Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
About the Role
3.
Salary and Perks 
4.
Skills and Experience Required
5.
Preparation Strategy
5.1.
Eligibility Criteria
5.2.
Recruitment Process
5.3.
Written Test
5.4.
Group Discussion Round
5.5.
Technical Interview Round
5.6.
HR Interview Round
6.
Career Map 
6.1.
SDE 1
6.2.
SDE 2
6.3.
SDE 3
7.
Resources for Preparation
7.1.
Interview Resources
7.2.
Coding Resources
7.3.
Aptitude Resources
7.4.
Other Technical Resources
8.
Frequently Asked Questions 
8.1.
What are the various perks of working as a Software Engineer at Cognizant?
8.2.
What is the promotion process from SDE1 to SDE2?
8.3.
Which topics are asked in the written test of Cognizant?
8.4.
How does Cognizant conduct a Group Discussion Round?
8.5.
How to prepare for an HR Round?
9.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Software Engineer at Cognizant

Author Geetika Dua
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Introduction

Is Software Engineering your dream job? Are you made for the Information Technology domain? Do you want to be a Software Engineer at Cognizant?

If your answer is yes, then you are at the right place! Keep reading.

Introduction

Let us look at various aspects of grabbing a job as a Software Engineer at Cognizant.

About the Role

Software engineers play an important role in the industry. Software engineers develop new software, fix bugs, and release updates. They try to understand the demands of the customer and use their technical skills to tackle them. The role of a software engineer is a bit challenging. It involves solving real-life problems through code. 

logo

They tend to apply their algorithmic thinking and make real life easier. The demand for software engineers is at an all-time high in the 21st century for the same reasons. Software development engineer doesn’t blindly code; they also design high-level tasks like how the application would work, how to reduce the time complexity, space complexity, etc.

Salary and Perks 

The average income for a Software Engineer at Cognizant is Rs. 6,86,707 annually.

Average Income

Salary

Annual Salary 6.86 LPA
Base Pay 50k-52k

** Above salary figures are subject to change.

Along with the lucrative salary, a Software Engineer at Cognizant also has a lot of perks.

Salary and Perks

Cognizant is an employee-friendly company that gives certain advantages to employees-

  • Healthcare Support
  • Working Allowance
  • Education Support
  • Childcare
  • Insurance 

Skills and Experience Required

The following are the qualifications for being a software engineer at Cognizant:

  • A bachelor's degree in software engineering or information technology.
     
  • Professional and academic Java, Python, and C++ experience.
     
  • Record design procedures, including development, testing, analytics, and troubleshooting.
     
  • Proficiency with content management systems, HTML5, and CSS3.
     
  • A track record of building interactive platforms and applications.
     
  • A desire to increase professional skills through continuing education and training opportunities
     

Apart from these, a Software Engineer at Cognizant should also possess the following,

  • Strong technical skills 
     
  • Excellent teamwork
     
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
     
  • Experience with a customer and quality-focused approach
     
  • Ability to derive solutions from product requirements

Preparation Strategy

Let us look at the preparation strategies to follow as a software engineer at Cognizant.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for an individual to apply for the role of Software Engineer at Cognizant are:

  • Should have 60% and above in 10th, 12th, Diploma, Graduation (aggregate of 8 semesters) / MTech (Aggregate of 4 semesters).
     
  • No active backlogs are allowed.
     
  • Qualification – All branches are allowed for MCA, BE / BTech, and ME / MTech.
     
  • Must have excellent communication skills.

Recruitment Process

There are three main stages of interviews at Cognizant.

  • Written Test
  • Group Discussion Round
  • Technical Round
  • HR Round

Written Test

In the first round, Cognizant tests its candidates for sharp problem-solving skills.

The following topics are asked in the written test-

  • Mental Ability and Aptitude
  • CS Fundamentals
  • Data structures and Algorithms
  • Coding Questions

Group Discussion Round

This round is not compulsory to happen. In some interview processes, they can skip taking this round.

Generally, a Group discussion round tests your ability to think and present your views. It tests your teamwork and analytical skills. There are 8-10 candidates in a panel. GD round is a 10-15 minute round.

Technical Interview Round

After you qualify for the written test, it is time for the technical round. There can be one or more than one technical round. This information is conveyed beforehand.

The technical interviews revolve around-

  • Computer Science basics
  • Programming fundamentals.
  • Knowledge of languages like C, C++, Java, and Python
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
     

Refer to this video for more insights.

Along with the above, some questions may be asked about the latest technologies and software trends. For example, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, etc.

HR Interview Round

Human Resource Round is the last stage of the interview process. In this round, Cognizant tests the candidates for their behavior and personality. 

They make sure that the candidates are well-behaved, positive, and adjusting and are a good suit for the company.

The interviewer asks questions about your hobbies, team behavior, approach towards life, how to deal with problems and stress, etc.

Career Map 

The career trajectory of a software engineer goes in the following order-

SDE1 -> SDE2 -> SDE3

Career Map

SDE 1

A person who has recently graduated from a university and has joined a company as a software development engineer level-1.They may have zero to three years of experience as a software engineer.

SDE 2

A Software Development Engineer 2 understands the system on its own. Although, the company will provide him with any help that is required. The company expects an SDE2 to be a self-starter. He must have an ability of ownership.

SDE 3

If you are a Software Development Engineer 3, you should not only focus on one team, but you have to look after multiple groups at a time. You are expected to head important projects independently.

To get a promotion, a person needs to fulfill all the requirements. To get promoted from SDE1 to SDE2 and from SDE2 to SDE3, you have to polish your skills. They upgrade the post of an employee based on the performance of an individual.

Resources for Preparation

Here are the resources to help you prepare for your recruitment exam and interview at Cognizant.

Coding Ninjas has my back

Interview Resources

Coding Resources

Aptitude Resources

Other Technical Resources

To become an expert at Coding Ninjas Studio, explore it here.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the various perks of working as a Software Engineer at Cognizant?

Cognizant is an employee-friendly company that gives certain advantages to employees like Healthcare Support, Working Allowance, Education Support, Childcare, and Insurance.

What is the promotion process from SDE1 to SDE2?

You have to polish your skills to get promoted from SDE1 to SDE2. They upgrade the post of an employee based on performance.

Which topics are asked in the written test of Cognizant?

The topics asked in the written test are Mental Ability and Aptitude, CS Fundamentals, Data structures and Algorithms, and Coding Questions.

How does Cognizant conduct a Group Discussion Round?

Generally, a Group discussion round tests your ability to think and present your views. It tests your teamwork and analytical skills. There are 8-10 candidates in a panel. GD round is a 10-15 minute round.

How to prepare for an HR Round?

The interviewer asks questions about your hobbies, team behavior, approach towards life, how to deal with problems and stress, etc. It is good practice to rehearse these answers beforehand.

Conclusion

This blog has given you a brief overview of the role of a software engineer at Cognizant. It also covered the salary and perks, job expectations, recruitment, and interview process. For more blogs on Cognizant, refer to

Refer to our guided paths on Coding Ninjas Studio to learn more about DSA, JavaScript, System Design, DBMS, Java, etc. Enroll in our courses and refer to the mock test and problems available. Take a look at the interview experiences and interview bundle for placement preparations.

Happy learning!

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