Cognizant Technology Solutions is substantially delaying onboarding for recent graduates, with some wait times exceeding one year. The company reportedly issued tentative start dates extending as far as mid-2027.
This move reflects broader IT industry caution driven by uneven demand and geopolitical tensions. Increasing use of AI-powered automation tools further reduces the immediate need for human employees.
Cognizant still expects to hire approximately 20,000 new graduates in 2026. These prolonged wait times indicate a strategic shift to align hiring more closely with specific project requirements.