Bengaluru: Infosys has reported a record 130 India-based employees earning more than Rs 1 crore annually in FY26, marking a notable rise in high-value compensation even as the technology sector grapples with uncertainty driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

The figure represents an increase of about 16 per cent compared to the previous financial year and is the highest ever disclosed by the company. The data, revealed in Infosys’ latest annual report, highlights a steady expansion of the company’s crore-plus salary bracket despite broader concerns about cost optimisation and evolving workforce needs in the IT industry.

Rise driven by stock rewards and salary revisions

According to Infosys, the increase in the number of high earners was largely driven by stock-based compensation that had been granted in earlier years and exercised during FY26. These equity-linked rewards significantly boosted total earnings for senior employees and top performers.

In addition to stock payouts, salary revisions during the year also contributed to the higher compensation levels. The company indicated that it has continued to invest in retaining key talent, particularly in areas critical to its long-term growth strategy such as digital services, cloud computing, and AI-led solutions.

Another important trend observed during the year was improved retention among top earners. Only 22 employees from the crore-plus bracket exited the company during FY26. This marks a significant decline in attrition compared to the combined exits recorded over the previous two financial years, suggesting stronger stability within the high-income segment.

Consistent growth in crore-plus earners

The FY26 numbers extend a multi-year trend of rising top-tier compensation at Infosys. The number of employees earning above Rs 1 crore stood at 112 in FY25 and 103 in FY24. Prior to FY22, the figure had not crossed the 100 mark, indicating a clear upward trajectory in high-end pay within the organisation.

However, the company clarified that the disclosed number does not represent all employees who may have earned over Rs 1 crore during the year. The count includes only India-based employees who remained on the company’s payroll for the entire financial year.

Employees who joined or left during FY26 have been excluded from the calculation. Additionally, the compensation of the company’s ten highest-paid executives is reported separately and is not included in this figure. This suggests that the actual number of individuals earning above Rs 1 crore could be higher.

Hiring outlook remains strong

Despite ongoing discussions around automation and job displacement, Infosys remains optimistic about hiring. The company has announced plans to recruit around 20,000 fresh graduates during the current year, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its workforce.

The hiring push reflects continued demand for skilled professionals in emerging technology domains, even as routine tasks become increasingly automated. Industry experts note that while AI may reshape job roles, it is also creating new opportunities that require advanced technical and analytical skills.

Infosys’ hiring strategy appears to be aligned with this shift, focusing on building capabilities in areas such as generative AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Industry contrast: concerns at Tata Consultancy Services

While Infosys has reported growth in high-end compensation, developments at rival Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have highlighted contrasting employee sentiment within the industry.

In recent weeks, some TCS employees have raised concerns over the company’s latest appraisal cycle. Although TCS announced average salary hikes of around 5 per cent, several employees reportedly experienced minimal increases or perceived reductions in their compensation.

Some employees claimed that their monthly salary declined by a few thousand rupees despite receiving appraisal letters. Others reported decreases in annual compensation ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000.

The concerns are believed to stem from a restructuring of compensation components in line with India’s new labour codes. In particular, changes to how gratuity and other benefits are reflected in the Cost to Company (CTC) structure appear to have caused confusion among employees.

TCS has responded by stating that the revised salary framework is designed to comply with regulatory requirements while ensuring that employee take-home pay remains protected. The company also noted that the new structure offers greater flexibility for tax planning.

Balancing growth and disruption

The contrasting developments at Infosys and TCS underline the broader transition underway in India’s IT sector. Companies are simultaneously navigating technological disruption, regulatory changes, and evolving employee expectations.

For Infosys, the rise in crore-plus earners signals its ability to reward and retain high-performing talent, even in a challenging environment. At the same time, the company’s continued hiring plans suggest confidence in long-term demand for IT services.

Conclusion

Infosys’ record number of employees earning over Rs 1 crore in FY26 reflects a strengthening of high-end compensation within the company, driven by stock rewards and strategic talent retention. While the IT sector continues to face uncertainty due to AI and automation, the company’s hiring outlook and compensation trends indicate resilience and adaptability. As the industry evolves, balancing cost efficiency with talent investment will remain a key priority for major players.