From Crores to More: Who Leads India’s IT CEO Salary Charts in FY25?

As India’s IT sector continues to grow, the compensation of its top executives is likely to remain a hot topic. With companies like Persistent Systems, HCLTech, and Infosys leading the charge, these CEOs are not just earning big—they’re shaping the future of technology in India and beyond. For now, Sandeep Kalra’s ₹148 crore package sets a new benchmark, but with the industry’s dynamism, the top spot could see new contenders in the years to come.

1. Sandeep Kalra, Persistent Systems – ₹148 Crore

Leading the pack is Sandeep Kalra, CEO of Persistent Systems, who earned a staggering ₹148 crore in FY25. A whopping 90% of his compensation comes from stock options exercised during the fiscal year, reflecting the company’s strong market performance. Kalra’s core cash and fixed pay stand at ₹15.62 crore, with the rest tied to stock-related vesting. His leadership has driven Persistent Systems to new heights, making it a standout in the mid-tier IT space.

2. Sudhir Singh, Coforge – ₹105.12 Crore

Sudhir Singh, CEO of Coforge, secured the second spot with a compensation of ₹105.12 crore. Over 84% of his package—approximately ₹88.55 crore—stems from stock options, underscoring the value of equity-based rewards in the IT sector. Singh’s strategic vision has propelled Coforge’s growth, particularly in digital transformation and global markets, justifying his hefty paycheck.

3. C Vijayakumar, HCLTech – ₹94.6 Crore

C Vijayakumar, HCLTech’s CEO, has emerged as one of India’s highest-paid IT leaders with a package of ₹94.6 crore. His compensation includes restricted stock units (RSUs) worth $6.96 million and a core salary and bonus of $3.69 million (roughly ₹32 crore). Originally from Coimbatore and now based in New Jersey, Vijayakumar has outpaced peers at giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, cementing HCLTech’s position as a global IT leader.

4. Salil Parekh, Infosys – ₹80.62 Crore

Salil Parekh, the CEO of Infosys, earned ₹80.62 crore in FY25, with the bulk of his compensation tied to stock incentives and performance-based rewards. His fixed pay stands at ₹8 crore, but stock awards have significantly boosted his earnings. Under Parekh’s leadership, Infosys has strengthened its digital services portfolio, maintaining its competitive edge in the global IT market.

5. Srinivas Pallia, Wipro – ₹53.64 Crore

Wipro’s CEO and Managing Director, Srinivas Pallia, earned ₹53.64 crore, with a significant portion coming from RSUs and performance-linked equity. His base salary and allowances amount to $1.7 million. Pallia’s focus on operational efficiency and innovation has been pivotal in steering Wipro through a challenging IT landscape.

6. Nitin Rakesh, Mphasis – ₹44.13 Crore

Nitin Rakesh, CEO of Mphasis, took home ₹44.13 crore, with approximately 72% of his package categorized as ‘Other,’ including equity-based compensation and bonuses. His core cash and fixed pay total ₹12.4 crore. Rakesh’s emphasis on cloud and digital solutions has kept Mphasis competitive in a crowded market.

7. K Krithivasan, TCS – ₹26.52 Crore

K Krithivasan, CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), earned ₹26.52 crore, with a performance-based commission of ₹23 crore forming the lion’s share. His base salary is ₹1.39 crore, supplemented by benefits, perquisites, and allowances worth ₹2.13 crore. As the head of India’s largest IT firm, Krithivasan’s leadership continues to drive TCS’s global dominance.

Why Are IT CEOs Earning So Much?

The soaring compensation packages reflect the critical role these leaders play in navigating a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Stock options and performance-based incentives dominate their pay structures, aligning their interests with company growth and shareholder value. The IT sector’s robust performance, coupled with the demand for top-tier talent, has driven these salaries to unprecedented levels. For instance, Persistent Systems’ Sandeep Kalra and Coforge’s Sudhir Singh benefited heavily from stock vesting, a trend that highlights the growing importance of equity in executive compensation.