Cognizant Clarifies Freshers' Salary: Rs 4-12 Lakh for Engineering Graduates

Welcome to the channel! Today, we're diving into an important update from Cognizant, a major player in the IT industry. After facing significant backlash on social media regarding an alleged annual salary offer of Rs 2.52 lakh for freshers, Cognizant has set the record straight. The company clarified that this salary figure was misrepresented and pertains only to non-engineering graduates with a 3-year undergraduate degree. For engineering graduates, Cognizant offers a competitive salary range between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 12 lakh per annum, depending on factors like the candidate's skill set, hiring category, and any advanced certifications they hold.

Clarifying the Confusion
The controversy began when a recent job posting for non-engineering roles with a salary of Rs 2.52 lakh per annum was widely shared online, leading to misconceptions about the company's compensation structure for engineering graduates. Surya Gummadi, Executive Vice President and President of Cognizant Americas, emphasized that this salary applies solely to candidates with non-engineering backgrounds, such as those with degrees in arts, commerce, or science. Engineering graduates, on the other hand, are offered much higher salaries in recognition of their specialized skills and the demands of their roles.

Investment in Talent and Training
Cognizant has a longstanding commitment to nurturing talent across various educational backgrounds. For non-engineering graduates, the company not only offers entry-level roles but also invests heavily in their training and skill development. This includes upskilling in IT and digital technologies, enabling these employees to advance within the organization and take on more technical roles over time.

Gummadi highlighted the company’s robust training programs, which are designed to prepare both engineering and non-engineering associates for the rapidly evolving demands of the IT industry. On average, Cognizant invests Rs 2 to 3 lakh per associate in the initial years to provide them with the necessary training, mentoring, and skill development opportunities. This investment has paid off, with many employees who started in non-engineering roles now holding key positions, from manager to assistant vice president.

Cognizant’s Commitment to Employee Growth
Cognizant is also committed to providing competitive compensation and growth opportunities for all its employees. Despite facing criticism for offering salary hikes as low as 1% annually, the company clarified that these increases vary between 1% and 5%, depending on individual performance and broader industry trends. Importantly, this recent pay hike marks the fourth such increment for many employees over the past three years, underscoring the company’s dedication to rewarding its workforce.

India’s Central Role in Cognizant’s Operations
India remains at the heart of Cognizant’s operations, with over 70% of its 336,000-strong global workforce based in the country. Cognizant continues to expand its footprint in India by opening new offices in cities like Bhubaneshwar and Indore, as well as expanding operations in Hyderabad. This growth is driven by the rich talent pool available in India, which has been instrumental in the company’s success over the years.

Empowering the Future Workforce
As AI and digital technologies increasingly shape the future of business, Cognizant is focused on creating new pathways for talent to thrive in India’s technology industry. The company invests continuously in training and upskilling its associates, sponsoring higher education and leadership development programs in collaboration with top institutions. This ensures that Cognizant employees are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, enabling them to work with global clients and accelerate their career growth.

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