Median compensation for professional CEOs in India climbed 5% year-on-year to ₹10.5 crore in FY26, according to a Deloitte report. The increase is the slowest since the pandemic, with analysts linking the moderation to weaker equity market performance and mounting geopolitical risks that are making boards more cautious on pay.
Despite market volatility, Deloitte India reports Indian CEOs’ median compensation rose to Rs 10 crore in 2025, up 13%. The pay mix is shifting: while 40% is fixed, 60% is performance-linked, and stock-based incentives face growing scrutiny. Shareholder rejection rates for new stock plans have quadrupled, reflecting stronger governance and tighter stakeholder oversight.
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