Executive Search Fees in India: 20 to 33% vs One Month

Short answer: Executive search firms in India usually charge 20 to 33% of the hire’s first-year CTC. For a CFO on ₹48 lakh, that is ₹9.6 to 15.8 lakh. We headhunt accounts and finance roles, from senior accountant to CFO, for one month’s CTC, about 8.33%: ₹4 lakh for the same hire.

What Executive Search Costs in India

• Executive search: 20 to 33% of first-year CTC (Athena Executive Search, August 2026).
• Senior hires through a recruitment agency: up to 16.67% of CTC (VelivoHR, 2026).

Because the fee is a percentage, the most senior hire costs the most. Our fee is one month’s CTC at every level, plus applicable taxes.

One CFO Hire, Side by Side

Our ₹4 lakh includes the ₹5,000 service charge paid upfront, which is adjusted against the fee. The 20% and 33% rows are not any named firm’s price; they show the published range applied to the same salary. Amounts exclude applicable taxes. See India pricing.

What One Month’s CTC Pays For

1. Salary benchmarking, so your offer matches the market.
2. A target company list: the companies where people doing this job work now, including your competitors.
3. Direct outreach to people at those companies, on every channel. We don’t wait for applicants.
4. Interviews by our team, then CA Ketul Patel reviews every shortlisted profile.
5. 3 to 5 profiles within 7 working days of the service charge, with a 90-day replacement guarantee.

For a worked example, read how we headhunted two finance and compliance managers in under 30 days.

Two Questions to Ask Before You Sign

1. Is the percentage on fixed CTC only, or on bonus and variable pay too? On a CFO package with a large bonus, the difference can run into lakhs.
2. How much is paid before anyone is hired, and is it adjusted against the final fee or added to it?

When an Executive Search Firm Is the Better Choice

We work only on accounts and finance roles, up to CFO. For a CEO, a COO, a board seat, or a search across several functions at once, use a firm that covers those roles. For a finance hire, compare the total fee in rupees at your salary budget before you sign.

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