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13 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
EconomyNEWS

TCS Q3 Net Profit Declines 14% Amid Labour Code Impact

TCS net profit dips due to labor codes, legal claims, layoffs.

TCS Q3 Net Profit Declines 14% Amid Labour Code Impact

Photo by Brett Jordan

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a 14% decline in net profit for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, reaching ₹10,720 crore. This decrease is attributed to the impact of new labour codes (amounting to ₹2,128 crore), a provision for a legal claim of ₹1,010 crore, and expenses of ₹253 crore related to employee terminations. The company laid off 1,800 employees during the quarter, with further releases expected. As of December 31, 2025, TCS had a global headcount of 5,82,163, with an attrition rate of 13.5% over 12 months. The company's revenue grew by 5% year-on-year to ₹67,087 crore. The board has declared a dividend of ₹57, including a special dividend of ₹46 per share, with a record date of January 17, 2026, and payment on February 3, 2026. TCS's annualized AI services revenue reached $1.8 billion, growing 17.3% quarter-on-quarter in constant currency.

Key Facts

1.

Net profit decline: 14% to ₹10,720 crore

2.

AI services revenue: $1.8 billion

3.

Global headcount: 5,82,163

4.

Attrition rate: 13.5% for 12 months

5.

Revenue growth: 5% YoY to ₹67,087 crore

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Economy, Labor Laws, Industrial Relations

2.

Connects to syllabus points on inclusive growth and employment generation

3.

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the impact of labor reforms

Visual Insights

TCS Q3 2025-26 Key Performance Indicators

Highlights of TCS's performance in Q3, focusing on profit decline, attrition, and revenue growth.

Net Profit Decline
14%

Significant drop in net profit due to new labour codes, legal claims, and employee terminations. Impacts investor confidence and future growth prospects.

Attrition Rate
13.5%

Indicates employee turnover. A high attrition rate can lead to increased recruitment costs and loss of institutional knowledge.

Revenue Growth
5%

Year-on-year revenue growth, despite profit decline, indicates continued demand for TCS services.

Employees Laid Off
1,800

Number of employees laid off during the quarter, reflecting cost-cutting measures or restructuring.

More Information

Background

The evolution of labor laws in India can be traced back to the British colonial era, with the Factories Act of 1881 being one of the earliest pieces of legislation aimed at regulating working conditions. Post-independence, India adopted a more comprehensive approach, incorporating principles of social justice and worker welfare into its labor laws. Key milestones include the enactment of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which provides a framework for resolving labor disputes, and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, which ensures a basic minimum wage for workers.

Over the decades, numerous amendments and new legislations have been introduced to address evolving economic and social realities, reflecting the ongoing effort to balance the interests of employers and employees. The recent labor code reforms represent a significant overhaul of the existing legal framework, aiming to consolidate and simplify labor laws while also promoting flexibility and ease of doing business.

Latest Developments

In the last few years, there has been a growing emphasis on gig economy workers and their rights, leading to discussions on extending social security benefits to this segment. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerabilities of informal sector workers and the need for stronger social safety nets. The government has been actively promoting skill development initiatives to enhance employability and address the changing skill requirements of the industry.

Looking ahead, the focus is expected to be on effective implementation of the new labor codes, addressing challenges related to enforcement and compliance, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably among all stakeholders. There is also increasing attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, with companies being encouraged to adopt sustainable and responsible business practices.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent labor code reforms in India: 1. The reforms aim to consolidate existing labor laws into fewer, more comprehensive codes. 2. A key objective is to promote ease of doing business by reducing compliance burdens. 3. The reforms have been universally welcomed by trade unions due to enhanced worker protections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect as trade unions have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the reforms, particularly regarding worker protections and social security.

2. In the context of TCS's recent financial performance, which of the following factors typically influences the attrition rate in the IT sector? 1. Availability of skilled workforce 2. Competitive compensation packages offered by other companies 3. Overall economic growth and job market conditions Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three factors significantly influence attrition rates in the IT sector. A shortage of skilled workers, better compensation packages offered by competitors, and a strong economy with ample job opportunities all contribute to higher attrition.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the impact of new labor codes on companies?

  • A.Increased compliance requirements due to simplified regulations
  • B.Potential for higher severance costs in case of layoffs
  • C.Greater flexibility in hiring and firing practices
  • D.Impact on companies' financial statements due to provisions for legal claims
Show Answer

Answer: A

The new labor codes aim to simplify regulations, which should ideally lead to *reduced*, not increased, compliance requirements. The other options correctly reflect potential impacts of the new codes.

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