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Cognizant Software Developer Interview Questions and Answers

Updated 6 Jun 2025

54 Interview questions

A Software Developer was asked 2w ago
Q. What do you know about software development?
Ans. 

Software is a collection of programs and data that instructs a computer on how to perform tasks and solve problems.

  • Software can be categorized into system software (e.g., operating systems like Windows) and application software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

  • Programming languages like Python, Java, and C++ are used to write software, each with its own syntax and use cases.

  • Software development involves various stages, in...

A Software Developer was asked 1mo ago
Q. Can you explain memory leaks?
Ans. 

Memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it, leading to reduced performance and potential crashes.

  • Memory leaks happen when dynamically allocated memory is not freed after use.

  • Example: In C/C++, using 'malloc' without 'free' can cause a memory leak.

  • They can lead to increased memory usage over time, slowing down the system.

  • Tools like Valgrind can help detect memory leaks during develop...

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A Software Developer was asked 2mo ago
Q. What is the procedure for configuring Snowpipe?
Ans. 

Configuring Snowpipe involves setting up data ingestion from cloud storage into Snowflake automatically.

  • Create a Snowpipe using the CREATE PIPE command.

  • Define the source stage where the data files are stored (e.g., S3, Azure Blob).

  • Set up a file format for the data (e.g., CSV, JSON) using CREATE FILE FORMAT.

  • Use the COPY INTO command to load data from the stage into a Snowflake table.

  • Configure notifications (e.g., A...

A Software Developer was asked 2mo ago
Q. What are the advantages of using Snowflake compared to other cloud data warehouses?
Ans. 

Snowflake offers unique features like separation of storage and compute, scalability, and ease of use compared to other cloud data warehouses.

  • Separation of storage and compute: Snowflake allows independent scaling of storage and compute resources, optimizing costs and performance.

  • Concurrency: Multiple users can run queries simultaneously without performance degradation, thanks to Snowflake's multi-cluster architec...

What people are saying about Cognizant

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a junior software engineer
1w
Job offer in Malaysia - legit or scam?
Hey everyone, I received a job proposal from Mindgraph for a Junior Mainframe Developer position in Malaysia (onsite). Not sure if it's a real deal. They found my resume on Naukri and the offer includes: * Experience: 3+ years on cardlink, VSAM, CICS, JCL * Location: Malaysia (Accenture client in Kuala Lumpur) * Notice: 0-60 days * Benefits: One-way ticket, 1-week stay, medical insurance, visa. Has anyone heard of Mindgraph or had a similar experience? Note : This is a permanent position with Mindgragh and you need to work with our client Accenture - Malaysia (Kaula Lumpur) & we will provide one way Air Ticket from India - Malaysia, 1 Week Accommodation, Medical Insurance and will take care of the Visa process also. Any insights would be appreciated!
Got a question about Cognizant?
Ask anonymously on communities.
🔥 Asked by recruiter 11 times
A Software Developer was asked 6mo ago
Q. Write a program to reverse a string
Ans. 

Program to reverse a string using array of characters

  • Create an array of characters from the input string

  • Iterate through the array in reverse order and append each character to a new string

  • Return the reversed string

🔥 Asked by recruiter 2 times
A Software Developer was asked 6mo ago
Q. What are the key differences between C and Python?
Ans. 

C is a statically typed language with manual memory management, while Python is dynamically typed with automatic memory management.

  • C is a compiled language, while Python is an interpreted language.

  • C requires explicit memory allocation and deallocation, while Python has automatic memory management.

  • C is more low-level and closer to the hardware, while Python is more high-level and abstract.

  • C is faster in terms of ex...

A Software Developer was asked 7mo ago
Q. Write code to reverse a list.
Ans. 

Reversing a list involves changing the order of elements to the opposite sequence.

  • Use built-in functions: In Python, you can use list.reverse() or slicing: my_list[::-1].

  • Iterative approach: Loop through the list and swap elements from start to end.

  • Recursive approach: Reverse the list by recursively calling the function on the sublist.

Are these interview questions helpful?
A Software Developer was asked 8mo ago
Q. What is a Java class?
Ans. 

A Java class is a blueprint for creating objects in Java programming language.

  • Java class is a template that defines the data and behavior of objects.

  • It contains fields (variables) and methods (functions) to manipulate the data.

  • Example: 'public class Car { private String color; public void drive() { // code here } }'

A Software Developer was asked 8mo ago
Q. Explain Java memory management.
Ans. 

Java memory management involves allocation, usage, and deallocation of memory in Java programs.

  • Java uses automatic memory management through garbage collection

  • Memory is divided into stack and heap

  • Objects are stored in the heap and references in the stack

  • Garbage collector removes unreferenced objects to free up memory

A Software Developer was asked 11mo ago
Q. What is Azure Infrastructure?
Ans. 

Azure Infrastructure is the foundation of Microsoft's cloud platform, providing a range of services for building, deploying, and managing applications.

  • Azure Virtual Machines for running applications and services

  • Azure Virtual Networks for connecting resources securely

  • Azure Storage for storing data

  • Azure Load Balancer for distributing incoming network traffic

  • Azure Resource Manager for managing and organizing Azure re...

Cognizant Software Developer Interview Experiences

131 interviews found

Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Hard
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
No response

I applied via Campus Placement and was interviewed in Oct 2024. There were 2 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Every single oops concepts
  • Q2. Every sql questions possiible
Round 2 - HR 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. I attended only technical not yet results announced
  • Q2. I attended only technical not yet result announced

Software Developer Interview Questions & Answers

user image Mayashree Maya

posted on 16 May 2025

Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

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

  • Q1. Tell me about yourself.
  • Q2. What is strength
  • Ans. 

    Strength refers to the capacity to withstand force or pressure, both physically and mentally.

    • Physical strength: The ability to lift heavy objects, e.g., weightlifting.

    • Mental strength: Resilience in facing challenges, e.g., overcoming failure.

    • Emotional strength: Managing emotions effectively, e.g., staying calm under pressure.

    • Social strength: Building and maintaining relationships, e.g., teamwork in projects.

  • Answered by AI
  • Q3. Which facilities are available for freshers
  • Q4. What facilities are available for employees
  • Q5. How can you work under work stress
  • Ans. 

    I manage work stress through effective time management, prioritization, and maintaining a positive mindset.

    • Prioritize tasks: I use tools like Trello to organize tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring I focus on what matters most.

    • Practice mindfulness: I take short breaks to practice deep breathing or meditation, which helps clear my mind and reduce anxiety.

    • Seek support: I communicate with my team when overwhelmed, al...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q6. How can your company assist fresh graduates in their career development?
  • Ans. 

    Our company offers mentorship, training programs, and hands-on projects to support fresh graduates in their career growth.

    • Mentorship programs pairing fresh graduates with experienced developers for guidance and support.

    • Structured training sessions on the latest technologies, such as cloud computing or machine learning.

    • Opportunities to work on real-world projects, allowing graduates to apply their skills and gain practi...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q7. Explain the concept of pointers
  • Ans. 

    Pointers are variables that store memory addresses, allowing direct access to other variables in programming languages like C and C++.

    • Pointers hold the address of another variable, enabling efficient memory management.

    • Example: In C, 'int *ptr;' declares a pointer to an integer.

    • Pointers can be dereferenced to access or modify the value at the address they point to, e.g., '*ptr = 10;' sets the value at that address.

    • They ...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q8. Can you explain memory leaks?
  • Ans. 

    Memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it, leading to reduced performance and potential crashes.

    • Memory leaks happen when dynamically allocated memory is not freed after use.

    • Example: In C/C++, using 'malloc' without 'free' can cause a memory leak.

    • They can lead to increased memory usage over time, slowing down the system.

    • Tools like Valgrind can help detect memory leaks during development.

    • ...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q9. Explain the mark and sweep algorithm
  • Ans. 

    The mark and sweep algorithm is a garbage collection technique that identifies and reclaims unused memory in programming languages.

    • The algorithm consists of two phases: marking and sweeping.

    • In the marking phase, it traverses all reachable objects and marks them as alive.

    • In the sweeping phase, it scans the heap for unmarked objects and reclaims their memory.

    • Example: If an object is no longer referenced, it will be marke...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q10. What is recursion?
  • Q11. What is a dangling pointers?
  • Ans. 

    A dangling pointer is a pointer that does not point to a valid object or memory location, often due to deallocation.

    • Occurs when an object is deleted or goes out of scope, but the pointer still references it.

    • Example: After deleting an array, a pointer to its first element becomes dangling.

    • Can lead to undefined behavior if dereferenced, causing crashes or data corruption.

    • Common in languages like C and C++ where manual me...

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Nothing
Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Not Selected

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

  • Q1. Say something your department
  • Ans. 

    Our department focuses on innovative software solutions, enhancing user experience and optimizing processes through technology.

    • We develop applications that streamline workflows, such as a project management tool that reduces task completion time by 30%.

    • Our team collaborates closely with UX designers to ensure our software is user-friendly, leading to a 25% increase in user satisfaction.

    • We implement agile methodologies,...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. What you know about software
  • Ans. 

    I know the basics of this.

  • Answered Anonymously
  • Q3. Any experience for works
  • Ans. 

    I have diverse experience in software development, focusing on full-stack projects and collaborative team environments.

    • Developed a web application using React and Node.js for a local business, improving their online presence.

    • Collaborated with a team of developers on an Agile project, enhancing communication and efficiency.

    • Implemented RESTful APIs for a mobile application, ensuring seamless data exchange between the cli...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q4. Why you choose this degree
  • Ans. 

    I chose this degree for its blend of creativity and problem-solving, enabling me to build impactful software solutions.

    • Passion for technology: I've always been fascinated by how software can solve real-world problems, like developing an app that helps users track their fitness goals.

    • Strong analytical skills: My coursework in algorithms and data structures honed my ability to think critically and approach complex challe...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q5. Tell about this job
  • Ans. 

    This job involves developing software solutions, collaborating with teams, and ensuring high-quality code delivery.

    • Design and implement software applications, such as web or mobile apps.

    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and deliver solutions.

    • Write clean, maintainable code and conduct code reviews to ensure quality.

    • Debug and troubleshoot software issues, improving performance and user experi...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q6. What did you feel this work
  • Ans. 

    I found this work to be both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to grow my skills and contribute meaningfully to projects.

    • I enjoyed collaborating with a diverse team, which enhanced my problem-solving skills.

    • Working on a project that improved user experience taught me the importance of user feedback.

    • I faced challenges with debugging, which helped me develop a more analytical approach to coding.

  • Answered by AI
  • Q7. Any preparation
Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
Hard
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
No response

I applied via Campus Placement and was interviewed in Jul 2024. There was 1 interview round.

Round 1 - Technical 

(4 Questions)

  • Q1. What is CNN ? Explain the process in detail
  • Ans. 

    CNN stands for Convolutional Neural Network, a type of deep learning algorithm used for image recognition.

    • CNN is a type of deep learning algorithm commonly used in image recognition tasks.

    • It consists of multiple layers such as convolutional, pooling, and fully connected layers.

    • Convolutional layers apply filters to input images to extract features.

    • Pooling layers reduce the spatial dimensions of the convolved feature.

    • Ful...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. What are LLMs and GENAI? what are vectors?
  • Ans. 

    LLMs and GENAI are machine learning models used in natural language processing. Vectors are mathematical representations of words or phrases.

    • LLMs (Large Language Models) are advanced machine learning models used in natural language processing tasks such as text generation, translation, and sentiment analysis.

    • GENAI (Generative Adversarial Network for Artificial Intelligence) is a type of machine learning model that uses...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q3. Explain RNN and LSTM and implementation.
  • Ans. 

    RNN stands for Recurrent Neural Network, used for sequential data. LSTM is a type of RNN with long-term memory capabilities.

    • RNN is a type of neural network designed to handle sequential data by maintaining a hidden state that captures information about previous inputs.

    • LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) is a type of RNN that addresses the vanishing gradient problem by introducing gates to control the flow of information.

    • Impl...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q4. Loss Functions and Activation Functions

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Be prepaid with all the topics in your Resume
Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
-
Process Duration
-
Result
-
Round 1 - Aptitude Test 

It was basic aptitude with general questions

Round 2 - Coding Test 

4 coding , 2 were easy 2 were tough

Round 3 - Technical 

(4 Questions)

  • Q1. Introduce yourself
  • Q2. SQL questions on Joins
  • Q3. Aptitude question
  • Q4. Coding question to reverse a list
  • Ans. 

    Reversing a list involves changing the order of elements to the opposite sequence.

    • Use built-in functions: In Python, you can use list.reverse() or slicing: my_list[::-1].

    • Iterative approach: Loop through the list and swap elements from start to end.

    • Recursive approach: Reverse the list by recursively calling the function on the sublist.

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - prepare well, easily crack it
Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Campus Placement and was interviewed in Nov 2024. There were 2 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Aptitude Test 

Logical reasoning,Quantative aptitude,Verbal ability.

Round 2 - Coding Test 

Array,Math Question,Searching,Sorting

Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

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

  • Q1. What are the main goal and experience for this role in the first year
  • Ans. 

    In the first year, the goal is to integrate into the team, contribute to projects, and enhance skills through collaboration.

    • Understand the codebase and architecture by reviewing documentation and existing code.

    • Contribute to at least two major projects, such as developing a new feature or optimizing an existing one.

    • Participate in code reviews to learn best practices and improve code quality.

    • Engage in regular team meetin...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. How would describe the work culture and environment of the company
  • Q3. What is the difference between final finally and finalize in java
  • Q4. What is the difference between== and ===operator in javascript
  • Ans. 

    In JavaScript, '==' checks for value equality, while '===' checks for both value and type equality.

    • '==' performs type coercion, converting operands to the same type before comparison.

    • '===' does not perform type coercion; both value and type must match.

    • Example of '==': 5 == '5' returns true because '5' is coerced to a number.

    • Example of '===': 5 === '5' returns false because the types (number vs string) are different.

    • Usi...

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - 1 Enhence the skills and qualifications 2 build a strong resume 3 prepare for interview 4 optimize your LinkedIn profile 5 stay consistent and positive
Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
2-4 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Company Website and was interviewed in Jun 2024. There were 4 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Aptitude Test 

It was moderate good question from Time and Distance, Good verbal question also

Round 2 - Coding Test 

Coding was Easy they ask basic questions prepare well they may ask to show prime number, odd numbers something like this for freshers

Round 3 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. They ask About Oops Concept and also about my college project
  • Q2. They ask me to show 2,3,4,5,6 which one is prime Number share your screen and write coding
Round 4 - HR 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. About My Hobbies
  • Q2. About location where you want to join

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - For freshers Learn basic coding if you are good in C learn basics question about C in whichever language you know learn basics of that too basic means Theory they may ask about that
Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Not Selected

I applied via Recruitment Consulltant and was interviewed in Sep 2024. There was 1 interview round.

Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. What is java class
  • Ans. 

    A Java class is a blueprint for creating objects in Java programming language.

    • Java class is a template that defines the data and behavior of objects.

    • It contains fields (variables) and methods (functions) to manipulate the data.

    • Example: 'public class Car { private String color; public void drive() { // code here } }'

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. Java memory management explain
  • Ans. 

    Java memory management involves allocation, usage, and deallocation of memory in Java programs.

    • Java uses automatic memory management through garbage collection

    • Memory is divided into stack and heap

    • Objects are stored in the heap and references in the stack

    • Garbage collector removes unreferenced objects to free up memory

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - basic oops and learn core java

Skills evaluated in this interview

Software Developer Interview Questions & Answers

user image Md Samir Alam

posted on 13 Dec 2024

Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
2-4 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed in Nov 2024. There was 1 interview round.

Round 1 - Technical 

(1 Question)

  • Q1. Basic of oops and its piller

Cognizant Interview FAQs

How many rounds are there in Cognizant Software Developer interview?
Cognizant interview process usually has 2-3 rounds. The most common rounds in the Cognizant interview process are Technical, Aptitude Test and Coding Test.
How to prepare for Cognizant Software Developer interview?
Go through your CV in detail and study all the technologies mentioned in your CV. Prepare at least two technologies or languages in depth if you are appearing for a technical interview at Cognizant. The most common topics and skills that interviewers at Cognizant expect are Java, Spring Boot, Maven, Core Java and Microservices.
What are the top questions asked in Cognizant Software Developer interview?

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

  1. What type of language do you prefer for complex algorith...read more
  2. U r the team leader you have to submit project tomorrow but two employees in yo...read more
  3. How is salesforce lightning different from class...read more
What are the most common questions asked in Cognizant Software Developer HR round?

The most common HR questions asked in Cognizant Software Developer interview are -

  1. Where do you see yourself in 5 yea...read more
  2. Tell Me about Yourse...read more
How long is the Cognizant Software Developer interview process?

The duration of Cognizant Software Developer interview process can vary, but typically it takes about less than 2 weeks to complete.

Tell us how to improve this page.

Overall Interview Experience Rating

4/5

based on 118 interview experiences

Difficulty level

Easy 35%
Moderate 56%
Hard 10%

Duration

Less than 2 weeks 76%
2-4 weeks 17%
4-6 weeks 3%
6-8 weeks 2%
More than 8 weeks 2%
View more
Cognizant Software Developer Salary
based on 7.3k salaries
₹2.5 L/yr - ₹21.8 L/yr
17% more than the average Software Developer Salary in India
View more details

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based on 503 reviews

3.9/5

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3.9

Skill development

3.9

Work-life balance

3.6

Salary

3.6

Job security

3.9

Company culture

3.2

Promotions

3.7

Work satisfaction

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