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IT Layoffs 2026: Meta, Microsoft cut jobs for AI push — Here’s what Indian IT hiring trends show
IT Jobs: Global technology companies are reducing workforce at a faster pace, while Indian IT firms have reported a limited decline in employee numbers based on available data.
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IT companies are reducing workforce at a faster pace, while Indian IT firms have reported a limited decline in employee numbers based on available data. Image Credit: AI Generated
Written By: Anubhav Maurya
Updated: Fri, Apr 24, 2026
01:00 PM IST
01:00 PM IST
ZeeBiz WebDesk
IT Jobs: Global technology companies are reducing workforce at a faster pace, while Indian IT firms have reported a limited decline in employee numbers based on available data.
Meta Platforms said it will lay off about 8,000 employees, or around 10 per cent of its workforce, as part of its plan to improve efficiency and increase spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and related hiring. The company also plans to keep around 6,000 positions unfilled.
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 8,750 employees, or nearly 7 per cent of its workforce in the United States. The company said the move is aimed at reducing costs while increasing investments in artificial intelligence and data centres.
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Global sector trend
The announcements are part of a broader trend in the global technology sector. Data from industry trackers showed that more than 92,000 employees have been laid off across 98 companies in 2026 so far. The trend indicates a shift towards cost control and higher spending on artificial intelligence.
Indian IT hiring trend
In comparison, Indian IT companies have reported mixed trends in hiring. Some firms added employees, while others reduced their workforce. Data from six major companies showed a small overall decline in employee numbers.
Tata Consultancy Services reported the largest reduction among peers. Its total headcount declined by about 22,481 employees, from over 607,000 in FY25 to around 584,519 in FY26.
Infosys reported an increase of 5,016 employees on a year-on-year basis. Its headcount rose from 323,578 in March 2025 to 328,594 in March 2026. However, the company reported a sequential decline of 8,440 employees during the March quarter.
Wipro reported a net addition of 3,761 employees compared to the previous year.
Tech Mahindra reported a decline of 1,108 employees on a year-on-year basis. Its total headcount stood at 147,623.
LTIMindtree added around 3,643 employees during the year.
Oracle Financial Services Software reported a net addition of 268 employees.
Here is the data in a simple table format:
| Company | YoY Change (Employees) | Headcount Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Consultancy Services | -22,481 | From over 607,000 (FY25) to 584,519 (FY26) |
| Infosys | +5,016 | From 323,578 (Mar 2025) to 328,594 (Mar 2026); QoQ -8,440 |
| Wipro | +3,761 | Net addition on a YoY basis |
| Tech Mahindra | -1,108 | Total headcount at 147,623 |
| LTIMindtree | +3,643 | Net addition during the year |
| Oracle Financial Services Software | +268 | Net addition during the year |
Overall headcount impact
Overall, total additions across these six companies stood at 12,688 employees, while total reductions were higher at 23,589 employees. This resulted in a net decline of 10,901 employees.
The combined workforce of these companies was about 1.39 million employees in the previous year. The net reduction of 10,901 employees translates into a decline of about 0.78 per cent in the total workforce.
Global vs India trend
The difference between global and Indian trends remains clear. Meta alone is reducing about 10 per cent of its workforce, while Microsoft’s plan may affect around 7 per cent of its workforce in the United States. In comparison, the overall decline across major Indian IT companies is less than 1 per cent.
The data shows that global technology companies are reducing workforce as part of plans to increase spending on artificial intelligence, including infrastructure and hiring in specific roles.
Indian IT companies are following a different approach. Hiring and workforce reduction have remained limited, with companies using measures such as attrition control and selective hiring.
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Anubhav Maurya
Anubhav Maurya
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