HCLTech led the pack among the top-tier firms, posting a 2% increase in RPE to more than $16,000 (₹14.17 lakh) in the quarter ended September 30 when its headcount grew 3.7%, according to market intelligence firm UnearthInsight Research. Market leader Tata Consultancy Services (0.5%) and Tech Mahindra (1%) also posted improvements, with both reporting a decline in headcount.