Cognizant to Launch $190M IT Campus in Visakhapatnam, Creating 8,000 New Jobs

Cognizant to Launch IT Campus in Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam is poised to become a new powerhouse for the global IT sector. In an exciting development, Cognizant Technology Solutions, one of the world’s largest information technology and consulting firms, is setting up a state-of-the-art IT and ITES campus in the city. The company is making an investment of roughly ₹1,583 crore (approximately $190 million USD) to build this expansive campus, which is expected to create over 8,000 jobs and cement Visakhapatnam as a rising IT hub.

A Game-Changing Development for Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Government announced this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to boost the state’s IT and IT-enabled services sector. The state will allot 21.31 acres of land at the Kapulauppada area within the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) for this project. In an unprecedented move, the state will charge only 99 paise (less than 1 rupee) for the land, making this one of the most attractive investment-friendly policies in the region.

Why this matters:
✅ It positions Visakhapatnam as an attractive destination for global tech giants.
✅ Enables local talent to access high-quality, global job opportunities closer to home.
✅ Will aid in the state’s goal of becoming a top contributor to the Indian IT sector.

What Will the New Campus Offer?

Cognizant has announced ambitious plans for its new Visakhapatnam campus:

• Location: Kapulauppada area, Visakhapatnam.
• Investment: Approximately ₹1,583 crore ($190 million).
• Employment: Creation of 8,000 direct jobs over the coming years.
• Timeline: Operations expected to commence by March 2029.
• Facilities: State-of-the-art buildings, collaborative spaces, dedicated areas for research & development, training centers, and more.

A Win for the Local Economy

This project is poised to have a significant economic and social impact:

1. Creating High-Value Jobs

The new campus will primarily hire software developers, business analysts, data scientists, project managers, and other roles across IT and ITES disciplines. This means more opportunities for local graduates and experienced professionals looking for a global work environment closer to home.

2. Attracting Ancillary Services and Infrastructure

A large corporate campus doesn’t operate in isolation. Its arrival will drive growth in related sectors — hospitality, transportation, residential housing, and other service industries — benefiting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

3. Enhancing the City’s IT Profile

With Cognizant joining the ranks of multinational firms in Visakhapatnam, the city strengthens its position as a growing IT hub in southern India. This can attract other global players, making the area more competitive and robust

What This Means for Young Graduates

With the establishment of this campus, the future looks brighter for engineering and business graduates in Andhra Pradesh and across India. The move:

• Will create entry-level roles for freshers across disciplines.
• Will foster internship and training opportunities, making it an ideal learning ground for newcomers.
• Will open the door for cross-disciplinary roles that combine technology, design, and business.

Tip for Job Seekers:
Stay updated with Cognizant’s career page, online job platforms, and local placement drives. Upskill in programming languages, data analytics, AI, and cloud technologies — these are areas that global firms like Cognizant hire for extensively.

Why Visakhapatnam? A Smart Choice

Visakhapatnam, often called “The Jewel of the East Coast”, has emerged as a promising site for global businesses. Here’s why:

✅ Strong Government Support

With policies like land allocation at symbolic pricing (99 paise), Andhra Pradesh demonstrates its commitment to making Visakhapatnam a top investment destination.

✅ Growing Talent Pool

The city is home to reputable engineering and management institutes, ensuring a steady stream of skilled professionals.

✅ Improved Infrastructure

Modern highways, an international airport, and a robust broadband network make Visakhapatnam a highly connected, future-ready city.

✅ Quality of Life

Known for its beautiful beaches, affordable cost of living, and a safe environment, Visakhapatnam is ideal for families and professionals alike.

What This Means for Andhra Pradesh

Cognizant’s investment is more than just a corporate move — it’s a signal that Andhra Pradesh is open for business. The state has long aimed to shift from an agriculture-heavy economy to a technology and services powerhouse. Projects like this solidify that shift.

In fact, this initiative can:

• Encourage other multinational firms to consider Visakhapatnam for their expansion.
• Elevate the state’s position in national rankings for business-friendliness and investment appeal.
• Create long-term benefits by nurturing a highly skilled workforce that can compete globally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the new Cognizant campus in Visakhapatnam be operational?

The campus is expected to begin operations by March 2029.

2. How many jobs will be created by this project?

Cognizant aims to create approximately 8,000 direct jobs.

3. What is the investment for the new campus?

The total investment is roughly ₹1,583 crore, or about $190 million USD.

4. Why is Visakhapatnam a favorable location for this campus?

Visakhapatnam offers a strong talent pool, robust infrastructure, and state government incentives, making it ideal for global firms like Cognizant.

5. Will fresh graduates benefit from this?

Yes! The new campus will create a range of entry-level roles ideal for fresh graduates and early-career professionals.

Final Takeaway

Cognizant’s decision to invest ₹1,583 crore in Visakhapatnam marks a pivotal chapter in the city’s growth story. Beyond creating 8,000 jobs, it symbolizes a larger trend — global technology firms are looking towards India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities for long-term growth. For job seekers, students, entrepreneurs, and established professionals, this is a beacon of opportunity.

With its deep talent pool, quality infrastructure, and strong government support, Visakhapatnam is quickly evolving into a top destination for IT and ITES ventures. The future shines bright for this coastal city and its people.