Global Technology companies have cut more than 30,700 jobs worldwide in the first 2 months of 2026, according to a report by RationalFx. The United States accounted for about 24,600 of these layoffs, or just over 80% of the total.
In Asia, India reported the highest number of job losses, with around 920 employees affected. Data from Layoffs.fyi shows that 25,694 people across 30 tech firms have been laid off so far this year.
The report said layoffs rose sharply in January. If the current pace continues, total job cuts in 2026 could reach about 273,305, higher than the roughly 245,000 layoffs recorded last year.
In 2025, companies cited automation, cost control, and restructuring as key reasons for job reductions. This year, firms are placing greater focus on employees with artificial intelligence skills.
Hiring by large Indian IT services companies has stayed slow for several quarters. These firms, which usually recruit large numbers of graduates, have kept intake targets lower amid uncertain demand.
Infosys has maintained its fresher hiring target at about 20,000 for FY26. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has kept its campus hiring near 40,000 freshers annually for the past 2 years.
The company also announced plans to reduce about 2% of its workforce, or around 12,000 employees, as it shifts towards AI-led services.
As per LinkedIn data, the number of applicants per job opening in India has more than doubled since early 2022. Around 84% of professionals say they feel unprepared to find a new role, even though 72% are actively looking for one in 2026.
Nearly 74% of recruiters in India say it has become harder over the past year to find candidates with the right skills.
Global capability centres in India cut around 5,500 to 6,000 jobs in 2025. Estimates for 2026 suggest layoffs of about 4,000 to 5,000 employees, often linked to parent company issues or product changes.
Even so, GCCs are expected to add between 120,000 and 140,000 net new roles across about 1,900 centres this year, mainly in AI-related functions.
Read More: Amazon Prepares to Layoff Nearly 30,000 Employees Starting Next Week: Report!
Early figures show layoffs have continued into 2026, with the US accounting for most job cuts. Hiring remains cautious, especially in large IT firms, even as AI-related roles grow.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Feb 14, 2026, 9:26 AM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
