Wipro has hired 7,500 freshers in FY26 but has stopped short of providing any hiring outlook for FY27, reflecting continued uncertainty in demand even as it accelerates its transition towards an AI-led operating model.
The update came alongside the company’s fourth-quarter earnings, where leadership highlighted volatility in client spending and refrained from offering forward guidance on workforce expansion.
Hiring continues amid limited visibility
Chief Human Resources Officer Saurabh Govil said the company added 7,500 freshers during the year, including more than 3,000 in the March quarter alone.
However, the company declined to outline hiring targets for the next fiscal, citing an unpredictable demand environment. Wipro expects IT services revenue for the June quarter to range between a 2% decline and flat growth sequentially in constant currency terms.
The combination of continued hiring and uncertain growth outlook points to a growing gap between talent acquisition and short-term deployment clarity.
AI-led pivot reshapes strategy
Chief Executive Officer Srini Pallia said artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing client expectations, enabling more outcome-driven engagements.
He noted that the company is shifting towards a “services-as-software” model through its AI Native Business and Platforms unit, signalling a move beyond traditional headcount-driven growth.
Wipro has also committed over $1 billion towards building its AI ecosystem, with investors expected to track how this translates into revenue contribution.
Growth pressures persist despite deal momentum
While the company reported a sequential rise in net profit to ₹3,522 crore and a 3% increase in revenue to ₹24,236 crore, its core IT services business continued to face headwinds.
For the full year, IT services revenue declined marginally in dollar terms and fell further in constant currency. At the same time, large deal bookings surged over 45% year-on-year to $7.8 billion, indicating a disconnect between deal wins and actual revenue realisation.
Margins improve, but risks remain
Wipro reported modest improvement in profitability, with EBIT margins rising to 17.3% in the fourth quarter.
However, the company flagged upcoming wage revisions and the execution of large deals as potential pressures on margins in the near term.
Attrition stood at 13.8% during the quarter, suggesting a stabilisation in workforce churn after elevated levels in previous periods.
Focus on shareholder returns
Alongside its earnings, Wipro announced a ₹15,000 crore share buyback, underscoring its continued focus on capital returns.
The company has maintained a high payout ratio in recent years, reflecting a balance between investment in growth areas such as AI and returns to shareholders.
Balancing talent and transformation
The developments highlight a transitional phase for Wipro, where hiring continues even as the business model evolves.
With AI beginning to reshape delivery frameworks and revenue visibility remaining uncertain, the company’s approach reflects a broader industry shift—balancing workforce expansion with a move towards more technology-led, efficiency-driven growth.