What makes a country truly powerful?
Is it size? Is it wealth? Is it history? Maybe. But real power comes from people—people who do not quit. People who wake up hungry for more. People who build, lead, and move the world forward.
India is full of them.
Yes, India is rich in culture. The food, the festivals, the stories—they are all part of what makes this country unique. But there is something deeper. Something stronger. India has creators. Dreamers. Fighters. It has people who start with an idea and turn it into something real.
Some of these people run companies. They take risks, make bold moves, and carry the weight of thousands. They shape industries, open doors, and drive change. And they get paid for it—because they deliver value that cannot be ignored.
This article is about ten of them. The ten highest paid CEO in India. Their paychecks are big, but their impact is bigger.
Here Are the 10 Highest Paid CEO in India You Should Know About:
1. Ravi Kumar Singisetti – ₹186 Crore (Cognizant)
Ravi Kumar Singisetti leads the list by a wide margin. He became the CEO of Cognizant in 2023. Since then, he has taken bold steps to reshape the company. In 2025, he earned ₹186 crore. Around ₹169 crore of that came from stock rewards. This shows the company’s strong belief in his leadership.
His earnings have captured global attention, placing him among the highest paid CEO in India. Now, all eyes are on his leadership and how it will shape Cognizant’s future.
2. C Vijayakumar – ₹84.16 Crore (HCL Technologies)
C Vijayakumar is the CEO and Managing Director of HCL Technologies. He has worked with the company since 1994. His journey from an early employee to the top role is inspiring. In 2025, he earned ₹84.16 crore.
Under his leadership, HCL has made strong moves into artificial intelligence and digital services. He brings consistency, vision, and experience to the table.
3. Thierry Delaporte – ₹82.4 Crore (Former CEO, Wipro)
Thierry Delaporte stepped down as the CEO of Wipro in early 2024. However, in his final year, he earned ₹82.4 crore. He led the company through a time of major change. He focused on digital transformation and improving company operations.
Even after his exit, his influence remains strong. His name still comes up when people talk about top leadership in Indian tech.
4. Nithin Kamath – ₹72 Crore (Zerodha)
Nithin Kamath is the founder and CEO of Zerodha. He earned ₹72 crore in 2025. What makes his case different is that most of his income comes from company profits, not a fixed salary.
He built Zerodha into India’s largest discount brokerage firm. His approach to business is simple, honest, and focused. His earnings reflect the value he has created, not just for himself, but for the entire investing ecosystem in India.
5. Salil Parekh – ₹66.25 Crore (Infosys)
Salil Parekh is the CEO of Infosys. In 2025, he earned ₹66.25 crore. A large part of this amount was tied to performance. This means he earned more because Infosys performed well.
Under his leadership, Infosys has expanded in key areas like cloud services, artificial intelligence, and automation. His focus on results has helped the company grow steadily, making him one of the highest paid CEO in India.
6. Sandeep Kalra – ₹61.7 Crore (Persistent Systems)
Sandeep Kalra is the CEO of Persistent Systems. He earned ₹61.7 crore this year. While his name may not be as well known as others on the list, his work speaks for itself.
He has led the company’s growth in cloud technology and data analytics. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has helped Persistent Systems become a serious player in the Indian tech space.
7. Rajiv Bajaj – ₹53.8 Crore (Bajaj Auto)
Rajiv Bajaj is the man behind Bajaj Auto’s strong performance. In 2025, he earned ₹53.8 crore. He has focused heavily on electric vehicles, while also strengthening the company’s traditional products.
Brands like Pulsar and Dominar have grown under his leadership. His work shows that even established companies can stay ahead with the right vision.
8. Srinivas Pallia – ₹50 Crore (Wipro)
Srinivas Pallia became the CEO of Wipro in April 2024. In his first full year as CEO, he earned ₹50 crore. He has worked at Wipro for more than thirty years, which gives him deep insight into the company’s culture and direction.
He has taken charge with confidence and clarity. His early success has already made a strong impression on both the company and the industry.
9. Satish Pai – ₹37.1 Crore (Hindalco Industries)
Satish Pai is the CEO of Hindalco Industries. In 2025, he earned ₹37.1 crore. He has guided the company through global challenges and helped it stay competitive in the metals sector.
His leadership is steady and strategic. His place on this list shows that good leadership is valued in every sector—not just technology.
10. CP Gurnani – ₹30 Crore (Former CEO, Tech Mahindra)
CP Gurnani stepped down as the CEO of Tech Mahindra in December 2023. In 2025, he still earned ₹30 crore. His time at the company saw major digital changes and a push toward innovation.
Even in retirement, his work continues to earn him recognition. He remains a respected voice in Indian business.
Read More: Top 10 Richest Women in the World in 2024
Final Thoughts
Ravi Kumar Singisetti has taken the top spot as one of the highest paid CEO in India in 2025. His earnings show how companies reward not just results, but also vision and bold leadership.
The other leaders on this list have also shown strong direction, deep knowledge, and the ability to grow their companies. These highest paid CEOs in India come from many industries like technology, finance, and manufacturing. But they share one thing in common: they deliver results.
As Indian companies continue to grow on the world stage, their leaders will carry more responsibility. These earnings reflect trust, performance, and belief in a better future.
