Azim Premji is the founder chairman of Wipro and one of the most respected names in Indian business and philanthropy. Published estimates of Azim Premji net worth in rupees vary by method. Business Today’s real-time tracker showed his wealth at ₹1,35,621 crore in June 2026, ranking him 11th among Indian billionaires.
A separate promoter-group tally put the disclosed Wipro holding of Premji and associates at about ₹1,16,001 crore for the quarter ending June 2026, excluding privately held businesses such as Wipro Enterprises and Premji Invest. In US dollars, the Azim Premji net worth estimate lands at roughly US$14 to 16 billion. MarketScreener valued his Wipro stake at about US$16.4 billion as of 31 May 2026.
The Azim Premji net worth in rupees is only part of the story. He has given away a large share of his fortune, so the figure on paper understates the wealth he has created. This guide covers his Azim Premji age (81), his Azim Premji wife and Azim Premji son details, his Azim Premji religion, his Azim Premji birthday, his education, his career, his awards, and his Azim Premji net worth without charity.
Quick Facts Summary Table
This table gives the key facts about the Wipro founder in one place.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Azim Hasham Premji |
| Nickname | “Wizard of Wipro” and “Czar of the Indian IT industry” (media epithets) |
| Date of Birth | 24 July 1945 |
| Age | 81 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Bombay (now Mumbai), India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Islam (Gujarati Khoja Muslim community) |
| Marital Status | Married (wife: Yasmeen Premji) |
| Children | Two sons: Rishad Premji and Tariq Premji |
| Known For | Building Wipro into a global IT major; large-scale philanthropy |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹1.2–1.4 lakh crore (about US$14–16 billion); estimates vary by source |
Personal Information Table
Public records say little about Premji’s physical attributes. He is known for his modest, understated manner, so entries below are marked “not publicly documented” where reliable information is unavailable.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Azim Hasham Premji |
| Title | Founder Chairman, Wipro Limited; founder of the Azim Premji Foundation |
| Height | Not publicly documented |
| Weight | Not publicly documented |
| Eye Color | Not publicly documented |
| Hair Color | Grey/white in recent public appearances |
| Complexion | Not publicly documented |
| Distinguishing Features | Soft-spoken, reserved presence; known more for conduct than appearance |
| Dress Style | Plain, formal, understated business attire |
| Voice | Calm, measured and unhurried |
Family & Personal Life Background
Premji’s life has been shaped by a family of traders and by a household that valued education and service. This section covers his family heritage and his approach to life.
Family Heritage & Ancestry
The table below lists the family members who matter most to the Wipro story and to the Premji philanthropic ecosystem.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| M.H. Hasham Premji | Father | Businessman who founded Western India Vegetable Products, which later became Wipro. Widely reported as a prominent rice trader before turning to vegetable oils. His death in 1966 brought Azim back from Stanford. |
| Gulbanoo Premji | Mother | A medical doctor who is widely reported to have been active in children’s healthcare and social work. She influenced his sense of social responsibility. |
| Yasmeen Premji | Wife | Keeps a low public profile. Often referred to in the media as the Azim Premji wife. |
| Rishad Premji | Elder son | Executive Chairman of Wipro since 2019. Educated at Harvard Business School, and worked at Bain & Company before joining Wipro. |
| Tariq Premji | Younger son | Part of the family’s investment and philanthropic circle. Keeps a lower public profile than his brother. |
Questions about the Azim Premji son usually concern Rishad, who leads Wipro. Azim Premji also transferred about 1.02 crore Wipro shares, about 0.20 per cent of the company’s capital, to both sons as a gift, according to an exchange filing. The family follows Islam, and the Azim Premji religion has never limited his public work. His giving has focused on schools and public education across India.
Personal Life Philosophy
Premji’s outlook is often described as “wealth held in trust.” He has repeatedly treated money as a resource to be deployed for society, not as a personal scorecard. His lifestyle supports that reputation. He is widely reported to travel economy class, avoid ostentation and prefer simple surroundings. That reputation has made him one of the most trusted corporate figures in India.
He also believes strongly that education is the best lever for reducing inequality. This conviction shaped the Foundation’s focus on government schools, teacher training and public-sector education systems. His priority has been to build durable institutions that can solve problems at scale.
Finally, he is known for integrity in business. Wipro under Premji built its brand on ethical conduct, transparency with shareholders and fair treatment of employees. Those values are part of why the Azim Premji net worth story is also a story of trust.
Educational Journey
Premji’s education began in Mumbai and moved to California. It was interrupted by family duty and finished decades later. This section covers both phases.
Schools & Early Education
| Level | Institution | Location | Years | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary & Secondary | St. Mary’s School | Mumbai, India | Childhood to early 1960s | Strong academic grounding; early exposure to Mumbai’s business culture |
| Pre-university | Mumbai institutions | Mumbai, India | Early 1960s | Prepared for overseas engineering studies |
University Education Deep-Dive
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Stanford University |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering |
| Years | Mid-1960s; left in 1966 and reportedly completed the degree in 1999 |
| Activities | Engineering coursework; no widely documented extracurricular roles |
| Turning Point | Returned to India at 21 after his father’s death to lead the family business |
| Impact | Combined a technical mindset with early executive responsibility |
His return from Stanford at 21 is the pivotal moment of his biography. He gave up his studies to lead a small vegetable-oil company. Decades later he finished the degree he had left behind.
Career Timeline
Premji’s career spans more than five decades. It covers oils, soaps, hydraulic cylinders, computers, software services and philanthropy. This section shows the year-by-year progression and then each phase in detail.
Year-wise Career Progress
| Year | Age | Position | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | 0 | Company founded by his father | Wipro incorporated on 29 December 1945 as Western India Vegetable Products |
| 1966 | 21 | Chairman | Took over after his father’s death and began diversifying |
| 1970s | ~25–34 | Chairman & Managing Director | Expanded into consumer products and hydraulic equipment |
| 1977 | 32 | Chairman | Moved into computers after IBM exited India |
| 1980s | ~35–44 | Chairman | Built hardware through partnerships and began the shift to software |
| 1990s | ~45–54 | Chairman | Established Wipro as a leading Indian software exporter |
| 2000 | 55 | Chairman | Wipro listed on the New York Stock Exchange |
| 2001 | 56 | Founder, Azim Premji Foundation | Began his institutional philanthropy |
| 2010 | 65 | Founder, Azim Premji University | Launched a university for the education and development sectors |
| 2019 | 73 | Founder Chairman | Retired as executive chairman on 30 July; Rishad took over |
| 2025 | 80 | Founder Chairman | Wipro marked its 80th anniversary |
| 2026 | 81 | Founder Chairman | Promoter group continues to hold about 72.5% of Wipro |
Phase 1: The Edible Oil and Consumer Years (1966–1977)
When Premji took charge, Wipro was a modest vegetable-oil business. He was young and under-experienced, but he moved fast to diversify.
- Grew the vegetable-oil and soap business into recognisable consumer brands
- Entered hydraulic cylinders and fluid power, building an engineering vertical
- Professionalised management and introduced a performance-driven culture
- Kept the business financially disciplined during a restrictive licensing era
Phase 2: The Pivot to Technology (1977–1990s)
The decisive strategic bet came in the late 1970s. After IBM left India, Wipro moved into computers.
- Entered computer hardware and built domestic capability
- Formed international technology partnerships in the 1980s to build hardware for the Indian market
- Shifted gradually from hardware to software services as global demand for outsourcing grew
- Positioned Wipro for the 1990s liberalisation and the software-export boom
Phase 3: Global IT Leadership (1990s–2010)
Wipro became a global brand during this period. Premji led it as a technology and consulting company.
- Scaled software services for clients across North America and Europe
- Listed Wipro on the NYSE in 2000, a milestone for Indian technology
- Expanded into business process outsourcing and consulting
- Built a corporate culture associated with quality processes and governance
Phase 4: The Philanthropy Era (2010–2019)
As Wipro matured, Premji turned his attention to giving. His endowments to the Azim Premji Foundation grew over time.
- Established Azim Premji University in 2010
- Signed the Giving Pledge, committing to give a major share of his wealth
- In March 2019 he earmarked 34 per cent of his shares, worth about ₹52,750 crore, to an endowment under the Azim Premji Foundation.
- Handed executive leadership of Wipro to his son in 2019
Phase 5: Founder Chairman and Family Office (2019–Present)
Since 2019, Premji has stepped back from day-to-day management but remains the symbolic head of Wipro.
- Continues as Founder Chairman while Rishad Premji leads as Executive Chairman
- Oversees philanthropy through the Foundation and the university
- Supports the family office Premji Invest, which has offices in Bangalore and Menlo Park.
- Uses investment returns to support the philanthropic mission
Major Achievements & Awards
His achievements span business, public service and philanthropy. They explain why he is ranked among India’s top ten wealthiest people and among the nation’s most generous. This section lists his honours and puts the Azim Premji net worth in context.
Year-wise Awards
| Year | Award | Organization | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Padma Bhushan | Government of India | One of India’s highest civilian honours |
| 2011 | Padma Vibhushan | Government of India | India’s second-highest civilian honour |
| 2010s | Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur | Government of France | France’s highest civilian honour |
| 2013 | Giving Pledge signatory | Giving Pledge | Public commitment to give away a major share of wealth |
| 2020 | India’s most generous (₹7,904 crore) | EdelGive Hurun Philanthropy List | Reported at about ₹22 crore a day. |
| 2021 | India’s most generous (₹9,713 crore) | EdelGive Hurun Philanthropy List | Topped the list again, with a 23% increase over the previous year. |
Net Worth Snapshot: How Estimates Compare
Estimates differ because trackers use different methods and dates. Some count only the listed Wipro stake, and others include private businesses or the endowment.
| Source | Figure | Date / Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Business Today (real-time) | ₹1,35,621 crore | June 2026 |
| Promoter-group Wipro holding | About ₹1,16,001 crore | Quarter ending June 2026 |
| MarketScreener | About US$16.4 billion | Wipro stake value at 31 May 2026 |
| Business Standard profile | About US$12 billion | 2026 profile text |
| Hurun India Rich List | ₹1,90,700 crore | 2024 edition |
The Azim Premji net worth in rupees therefore ranges from roughly ₹1.16 lakh crore to ₹1.36 lakh crore in mid-2026 sources, and about ₹1.9 lakh crore in Hurun’s 2024 figure. Business Today has also reported that Premji was among the billionaires hit hardest in 2025, losing about US$8.8 billion alongside Shiv Nadar. The main driver of any change is Wipro’s share price, because the listed stake is the largest part of his wealth.
Net Worth Without Charity
The Azim Premji net worth without charity is a different measure. It estimates what his fortune would be if he had never given anything away. Premji has directed a very large share of his Wipro holdings to the Foundation’s endowment. Hurun noted that he had committed 67% of his economic interest in Wipro to philanthropic activities. Other reporting has described the total endowment as about US$21 billion.
One estimate from March 2026 put the total assets of Premji’s fortune, Premji Invest and the philanthropic endowment together at US$35 to 40 billion. That implies an Azim Premji net worth without charity of well over ₹3 lakh crore. This is an illustrative estimate and not an official figure, since no single source publishes a formal “without charity” number. It shows that his giving has cut the personal figure by more than half.
Investment Philosophy & Financial Principles
Premji’s approach to money and capital has several consistent features.
- Long-term ownership: He kept a controlling stake in Wipro for decades instead of cashing out.
- Reinvest and give back: Returns from Premji Invest are meant to support the Foundation’s work.
- Patience: Premji Invest typically stays invested for 10+ years.
- Diversification beyond Wipro: Premji Invest manages over US$10 billion and has been increasing its AI investments.
- Frugality in personal spending: His personal consumption is modest compared with his wealth.
- Governance first: Transparency and ethics are treated as part of the balance sheet.
Administrative Positions & Organizational Leadership
Premji has held leadership roles across business, philanthropy and education. This section lists them chronologically and then describes his leadership philosophy.
Chronological Positions
| Period | Position | Organization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966–2019 | Chairman (later Chairman & Managing Director) | Wipro | About five decades leading the company |
| 2001–Present | Founder | Azim Premji Foundation | Focus on school education and public systems |
| 2010–Present | Founder | Azim Premji University, Bengaluru | Trains teachers and development professionals |
| 2013 | Signatory | Giving Pledge | Pledged to give a major share of his wealth |
| 2019–Present | Founder Chairman | Wipro | Rishad Premji became Executive Chairman |
| Ongoing | Patron | Premji Invest (family office) | Investments support the Foundation |
Career Philosophy
His core philosophy, paraphrased from his public conduct, is that wealth is held in trust for society and that business should be run with integrity. It rests on five pillars.
- Integrity: Ethical conduct matters more than short-term gains.
- Excellence: Quality and process discipline build lasting brands.
- Respect for people: Employees, customers and partners are treated fairly.
- Humility: Success is not an excuse for display or arrogance.
- Giving back: Resources are meant to be used for the public good, especially education.
Mentorship Style
These observations come from public accounts of his leadership and not from any official description.
| Dimension | Approach |
|---|---|
| Delegation | Trusted professional managers to run operations |
| Communication | Quiet, direct and low-key |
| Standards | High expectations on quality and ethics |
| Succession | Prepared the transition to Rishad over many years |
| Example-setting | Led by personal conduct, including modest habits |
Recent Developments (2025–2026)
Premji’s recent activity centres on Wipro’s anniversary, the family investment arm and his philanthropy. This section summarises what has been reported over the last two years.
- Wipro turned 80 in early 2026, with Rishad Premji sharing the company’s original incorporation certificate dated 29 December 1945
- Premji turned down a request from Karnataka’s chief minister to open the Sarjapur campus road for public use, saying it was private property.
- Premji Invest has been reported to be inching toward a majority stake in Nainital Bank, and has backed People Housing Finance.
- Rishad Premji has described AI as a cornerstone of Wipro’s business strategy.
Current Role
| Position | Organization | Status | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder Chairman | Wipro Limited | Active (non-executive) | Governance, long-term direction |
| Founder | Azim Premji Foundation | Active | School education and public systems |
| Founder | Azim Premji University | Active | Teacher education and development |
| Family office patron | Premji Invest | Active | Long-term investments, including AI |
Detailed Biography
This section gives a Wikipedia-style narrative of his life. It is organised by period and ends with the lessons his story offers.
Early Life
Azim Hasham Premji was born on 24 July 1945 in Bombay, now Mumbai. His father, M.H. Hasham Premji, was a well-known trader and businessman. The family belonged to the Gujarati Khoja Muslim community. His mother was a doctor and an early influence on his compassion and sense of duty. He grew up in Mumbai in a family that valued commerce, education and community service.
Education
He attended St. Mary’s School in Mumbai and went on to Stanford University to study electrical engineering. His studies ended abruptly in 1966 when his father died. At 21 he returned to India to lead the family company. He later completed his degree, reportedly in 1999, which shows his commitment to finishing what he had started.
Career Milestones
His first major decision was to diversify the oil business into consumer products and engineering. His second, larger move was entering computing in the late 1970s. By the 1990s Wipro was a software exporter, and in 2000 it listed on the NYSE. Under his leadership it grew from a small oil business into a global technology services firm. He led the company for about 53 years before retiring as executive chairman in 2019.
Landmark Projects
His most lasting projects are institutional ones.
- Wipro’s transformation: From vegetable oil to global IT services
- Azim Premji Foundation (2001): One of India’s largest philanthropic institutions, established in 2001, with a focus on education.
- Azim Premji University (2010): A university built to strengthen teaching and the social sector
- Premji Invest: A family office whose returns support philanthropy
Recent Developments
In recent years he has stayed in the background while his son leads Wipro. The Azim Premji net worth in rupees has moved with Wipro’s share price. Premji Invest is shifting more capital toward AI. He remains a public symbol of ethical capitalism in India.
Lessons & Inspiration
His life offers several lessons.
- Take responsibility early: He led a company at 21.
- Spot structural change: He saw the shift to computing and software before most.
- Hold wealth lightly: He gave away a large share of it.
- Stay humble: His modest lifestyle reinforced trust.
- Build institutions, not monuments: His lasting impact is in schools, teachers and a university.
Conclusion
Azim Premji’s legacy extends well beyond the Azim Premji net worth in rupees. The estimates cluster between roughly ₹1.2 and ₹1.4 lakh crore, or US$14 to 16 billion. They would be far higher without his charitable giving. He turned a small oil company into a global technology leader, then turned much of the resulting wealth into long-term support for education. His real wealth lies in the teachers trained, the schools supported and the example he set for Indian business. For anyone searching for Azim Premji net worth, the best answer is that his fortune is both a financial record and a record of values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Azim Premji’s current net worth in rupees?
The Azim Premji net worth in rupees is estimated at about ₹1.16 to ₹1.36 lakh crore in mid-2026 sources. The figure varies by tracker and share-price date.
What is Azim Premji’s net worth in US dollars?
In dollars, mid-2026 estimates range from about US$12 billion to US$16 billion, depending on the source and the method used.
What is Azim Premji’s net worth without charity?
The Azim Premji net worth without charity has no official figure. Estimates of his total assets together with the philanthropic endowment run to about US$35 to 40 billion, or over ₹3 lakh crore, so his giving has reduced his personal wealth substantially.
Is Azim Premji married?
Yes. His wife is Yasmeen Premji, and the couple has two sons.
Who are Azim Premji’s sons?
His sons are Rishad Premji, the Executive Chairman of Wipro, and Tariq Premji, who is part of the family’s investment and philanthropic circle.
What is Azim Premji’s current position?
He is the Founder Chairman of Wipro and the founder of the Azim Premji Foundation and Azim Premji University.
What are Azim Premji’s major achievements?
He transformed Wipro into a global IT company, listed it on the NYSE in 2000, founded the Azim Premji Foundation in 2001 and the Azim Premji University in 2010, and received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
How long did Azim Premji lead Wipro?
He led the company for about 53 years, from 1966 until he retired as executive chairman on 30 July 2019.
What is Azim Premji’s educational background?
He studied at St. Mary’s School in Mumbai and then studied electrical engineering at Stanford University. He left in 1966 after his father’s death and reportedly completed the degree in 1999.
What are Azim Premji’s hobbies and interests?
Public sources emphasise his focus on education and work, and he keeps his private life out of the media. He is better known for his simple lifestyle than for any publicised hobby.
What is Azim Premji’s philosophy on wealth?
He treats wealth as held in trust for society. His approach combines long-term ownership, ethical business and large-scale giving to education.
How much has Azim Premji donated to charity?
He and his family topped the EdelGive Hurun philanthropy list with ₹9,713 crore in 2021. Other reports put his total endowment commitment at about US$21 billion.
What is Azim Premji’s age and birthday?
His Azim Premji birthday is 24 July 1945, so he is 81 years old as of October 2026. His zodiac sign is Leo.
What is Azim Premji’s religion?
The Azim Premji religion is Islam. He comes from the Gujarati Khoja Muslim community.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Net worth figures are estimates drawn from public sources and trackers, which use different methods and dates, and they change with market prices, especially Wipro’s share price. The “net worth without charity” figure is an illustrative estimate and not an official number. Personal details that are not publicly documented are marked as such. This is not financial or investment advice. Readers should verify current figures with primary sources such as stock-exchange filings, Forbes, Hurun India or Bloomberg before relying on them.
