According to Mint reports, Reliance Industries' hiring in FY26 is likely to have been 90,000 lower than the previous year, signalling a broader shift across large companies towards AI-led productivity, upskilling and leaner teams. The Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate's FY26 annual report shows the group's headcount at 4.19 lakh+, comprising 1 lakh+ new hires, compared to over 1.9 lakh new hires in FY24-25. This represents a significant reduction from the 171,116 employees hired in FY24, with the company focusing on AI, data science, automation and digital transformation roles. As per Mint, recruiters estimate this trend could reflect across other business houses as companies adopt AI implementation and global uncertainties.
According to Business Standard, Reliance Industries' contribution to the national exchequer rose to ₹2.16 trillion in FY2025-26, representing a 2.95% increase from ₹2.10 trillion in FY2024-25. The oil-to-telecom conglomerate's annual report revealed this significant growth in its fiscal year ending March 2026. During FY26, demand momentum remained strong through first three quarters but was sharply disrupted in March 2026 due to the Iran conflict. The global oil market was shaped by rising supplies from OPEC+, evolving sanctions on Iran and Russia, escalating trade-tariff pressures, and the outbreak of the West Asia conflict, which together dampened demand growth and intensified price volatility. This increase demonstrates the company's expanding role in India's economic landscape under the leadership of billionaire chairman Mukesh Ambani.
As reported by Business Standard, the company's 2025-26 annual report showed that out of the total value added of ₹4.63 trillion, the government received the largest share at ₹2.16 trillion, accounting for 46.7% of the total value generated. In other words, for every ₹100 of value created by Reliance, nearly ₹47 went to the government in the form of taxes, duties and other statutory payments. The second-largest share of value created was reinvested back into the business, with Reliance retaining ₹1.64 trillion, or 35.3% of the total value added, towards reinvestment across the group. Providers of debt capital received ₹43,152 crore (9.3%), while employee benefits stood at ₹30,318 crore (6.5%). The company's spending on overall employee benefits increased to ₹30,318 crore in FY26 from ₹28,559 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in workforce development despite reduced hiring.
According to Business Standard reports, the 2.95% year-on-year increase in RIL's national exchequer contribution indicates steady growth in the company's financial performance. For the full financial year FY26, Reliance Industries reported revenue of ₹11.76 trillion, or around $124 billion, up 10% over FY5. Annual EBITDA increased 13.4% YoY to ₹2.08 trillion, while profit after tax rose 17.8% to ₹95.75 trillion. The company has scheduled its 49th annual general meeting for June 19, 2026, and fixed June 5 as the record date to determine shareholders eligible for the FY26 dividend. The board had earlier recommended a dividend of ₹6 per share for the financial year ended March 2026.
According to Mint reports, Jio Platforms Ltd. had a headcount of 74,822 end FY26, down almost 21% from 94,523 a year ago, while the media and entertainment business employed 10,295 employees, a drop of 8% from 11,186 in FY25. The oil to chemicals industry employed 28,051 in FY26 versus 29,985 in FY25, over 6% fewer. However, the retail business showed strong growth with 2,90,293 employees at end March 2026, up 17% from 2,47,782 in FY25. As per Mint, a company executive cited a new career option in the Reliance Jio home business, where employees in smaller markets can become 'micro entrepreneurs' instead of full-time employees. Recruitment experts note that the traditional pyramid structure is becoming less effective, with the manager-to-employee ratio shifting from 6–8 employees per manager to 10–12 employees per manager. AI adoption is forcing leaders to rethink organizational models, making many functions leaner through automation of routine tasks.
Despite near-term caution, Reliance Industries sees a multi-decade opportunity ahead for its energy and materials businesses, driven by India's structural energy demand growth and the global transition toward cleaner fuels. According to the company's annual report, natural gas is expected to increase its share in India's overall energy mix from approximately six per cent currently to fifteen per cent by 2030, a more than doubling of its contribution within the space of four years. For Reliance, this represents a commercial opportunity as the company contributes nearly 30% of India's domestic gas production, placing it at the centre of any significant expansion in the country's gas consumption. The company expects continued development of its deepwater and coal bed methane assets to augment supplies and meet rising demand in FY27 and beyond. India's petroleum demand experienced sustained growth as consumption rose 1.7% year-on-year to 243 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY26, driven by the government's infrastructure push for greenfield access-controlled highways, rising vehicle population, increased industrial activity, and passenger and freight travel.
