So yeah, here we are in April 2025… and no hike from TCS this time. For lakhs of folks who work there, this news isn’t just disappointing it’s confusing, frustrating, and honestly, kind of expected too?
Every year around this time, there’s that usual buzz “hike letters coming,” “expecting 10% this time,” etc. But this year? Silence. And then the official word came salary hikes paused, thanks to “global uncertainty” and, well, the whole US tariff mess.
It’s not cancelled, they said. Just delayed. Still, that’s not much comfort, is it?
Feels Like Déjà Vu
Last year also had its share of slowdowns and hiring freezes. And here we are again. Different year, same story. This time, TCS is blaming it on things happening halfway across the world. Something about the US changing trade policies, budgets being cut, and clients holding back on spending.
Sounds valid on paper. But if you’re someone working late nights, closing deliverables, and doing daily standups, this just feels unfair. You do the work, but the reward? Maybe later. Or maybe never.
“We’re Hiring, But We’re Not Giving Hikes” – Make It Make Sense?
What’s also weird is that hiring’s still on. Freshers are getting onboarded, some experienced roles are being filled too. So clearly, money is there.
It’s not like TCS is broke. Far from it. Projects are running. Offices are open. There’s chai in the pantry.
But when it comes to appraisals? Suddenly it’s all about “efficiency” and “cost optimization”.
Honestly, sounds like corporate jugglery. Cut costs without calling it layoffs. Look “stable” to investors. Keep people in the loop, but not too happy. That’s what it feels like.
What Employees Are Saying (Quietly)
No one’s shouting, but the mood is low. On Slack, WhatsApp, Teams people are venting in DMs. Some were counting on the raise to plan EMIs, others were just hoping to catch up with inflation.
Now it’s more like, “Let’s wait and see.”
But the truth? This could easily become a trend. Delay this year, maybe trim it next year, and who knows what happens after that.
But Is It Really Just About the US?
Okay, sure, the global economy is shaky. Tariffs, elections, wars, AI killing budgets there’s a lot going on.
But there’s also the inside story no one talks about openly. Companies want to show better profits. Margins were low last year. Cutting hikes makes the books look good. That’s not a conspiracy. That’s just how business works.
You stop one hike, you save crores. Simple math.
And if Infosys and Wipro are doing the same, well… there’s safety in numbers, right?
What Can You Even Do?
Honestly? Not much.
But maybe don’t wait around hoping. Learn something new. Cloud, AI, DevOps whatever keeps you in demand.
Start saving smart. Like seriously, don’t depend on appraisals to balance your budget. They’re not guaranteed anymore.
And yeah, don’t blindly jump jobs either. Other companies might not be much better right now.
Final Thought – Not The End, But Definitely a Signal
This isn’t some tragic collapse. It’s not TCS shutting shop. But it is a warning.
The market’s changed. The way companies work has changed. And hikes? They might not come as easily or as regularly as they used to.
So yeah, hang in there. Upskill. Stay sharp. Keep your eyes open.
Because if the world’s gonna throw curveballs, we better learn how to hit sixes too.
This blog is just the start. Explore more with: TCS to delay salary hikes: We will decide within the …, says HR head
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