Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services firm, experienced over 22,000 voluntary exits, excluding those due to restructuring, across the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2026 (Q2 and Q3 FY26). This figure was reported by Moneycontrol and corroborated by other sources. The broader impact on the workforce is more significant, with a total headcount reduction exceeding 30,000 employees during these two quarters. Specifically, TCS saw a decline of 19,755 employees in Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025) and a further reduction of 11,151 employees in Q3 FY26 (October-December 2025), bringing the total headcount to 582,163. The company's voluntary attrition rate (on a last-twelve-month basis) marginally increased to 13.5% in Q3 FY26 from 13.3% in the preceding quarter. This overall decline in headcount is attributed to a combination of factors, including a slower pace of hiring, non-replacement of vacancies, and an ongoing workforce restructuring exercise. While TCS has affirmed there are no targeted job cuts and exits follow due process, employee unions like NITES have raised concerns, suggesting some exits categorized as 'voluntary attrition' might be part of a broader rationalization effort to avoid statutory obligations. Despite the net reduction in workforce, TCS has emphasized its continued investment in talent, doubling its fresh graduate intake during Q3 FY26 and upskilling over 217,000 employees in advanced AI capabilities. The company's focus remains on transforming into an AI-first enterprise amidst cautious client spending and a shift towards AI-led delivery.