New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- Artificial intelligence agents could soon handle up to 40% of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp's client work, and whether its human workforce increases or decreases will depend on how fast the company grows.

That was Cognizant's chief financial officer, Jatin Dalal, in a fireside chat with BMO Capital Markets' Keith Bachman on Thursday as the Nasdaq-listed company battles peers to retain and win clients amid uncertain demand and fears of AI-led deflation.

Dalal said 70% of a client's work needs exact answers, while 30% depends on judgement and likely outcomes. The company is looking at selling both human and agentic workforces to clients.

"So, if we are providing that, we will naturally have 30, 40% of work bei...