Cognizant Salary Hike 2025: What You Need to Know

Cognizant has announced a much-awaited update for its employees in India. Starting November 1, 2025, the IT giant will roll out salary hikes for 80% of eligible employees, after deferring increments earlier this year.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Hike Cycle

• Coverage: 80% of eligible employees, up to the senior associate level.

• Performance-linked hikes:
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  ⁠- High performers in India will receive high single-digit increases.
  
  - Other eligible employees will see merit-based adjustments varying by performance rating and role.

• Timing: Unlike last year’s cycle (delayed to August), the 2025 revision will take effect in November.

• Bonuses: Earlier this year, Cognizant awarded its highest bonuses in three years, signaling a continued focus on performance-based pay.

Industry Context

The salary update comes amid growing job anxiety across the IT sector. TCS recently announced layoffs of over 12,000 employees and deferred hikes, while Infosys and Wipro remain cautious in revising pay.

Cognizant’s decision stands out as a move to retain top performers and boost morale, especially at a time when digital skills and fresh talent are in high demand. The company has also added 7,500 employees in Q2 2025, mostly freshers, and aims to hire 15,000–20,000 this year.

What This Means for IT Professionals

If you’re already at Cognizant, performance ratings will heavily influence your hike. For job seekers, the company’s ongoing fresher intake and stable growth outlook make it a strong option in a shaky market.

Explore Opportunities Now

• Check out the latest openings on Cognizant Careers India.

• Stay connected with industry updates, opportunities, and trends through InRadius, your trusted career navigator.

Your Top Questions Answered

1. When will Cognizant implement salary hikes in 2025?
Cognizant’s 2025 salary hike cycle will start from November 1, 2025, covering eligible employees up to the senior associate level.

2. How much salary hike can Cognizant employees expect in 2025?
High performers can expect high single-digit increases, while other employees will receive merit-based adjustments depending on their performance rating and role.

3. Who is eligible for the 2025 Cognizant salary hike?
The hike applies to 80% of eligible employees in India, mainly up to the senior associate level.

4. How does Cognizant determine performance ratings for salary hikes?
Cognizant evaluates employees based on annual performance reviews, factoring in project contributions, skill development, and peer feedback. High ratings lead to higher increments.

5. Will Cognizant give bonuses along with the salary hike in 2025?
Yes, earlier in 2025, Cognizant awarded its highest bonuses in three years, emphasizing performance-based rewards.

6. How does Cognizant’s salary hike compare with other IT companies?
Unlike some IT peers who deferred hikes or announced layoffs, Cognizant’s hike signals a focus on talent retention, especially for high performers, making it attractive in a cautious IT market.

7. What should job seekers know about joining Cognizant in 2025?
Cognizant continues to hire freshers and experienced professionals, with 7,500 new employees added in Q2 2025. A stable growth outlook and performance-linked pay make it a promising option for job seekers.

8. How can I check the latest openings at Cognizant India?
Visit Cognizant Careers India to explore current openings and application details.

9. Where can I compare Cognizant salaries and career growth?
Platforms like InRadius allow you to compare salaries, career progression, and opportunities at Cognizant and other top IT companies in India.

10. Are digital skills and fresh talent important for salary hikes at Cognizant?
Yes, Cognizant’s focus on digital skillsets and hiring fresh talent shows that employees with in-demand technical skills may have better growth and hike opportunities.