Top 10 Companies in India With Return-to-Work Programs for Women (TCS, Infosys, HUL & More)
Top 10 Companies in India With Return-to-Work Programs for Women (TCS, Infosys, HUL & More)
Meta Description: Top 10 Indian companies with return-to-work programs for women in 2026 , TCS, Infosys, HUL, Godrej, Goldman Sachs & more. Eligibility, stipends, conversion rates & how to apply.
Introduction: Companies Are Actually Looking for YOU
If you've been out of the workforce for a few years and feel like you've been "left behind," here's a reality check: India's top companies are spending crores to find and hire women who took career breaks. Why? Because diversity isn't just a buzzword anymore , it's a business strategy backed by data.
A McKinsey study found that companies with higher gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Companies know that women returners bring maturity, loyalty, and a fresh perspective. The retention rate for returnship hires is 85%+ , much higher than regular hires.
The result? Dedicated return-to-work programs with mentoring, flexible hours, upskilling support, and competitive compensation. Here are the top 10 companies in India offering these programs in 2026.
1. TCS , iON Returnship / TCS Rebegin
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | TCS Rebegin |
| Duration | 3-6 months |
| Eligible Break Duration | 6 months to 8+ years |
| Roles Available | IT services, BPS, consulting, testing |
| Locations | Multiple cities across India + remote |
| Stipend/Salary | Competitive (₹4-12 LPA depending on role and experience) |
| Conversion Rate | ~70% to full-time |
| How to Apply | tcs.com/careers → search "Rebegin" |
What Makes It Special:
- India's largest IT employer with 600,000+ employees
- Structured mentoring program with a dedicated buddy
- Flexible work arrangements (hybrid/remote available)
- Upskilling sessions on latest technologies before joining projects
- Strong alumni network of women returners
Ideal For:
Women with IT/engineering/BPS backgrounds who want to return to a large, stable organization with structured support.
2. Infosys , Restart with Infosys
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Restart with Infosys |
| Duration | 6 months returnship |
| Eligible Break Duration | 2+ years |
| Roles Available | Technology, testing, project management, operations |
| Locations | Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai + remote |
| Compensation | Market-competitive (₹5-15 LPA) |
| Conversion Rate | ~75% to full-time |
| How to Apply | infosys.com/careers → Diversity section |
What Makes It Special:
- Dedicated 3-week bridge program to update skills before project assignment
- Access to Infosys's Lex Learning Platform (thousands of free courses)
- Flexible timing and work-from-home options
- Strong D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) culture under Infosys's commitment to 45% women workforce
Ideal For:
Tech professionals who want a structured re-entry with world-class learning resources.
3. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) , Career by Choice 2.0
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Career by Choice 2.0 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Eligible Break Duration | 2+ years |
| Roles Available | Marketing, sales, supply chain, R&D, HR, finance |
| Locations | Mumbai HQ + pan-India |
| Compensation | Full market salary (₹8-25 LPA) |
| Conversion Rate | ~80% to full-time |
| How to Apply | hul.co.in/careers → Career by Choice |
What Makes It Special:
- One of the longest-running returnship programs in India (since 2016)
- Full salary from Day 1 (not a stipend , actual competitive pay)
- Roles across functions , not limited to one department
- Access to HUL's global network and learning platforms
- Strong track record: 80%+ conversion to permanent roles
Ideal For:
Women with FMCG, marketing, sales, or operations backgrounds. One of the best-paying returnship programs in India.
4. Godrej , Careers 2.0
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Careers 2.0 |
| Duration | Project-based (typically 6-12 months) |
| Eligible Break Duration | 2+ years |
| Roles Available | Multiple , across Godrej group companies |
| Locations | Mumbai, various pan-India locations |
| Compensation | Competitive salary |
| Conversion Rate | ~65% to permanent roles |
| How to Apply | godrejcareers.com |
What Makes It Special:
- Part of Godrej's broader diversity initiative
- Multiple Godrej companies participate , GCPL, Godrej Properties, Godrej Agrovet
- Culture focused on inclusion and flexibility
- Strong mentoring and leadership development
Ideal For:
Women from diverse professional backgrounds , Godrej's multi-industry presence means there's a role for almost every skill set.
5. Goldman Sachs , Returnship Program India
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Goldman Sachs Returnship |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Eligible Break Duration | 2+ years |
| Roles Available | Technology, operations, compliance, risk, finance |
| Locations | Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
| Compensation | Highly competitive (₹15-40 LPA depending on role) |
| Conversion Rate | ~70% to full-time |
| How to Apply | goldmansachs.com/careers → Returnship |
What Makes It Special:
- One of the highest-paying returnship programs in India
- Intensive 12-week program with real project work
- Access to Goldman Sachs's global training and resources
- Strong networking opportunities in the financial sector
- Dedicated D&I team supporting returners
Ideal For:
Women with finance, technology, or engineering backgrounds who want to enter the prestigious financial services sector.
6. Wipro , Begin Again
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Begin Again |
| Duration | 3-6 months |
| Eligible Break Duration | 2+ years |
| Roles Available | Technology, testing, business analysis, project management |
| Locations | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai |
| Compensation | Market rate (₹5-12 LPA) |
| Conversion Rate | ~65% |
| How to Apply | wipro.com/careers → search "Begin Again" |
What Makes It Special:
- Wipro has committed to having 40% women in their workforce
- Bridge training program to update technical skills
- Flexible work policies including WFH and hybrid options
- Part of Wipro's broader "Building Tomorrow Together" D&I initiative
7. Accenture India , Return to Work
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Return to Work |
| Duration | Ongoing (direct hire with support) |
| Eligible Break Duration | Flexible |
| Roles Available | Technology, consulting, operations, analytics |
| Locations | All major Indian cities |
| Compensation | Competitive (₹6-20 LPA) |
| How to Apply | accenture.com/careers → search diversity/return-to-work |
What Makes It Special:
- Not a time-boxed returnship , direct hire into regular roles with additional support
- Accenture already has 50%+ women in their India workforce
- Excellent learning platform (Accenture Connected Learning)
- Strong global mobility opportunities later in career
8. IBM India , Tech Re-Entry
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Tech Re-Entry |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Roles Available | Cloud, AI, data science, cybersecurity, consulting |
| Compensation | Competitive |
| How to Apply | ibm.com/careers → search "re-entry" |
What Makes It Special:
- Focus on cutting-edge technology roles
- Access to IBM's certifications and learning platforms
- Strong emphasis on upskilling in AI and cloud during the returnship
- Global career opportunities post-conversion
9. Tata Steel , Womenspire
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Womenspire |
| Duration | Project-based |
| Roles Available | Engineering, manufacturing, operations, corporate functions |
| Locations | Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, various |
| How to Apply | tatasteel.com/careers |
What Makes It Special:
- One of the few programs in the manufacturing sector
- Safety-focused environment with women-specific facilities
- Strong Tata values culture , respectful and inclusive
- Opportunities in non-traditional roles for women (shop floor, mines, operations)
Ideal For:
Women engineers and professionals who want to work in manufacturing/heavy industry , sectors that traditionally had few women.
10. Procter & Gamble (P&G) India , Alumni Program
Program Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | P&G Alumni Returnship |
| Duration | Varies |
| Roles Available | Marketing (brand management), R&D, supply chain, IT |
| Locations | Mumbai, Hyderabad |
| Compensation | Premium (₹10-30 LPA) |
| How to Apply | careers.pg.com |
What Makes It Special:
- P&G's brand management roles are among the most prestigious in FMCG
- Strong focus on leadership development
- Excellent work-life balance policies
- Global brand exposure and international rotation opportunities
How to Maximize Your Chances of Selection
Before Applying:
- Complete at least one relevant certification in the last 6 months
- Update LinkedIn with "Open to Work" (recruiter-visible only)
- Research the specific program , read stories of past returnees on LinkedIn
- Tailor your resume for each application , highlight relevant experience
During Selection:
- Be honest about your break , don't over-explain, don't apologize
- Demonstrate recent learning , mention courses, certifications, side projects
- Show enthusiasm , companies want returners who are genuinely excited to be back
- Ask about support structures , mentoring, flexible hours, learning resources
After Selection:
- Invest the first month in learning , don't try to prove yourself immediately
- Build relationships , find mentors, connect with other returners, join employee resource groups
- Communicate proactively , let your manager know if you need support
- Track your contributions , document your work for the conversion review
Comparison Table: All 10 Programs at a Glance
| Company | Program | Duration | Break Needed | Pay Range (LPA) | Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCS | Rebegin | 3-6 months | 6 mo+ | ₹4-12L | ~70% |
| Infosys | Restart | 6 months | 2+ years | ₹5-15L | ~75% |
| HUL | Career by Choice | 12 months | 2+ years | ₹8-25L | ~80% |
| Godrej | Careers 2.0 | 6-12 months | 2+ years | Competitive | ~65% |
| Goldman Sachs | Returnship | 12 weeks | 2+ years | ₹15-40L | ~70% |
| Wipro | Begin Again | 3-6 months | 2+ years | ₹5-12L | ~65% |
| Accenture | Return to Work | Direct hire | Flexible | ₹6-20L | Direct |
| IBM | Tech Re-Entry | 6 months | 2+ years | Competitive | ~70% |
| Tata Steel | Womenspire | Project-based | Flexible | Competitive | Varies |
| P&G | Alumni Program | Varies | 2+ years | ₹10-30L | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do these programs only accept women with IT backgrounds?
No. While many programs are tech-focused (TCS, Infosys, Wipro), companies like HUL, Godrej, P&G, and Tata Steel offer roles in marketing, sales, finance, HR, operations, and supply chain. There's something for almost every professional background.
Q2: Is the pay during returnship lower than regular positions?
It varies. HUL and Goldman Sachs pay full market rates. Others may offer 80-90% of market rate during the returnship period, with full pay after conversion to permanent role. Always negotiate , don't assume you have to accept less.
Q3: What if I'm not selected for any returnship program?
Don't rely solely on formal returnship programs. Many companies hire returners through regular job postings too. Use platforms like JobsForHer, apply through referrals, and consider starting with freelance or contract work to build recent experience.
Q4: Can I apply to multiple returnship programs simultaneously?
Absolutely yes. Apply to as many as you qualify for. The selection rates are competitive, and having multiple options gives you negotiating power. Just ensure you can meet the timelines of each program.
Conclusion: Your Comeback Story Starts Here
Every one of these programs exists because smart companies know that career breaks don't erase competence. They erase only recency. And recency is fixable.
Take action this week:
- Pick 3 programs from this list that match your background
- Apply , even if you feel you're not 100% ready (you'll never feel 100% ready)
- Join JobsForHer for additional returner-friendly opportunities
- Complete one certification this month to show initiative
Your career break was a chapter, not the end of the book. Write the next chapter , it might be the best one yet.
Disclaimer: Program details, compensation ranges, and conversion rates are approximate and based on publicly available information as of April 2026. Verify directly with companies before applying, as programs may be updated or discontinued.