The Indian IT industry is no stranger to heated debates over fresher salaries, but the recent uproar surrounding Cognizant Rs 2.5 lakh per annum (LPA) job offer has taken center stage.
As fresh graduates grapple with limited job prospects and rising living costs, the tech giant’s static salary level since 2002 has sparked widespread discontent.
Amidst this controversy, an entrepreneur from Bengaluru has stepped forward to defend Cognizant position, arguing that the money should be viewed as a stipend, given the company’s commitment to training these new hires.
Cognizant Faces Backlash; and Social Media Outcry
Cognizant decision to offer a meager Rs 2.5 LPA to engineering freshers triggered a storm on social media. Many users pointed out the stark disparity between this salary and the cost of living, especially in metropolitan areas.
Some even humorously questioned whether graduates could survive on “tea and optimism” with such minimal compensation.
The frustration was palpable, and comparisons were drawn—some cheekily suggesting that drivers earn more than these entry-level professionals.
Vatsal Sanghvi’s Defense
Vatsal Sanghvi, founder of 1811 Labs—an experimental studio specializing in GenAI SaaS—came to Cognizant’s defense.
His argument centered on the perceived quality of freshers entering the workforce. According to Vatsal , many lack essential professional skills: effective communication, proper coding abilities, and appropriate behavior.
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He boldly stated that even Rs 20,000 per month would be overspending for some of these candidates.
Training Stipend or Unfair Compensation?
Vatsal’s perspective is clear: Cognizant’s offer should be seen as a training stipend. He emphasizes that it’s an open market—if applicants find it unfair, they can choose not to apply.
Unlike other gigs, Cognizant provides ample opportunities for growth if individuals focus on building their skills. Vatsal’s candid take reflects the ground reality he perceives, where quality often falls short of expectations.
In this ongoing saga, opinions clash, and the tech industry grapples with the delicate balance between affordability and talent acquisition. As the debate rages on, one thing remains certain: freshers are at the heart of this battle for fair compensation and professional readiness.
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