Cognizant’s recent job listing for fresh graduates has triggered a wave of online criticism, with many questioning the offered compensation. The IT giant’s mass recruitment drive for the 2024 batch has been particularly controversial due to the offered annual package of ₹2.52 lakh.
The Controversial Job Offer
On August 13, 2024, Cognizant announced an off-campus hiring drive for fresh graduates. The job posting, shared by Indian Tech & Infra on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted an annual salary of ₹2.52 lakh and a tight application deadline of August 14. The offer was positioned as an exciting opportunity for new IT graduates.
However, the reaction from social media users was far from enthusiastic.
Social Media Reactions
The announcement quickly attracted widespread criticism on social media, with many users expressing disbelief and frustration over the low salary offer. Comments ranged from sarcastic to critical, reflecting the general sentiment of discontent among aspiring IT professionals.
- Discontent Over Salary: One user questioned the practicality of the offered package, remarking, “2.52 LPA is very generous. What will the graduates do with so much money?” Another user commented, “This package was offered to 2002 batches. No House, No free commutation, No Free Food. All this to be managed in just 18 to 19K rupees after PF deduction in metro Cities.”
- Comparisons to Other Jobs: Critics drew comparisons with other occupations, noting, “Wow, 2 lakhs per year? My driver makes way more than that, working just 4 days a week. Lol.” Another comment highlighted the disparity in living costs versus the offered salary, stating, “Salary: 20k/month. Location: Pune, Bangalore, NCR. Basic Expenses: – Rent: 10k – Food: 12k (400 per day) – Transportation: 3k-5k. For basic living it costs: 22k-25k. This is too low for skilled labour!”
- Humor and Memes: The low salary offer also inspired humor and memes. One tweet read, “Cognizant guys while discussing salary with the new joiners,” accompanied by a humorous image. Another meme poked fun at the salary offer with the caption, “Cognizant guy on 29th of every month,” showcasing the disparity between expected and real compensation.
Company’s New Developments
Amidst the uproar, Cognizant is moving forward with its expansion plans. The company is set to lay the foundation stone for a new 10 lakh square feet campus in Hyderabad on August 14, 2024. This new campus is expected to generate approximately 15,000 new jobs, potentially offering opportunities for future hires.
Conclusion
Cognizant’s recent recruitment drive has highlighted a growing concern among IT professionals regarding entry-level compensation. While the company’s new campus aims to boost employment, the dissatisfaction over the current salary package underscores a broader issue of fair compensation in the industry.
