Last updated: 27 October 2026
IBM rarely announces layoff numbers, which makes it one of the harder companies to track. Here is what has been confirmed, what is only rumoured, and what it means if you work at IBM India or want to join.
IBM layoffs timeline
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 4 Nov 2025 | IBM confirmed a job cut affecting a low single-digit percentage of about 270,000 employees (Bloomberg). That is roughly 2,700 to 8,000 people. Affected staff reportedly had 30 days to find another internal role or leave. |
| Feb 2026 | IBM's HR chief said IBM will triple US entry-level hiring (Bloomberg). |
| Mar–Apr 2026 | Unconfirmed reports of US cuts in cloud, consulting and sales. A figure of about 9,000 circulated online but has not been verified. |
What it means for India
No India layoff numbers have been confirmed. IBM is reported to employ far more people in India than in the US, and some reports describe roles moving from the US to Bengaluru, but neither claim is verified. IBM India appears to be holding steady or growing, based on open roles.
Is IBM still hiring?
Yes. Associate System Engineer roles for freshers are open on IBM's careers site in 2026. See our IBM off campus drive 2026 guide for eligibility, salary and process.
Why IBM keeps trimming
IBM is shifting towards software, Red Hat and AI, and away from older infrastructure and consulting work. Cuts tend to land on those older areas while hiring continues in software and AI.
Day, Weekday's free AI job agent, finds open roles in India that match your experience and applies when you say yes. All on WhatsApp.
Say hi to Day on WhatsAppHow Day works →If you are affected: what to do this week
- Read the separation letter carefully before signing. Check your last working day, severance, notice pay and leave encashment.
- Ask for your full and final settlement timeline in writing, plus your relieving and experience letters.
- Check your gratuity if you have close to 5 years of service. Our gratuity calculator shows what you are owed.
- Move or keep your PF; do not withdraw it in a hurry. You can transfer it to your next employer.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn the same week. Run your resume through a free ATS check.
- Tell your network. Referrals still move faster than cold applications.
We track every major round in our India layoffs tracker 2026. Numbers marked "reported" come from news outlets and have not been confirmed by the company.
FAQs
Is IBM laying off employees in 2026?
IBM has not announced a 2026 layoff number. There are unconfirmed reports of US cuts.
How many people did IBM lay off in 2025?
IBM said a low single-digit percentage of about 270,000 employees in November 2025.
Is IBM laying off in India?
No India layoffs have been confirmed.
Is IBM hiring freshers in India?
Yes. Associate System Engineer roles are open in 2026.
Why is IBM cutting jobs?
To shift towards software, Red Hat and AI.
