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CIEL HR Records 32% Growth in FY26, Revenue nears ₹2,000 Crore   

Chennai: 

CIEL HR, India’s leading integrated HR and workforce solutions company, today announced that it recorded 32% growth in FY26, with revenues nearing ₹2,000 crore, alongside the launch of “CIEL 3.0: Vision 2030”, the company’s strategic roadmap to build an integrated AI-led workforce infrastructure platform for the future of work.

Founded with the ambition of building a ₹1,000 crore HR enterprise within a decade through a technology-led approach, CIEL HR achieved this milestone in just 9 years. Building on this momentum, the company nearly doubled its revenue to ₹1,984.6 crore within the next two years (by FY26) and is now entering its next phase of growth with the launch of “CIEL 3.0: Vision 2030”, a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving ₹6,000 crore in revenue by 2030.

As organisations increasingly shift from fragmented HR models towards integrated workforce ecosystems, CIEL HR is positioning its future growth around AI-led workforce infrastructure, anchored by its PeopleOS framework, talent intelligence platforms and connected people solutions ecosystem.

FY26 Financial Highlights

Particulars

FY26

(in INR Crores)

FY25

(in INR Crores)

YoY Growth

Revenue from operations

1,984.6

1,504.5

32%

GP

208.4

145.3

43%

Gross Profit %

10.5%

9.7%

80 bps

Operating Profit (EBITDA)

46.5

34.9

34%

PAT before exceptional items

16.9

14.7

15%

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. K Pandiarajan, Executive Chairperson, CIEL HR Group said, “The journey from Ma Foi to CIEL HR reflects not just business growth, but the evolution of India’s workforce landscape itself. When we started CIEL HR, we believed technology and AI would significantly accelerate the way organisations hire, manage and develop talent. Crossing the ₹1,000 crore milestone within a decade, and nearly doubling its revenue to close to ₹2,000 crore within the following two years (CAGR of 34.5% over the last 3 years), validates that conviction. As we enter the next phase, our focus is on building intelligent, integrated and future-ready people solutions for a rapidly transforming world of work.”

CIEL HR’s PeopleOS framework represents the company’s next phase of transformation, moving beyond traditional HR services towards building an integrated workforce ecosystem. Designed around the philosophy that organisations function best when every aspect of people management is interconnected, PeopleOS brings together the entire employee lifecycle into one cohesive ecosystem.

As part of this transformation, CIEL Group entity Jombay has developed tools for various HR functions through its agentic AI platform -  Jombay.AI. Built for HR teams, the platform enables organisations to run intelligent, connected and context-aware HR workflows across the talent lifecycle by integrating with existing HR systems and creating a unified Talent Intelligence Layer.

Further strengthening its talent intelligence capabilities, another CIEL Group entity, Thomas Assessments India, is set to launch Thomas Assess, a next-generation AI-enabled talent assessment platform in India. The platform brings together four globally recognised psychometric tools - Behaviour, Learning Agility, Emotional Intelligence and Potential Lead - into a single unified solution.

Commenting on the evolving HR landscape, Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO, CIEL HR Group said, “The HR industry is moving from fragmented service models to integrated workforce ecosystems. Organisations today are looking for partners who can combine talent, technology and intelligence into unified solutions that are agile, scalable and outcome-driven. Over the last decade, we have consciously built capabilities across the entire people lifecycle which is enabling us to become a strategic workforce transformation partner for enterprises navigating rapid business change.”

Commenting on CIEL 3.0: Vision 2030, Mr. Doraiswamy Rajiv Krishnan, Executive Director, CIEL HR Group said, “CIEL 3.0 is our roadmap for building one of India’s most integrated AI-led people solutions ecosystems. As workforce models evolve, enterprises will increasingly require connected platforms that bring together hiring, assessment, engagement, development and workforce intelligence in real time. Our Vision 2030 is centred on creating that intelligent infrastructure layer for the future of work, while continuing to keep human capability at the heart of transformation.”

With Vision 2030, CIEL HR aims to accelerate its evolution into an integrated AI-led workforce infrastructure platform, backed by continued investments in AI, digital transformation and its integrated PeopleOS ecosystem.

About CIEL HR

CIEL HR is India’s only company offering a complete suite of tech-driven HR solutions, covering the entire employee lifecycle.

With 83 offices across 41 locations and more than 1450+ employees, CIEL has served 7000+ companies.

Our Solutions include:

BUILD - Talent Acquisition:

●      Value Staffing, Professional Staffing, Executive Search, Selection and RPO by CIEL HR

●      Skilling by CIEL Skills & Careers

●      Background Verification by Vibrant Screen

DEVELOP - Talent Management & Development

●      HR Advisory by Ma Foi Strategic Consultants and People Metrics

●      Talent Assessment & Development by Jombay and Thomas Assessments

●      Talent Engagement by Jombay

●      Learning Experience Platform (LXP) by Courseplay

OPERATE - HR Operations & Compliance

●      Human Resources Management System (HRMS) by HfactoR

●      HR Managed Services (including payroll and compliance) by Ma Foi Strategic Consultants

All India Russian Education Fair 2026 Opens in Chennai; 10,000 MBBS Seats are on Offer for Indian Students

Chennai:

The All-India Russian Education Fair for the academic year 2026-2027 will take place on 9th and 10th May at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Chennai, 10 am to 5 pm. Featuring the direct participation of as many as seven leading higher educational institutions, all belonging to the Russian government, the fair offers as many as 10,000 MBBS seats for the Indian students. The rise in the number of seats reflects the growing demand for medical education in Russia, the only foreign country at present to fully comply with the National Medical Commission of India’s latest norms set for medical education overseas.

Spot admissions for MBBS and other programs can be made at the fair, which is scheduled to take place also in many locations in Tamil Nadu. It will be held between 10 am and 5 pm in Madurai on May 12 at Hotel Royal Court; Trichy on May 13 at Hotel Femina; Salem on May 14 at GRT Hotel Zibe; and Coimbatore on May 15 at The Grand Regent Hotel. There is no entry fee for the fair. For details about the programs and fair, students can call: 9282 221 221.

The MBBS courses in Russia are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. As the courses are highly-subsidised by the government, they are also the most affordable, with the total fee, starting from as low as Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum.

Indian students who have cleared National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and who have a minimum of 50% marks in the relevant core subjects/degrees (in the case of SC/ST and OBC students, the minimum marks is only 40%), can apply for MBBS courses in Russia. Tamil medium students can also apply. There are no pre-qualifying exams like CET, IELTS, etc. for admissions to universities in Russia.

The education fair 2026 also features the participation of science, technology, and engineering education institutions that offer programs in emerging and cutting-edge domains such as bio-technology, artificial intelligence, and data science. The universities participating in the Education Fair include: Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd; National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow; Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad; Kazan State Medical University, Kazan; North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol; Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow; and Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow.

The press meet, organised to announce the launch of the fair, was addressed by Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev, Consul General, Consulate General the Russian Federation in Chennai, South India, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Vice Consul & Director, Russian House, Chennai, Ms. Puzikova Alla, Dean, Volvograd State Medical University, Volvograd, Mr. Akmetov Timur, Professor, Pathology Department, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan and Mr. Ravi Chandran. C, Managing Director, Study Abroad Educational Consultants, the authorised Indian representative for Russian Universities.

In his address, Mr. Valerii Khodzhaev said, “Russian universities have a long-standing reputation of providing high-quality medical education in the world. Students from India have been admitted to Russian universities for the last 60 years. Russia continues to be the top choice for Indian students seeking medical education abroad, as Russian universities proactively adhere to the changing norms and guidelines of India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure that their MBBS programs are well recognised in India. Every year thousands of Indian students step into Russia to get prestigious, globally recognised and affordable education. With a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and advanced facilities, Russian universities offer a robust learning environment for Indian students pursuing medical education in the country.”

Talking about scholarship programs, Mr. Alexander Dodonov said, “As in the past, the Russian Government's annual 100% scholarship programs will award grants to more than 200 Indian students this year as well. This will enable them to pursue Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, and Postgraduate Programs in Russia's leading universities free of cost. The cost of higher education is relatively cheaper because it is highly subsidised by the Government of the Russian Federation. Our universities also provide assistance as many have special adaptation programs and support systems for Indian students.”

Mr. Ravi Chandran commented that there are more than 300,000 international students from 200 different countries enrolled in the 600-odd government universities across Russia. By and large, medicine is the most popular area of study among Indian students who choose to pursue their higher education in Russia. Currently, there are about 25,000 Indian students studying medicine in about 30 Russian universities that offer M.D, a degree equivalent to MBBS in India. All the Russian universities adhere to NMC guidelines - including the latest one issued by it in November, 2021 relating to the duration of the MBB program and internship, curriculum, medium of instruction (English), among others. The institutions have made sure that the safety of Indian students and their education are not impacted by the external geopolitical situations.”

“Moreover eight weeks of intense training offered every year by Academy for Foreign Medical Graduates, Delhi, from second year of study to final year is a promising feature that guarantees increase in pass percentage of students,” he added.

For more details and spot admissions students can attend All India Russian •Education Fair 2026. They can furnish valid credentials supporting their eligibility to pursue Bachelor’s / Post-graduate degree programs for 2026-27 academic year, scheduled to start from September, 2026.

A Journey from the Theatre Seat to Storytelling: Abhishek Murali Launches Sambar Cartel Studios

On the special occasion of his 30th birthday, producer Abhishek Murali announced the launch of Sambar Cartel Studios, a new production house rooted in authenticity, perspective, and a deep love for cinema.

In a heartfelt note, Abhishek reflected on the origins of his cinematic journey—one that began not in boardrooms or sets, but in the quiet darkness of a theatre in Cuddalore. As a young boy sitting in Krishnalaya Theatre, he found himself captivated by the magic of storytelling on screen. Though he did not fully understand every film he watched, he felt each moment deeply—an experience that stayed with him and shaped his path forward.

What began as fascination gradually evolved into curiosity, and eventually into a profound connection with stories. Over time, Abhishek began to see narratives in everyday life—in people, conversations, and fleeting moments—recognizing cinema as a reflection of lived experiences.

Balancing responsibilities from a young age, Abhishek stepped into his family business at 16 while continuing his education. His journey took him across cities and countries—from Cuddalore and Chennai to Singapore, Birmingham, and Sydney—exposing him to diverse cultures, perspectives, and stories that further enriched his worldview.

A defining inspiration had been a powerful line from the film Kuselan:

"Kadavul yaarunu naa paatha... adhai kannil kaatuvadhu indha cinema dhan" —a sentiment that underscored his belief in cinema as a medium that revealed truth, emotion, and meaning.

Sambar Cartel Studios was born out of this journey—not merely as a production house, but as a creative space committed to telling stories that matter. With a vision that valued honesty over formula, the studio aimed to champion fresh voices, unique perspectives, and narratives that resonated deeply with audiences.

“I stepped into this not with all the answers, but with a clear intent to build something meaningful,” said Abhishek Murali. “Great cinema isn’t created through formulas—it comes from courage, perspective, and the willingness to see the world differently.”

For Abhishek, this milestone marked more than just the beginning of a production venture. It represented the culmination of years of quiet inspiration and the start of a purposeful journey to create cinema that leaves a lasting impact—just like the feeling that once stayed with him in a silent theatre.

As he turned 30, Abhishek embraced this new chapter with gratitude and determination, ready to bring stories to life through Sambar Cartel Studios.

DRA Brings Slate AI from California to Transform Indian Real Estate Execution!

Chennai: 

DRA, one of India’s leading real estate developers from Chennai known for its customer-first and innovation-led approach, today announced a strategic partnership with California-based Slate Technologies Inc. to deploy Slate AI, its AI-powered construction intelligence platform, across project operations. With this move, DRA becomes the first company from the Indian real estate sector to adopt the platform’s advanced capabilities.

As construction projects grow in scale and complexity, Slate Technologies helps developers shift from traditional reporting systems to proactive, AI-led execution models. Its platform enhances visibility, agility and decision-making, helping improve delivery outcomes while reducing execution risk. 

The partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of Indian real estate execution, with DRA integrating AI across key construction functions including project management, quality inspection, site monitoring, procurement optimisation, workforce productivity, safety analytics, delay prediction and real-time decision-making. The platform also links quality workflows with project schedules, enabling earlier issue detection, faster resolution and stronger execution consistency.

The platform is currently deployed across DRA projects in Chennai covering approximately 3.3 million sq. ft., supporting nearly 2,000 workers across construction sites and over 100 technical staff.

With this collaboration, DRA aims to further strengthen its reputation for on-time delivery and quality homes by embedding intelligent systems that improve operational efficiency, visibility and execution consistency across projects.

A key differentiator of the implementation is Slate AI’s real-time multilingual communication capability, designed to support India’s diverse construction workforce by enabling faster coordination, clearer updates and seamless collaboration across teams operating in multiple languages.

Commenting on this industry-first collaboration, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA said, “At DRA, innovation must translate into customer value. I view this partnership with Slate Technologies as the beginning of Construction 2.0 in India’s residential real estate sector, where technology, multilingual coordination, predictive intelligence and execution discipline come together to deliver quality homes on time. As we continue to grow, building future-ready systems will remain central to how we create long-term value.”

Speaking about this milestone partnership, Mr. Senthil Kumar, Global Head of AI, Slate Technologies Inc. said, “The construction industry is approaching a moment of fundamental change, where traditional systems are no longer enough to manage growing project complexity. We are proud to partner with DRA to help lead this shift through AI-powered execution, enabling faster decisions, stronger predictability and better outcomes for all project stakeholders.”

As DRA continues its growth journey, the adoption of intelligent operating systems reflects the company’s long-term focus on scalable processes, stronger governance standards and future-ready execution capabilities.

The collaboration also marks an important milestone in Slate Technologies’ India expansion, demonstrating the growing relevance of AI-led solutions for the country’s real estate and construction sectors.

About DRA: DRA, with an impressive legacy of 40 years, has become a trusted name in the real estate industry, delivering world-class projects across Chennai. With more than 12,000 satisfied customers DRA is synonymous with trust, transparency, and timely delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA goes beyond just building apartments by offering its customers a ‘Home of Pride’ — thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and embody a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Innovations like the ‘Timeline Meter’ for project updates and the ‘Customer Delight Meter’ reflect their unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, while their online customer portal ensures hassle-free access to project details and documentation. Signature developments such as DRA Pristine Pavilion, Tuxedo, Ascot, Skylantis, Elite, Infinique and many others exemplify their commitment to blending modernity with value-driven investments. Recognized with awards like FICCI's REISA and Times Business Awards, DRA holds the distinction of being Chennai's first developer with CRISIL's 7-star grading. Their social responsibility initiatives include pond restoration and nurturing young sporting talent, which highlight their dedication to the community. Upholding their motto "Timeless Home, Timely Delivery, DRA continues to inspire pride and trust in every home they create, turning dreams into lasting legacies.

VIDEO HERE:

From South America to South India: A Young Life Stands Tall Again After Complex Robotic Spine Surgery

Chennai: 

Apollo Speciality Hospitals and Apollo Spine Clinic, Teynampet, has successfully performed a complex robotic-assisted spinal deformity correction on a 15-year-old international patient with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, reinforcing Chennai’s growing stature as a global destination for advanced spine care.

A 15-year-old from South America patient travelled nearly 48 hours to Chennai for treatment of a severe and progressive spinal curvature that was significantly impacting her posture, mobility, and long-term health. The use of robotic navigation technology enabled highly precise implant placement and improved spinal alignment, while minimising intraoperative risks. The patient has shown significant correction post-surgery and is recovering well.

The procedure was led by Dr. Sajan K. Hegde, Director – Spine Surgery, using a staged, robotic-assisted approach supported by advanced intraoperative neuromonitoring systems. The hospital is among the few centres equipped to manage such complex deformity corrections with precision technology.

The treatment involved an initial phase of halo gravity traction to improve spinal alignment, followed by a two-stage surgical intervention. The first stage included posterior spinal exposure with robotic-assisted pedicle screw fixation under neuromonitoring. The second stage comprised anterior discectomy and fusion from D7 to D11, along with posterior deformity correction and fusion extending from D2 to L4, in addition to thoracoplasty.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Sajan K. Hegde, Director – Spine Surgery said, managing complex adolescent scoliosis requires careful planning and a strong multidisciplinary approach. With robotic-assisted surgery and neuromonitoring, we’re able to improve precision and safety, even in challenging cases. This was a difficult case, but the combination of advanced technology and team expertise helped us achieve a good outcome. It’s encouraging to see the positive impact this can have on a young patient’s quality of life

The patient’s family expressed gratitude for the outcome, highlighting the impact of the intervention on her quality of life. Travelling across continents was not an easy decision, but seeing her stand straighter and regain confidence means everything to us. We are deeply thankful to the team at Apollo, 

“Managing such a complex spinal deformity required meticulous planning and precision. The use of advanced robotic-assisted technology enabled us to achieve greater accuracy, minimize risks, and ensure optimal alignment of the spine. Despite the lengthy and multi-segment nature of the surgery, the patient responded well, and we are optimistic about her recovery and improved quality of life.” said. Dr. Appaji Krishnan Senior Consultant - Spine Surgery, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet

Speaking on the broader significance, Mr. Karan Puri, CEO, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet, added, Chennai continues to emerge as a preferred global destination for complex and high-risk procedures, driven by advanced technology and clinical expertise. The adoption of robotic platforms in spine surgery is enabling greater precision, improved outcomes, and reinforcing India’s position in medical value travel.”

Robotic-assisted spine surgery enables real-time navigation, enhanced accuracy in implant placement, and improved surgical planning, particularly in complex deformity cases. Systems such as ExcelsiusGPS support surgeons in achieving consistent and predictable outcomes while reducing the risk of complications.

This case highlights the increasing role of precision-led technologies in transforming spine care and underscores the global trust in India’s healthcare ecosystem. With access to skilled specialists, advanced infrastructure, and cost-effective care, Chennai continues to attract patients from across geographies seeking world-class treatment.