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Synopsis: A Bengaluru entrepreneur sparked a debate by criticizing the skill levels of fresh graduates in the IT sector, stating that even a Rs20,000 monthly salary might be too generous. His remarks, made in response to Cognizant's recent salary offer to freshers, have drawn mixed reactions online.
Controversy Over IT Sector Freshers' Salaries
The Indian IT sector has recently been at the center of a heated debate over the salaries offered to fresh graduates. The discussion gained momentum after Cognizant, a leading IT services company, conducted an off-campus recruitment drive where it offered an annual package of Rs2.5 lakh—equating to Rs20,000 per month—to new graduates. This offer, considered low by industry standards, has ignited widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning its adequacy in covering basic living expenses, particularly in cities like Bengaluru.
Entrepreneur's Harsh Critique of Fresh Graduates' Skills
Vatsal Sanghvi, a tech entrepreneur based in Bengaluru, has voiced support for Cognizant's salary offer, arguing that the skill levels of many fresh graduates do not justify higher pay. "The quality of freshers is often so bad that even Rs20,000 a month is overspending," Sanghvi commented, noting that many new hires lack essential skills, such as coding proficiency and professional communication.
Sanghvi described the offered package as more of a "training stipend" than a full salary, suggesting that those unhappy with the pay should seek other opportunities. He emphasized that the job market is open, and those who improve their skills will find numerous growth opportunities.
Online Backlash and Calls for Change
Sanghvi’s remarks, shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), have sparked significant online backlash. Critics have questioned why companies are not investing more in training freshers during their college years. Some have suggested that firms could establish partnerships with educational institutions to provide refresher courses, benefiting both students and employers.
Others pointed out the disparity between the offered salary and the cost of living in cities like Bengaluru, with one user challenging Sanghvi to live on Rs20,000 a month in the city. Another critic highlighted that the salary package has remained unchanged since 2006, despite rising inflation.
Cognizant's Recruitment Drive and Industry Impact
Cognizant's recent recruitment drive has set a new low in the industry, as the Rs2.5 lakh annual package contrasts sharply with the traditional entry-level salaries for engineering graduates, which typically range from Rs3.5 lakh to Rs4 lakh annually. The company's job posting, targeted at the 2024 graduating batch, highlighted the low compensation for candidates with any three-year full-time degree, leading to widespread online criticism.
One user remarked that the salary was "barely enough to cover a year's rent in a village and a few packets of Maggi," sarcastically suggesting that Cognizant was testing if people could survive on "chai and hope."
