Cognizant Hike 2025: IT Company’s New Hike Scheme Raises Retirement Age and Expands Operations in India
Cognizant Hike 2025: IT Company's New Hike Scheme Raises Retirement Age and Expands Operations in India
Cognizant has announced a significant policy change, increasing the retirement age for its employees in India from 58 to 60. This move, referred to as a “new kind of hike,” extends employees’ professional lifespan, enabling them to contribute their expertise and experience for two additional years. The decision aligns with industry standards and highlights the company’s commitment to attracting and retaining experienced talent in a competitive market.
According to a memo cited by The Times of India, Cognizant stated, “This change aligns with common market practice and our commitment to attract and retain experienced talent.” The policy applies to all employees in India, including those working on-site without payroll changes. This strategic adjustment comes as most Indian IT firms currently maintain a retirement age of 58.
CEO’s Vision for India in Global Operations
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S recently outlined the company’s vision for India’s growing role in global operations during an event in the country. Recognized with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2025 award by President Droupadi Murmu, Ravi emphasized India’s importance in the global tech landscape.
“Cognizant employs 250,000 people in India. We started in big cities, but now we are moving to smaller ones, like Indore. Our future is predominantly India-based. We believe India will become the technology hub and office of the world for the next decade,” he told PTI.
Expanding into Smaller Cities
As part of its strategy, Cognizant is expanding operations into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to tap into untapped talent pools. This decentralization aligns with a broader trend in the IT industry, which seeks to diversify operations beyond major urban centers.
By raising the retirement age and focusing on India’s talent potential, Cognizant aims to solidify its position as a global IT leader while supporting India’s emergence as a global technology powerhouse.
