Recruitment agencies in India usually charge a percentage of the hire's annual fixed CTC, paid only when the candidate joins. Typical fees run from about 8.33% for junior roles to 15–20% or more for senior and leadership hires. HyrEzy charges 8.33% for 0–3 years of experience, 10–12% for 3–10 years and 16%+ for senior and CXO roles, with no retainer.
How agencies in India price recruitment
Almost all agencies in India work on a success fee: a percentage of the candidate's annual fixed CTC, invoiced on the joining date. The percentage rises with seniority because senior searches take longer, need more direct approach and carry more risk.
The base matters as much as the rate. A fee on fixed CTC only is cheaper than the same rate on total CTC including variable pay, joining bonus or ESOPs. Always check which figure the agency bills on.
| Level | Typical market range | HyrEzy fee |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0–3 years) | 8.33% (about one month's salary) | 8.33% |
| Mid-management (3–10 years) | 8.33–15% | 10–12% |
| Senior & CXO (10+ years) | 15–25%, often retained | 16%+ |
| Volume hiring (5+ roles) | Flat fee or discounted rate | Flat-fee model on request |
Contingency vs retained: when you pay
On a contingency (success-fee) search you pay nothing until the candidate joins. On a retained search, used mostly for CXO hires, part of the fee is paid upfront and the rest at milestones. Retained search buys dedicated effort and exclusivity; contingency keeps your risk at zero.
HyrEzy works on zero retainer for every level, including leadership searches.
What else to check in a quote
Two quotes with the same percentage can cost very different amounts. Compare these terms:
- Fee base: fixed CTC only, or total CTC including variable pay and bonuses.
- Replacement guarantee: how many days (HyrEzy offers 90), and whether it is a free replacement or a refund.
- Candidate ownership period: how long an introduced candidate stays the agency's introduction (often 6–12 months).
- Payment terms: invoice on joining, with 30 days to pay, is standard.
- GST: charged on top of the fee where the agency is GST-registered.
- Speed commitments: how soon you get a first shortlist.
A worked example
A software engineer joining at ₹24 lakh fixed CTC, at a 10% fee, costs ₹2.4 lakh, invoiced on the joining date. At 8.33% the same hire would cost about ₹2 lakh. Use the recruitment fee calculator to compare quotes for your own roles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard recruitment agency fee in India?
Usually 8.33% to 20% of the hire's annual fixed CTC, depending on seniority. HyrEzy charges 8.33% for entry level, 10–12% for mid-management and 16%+ for senior and CXO roles.
Do I pay a recruitment agency upfront?
Not on a contingency search: you pay only after the candidate joins. Retained executive searches usually take part of the fee upfront. HyrEzy charges no retainer at any level.
Is the fee calculated on fixed or total CTC?
It depends on the agency. HyrEzy bills on annual fixed CTC only; variable pay, bonuses and ESOPs are excluded.
What happens if the new hire leaves early?
Most agencies offer a free replacement within a guarantee period. HyrEzy's is 90 days from joining.
Are recruitment fees negotiable?
Often, for volume hiring or exclusive mandates. Compare the fee base, guarantee and ownership period, not just the percentage.
Get a quote for your role
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