Programmer/Analyst applicants have rated the interview process at Cognizant with 2.7 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 87% positive. To compare, the company-average is 77.5% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Programmer/Analyst roles take an average of 38 days to get hired, when considering 141 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Cognizant overall takes an average of 18 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Cognizant as a Programmer/Analyst according to 141 Glassdoor interviews include:
Skills test: 23%
One on one interview: 18%
Background check: 16%
Phone interview: 10%
IQ intelligence test: 8%
Personality test: 8%
Presentation: 7%
Group panel interview: 5%
Drug test: 2%
Other: 2%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied through university. I interviewed at Cognizant (New Delhi)
Interview
My interview was a shorter one which lasted for about 25 min only . The interviewer asked me about my preferred coding language on which I said Java and was then asked 4-5 questions about it . He then went on to inquire about my project ,being from a non IT(electrical) background I explained my final year project in which he appeared quite interested . Later I was asked some HR questions to me. My other classmates told that they were asked to code and had to even solve some puzzle questions. I thought I won't be selected as he didn't gave me at code or puzzle to solve but surprisingly I was selected.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Started with Tell me something which is not in your cv , followed by Questions on Java and then my final year project .Concluded with HR questions
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.