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%
Personality test: 8%
IQ intelligence test: 8%
Presentation: 7%
Group panel interview: 5%
Drug test: 2%
Other: 2%
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I applied through university. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Cognizant (Nāgpur, Maharashtra) in Oct 2024
Interview
I was not selected but given technical assessment. It was medium to hard level assessment and the interview is also easy to medium mainly prepare sql queries , dsa and projects
Other Programmer/Analyst interview reviews for Cognizant
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.