Cognizant’s recent announcement of a ₹2.5 lakh per annum (LPA) salary for fresh graduates has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms. The IT giant’s off-campus recruitment drive for the 2024 batch, which was publicized on August 13, has drawn ire not only for the low compensation but also for the broader implications it has on the tech industry and entry-level salaries.
The Controversy Over Freshers’ Pay
The job posting, which quickly went viral, was met with a wave of mockery and discontent from users on X (formerly Twitter). Many commentators highlighted the stark reality of living expenses in major Indian cities, arguing that the offered salary is insufficient for basic needs. One user sarcastically noted that the salary was “very generous,” questioning what graduates could possibly do with such a meager amount. Another pointed out that the package seemed more fitting for graduates from two decades ago, stating, “This package was offered to 2002 batches” and lamenting the lack of benefits like housing or transportation allowances.
Critics have drawn comparisons between the entry-level salary and earnings from other professions, with some stating that food delivery workers or even street vendors could earn more than a fresh IT graduate. This sentiment was echoed by numerous memes circulating online, illustrating the absurdity of the situation and the frustration felt by many aspiring tech professionals.
Rising Concerns in the Tech Industry
The backlash against Cognizant’s pay offer reflects a growing concern within the tech industry about stagnating salaries for entry-level positions. Many users pointed out that while the cost of living continues to rise, salaries appear to be declining or remaining stagnant. One commentator noted that the average entry-level package ten years ago was around ₹3 LPA, suggesting that the industry is not keeping pace with inflation or the economic realities faced by new graduates.
Spotlight on Executive Compensation
Amid this uproar, attention has also turned to the compensation of Cognizant’s CEO, which raises questions about the disparity between executive pay and that of entry-level employees. While specific figures for the CEO’s salary were not detailed in the search results, the contrast between high executive compensation and low entry-level salaries is a recurring theme in corporate discussions, often leading to public outcry and demands for more equitable pay structures within organizations.
Here’s How Netizens Reacted:
One user on X write’s, “Cognizant is offering Rs. 2.52 LPA for engineers! Meanwhile a helper job at a momo shop earns Rs. 3 LPA!”.
Cognizant is offering Rs. 2.52 LPA for engineers!
Meanwhile, a helper job at a momo shop earns Rs. 3LPA! https://t.co/PBQ2rAaFAQ pic.twitter.com/0KmM8dh46d
— Amit Misra (@amit6060) August 13, 2024
Another user wrote, “2.52 LPA SERIOUSLY? Our sanitation workers earn more than this in a month…
2.52 LPA SERIOUSLY?
Our sanitation workers earn more than this in a month 😠#Cognizant #Indian pic.twitter.com/SEA2Lk1BHW— Amit Kumar (@ImKumrAmit) August 13, 2024
Conclusion
Cognizant’s ₹2.5 LPA offer has not only sparked a debate about fair compensation for fresh graduates but has also highlighted broader issues within the tech industry regarding salary trends and the treatment of entry-level employees. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how companies will respond to these criticisms and whether changes will be made to improve compensation for new entrants in the workforce.
