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Cognizant Senior Software Developer Interview Questions and Answers

Updated 25 Apr 2025

11 Interview questions

🔥 Asked by recruiter 4 times
A Senior Software Developer was asked 1mo ago
Q. What are microservices?
Ans. 

Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services.

  • Each microservice is responsible for a specific business capability.

  • Microservices communicate over lightweight protocols, often HTTP/REST.

  • They can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently.

  • Examples include Netflix and Amazon, which use microservices for scalability.

  • Microservices can be written...

A Senior Software Developer was asked 1mo ago
Q. What is a thread pool?
Ans. 

A thread pool is a collection of pre-initialized threads that can be reused for executing tasks, improving performance and resource management.

  • Thread pools manage a set of worker threads to execute tasks concurrently.

  • They reduce the overhead of thread creation and destruction by reusing existing threads.

  • Example: In Java, the ExecutorService framework provides a thread pool implementation.

  • Thread pools can help limi...

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A Senior Software Developer was asked 3mo ago
Q. What are the differences between IEnumerable and IQueryable?
Ans. 

IEnumerable is for in-memory collections, while IQueryable is for querying data from external sources like databases.

  • IEnumerable executes queries in memory, suitable for collections like arrays or lists.

  • IQueryable allows for deferred execution and can translate queries to SQL for databases.

  • Example: IEnumerable can be used with List<T>, while IQueryable is used with Entity Framework for database queries.

  • IQuer...

A Senior Software Developer was asked 12mo ago
Q. What is a CTE in SQL?
Ans. 

CTE stands for Common Table Expression in SQL, used to create temporary result sets that can be referenced within a query.

  • CTEs are defined using the WITH keyword

  • They can be recursive or non-recursive

  • CTEs improve readability and maintainability of complex queries

  • Example: WITH cte AS (SELECT * FROM table_name) SELECT * FROM cte

What people are saying about Cognizant

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Cognizant
Salary expectation
I have 5+ years of experience in springboot microservices, currently working in CTS and having 10L CTC , wanted to switch in Infosys or Accenture like companies, how much should I ask for 15L-18L ? Just worried if I ask more they can reject my application, please help me with some numbers
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🔥 Asked by recruiter 2 times
A Senior Software Developer was asked 12mo ago
Q. What are the SOLID principles?
Ans. 

SOLID principles are a set of five design principles for writing maintainable and scalable object-oriented code.

  • Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) - a class should have only one reason to change

  • Open/Closed Principle (OCP) - classes should be open for extension but closed for modification

  • Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP) - objects of a superclass should be replaceable with objects of its subclasses without aff...

🔥 Asked by recruiter 2 times
A Senior Software Developer was asked 12mo ago
Q. What is Entity Framework?
Ans. 

Entity Framework is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) framework for .NET applications.

  • ORM framework for .NET applications

  • Maps database tables to classes in code

  • Provides a way to query and manipulate data using LINQ

  • Supports various database providers such as SQL Server, MySQL, etc.

A Senior Software Developer was asked
Q. What is the difference between useMemo and useCallback in React.js?
Ans. 

useMemo is used to memoize the result of a function, while useCallback is used to memoize a function itself.

  • useMemo is used to optimize expensive calculations by caching the result and returning it when the dependencies don't change.

  • useCallback is used to optimize the performance of child components by preventing unnecessary re-renders when the dependencies don't change.

  • Both useMemo and useCallback accept a depend...

Are these interview questions helpful?
A Senior Software Developer was asked
Q. What are the use cases for useEffect in React.js?
Ans. 

useEffect is a React hook for managing side effects in functional components, like data fetching and subscriptions.

  • Data Fetching: useEffect can be used to fetch data from an API when a component mounts. Example: useEffect(() => { fetchData(); }, []);

  • Event Listeners: You can add event listeners in useEffect and clean them up on component unmount. Example: useEffect(() => { window.addEventListener('resize', ha...

A Senior Software Developer was asked
Q. What is a Concurrent Modification Exception and how can it be avoided?
Ans. 

ConcurrentModificationException occurs when a collection is modified while iterating over it.

  • Occurs in Java when a collection is modified during iteration.

  • Example: Using an Iterator to remove elements while iterating.

  • Can be avoided by using ConcurrentHashMap or CopyOnWriteArrayList.

  • Always use fail-safe iterators for safe concurrent modifications.

A Senior Software Developer was asked
Q. Singleton, mutable vs immutable
Ans. 

Singleton is a design pattern that restricts the instantiation of a class to one object. Immutable objects cannot be changed after creation.

  • Singleton pattern is used to ensure only one instance of a class is created and provide a global point of access to it.

  • Mutable objects can be changed after creation, while immutable objects cannot.

  • Immutable objects are thread-safe and can be shared across multiple threads with...

Cognizant Senior Software Developer Interview Experiences

10 interviews found

Interview experience
1
Bad
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
2-4 weeks
Result
No response

I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in Sep 2024. There was 1 interview round.

Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Mvc arch & life cycle and basic oops & experianced based
  • Q2. All sql practical questions

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - dont attend cts very bad experiance
Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Not Selected

I appeared for an interview in Feb 2025, where I was asked the following questions.

  • Q1. IEnumerable vs IQueryable
  • Ans. 

    IEnumerable is for in-memory collections, while IQueryable is for querying data from external sources like databases.

    • IEnumerable executes queries in memory, suitable for collections like arrays or lists.

    • IQueryable allows for deferred execution and can translate queries to SQL for databases.

    • Example: IEnumerable can be used with List<T>, while IQueryable is used with Entity Framework for database queries.

    • IQueryable...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. Middleware, Use, Run and Map functions
Interview experience
2
Poor
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
More than 8 weeks
Result
No response

I appeared for an interview in Sep 2024.

Round 1 - Coding Test 

Questions regarding Java 8, Spring Boot, and Microservices were asked.

Round 2 - Was selected, Not scheduled 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. NA - Not Available
  • Q2. Was selected for the 2nd Round as per the communication from them but they never got back or scheduled the second round after that.

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Market is really not good and these are really testing times. While I am barely surviving on 12 lpa with a 8.7 years of experience, I have given n number of interviews and performed a lot better than any of my previous interviews. Still I am not getting any heads up whatsoever.
Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
2-4 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in Dec 2023. There were 3 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. What is entity framework
  • Ans. 

    Entity Framework is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) framework for .NET applications.

    • ORM framework for .NET applications

    • Maps database tables to classes in code

    • Provides a way to query and manipulate data using LINQ

    • Supports various database providers such as SQL Server, MySQL, etc.

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. What is CTE in SQL
  • Ans. 

    CTE stands for Common Table Expression in SQL, used to create temporary result sets that can be referenced within a query.

    • CTEs are defined using the WITH keyword

    • They can be recursive or non-recursive

    • CTEs improve readability and maintainability of complex queries

    • Example: WITH cte AS (SELECT * FROM table_name) SELECT * FROM cte

  • Answered by AI
Round 2 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. What are solid principles
  • Ans. 

    SOLID principles are a set of five design principles for writing maintainable and scalable object-oriented code.

    • Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) - a class should have only one reason to change

    • Open/Closed Principle (OCP) - classes should be open for extension but closed for modification

    • Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP) - objects of a superclass should be replaceable with objects of its subclasses without affectin...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. What are design patterns
  • Ans. 

    Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems in software design.

    • Design patterns provide a template for solving recurring design problems in software development.

    • They help in making code more maintainable, scalable, and efficient.

    • Examples include Singleton, Factory, Observer, and Strategy patterns.

  • Answered by AI
Round 3 - HR 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Why you would like to join company
  • Q2. Why shouild we select you

Interview Preparation Tips

Topics to prepare for Cognizant Senior Software Developer interview:
  • SQL
  • c#
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - it takes a lots of time to get in to a project,please consider this fact

Skills evaluated in this interview

Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I appeared for an interview in Oct 2024, where I was asked the following questions.

  • Q1. Functional programming, threading, design pattern
  • Q2. Microservice communications
Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
No response

I appeared for an interview before Apr 2024, where I was asked the following questions.

  • Q1. What is thread pool
  • Ans. 

    A thread pool is a collection of pre-initialized threads that can be reused for executing tasks, improving performance and resource management.

    • Thread pools manage a set of worker threads to execute tasks concurrently.

    • They reduce the overhead of thread creation and destruction by reusing existing threads.

    • Example: In Java, the ExecutorService framework provides a thread pool implementation.

    • Thread pools can help limit the...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. What is microservices
  • Ans. 

    Microservices are an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of loosely coupled services.

    • Each microservice is responsible for a specific business capability.

    • Microservices communicate over lightweight protocols, often HTTP/REST.

    • They can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently.

    • Examples include Netflix and Amazon, which use microservices for scalability.

    • Microservices can be written in d...

  • Answered by AI
Interview experience
2
Poor
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
6-8 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Job Portal and was interviewed in Jul 2023. There was 1 interview round.

Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. React js useMemo useCallback difference
  • Ans. 

    useMemo is used to memoize the result of a function, while useCallback is used to memoize a function itself.

    • useMemo is used to optimize expensive calculations by caching the result and returning it when the dependencies don't change.

    • useCallback is used to optimize the performance of child components by preventing unnecessary re-renders when the dependencies don't change.

    • Both useMemo and useCallback accept a dependency ...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. React js useEffect usecase

Skills evaluated in this interview

I applied via Recruitment Consultant and was interviewed in Nov 2021. There was 1 interview round.

Interview Questionnaire 

4 Questions

  • Q1. Hashmap internal working
  • Q2. Concurrent modification exception
  • Ans. 

    ConcurrentModificationException occurs when a collection is modified while iterating over it.

    • Occurs in Java when a collection is modified during iteration.

    • Example: Using an Iterator to remove elements while iterating.

    • Can be avoided by using ConcurrentHashMap or CopyOnWriteArrayList.

    • Always use fail-safe iterators for safe concurrent modifications.

  • Answered by AI
  • Q3. Java 8 Features
  • Q4. Singleton, mutable vs immutable
  • Ans. 

    Singleton is a design pattern that restricts the instantiation of a class to one object. Immutable objects cannot be changed after creation.

    • Singleton pattern is used to ensure only one instance of a class is created and provide a global point of access to it.

    • Mutable objects can be changed after creation, while immutable objects cannot.

    • Immutable objects are thread-safe and can be shared across multiple threads without t...

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Be Confident about your answer. If you don't know be bold to express that or state that you can give a try

Skills evaluated in this interview

I applied via Referral and was interviewed in Apr 2021. There were 3 interview rounds.

Interview Questionnaire 

1 Question

  • Q1. Not asking in deep

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Just work on your technical skills.. that's enough for cognizant.

Interview Questionnaire 

1 Question

  • Q1. Be clear with concepts

Cognizant Interview FAQs

How many rounds are there in Cognizant Senior Software Developer interview?
Cognizant interview process usually has 1-2 rounds. The most common rounds in the Cognizant interview process are Technical, HR and Coding Test.
What are the top questions asked in Cognizant Senior Software Developer interview?

Some of the top questions asked at the Cognizant Senior Software Developer interview -

  1. what are solid princip...read more
  2. what is entity framew...read more
  3. what are design patte...read more

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Overall Interview Experience Rating

3/5

based on 7 interview experiences

Difficulty level

Easy 14%
Moderate 86%

Duration

Less than 2 weeks 43%
2-4 weeks 29%
6-8 weeks 14%
More than 8 weeks 14%
View more
Cognizant Senior Software Developer Salary
based on 1.2k salaries
₹13.8 L/yr - ₹25 L/yr
25% more than the average Senior Software Developer Salary in India
View more details

Cognizant Senior Software Developer Reviews and Ratings

based on 68 reviews

3.8/5

Rating in categories

3.7

Skill development

3.9

Work-life balance

3.4

Salary

3.6

Job security

3.7

Company culture

2.8

Promotions

3.6

Work satisfaction

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