Ola's rival Uber is trying to set up a local engineering centre in Bengaluru.
Ola wants to be India's answer to Grab, which is into everything, starting from cab service and logistics to bike taxis and food and grocery delivery.
The Tiger Global-backed company says the layoffs would affect all teams.
Uber started its business three years ago in India and is now operating in over 20 cities with thousands of cab drivers.
A number of smaller players are said to be gasping for breath.