Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), India’s largest company by market capitalisation, made a massive leap in workforce expansion during FY25. The company added 1.9 lakh employees, bringing its total headcount to 4,03,303. This marks a sharp rebound from FY24, when the workforce shrank by 11% due to weaker retail activity.
Retail and Digital Divisions Drive Growth
The bulk of the new hires came from Reliance’s retail division, which now accounts for 61% of its workforce, followed by digital services at 23%. This expansion has reinforced Reliance’s position as India’s second-largest private-sector employer, narrowing the gap with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which leads with over 6 lakh employees.
Competitive Landscape in Corporate Employment
According to market data, only 12 Nifty50 companies employ over 1 lakh people, with IT and financial services firms dominating. Infosys holds the third position with 3.24 lakh employees, while State Bank of India, Wipro, Coal India, HCL Technologies, Bajaj Finserv, and HDFC Bank fall in the 2.1–2.4 lakh range. Reliance’s accelerated hiring comes as the IT sector slows recruitment due to automation and AI adoption.
Faster Growth Than Peers
Between FY21 and FY25, Reliance’s workforce grew at a CAGR of 14.3%, significantly higher than TCS and Infosys, both at 5.6%. State Bank of India saw a slight decline in staff numbers over the same period. This strategy reflects Reliance’s aggressive push in high-growth sectors like retail, telecom, media, green energy, and new-age technologies.
Financial Strength Fuels Recruitment
Reliance’s strong financial performance in FY25 provided the backbone for its hiring spree. The company reported a 7.1% YoY revenue growth to ₹10.7 lakh crore and a 3% rise in net profit to ₹81,309 crore. Its retail segment crossed ₹3.3 lakh crore in turnover, supported by an expansive network of 19,340 outlets nationwide.
Market Performance and Outlook
Despite the hiring momentum, Reliance’s stock has faced pressure, trading at ₹1,388.30 on August 8, 2025, down 9.71% over the past month. Nevertheless, the company’s diversified portfolio and rapid workforce expansion position it strongly to challenge TCS’s employment lead in the coming years.
Summary (60 words)
Reliance Industries added 1.9 lakh employees in FY25, boosting its headcount to 4,03,303 and closing in on TCS’s lead as India’s largest private employer. Driven by retail and digital expansion, its workforce grew at a 14.3% CAGR from FY21–FY25. Strong financial results supported the hiring spree, positioning Reliance as a dominant force in India’s corporate employment landscape.
