Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Independent Director Exits Hit Multi-Year High in 2025
In 2025, a lot more independent directors in Indian companies are leaving their jobs before their term ends compared to previous years.
This is the highest number since 2017.
There have been 510 resignations so far this year, which is more than last year's 393 and much higher than 2019's 265.
The reasons for leaving include personal issues, health, moving to new places, and some say it's because of rules and regulations.
Big companies with a value of over Rs 10,000 crore have seen less than 12% of these exits.
Experts say there's more pressure on these directors now, and people are becoming more aware of their responsibilities.
The textile sector has seen the most resignations, but exits are happening across over 60 different sectors.
The number of independent directors resigning from listed companies in 2025 has reached a multi-year high, with 510 resignations as of mid-December.
This is a significant increase from 393 resignations in 2024 and 265 in 2019, the year before the pandemic.
Reasons for resignations include personal matters, health issues, regulatory norms, conflict of interest, and increased scrutiny.
Less than 12% of the exits were from companies with a market capitalisation of Rs 10,000 crore or above.
The textile sector had the largest number of mid-term resignations, followed by software and fast-moving consumer goods.
- Who
- Independent directors of listed companies
- What
- Resignations before the end of their term
- When
- 2025 (as of mid-December)
- Where
- India
- Why
- Various reasons including personal matters, regulatory norms, conflict of interest, and increased scrutiny
- Total Resignations (2025)
- 510
- Total Resignations (2024)
- 393
- Total Resignations (2019)
- 265
- Exits from Companies < Rs 100 crore
- 142
- Exits from Companies Rs 100 crore - Rs 1,000 crore
- 191
- Exits from Companies > Rs 10,000 crore
- Less than 12%
- Sector with Most Exits
- Textile
- Regulatory Term Limit
- Two consecutive five-year terms