Programmer/Analyst applicants have rated the interview process at Cognizant with 2.6 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 75% positive. To compare, the company-average is 69.4% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Programmer/Analyst roles take an average of 19 days to get hired, when considering 26 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Cognizant overall takes an average of 17 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Cognizant as a Programmer/Analyst according to 26 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 28%
Skills test: 17%
Personality test: 17%
Background check: 11%
Presentation: 11%
Phone interview: 6%
IQ intelligence test: 6%
Group panel interview: 3%
Other: 3%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied through college or university. I interviewed at Cognizant (Bangalore Rural)
Interview
It was 2 round process, one an aptitude test round and second the technical round. In technical round since I was a fresher they was not expecting much and since I said I have knowledge in JAVA they asked a few basic questions on JAVA.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked my knowledge and the subjects/programming that I know about.
I applied through other source. I interviewed at Cognizant (Bangalore Rural)
Interview
easy interview with basics questions of sql, python, java, ai , compared to other companies its easier to answer the questions, but need to be very skillfull on the topics
Format: Platform-based (e.g., HackerRank or LeetCode).
Details: 2-3 basic coding questions focusing on fundamental data structures (arrays, strings) and algorithms, along with a few multiple-choice questions on OOPs concepts, SQL, and basic networking.
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Format: Video call with a Senior Engineer.
Details: Review of the code written in the assessment. You are asked to explain your logic and optimize it. Basic conceptual questions follow, covering topics like:
Differences between interface and abstract classes.
Basic SQL queries (Joins, Group By).
Walkthrough of a college project mentioned on your resume.
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes.
3. Managerial / Behavioral Interview (Round 2)
Format: Video call with a Project Manager or Engineering Lead.
Details: Discussion focused on soft skills, situational judgment, and cultural fit. Common questions include:
"Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a team project and how you resolved it."
"Why do you want to join this company?"
"How do you handle tight deadlines?"
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
4. HR Discussion
Format: Short phone call.
Details: Discussion regarding company policies, location preferences, document verification, and basic salary expectations.
Duration: 15 minutes.
Simple interview. I got asked about my projects and stuff about expected behavior at the company. The technical side of the interview included problems from SQL and Python. Overall, not a bad process.