Cognizant is in the news again and for the wrong reasons. The company is facing massive criticism for offering an entry-level annual salary of Rs 2.5 lakh to fresh graduates. Despite being a major player in India’s IT sector with a global footprint, Cognizant’s decision to offer a starting salary that has remained unchanged for over a decade has raised many questions on the company’s outlook in the current economic environment.

The Rs 2.5 lakh per annum offer, which is equivalent to Rs 20,000 per month before taxes, is considered inadequate by many, especially given the rising cost of living in metropolitan areas. Critics have been quick to point out the disparity between the salary and the expenses faced by fresh graduates at the start of their careers. One Twitter user sarcastically commented, “A maid working in 8-10 houses for just 30 minutes earns more than an engineer,” drawing attention to the apparent gap between specialized education and financial returns.

The Indian job market is currently under stress, with hiring freezes, layoffs, and the rapid integration of AI into tech operations contributing to an environment of uncertainty. For fresh graduates, opportunities are limited, and the prospect of starting a career with a salary that does not cover basic living costs has added to their frustration. Social media platforms are flooded with comments from recent graduates who feel that the salaries offered do not reflect the investment they have made in their education.

Many users have also highlighted the wider implications of such a low pay offer on societal perceptions about success and career choices. In one notable comment, a user shared a personal story: “I told my 14-year-old cousin to stop making reels and focus on studies. He replied: People with a viral video are making crores and buying expensive cars. So I am uploading videos on Instagram and YouTube. You studied and got a job…”

The response to Cognizant’s offer has been overwhelmingly negative, with many questioning how the company expects new employees to perform in today’s economic climate. The offer has sparked a debate not just about pay fairness but also about the value of higher education in a fast-changing job market. As one critic said, “Rs 2.5 lakh per annum is too generous.” The company is yet to respond on the matter. India Today has contacted Cognizant and will update this article once we hear back from the company.