Cognizant Increases Hiring Reach in India, Targets Tier-2 Cities
Cognizant is growing its operations across India, covering both major tech hubs and tier-2 cities, to reach a larger and changing talent base.
The move follows client needs and the company’s rising focus on artificial intelligence, senior leader Surya Gummadi said at the World Economic Forum 2026.
Speaking to PTI in Davos, Cognizant’s President Americas, Surya Gummadi, said that India has always been key to the company’s global plans and now plays a major part in its AI work as well.
Tier-2 Cities Added to Growth Plan
Cognizant has entered tier-2 locations such as Visakhapatnam, Indore, and GIFT City in Gujarat. At the same time, it is expanding further in large tech centers like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune.
“Growth in tier-two cities is an important part of our plan,” Gummadi said. He added that hiring in both large and smaller cities depends on what clients need. “We grow in major cities and also invest more in tier-two cities to reach strong talent.”
This mirrors a wider industry shift, as companies look beyond big metros due to better talent supply, lower costs, and stronger digital networks in smaller cities.
India Central to AI Work
Gummadi said India plays a major role in Cognizant’s AI efforts. Many staff members who support clients with AI work are based in India, along with teams in the US and other client locations.
“We also run our production centers in India,” he said, pointing to the country’s role in full technology delivery.
On AI skills, he said India has a track record of adjusting fast to tech changes. He added that schools and colleges are moving closer to AI needs, which helps the company hire new graduates who are partly ready for AI roles.
GCCs Still a Major Focus
As head of Cognizant’s Global Capability Center (GCC) business, Gummadi said GCCs remain a core focus. Cognizant itself started as a GCC for Dun & Bradstreet and has since helped many clients set up and grow GCCs in India and other countries.
The company uses a four-part GCC model. This includes setting up new centers, running and later handing them over, and growing or reshaping existing centers. Services cover infrastructure, real estate, hiring, training, and staffing.
With global firms moving faster on AI, Cognizant’s wider presence in India puts it in a strong position to support the next phase of digital growth.
Summary
- Cognizant is expanding its India operations across major tech hubs and tier-2 cities to meet client demand and access a wider talent base.
- India plays a key role in Cognizant’s AI work, with teams supporting global clients and production centers based across the country.
- The company continues to grow its Global Capability Center business, helping clients set up and scale centers in India with support across hiring, training, and operations.
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