The Board of Directors are pleased to present the Company's twenty seventh Annual Report and the Company's audited financial statements (standalone and consolidated) for the financial year ended March 31, 2025.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY
The Company's financial performance (Standalone and Consolidated) for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025 are as follows:
|
Particulars
|
2024-
|
-2025
|
2023-
|
-2024
|
| |
Consolidated
|
Standalone
|
Consolidated
|
Standalone
|
|
Revenue from Operations
|
201,434.09
|
100,685.02
|
1,81,501.33
|
78,872.73
|
|
Profit/loss before depreciation, Finance Costs, Tax expense, exceptional items and other income
|
28,902.74
|
19,638.51
|
22,175.54
|
12,470.44
|
|
Less: Depreciation/ Amortisation/ Impairment
|
3,418.17
|
2,636.82
|
3,033.33
|
2,191.63
|
|
Profit/loss before Finance Costs, Tax expense, exceptional items and other income
|
25,484.57
|
17,001.69
|
19,142.21
|
10,278.81
|
|
Less: Finance Costs
|
298.20
|
190.70
|
412.21
|
215.45
|
|
Less: Exceptional items
|
3,004.83
|
3,004.83
|
-
|
-
|
|
Add: Other Income
|
5,022.06
|
2,534.56
|
3,307.58
|
2,574.31
|
|
Profit /loss before Tax Expense
|
27,203.60
|
16,340.72
|
22,037.57
|
12,637.67
|
|
Less: Tax Expense (Current & Deferred)
|
7,186.18
|
4,114.92
|
5,478.37
|
3,158.65
|
|
Profit /loss for the year (1)
|
20,017.42
|
12,225.80
|
16,559.20
|
9,479.02
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income/(loss )(2)
|
1,839.63
|
1,469.86
|
399.12
|
11.13
|
|
Total Comprehensive Income/(loss ) (1 2)
|
21,857.05
|
13,695.66
|
16,958.32
|
9,490.15
|
|
Retained earnings including other comprehensive Income
|
44,608.01
|
21,879.42
|
29,968.65
|
14,708.23
|
|
Less: Transfer to Debenture Redemption Reserve
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Add: Tax benefit on employee share based payments
|
253.98
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Less: Transfer to Reserves
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Less: Dividend paid on Equity Shares
|
-
|
-
|
2,318.96
|
2,318.96
|
|
Less: Dividend paid on Preference Shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Less: Dividend Distribution Tax
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Balance carried forward
|
66,719.04
|
35,575.08
|
44,608.01
|
21,879.42
|
STATE OF AFFAIRS & COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE:
FY2025 was a game-changing year in our growth story, marked by Cigniti's strategic acquisition by Coforge Limited—a global leader in digital transformation. This union brought together two complementary forces: Cigniti's AI-led, platform-first assurance expertise and Coforge's domain-rich transformation capabilities. The integration has unlocked powerful synergies across product engineering, intelligent automation, and GenAI-powered quality engineering. A dedicated integration office has ensured seamless operational alignment and cultural synergy, laying a robust foundation for long-term value creation.
We strengthened our leadership in Al-led Digital Assurance and Engineering. Our proprietary platforms iNSta™, Zastra™, and BlueSwan™ were further enhanced with GenAI-driven capabilities, enabling adaptive testing, AI observability, and risk-based validation across enterprise landscapes. These innovations have helped us to scale assurance for over 10,000 digital applications. Analyst firms like IDC and Gartner have emphasized the critical need for responsible AI validation-citing the importance of testing for explainability, fairness, and safety-areas where we continue to invest and lead. Client satisfaction remained at a high of 92% (rated 4 out of 4), which is a testament to our delivery excellence and enduring client trust.
Financial highlights: The Company's consolidated total revenue for the financial year 2024-25 was Rs 2,01,434.09 lakhs compared to Rs 1,81,501.33 lakhs in the previous financial year. The net profit for 2024-25 was Rs 20,017.42 lakhs as against Rs 16,559.20 lakhs for the previous year.
On a standalone basis, the total revenue for 2024-25 was Rs 100,685.02 lakhs compared to Rs 78,872.73 lakhs in the previous year. The net profit for 2024-25 was Rs 12,225.80 lakhs, as against Rs 9,479.02 lakhs in the previous year.
During the period under review and on the date of Board's Report there was no change in the nature of Business. The Management's Discussion & Analysis (md&a) of the Company's global business during the year under review as well as business outlook, along with a discussion of internal controls & risk management and mitigation practices, appears separately in this Annual Report.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the year, the Company has not transferred any amount to the General Reserves.
DIVIDEND:
During the year, your Company earned profits. However the Board of Directors have decided not to recommend dividend instead utilize the profits for the growth of the Company.
The Company has a Policy for Distribution of Dividend under Regulation 43A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 This policy aims at laying down a broad framework for considering decisions by the Board of the Company, with regard to the distribution of dividends to shareholders and/ or the retention or reinvestment of profits and the same is available on the Company's website at https://www.cigniti.com/wp-content/uploads/policies/ Dividend-Distribution-policy.pdf? gl=1*lp435j* gcl au*Nzc1MzYyMDExLjE3NTY0MzcxMzE.
REVISION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
There was no revision of the financial statements for the year under review.
FUTURE PROSPECTS AND OUTLOOK
As we step into FY2026, we are strategically poised to lead the AI-first digital transformation wave. Our integration with Coforge expands our market access, enhances domain specialization, and strengthens our go-to-market synergies-particularly across BFSI, Healthcare, Travel, Retail, and Utilities. With Global IT spending projected to surpass $5.6 trillion in 2025 (Gartner), enterprises are prioritizing AI, cloud, and platform modernization-areas where our offerings are well-aligned.
To maintain our competitive edge, we are intensifying our investments in IP innovation, AI-native Centers of Excellence, and future-ready reskilling. Our people remain our greatest asset, and through structured upskilling in AI, DevOps, cloud, and data engineering, we are equipping our teams to deliver next-gen value. Our brand harmonization strategy for FY2025-26 is focused on amplifying visibility and consistency across markets. With a clear strategic vision, expanded capabilities, and a client-first culture, we are confident in our ability to drive sustained growth, deepen client impact, and continue delivering meaningful outcomes in a dynamic digital economy.
Looking ahead, Cigniti, now Coforge, is well-positioned to expand its leadership in Al-first assurance validation, intelligent automation, and product engineering. We remain sharply focused on deepening impact in high- growth verticals while leveraging Coforge's global GTM ecosystem to tap into new opportunities across North America, Europe, and ANZ.
With bold investments in GenAI platforms, skill acceleration, and strategic alliances, we are evolving into a transformation partner of choice for digital- first enterprises. FY2025 was not only a year of strong performance-it marked the beginning of a unified, innovation-led journey driven by agility, scale, and purposeful growth.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE COMPANY TO WHICH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELATE AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT & CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company subsequent to the close of the Financial Year to which Financial Statements relate and the date of the Report.
BUY BACK OF EQUITY SHARES
During the financial year 2024-25, your company did not engage in any buyback of securities.
SHARE CAPITAL
During the year, your Company has allotted 96,875 equity shares of Rs10/- each to employees under Cigniti ESOP scheme. The paid up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on 31st March 2025 is Rs 27,39,69,590/- divided into 2,73,96,959 equity shares of Rs.10/- each.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME
During the year, no options were granted to the employees of your Company. During the year, the company has options under Cigniti ESOP scheme 2013, Cigniti ESOP scheme 2015, Cigniti ESOP Scheme 2022 . The details of Employees Stock Option Scheme pursuant to Rule 12(9) of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014 are provided as Annexure - IV to this Report. Further, information pursuant to Section 62 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rules made thereunder and details of the Scheme as specified in Part F of Schedule - I of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 are available on Company's website and may be accessed at https://www.cigniti.com/
During the year, a reserve was made towards outstanding of Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) and Employee Compensation Expenses (Share based payment expenses) for the year ended March 31, 2025, of Rs 148.20 lakhs for FY2025, which includes Employee Benefit expenses detailed in Note No. 33. for standalone financial statements and Note No. 32 for consolidated financial statements.
Further, it is confirmed that the Schemes are in compliance with SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 and during the year under review there were no material changes in the Scheme.
TRANSFER OF UN-CLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND:
As per the provisions of Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 as amended, shares of the shareholders, and dividends declared who have not claimed dividends for a continuous period of 7 years, from the date of transfer to Unpaid Dividend Account of the Company, shall be transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority account. During the financial year 2024¬ 25, the company was not required to transfer unpaid or unclaimed dividend amounts to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), as the specified time frame of seven years has not yet elapsed.
Members who have not encashed the dividend warrants / demand drafts so far in respect of the unclaimed and unpaid dividends declared by the Company for the Financial Year 2020-21 and thereafter, are requested to make their claims without any delay to the Company's Registrar and Transfer Agent M/s. Aarthi Consultants Private Limited, at email id info@aarthiconsultants.com by providing folio no and other necessary details for the unclaimed dividend as mentioned in the below table. Pursuant to the provisions of IEPF Rules, the Company has uploaded the details of unpaid and unclaimed amounts lying with the Company on the website of the Company www.cigniti.com, as also on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
|
Financial Year
|
Rate of Dividend
|
Date of Declaration of Dividend
|
Due date to claim the Dividend
|
|
2023-24
|
Rs 3/- per share
|
03.11.2023
|
08.12.2030
|
|
2022-23
|
Rs 2.50/- per share
|
16.06.2023
|
21.07.2030
|
|
2022-23
|
Rs 3.00/- per share
|
16.06.2023
|
21.07.2030
|
|
2021-22
|
Rs 2.50/- per share
|
23.06.2022
|
28.062029
|
|
2020-21
|
Rs 2.50/- per share
|
04.06.2021
|
09.07.2028
|
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
The composition of the Board is in conformity with Regulation 17 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. Our directors bring essential qualifications and experience in general corporate management, strategy, finance, administration, and other related fields, allowing them to contribute effectively to the Company. None of the Directors are disqualified under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, or the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Details of remuneration as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are provided in Annexure III of this report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 the key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company as on March 31, 2025 :
a) Mr. Pankaj Khanna- Executive Director
b) Mr. Krishnan Venkatachiary, Chief Financial Officer
c) Ms. Naga Vasudha- Company Secretary and Compliance Officer.
CHANGE IN THE STATUS OF KMPS DURING THE YEAR:
During the year 2024-25, the following changes have occurred in the key managerial personnel of the company:
1. Mr. C. Srikanth (DIN: 06441390) resigned as CEO & Executive Director effective from the close of business hours on July 6, 2024.
2. Mr. Pankaj Khanna (DIN: 09157176), was appointed as Executive Director effective from July 6, 2024.
CHANGE IN DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the terms of Share Purchase Agreement dated 2nd May, 2024 by and amongst the Company, the promoters and members of the promoter group of the Company and Coforge Limited, the acquirer (Coforge Limited) has appointed new Directors in place of existing Directors on the Board of Cigniti. The list of all the directors with changes is provided below:
|
Name of the Director & DIN
|
Designation
|
|
Mr. Sudhir Singh (07080613)
|
Chairman & Non-Executive Director
|
|
Mr. Pankaj Khanna (09157176)
|
Executive Director
|
|
Mr. DK Singh (10485073)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Manish Sarraf (06415662)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Ms. Mohua Sengupta (09092519)
|
Independent Director
|
|
Mr. Saurabh Goel (08589223)
|
Non-Executive Director
|
Directors whose tenure completed or resigned during the last financial year:
|
Name of the Director & DIN
|
Designation
|
|
Mr. Phaneesh Murthy (00388525)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Independent
Director
|
|
Mr. Ram Krishna Agarwal (00416964)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Independent
Director
|
|
Name of the Director & DIN
|
Designation
|
|
Ms. Nooraine Fazal (03110948)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Independent
Director
|
|
Mr. Srinath Batni (03110948)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Independent
Director
|
|
Mr. C. Srikanth (06441390)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Executive Director & CEO
|
|
Mr. Sudhakar Pennam (01685123)
(resigned w.e.f. July 06, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Non-Executive
Director
|
|
Mr. C.V.Subramanyam (00071378)
(resigned w.e.f. October 01, 2024 - close of business hours)
|
Chairman &
Non-Executive
Director
|
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND STATEMENT ON COMPLIANCE OF CODE OF CONDUCT
The Company has received the required declaration from each independent director under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, confirming that he/ she meets the independence criteria as outlined in the Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The Independent Directors have also confirmed that they have complied with Schedule IV of the Act and the Company's Code of Conduct.
In terms of Regulations 25(8) of the Listing Regulations, the Independent Directors have confirmed that he/ she meets the criteria of independence as provided in clause (b) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 16 and that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exists or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective independent judgement and without any external influence.
During the year, Independent Directors of the Company had no pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company, other than sitting fees, commission and reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the Board of Directors and Committee(s).
The Directors possess integrity, expertise and experience in their respective fields.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION AND DISCLOSURES:
None of the Independent / Non-Executive Directors have any pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company other than sitting fees, commission and reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the Company which in the Judgment of the Board may affect the independence of the Directors
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Independent Directors are familiarized about the Company's operations and businesses. Interaction with the Business heads and key executives of the Company is also facilitated. Detailed presentations on important policies of the Company are also made to the directors. Direct meetings with the Chairman is further facilitated to familiarize the incumbent Director about the Company/its businesses and the group practices.
The details of familiarisation programme are available on the Company's website at https://www.cigniti.com/ familiarization-programme/
BOARD MEETINGS
During the Financial Year 2024-25 , seven (7) Board meetings of the Company were convened and held in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
There are various Board constituted Committees as stipulated under the Act and Listing Regulations namely Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Risk Management Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and Business Responsibility Committee. Brief details pertaining to composition, terms of reference, meetings held and attendance - of these Committees during the year have been enumerated in Corporate Governance report which forms part of the annual report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:
During the year, all recommendations of Audit Committee were approved by the Board of Directors
POLICY ON DIRECTOR’S APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION:
In adherence to the provisions of Section 134(3)(e) and 178(1) & (3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee approved a policy on Director's appointment and remuneration, including, criteria for determining qualifications, positive
attributes, independence of a Director and other matters The said Policy extract is covered in Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report and is also uploaded on the Company's website at www.cigniti.com.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The Board of Directors had carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, board committees, and individual directors pursuant to the provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations. The evaluation was based on a comprehensive set of criteria finalized by the board members. The Board considered the evaluation of the members based on one-on-one meetings, questionnaire and the directors who were subject to evaluation did not participate in the process. The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board excluding the Director being evaluated. The performance evaluation of the Chairperson and the Non- Independent Directors was carried out by Independent Directors. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee reviewed the performance of individual directors on the basis of criteria. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
A table containing the particulars in accordance with the provisions of section 197(12) of the act, read with rule 5(1) and Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is appended as Annexure -III to this report.
Further, managerial remuneration is also provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The information as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is applicable and forms part of the Report.
However, as per the first proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act and the second proviso of Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Report and Financial Statements are being sent to the Members of the Company excluding the statement of particulars of employees under Rule 5(2) of the said Rules. Any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the said statement may write to the Company Secretary, and the said annexure is also open for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
In pursuance of section 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors hereby confirm that:
(a) In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and there are no material departures;
(b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss of the company for that period;
(c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis; and
(e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and operating effectively.
(f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
DISCLOSURE OF ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the internal, statutory and secretarial auditors and external consultants, including the audit of internal financial controls over financial reporting by the statutory auditors and the reviews performed by management and the relevant board committees, including the audit committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company's internal financial controls were adequate and effective during FY 2025.
During the review period, these controls were tested, and no material weaknesses in design or operation were identified. Furthermore, no significant issues concerning the efficiency or adequacy of these controls were noted.
NO FRAUDS REPORTED BY STATUTORY AUDITORS
During the Financial Year 2024-25, the Auditors have not reported any matter under section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under section 134(3) (ca) of the Companies Act, 2013.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Indian Accounting Standards Ind AS- 10 and Ind AS-28 on consolidated financial statements, your Directors have provided the consolidated financial
statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 which forms part of the Annual Report.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE / FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE SUBSIDIARIES / BRANCHES/ ASSOCIATES/ JOINT VENTURES:
Your Company has eight wholly owned foreign subsidiary companies (WOS), two Indian wholly owned subsidiary companies (WOS) and two foreign Branches.
Foreign WOS:
1. Cigniti Technologies Inc., USA,
2. Cigniti Technologies (Canada) Inc., Canada
3. Cigniti Technologies (uk) Limited, UK
4. Cigniti Technologies (Australia) Pty. Limited, Australia
5. Cigniti Technologies (sg) PTE. Limited, Singapore
6. Cigniti Technologies (cz) Limited s.r.o., Czech Republic
7. Cigniti Technologies CR LIMITADA , Costa Rica
8. RoundSqr Pty. Limited, Australia
Indian WOS:
1. Gallop Solutions Private Limited
2. Aparaa Digital Private limited
Foreign Branch:
1. Cigniti Technologies Limited, South Africa
2. Cigniti Technologies Limited, Dubai
As per the provisions of Section 129 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, a separate statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the subsidiary companies is prepared in Form AOC-1 and is attached as Annexure-I and forms part of this report.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the Balance sheet, Statement of Profit and Loss and other documents of the subsidiary companies are being made available on the website of the Company.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any public deposits during the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025 and as such, no amount of principal or interest on public deposits was outstanding as on the date of the balance sheet.
Since the Company has not accepted any deposits during the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025, there are no instances of non-compliance with the requirements of the Act.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS:
Details of loans, guarantees or investments made under section 186 of the companies Act, 2013 are given in the note No 4 to the financial statements.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were on arm's length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. During the year ended March 31, 2025, there were no materially significant related party transactions, which had potential conflict with the interests of the Company at large.Thetransactions withrelatedparties are disclosed in Note 34 of Consolidated financial statements and Note 35 of Standalone financial statements to the Annual Accounts. In line with the provisions of Section 177 of the Act read with the Companies (Meetings of the Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014, omnibus approval for the estimated value of transactions with the related parties for the financial year is obtained from the Audit Committee. The transactions with the related parties are routine and repetitive in nature.
The summary statement of transactions entered into with the related parties pursuant to the omnibus approval so granted are reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
The Form AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is annexed herewith as Annexure- II to this report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY POLICY (“CSR”)
The Company has constituted a CSR Committee in accordance with Section 135 of the Act. The details of the CSR Policy of the Company, its development and initiatives taken by the Company on CSR during the year in terms of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 have been appended as Annexure-VIII to this Report.
With the mission to discover once again the social responsibility of developing economic, social and environmental capital towards sustainability, Cigniti crafted CSR projects in achieving the mission. Your Company believes and strives hard in sustainable development of society in which the enterprise draws economic and natural resources by enriching its capacity in contributing to the significant positive change in the economy.
The said policy is available on the website of the Company at: https://www.cigniti.com/policies/
DISCLOSURE OF PARTICULARS WITH RESPECT TO CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
A. Conservation of Energy:
Your Company's operations are not energy intensive. Adequate measures have been taken
to conserve energy wherever possible by using energy efficient computers and purchase of energy efficient equipment.
B. Technology Absorption:
Your company is a leading global provider of AI and IP-led Digital Assurance and Engineering services. We assist companies worldwide in accelerating their digital transformation, helping them become digital-first. We are committed to being client-centric and growth-oriented, delivering comprehensive and integrated solutions that are desirable, viable, and feasible for our global clients. By staying at the cutting edge of emerging technologies and leveraging these advancements, we aim to deliver significant business value. Our emphasis on innovation, design thinking, and emerging technology trends allows us to harness these developments for substantial business benefits.
C. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Out Go:
Foreign Exchange Earnings: t 73141.74 Lakhs Foreign Exchange Outgo: t 939.38 Lakhs RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Board of Directors of the Company has a Risk Management Committee to frame, implement and monitor the risk management plan for the Company. The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the risk management plan and ensuring its effectiveness. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. The major risks identified by the businesses and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
The development and implementation of risk management policy has been covered in the Management Discussion and Analysis, which forms part of this report.
VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY:
The Company has a Whistle Blower Policy and has established the necessary vigil mechanism for directors and employees in conformation with Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of SEBI Listing Regulations, to report concerns about unethical behavior. Employees may report their genuine concerns to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. During the year under review, no employee was denied access to the Audit Committee.
The policy provides for adequate safeguards against the victimisation of the director(s)/employee(s) who avail the vigil mechanism. The details of establishment of such mechanism has been disclosed on the website www.cigniti.com.
POLICY FOR DETERMINING MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
The Policy for determining the material subsidiaries of the Company is in terms of the amendments in the SEBI Listing Obligations & Disclosure Regulations, 2015. The said Policy is available on the Website of the Company at https://www.cigniti.com/policies/
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant and material orders passed by the regulators /courts that would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
STATUTORY AUDIT AND AUDITORS REPORT
The members of the Company at their Annual General Meeting held on 23rd June, 2022 have appointed M/s. S R Batiliboi & Associates, LLP, as statutory auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of 29th Annual General meeting of the Company. The Auditors' Report for FY 2024-2025 does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark. The Auditors' Report is enclosed with the financial statements in this Annual Report. The Company has received audit report with unmodified opinion for both Standalone and Consolidated audited financial results of the Company for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025 from the statutory auditors of the Company.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to provisions of Section 138 read with Rule 13 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 and Section 179 read with Rule 8(4) of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 the Company has appointed M/s. BDO India LLP, Chartered Accountants, Hyderabad as Internal Auditors for the Financial Year 2024-25.
The Internal Audit teams monitor and evaluate the efficacy and adequacy of internal control systems in the Company, its compliance with operating systems, accounting procedures and policies of the Company. Based on their reports, the corrective actions in respective areas are taken to strengthen the controls. Deviations are reviewed periodically and due compliance ensured. Summary of Significant Audit Observations along with recommendations and its implementations are reviewed by the Audit Committee and concerns, if any, are reported to Board. There are no significant audit observations made by Internal Auditors.
Further, the Company has appointed KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP as Internal Auditors of the Company for the Financial Year 2025-26.
COST RECORDS AND COST AUDIT
Maintenance of cost records and requirement of cost audit as prescribed under the provisions of Section
148(1) of the Act, are not applicable for the business activities carried out by the Company.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR & AUDIT REPORT
In terms of section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, based upon the recommendations of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors have appointed M/s. Ranjeet Pandey & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors to conduct Secretarial Audit of the Company for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025.
Further, the Board of Directors of the Company, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has approved the appointment of M/s. Ranjeet Pandey & Associates, Company Secretaries, having peer review No. 1912/2022, as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for a term of five consecutive years commencing from FY 2025-26 till FY 2029-30, subject to approval of the Members.
The Secretarial Audit Report issued by M/s. Ranjeet Pandey & Associates; Practicing Company Secretaries in Form MR-3 is annexed to this Board's Report as Annexure - VII.
Directors Explanation to Secretarial Auditor observations
i. In previous years, the Company made foreign investments in Cigniti Technologies Inc., USA, and Cigniti Technologies (Canada) Inc., Canada, Cigniti Technologies (NZ) Limited in New Zealand (striked off), Cigniti Technologies CR Limitada in Costa Rica, Cigniti Technologies (sg) Pte. Ltd in Singapore and Cigniti Technologies (CZ) Limited s.r.o, in Czech Republic without obtaining the necessary ODI/UIN from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As a result, the Company was unable to submit the required Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for these subsidiaries. To address this issue, the Company is actively working on obtaining the Unique Identification Numbers (UIN) from the RBI for the aforementioned investments. Once the UINs are obtained, the Company will promptly file the pending APRs.
The Company had received a show cause notice dated September 4, 2023, from Enforcement Directorate (ED) to show cause as to why the inquiry should not be held and penalty should not be imposed against the Company for the following contraventions:
• Failure to file Advance Remittance Form with RBI and non-allotment of shares/refund of amount received in the year 2013 against FDI of Rs. 151.49 lakhs from M/s Kairos Technologies Inc., USA within 180 days from the date of receipt of FDI (Year 2013);
• Failure to furnish ESOP Declaration Form to the RBI within the stipulated time in respect of receipt of remittance of Rs. i lakh from an employee of Cigniti Inc., USA; and
• Failure to timely submit to RBI Annual Performance Report (APR) in respect of overseas direct investment (ODI) made in Cigniti Inc., USA, Gallop Solutions Inc., USA, Cigniti UK and Cigniti Australia to the tune of Rs. 6,479.86 lakhs in the years 2012-2017.
The Company had submitted response on September 25, 2023, against the show cause notice stating that all the aforementioned contraventions were unintentional procedural delays and had requested that the penalty should not be levied. The Company had made application to RBI for compounding of delay in reporting of FCGPR, APRs, ESOP declaration form and FLA returns from 2011-12 to 2017-18 and has regularised the transaction with M/s Kairos Technologies Inc., USA. the Company had received the Compounding order from RBI dated November 7, 2024, for the aforesaid non-compliances demanding a penalty of Rs. 13.83 lakhs. The Company had accrued and paid the penalty amount. The Company is currently in the process of obtaining closure letter from ED for this matter.
ii. The Company has filed BRSR report in pdf mode with in the time limit while xbrl filing is delayed. Further RPT for half year ended 31st March, 2024 with one day delay. Additionally, the Company had filed intimation under Regulation 30 regarding resignation of Director and KMP with in time limit except that resignation letters have not been attached.
The Board assures that all necessary steps are being taken to comply with the regulatory requirements and to regularize these procedural lapses. The Company remains committed to adhering to all statutory obligations and ensuring transparent communication with regulatory authorities.
ANNUAL RETURN
As required, pursuant to section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 12(l) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 every company shall place the copy of annual return on the website of the Company, if any and shall provide the web-link of the same in this report. Since the Company has a website, the Annual return is uploaded on the website of the Company at https://www.cigniti.com/ investors/Annual Return
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Pursuant to Regulation 34 (2) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report for 2024¬ 25 describing various initiatives taken by the Company on social, environmental and governance perspective, is attached at Annexure-VI which forms part of this report.
The BRSR indicates the Company's performance against the principles of the ‘National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct'. This would enable the Members to have an insight into Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives of the Company.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
Management discussion and analysis report for the year under review as stipulated under Regulation 34 (e) read with schedule V, Part B of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations 2015 with the stock exchange in India is annexed herewith as Annexure- V to this report.
INSURANCE
The properties and assets of your Company are adequately insured. Further the Directors have been adequately covered under D & O policy.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has taken adequate steps to ensure compliance with the provisions of Corporate Governance as prescribed under the Listing Regulations. A separate section on Corporate Governance, forming a part of this Report and the requisite certificate from the practicing Company Secretary confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance is attached to the report on Corporate Governance as Annexure.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Board of Directors have adopted the Insider Trading Policy in accordance with the requirements of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulation, 2015 as amended from time to time. The Insider Trading Policy of the Company lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, and disclosures to be made while dealing with shares of the Company, as well as the consequences of violation. The policy has been formulated to regulate, monitor and ensure reporting of deals by employees and to maintain the highest ethical standards of dealing in Company securities.
The Insider Trading Policy of the Company covering code of practices and procedures for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information and code of conduct for the prevention of insider trading, is available on our website https://www.cigniti.com/ code-of-conduct-for-prevention-of-insider-trading/
CEO/CFO CERTIFICATION
As required under Regulation 17(8) read with Schedule II of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the CEO/CFO
certification is attached with the annual report as Annexure-IX.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013.
The Company has a Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the workplace, in line with The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. The Company believes in providing all employees a congenial work atmosphere, which is free from discrimination and harassment, without regard to caste, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, etc. During the year, the Company conducted 46 awareness programs and workshops at all locations. Employees are required to attend compulsory awareness and training program on POSH on our virtual learning platform.
The following is the summary of sexual harassment complaints received and disposed during the calendar year.
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S.
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Particulars
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Status of the No.
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No.
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of complaints received and
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| |
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disposed off
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1
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Number of complaints on Sexual harassment received
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Nil
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2
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Number of Complaints disposed off during the year
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Not Applicable
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3
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Number of cases pending for more than ninety days
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Not Applicable
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4
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Number of workshops or awareness programme against sexual harassment carried out
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43
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5
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Nature of action taken by the employer or district officer
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Not Applicable
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Further, the Company has complied with the applicable provisions relating to the Maternity Benefits Acts, 1961 during the financial year 2024-25.
OTHER DISCLOSURES:
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no such transactions during the year under review:
a. The details of application made or any proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016) during the year along with their status as at the end of the financial year.
b. The details of difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of one time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions along with the reasons thereof
THE DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND COMPANY’S OPERATIONS IN FUTURE
In terms of sub rule 5(vii) of Rule 8 of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, there are no significant material orders passed by the Regulators / Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future operations.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The Board thanks all the customers, vendors, shareholders and bankers for their continued support during the year. It places on record its appreciation for the contribution made by employees of the company at all levels. The Board also wishes to record its appreciation for business constituents like SEBI, BSE, NSE, NSDL, CDSL etc. for their continued support for the growth of the Company. The Board thanks the governments of various countries where the company has operations. It also thanks the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Customs and Excise Departments, the Income Tax Department, the Reserve Bank of India, the State Governments, and other government agencies for their support, and look forward to their continued support in the future.
For and on behalf of the Board Cigniti Technologies Limited Sd/-
Sudhir Singh
Chairman &
Place: Greater Noida Non Executive Director
Date: July 23, 2025 DIN: 07080613
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