Sanjeev Bikhchandani.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs and a pioneer in the Indian internet industry. Best known as the founder of Naukri.com, India’s first online job portal, Bikhchandani transformed the way Indians searched for employment. His journey from a modest background to becoming a billionaire and a Padma Shri awardee is a story of perseverance, vision, and innovation.
Early Life and Education
Sanjeev Bikhchandani was born in 1964 in Delhi, India, into a middle-class family. His father was a doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and his upbringing was shaped by values of education and integrity.
He completed his schooling from St. Columba’s School, New Delhi, and earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, in 1984. He later pursued an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, graduating in 1989.
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Career Beginnings
After completing his MBA, Bikhchandani worked for two years at Hindustan Milkfood Manufacturers (now GlaxoSmithKline). He was part of the marketing team for popular brands like Horlicks. However, corporate life did not excite him. In 1990, driven by a desire to become his own boss, he quit his job to start his own business.
His first entrepreneurial venture was Indmark, a company that conducted salary surveys and database publishing. The business helped him stay afloat financially but did not scale as he hoped. Despite early failures, he remained committed to entrepreneurship.
The Birth of Naukri.com
In 1996, during the early days of the internet in India, Bikhchandani saw a unique opportunity. He noticed that job classified ads in newspapers were hugely popular. This observation led to the birth of Naukri.com in 1997.
Naukri.com started from a small servant quarter above a garage in Noida. It was initially funded with just ₹2,000 per month and operated as a side business under his company Info Edge (India) Ltd. At first, the website simply listed jobs culled from newspapers. But the potential was evident: people began to use it, and traffic steadily grew.
In an era when internet penetration in India was still low, Sanjeev’s bold move showed remarkable foresight. Naukri.com eventually became the market leader in online recruitment, surpassing other portals and newspaper listings.
Growth and Success of Info Edge
As Naukri.com’s popularity soared, Sanjeev expanded Info Edge’s portfolio with additional verticals:
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Jeevansathi.com – Online matrimonial portal
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99acres.com – Real estate listing platform
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Shiksha.com – Education-related portal
In 2006, Info Edge went public, becoming the first internet company in India to be listed on the stock exchange. Its IPO was oversubscribed more than 50 times, a testimony to the belief investors had in Sanjeev’s vision.
Today, Info Edge is a multi-billion-rupee company and has also invested in startups like Zomato, PolicyBazaar, Happily Unmarried (Ustraa), NoPaperForms, and ShopKirana, playing a crucial role in India’s startup ecosystem.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is known for his grounded personality, ethical leadership, and long-term thinking. He has often emphasized the importance of doing the right thing, even if it is not the most profitable in the short term.
He also believes in giving back. As a mentor, angel investor, and speaker, he has supported many young entrepreneurs and startup founders. His focus on building businesses with sustainable revenue models rather than chasing valuation makes him stand out in the fast-paced startup world.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Sanjeev Bikhchandani has received several honors for his contributions:
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Padma Shri (2020) – One of India’s highest civilian awards
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Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2008)
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Featured on Forbes India’s Rich List
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Regular speaker at TEDx, NASSCOM, TiE, and other entrepreneurial forums
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Honorary Doctorates from educational institutions recognizing his contribution to business and technology
Net Worth and Wealth
According to Forbes and other sources, as of 2025, Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s estimated net worth is over $1.5 billion (₹12,000 crore+). Much of his wealth comes from his stake in Info Edge and early investments in successful startups like Zomato.
Despite his billionaire status, Bikhchandani remains humble and prefers a low-profile lifestyle. His wealth is seen as a byproduct of creating real value rather than an end goal.
Personal Life
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is married to Surabhi Dewra, a fellow entrepreneur and founder of CareerGuide.com. The couple is known to share a deep passion for education and career development.
He maintains a simple lifestyle and actively participates in educational initiatives, mentorship programs, and philanthropic efforts. He also writes frequently on entrepreneurship, education, and ethical business practices.
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Legacy and Impact
Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s legacy lies in democratizing access to job opportunities in India. Before Naukri.com, finding jobs was often about “who you knew” rather than what you knew. By putting job listings online, he leveled the playing field for millions of Indians.
Additionally, his belief in India’s digital future helped shape the early internet economy. As a mentor, investor, and thought leader, he continues to influence generations of entrepreneurs.
From quitting a stable job to building one of India’s most iconic internet companies, Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s journey is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and purpose. He is not just a successful entrepreneur but a role model who represents the power of Indian innovation, integrity, and impact-driven leadership.
His story is a powerful reminder that with the right values and a bold vision, it’s possible to create a business that not only succeeds financially but also contributes meaningfully to society.