Cognizant interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview
Program Analyst
Cognizant
2 rounds | 6 Coding
problems
Selected Interview preparation journey
Journey
My interview at Cognizant was an incredible experience. The interviewer covered all technical areas, starting from Data Structures (DS) and Object-Oriented Programming (OOPS). The questions were not predefined; instead, they delved into my previous projects and assessed my ability to grasp new technologies. It was a comprehensive evaluation that truly tested my skills and adaptability.
Application story
I received a job offer through on-campus placements. The college authorities provided all the necessary information for applying to the drive-through email. Before registering, we attended a pre-placement talk, where they outlined the eligibility criteria, test mode, and different phases of the selection process. It served as a reality check, making us aware of the need to work hard to secure the job.
Cognizant conducts a comprehensive evaluation of candidates during the hiring process. The selection process at CTS includes the following rounds, all of which must be successfully cleared to be considered for the job opening:
If you register for GenC, your recruitment process will be divided into 2 parts:
Aptitude Test
Interview + HR Discussion
Round 1 - Online Assessment: The initial stage is an online assessment test. Those who pass this round will be invited for the technical interview rounds. The exam comprises three sections:
Numerical Ability: 25 questions
Verbal Ability: 20 questions
Logical Reasoning: 35 questions
Note: The entire round will be conducted for 100 minutes.
There is no negative marking.
Round 2 - Technical + HR Interview Rounds: Candidates who clear the online assessment move on to the technical interview rounds. The technical interview assesses your skills and knowledge related to the technical requirements of the position and the company. The questions will challenge your problem-solving and numerical reasoning abilities.
While some candidates may assume that the HR interview is straightforward, it is essential to remember that a poor HR interview can jeopardize your chances of securing the job, even if you excel in other rounds. The key is to maintain a positive and confident demeanor. A smile throughout the interviews is important, as they can be lengthy and demanding.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
Yes, I was selected. The technical and HR interviews at CTS were straightforward, but proper preparation and guidance are essential to crack the aptitude and reasoning tests within the given time frame. Although Gen C does not include a coding round, coding questions will be asked during the technical interviews, and you may be required to code in front of the interviewers.
Preparation
Duration: 6 months
Topics: Python, oops, Computer Networks, SQL, one core subject (for me Signals and System), DSA
Tip 1: Prioritise clearing your basics and engage in ample practice before the final exam to enhance your proficiency.
Tip 2: Effective time management is crucial to succeed in both aptitude and technical rounds.
Tip 3: Communication skills play a vital role in securing success during job interviews. Focus on improving your communication abilities to increase your chances of success.
Application process
Where: Campus
Eligibility: Higher than 60%
Tip 1: Include the subjects in which you are confident and can answer well on your resume.
Tip 2: Add projects to your resume and provide relevant links so that interviewers can review them, and you can showcase them during the interview if needed.
Interview rounds
01
Round
Easy
Online Coding Interview
Duration80 mins
Interview date15 Sep 2021
Coding problem2
1. Puzzle
There are 5 packages with different weights. The weight of the 1st package is 500 kg. The weight of the 2nd package is 50% higher than the weight of the 3rd package, and the 3rd package's weight is 45% higher than the weight of the 1st package.
The weight of the 4th package is 360 kg, which is 60% lighter than the weight of the 5th package.
To find the average weight of all five packages, we need to sum up the weights of all the packages and divide the total by 5.
Problem approach
Sure! Let's solve the question step by step.
Given information:
1st package weight (A) = 500 kg
2nd package weight (B) = 50% higher than the 3rd package weight (C)
3rd package weight (C) = 45% higher than the 1st package weight (A)
4th package weight (D) = 360 kg
5th package weight (E) = 60% heavier than the 4th package weight (D)
To find the average weight of all five packages, we need to calculate the total weight of all the packages and then divide it by 5 (since there are 5 packages).
Step 1: Calculate the weight of the 3rd package (C) using the information that it is 45% higher than the 1st package weight (A).
C = A + (45/100) * A
C = 500 + (45/100) * 500
C = 500 + 225
C = 725 kg
Step 2: Calculate the weight of the 2nd package (B) using the information that it is 50% higher than the 3rd package weight (C).
B = C + (50/100) * C
B = 725 + (50/100) * 725
B = 725 + 362.5
B = 1087.5 kg
Step 3: Calculate the weight of the 5th package (E) using the information that it is 60% heavier than the 4th package weight (D).
E = D + (60/100) * D
E = 360 + (60/100) * 360
E = 360 + 216
E = 576 kg
Step 4: Calculate the total weight of all the packages (Sum).
Sum = A + B + C + D + E
Sum = 500 + 1087.5 + 725 + 360 + 576
Sum = 3248.5 kg
Step 5: Calculate the average weight of all five packages (Average).
Average = Sum / Number of packages
Average = 3248.5 / 5
Average = 649.7 kg (rounded to one decimal place)
The average weight of all five packages is approximately 649.7 kg.
2. Puzzle
In a gathering of 36 people {a1, a2, ..., a36}, they circularly engage in handshakes. This means there are a total of 36 handshakes involving pairs like {a1, a2}, {a2, a3}, ..., {a35, a36}, and {a36, a1}. Now, we need to determine the size of the smallest set of people such that all the remaining individuals have shaken hands with at least one person in the set.
Problem approach
To solve this question, we need to find the size of the smallest set of people such that all the remaining individuals have shaken hands with at least one person in the set.
In a circular handshake scenario with 36 people, each person shakes hands with two other people (one on the left and one on the right). So, the total number of handshakes is 36.
Now, let's consider the set of people who have not shaken hands with anyone in the set. Since each person shakes hands with two others, there will be 36 - 2 = 34 people in this set.
To ensure that everyone in this set has shaken hands with at least one person in the set, we need to select a group of people that includes their immediate neighbors (on both sides). This way, each person in the set will have shaken hands with at least one person from the selected group.
Therefore, the size of the smallest set of people we need to select is 3 (considering the person and their two immediate neighbors). With this selection, the rest of the people in the set will have shaken hands with at least one person in the selected group.
So, the answer is 3.
02
Round
Easy
Video Call
Duration50 mins
Interview date17 Sep 2021
Coding problem4
The students who successfully clear the written round at Cognizant are called for the Technical Interview. In this round, the questions asked can cover a wide range of topics, depending on the interview panel. To pass this round, candidates must have a clear understanding of the basics and be well-prepared in subjects like Data Structures and Algorithms, DBMS, Operating Systems, Networking, OOP concepts, and a programming language of their choice.
For students from branches other than Computer Science, they should focus on preparing for the other two subjects related to their branch.
Computer Science students should be ready to write code during the interview, and the interviewers may also inquire about the candidate's resume. Puzzles may be asked as well, so practicing from the Puzzles section can be beneficial.
Occasionally, the interview may only include HR questions, such as "Tell me about Yourself," "Why Cognizant?", "How do you see yourself after five years from now?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", and questions based on the candidate's resume.
To gain an advantage and insight into the interview process, it is beneficial to learn from the Interview Experiences of candidates who have been in a similar situation. This can help you make the most of your preparation.
1. Resume/ Project based questions
I was asked questions based on my CV and projects during the interview.
Problem approach
Tip 1: Ensure that your CV contains accurate and appropriate information. Honesty is crucial, so avoid exaggerating or providing false details.
Tip 2: Focus on improving your communication skills as they play a vital role during interviews.
Tip 3: Display good gestures and maintain confidence while answering questions. It creates a positive impression on the interviewer.
2. HR Questions
1. Provide an introduction about yourself.
2. Explain your reasons for choosing Cognizant.
3. Describe your long-term vision and aspirations five years from now.
4. Share your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Address any questions related to your resume.
Problem approach
Tip 1: Emphasize and highlight your strengths during the interview.
Tip 2: Respond convincingly to make a strong impression.
Tip 3: Put in your best effort and thoroughly prepare for the interview.
3. Reverse Linked List
Moderate
15m average time
85% success
0/80
Asked in companies
Given a singly linked list of integers. Your task is to return the head of the reversed linked list.
For example:
The given linked list is 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4-> NULL. Then the reverse linked list is 4 -> 3 -> 2 -> 1 -> NULL and the head of the reversed linked list will be 4.
Follow Up :
Can you solve this problem in O(N) time and O(1) space complexity?
4. Technical Questions
1. Explain JAXM messaging models
2. Can you modify the constant variable in C?
3. Explain JAX-RPC
4. What is DLM (Distributed Lock Manager)?
5. How can a VFS (Virtual File System) layer allow multiple file system support?
Here's your problem of the day 
Solving this problem will increase your chance to get selected in this company
Skill covered: Programming
To make an AI less repetitive in a long paragraph, you should increase:
Choose another skill to practice
Similar interview experiences
Program Analyst
3 rounds | 4 problems
Interviewed by Cognizant
Selected 
1230 views
0 comments
0 upvotes
Program Analyst
2 rounds | 2 problems
Interviewed by Cognizant
Selected 1411 views
1 comments
0 upvotes
Program Analyst
2 rounds | 3 problems
Interviewed by Cognizant
Selected 1114 views
0 comments
0 upvotes
Program Analyst
2 rounds | 3 problems
Interviewed by Cognizant
Selected 892 views
0 comments
0 upvotes