Cognizant Technology Solutions is reportedly planning to hire at least 24,000 and up to 25,000 fresh graduates in 2026, marking a 20 per cent increase compared to the 20,000 hired in 2025., all thanks to AI. Of those onboarded last year, about 16,000 have already been deployed on client projects, while around 4,000 are still in training. This expansion proves that the company is increasingly relying on campus recruitment to strengthen its workforce.
The decision comes at a time when many fear that artificial intelligence could reduce jobs. Cognizant’s leadership, however, has reportedly explained that AI is actually helping them hire more freshers. By using AI tools, agentic software, and automation, the company has improved productivity at the entry level, allowing new graduates to contribute faster and more effectively. Partnerships with major AI platforms such as Anthropic, Gemini, OpenAI, and Microsoft are enabling this shift.
In 2025, Cognizant added about 14,800 employees overall, expanding its workforce by 4 per cent, while revenue grew at a faster pace of 6.4 per cent. In the December quarter alone, 1,800 employees were added. The company said this reflects a broader talent pyramid, with a larger share of early-career hires supported by AI-assisted delivery models.
Cognizant is embedding AI capabilities early in careers so that fresh engineers can quickly take on client work. This approach combines human talent with digital tools, making delivery more efficient. The company continues to recruit fresh graduates across geographies, including India and the US, reinforcing its global hiring strategy.
Financially, Cognizant reported fourth-quarter revenue of $5.3 billion, up 4.9 per cent year-on-year, and full-year revenue of $21.1 billion, a 7 per cent rise. Operating margin also improved to 16.1 per cent. These results suggest that the company’s billion-dollar push into AI is beginning to support both growth and hiring, even as client spending remains cautious.
