5 luxury cars for the Indian entrepreneur
ByAnirjit Hore
6 photos
In numbers: Why the H-1B visa hike will hit American companies more than Indian
BySamreen Wani
Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest News