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Cognizant Software Engineer Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

Updated 28 Jun 2025

22 Interview questions

A Software Engineer was asked 12mo ago
Q. Write code to remove duplicate entries in a string.
Ans. 

This code removes duplicate characters from a string while preserving the original order.

  • Use a set to track seen characters. Example: 'hello' -> 'helo'.

  • Iterate through the string and build a new string with unique characters.

  • Consider using a list to maintain order before joining it back to a string.

  • Example code in Python: 'result = ''.join(sorted(set(input_string), key=input_string.index))'.

A Software Engineer was asked 12mo ago
Q. What are the differences between Java 7 and Java 8?
Ans. 

Java 8 introduced significant enhancements over Java 7, including lambdas, streams, and new date/time APIs.

  • Lambda Expressions: Java 8 introduced lambda expressions, allowing for more concise and functional-style programming. Example: (x, y) -> x + y.

  • Streams API: Java 8 added the Streams API for processing sequences of elements, enabling operations like filter, map, and reduce. Example: list.stream().filter(x -&...

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🔥 Asked by recruiter 2 times
A Software Engineer was asked
Q. Explain the OOP concepts.
Ans. 

OOPs concepts are the fundamental principles of Object-Oriented Programming.

  • Abstraction: Hiding implementation details and showing only necessary information.

  • Encapsulation: Binding data and functions together to protect data from outside interference.

  • Inheritance: Acquiring properties and behavior of a parent class by a child class.

  • Polymorphism: Ability of an object to take many forms or have multiple behaviors.

A Software Engineer was asked
Q. What is a variable, and can you provide a basic code example demonstrating its use?
Ans. 

A variable is a container that holds a value. A structure is a collection of variables of different data types.

  • Variables are declared with a data type and a name, and can be assigned a value.

  • Structures are declared using the 'struct' keyword and can contain variables of different data types.

  • Example code: int age = 25; struct person { char name[20]; int age; float height; };

  • Variables and structures are fundamental ...

What people are saying about Cognizant

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schedule2
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2w
works at
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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A Software Engineer was asked
Q. Write a program using recursion.
Ans. 

A program using recursion

  • Recursion is a technique where a function calls itself to solve a problem

  • It involves a base case and a recursive case

  • Examples include factorial, Fibonacci sequence, and binary search

🔥 Asked by recruiter 2 times
A Software Engineer was asked
Q. What are design patterns in Java?
Ans. 

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

  • Design patterns provide a standard way to solve common problems in software development.

  • They help in creating flexible, reusable, and maintainable code.

  • Examples of design patterns include Singleton, Factory, Observer, and Decorator.

  • Design patterns can be categorized into three types: creational, structural, and behavioral.

A Software Engineer was asked
Q. What is synchronization in Java?
Ans. 

Synchronization in Java is the process of controlling access to shared resources by multiple threads.

  • Synchronization is achieved using the synchronized keyword in Java.

  • It ensures that only one thread can access the shared resource at a time.

  • Synchronization can be applied to methods or blocks of code.

  • It is used to prevent race conditions and ensure thread safety.

  • Example: synchronized void myMethod() { //code }

  • Examp...

Are these interview questions helpful?
🔥 Asked by recruiter 4 times
A Software Engineer was asked
Q. What is an array?
Ans. 

An array is a collection of elements of the same data type, stored in contiguous memory locations.

  • Arrays can be one-dimensional or multi-dimensional

  • Elements in an array can be accessed using their index

  • Arrays can be initialized with values at declaration

  • Examples: int[] numbers = {1, 2, 3}; char[] letters = {'a', 'b', 'c'};

  • Arrays have a fixed size once declared

A Software Engineer was asked
Q. What is a stack?
Ans. 

A stack is a data structure that follows the Last In First Out (LIFO) principle.

  • Elements are added to the top of the stack and removed from the top.

  • Common operations include push (add element) and pop (remove element).

  • Stacks are used in programming for function calls, expression evaluation, and memory management.

A Software Engineer was asked
Q. Explain data types in C.
Ans. 

Data type in C refers to the type of data that a variable can hold.

  • C has basic data types like int, float, char, double, etc.

  • Derived data types like arrays, pointers, structures, and unions can also be created.

  • Each data type has a specific range of values that it can hold.

  • Data types can be modified using type qualifiers like const, volatile, etc.

Cognizant Software Engineer Interview Experiences for Freshers

40 interviews found

Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
-
Process Duration
-
Result
-

I applied via Campus Placement

Round 1 - Coding Test 

Code to design a Pattern , Fibonacci series, palindrome.. and others.

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Aptitude, basics of coding like palindrome number, Fibonacci series. And object oriented programming

Software Engineer Interview Questions & Answers

user image Bharath kumar

posted on 17 Jun 2024

Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
-
Process Duration
-
Result
-
Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. What is the difference between java 7 and java 8
  • Q2. Code to remove duplicate entries in a string

Skills evaluated in this interview

Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
-
Process Duration
-
Result
-
Round 1 - Technical 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Self introduction
  • Q2. About project and roles and Responsibilities
Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
No response

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

Round 1 - Technical 

(1 Question)

  • Q1. Java questions basic and intermediate
Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Job Fair and was interviewed in Feb 2023. There were 2 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Resume Shortlist 
Pro Tip by AmbitionBox:
Double-check your resume for any spelling mistakes. The recruiter may consider spelling mistakes as careless behavior or poor communication skills.
View all tips
Round 2 - One-on-one 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Easy interview any one can crack it
  • Q2. Data structures and algorithms and dbms

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Be prepared can easily crack the interview with small amount of preparation
Interview experience
3
Average
Difficulty level
Moderate
Process Duration
More than 8 weeks
Result
Not Selected

I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in Jun 2023. There were 4 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Resume Shortlist 
Pro Tip by AmbitionBox:
Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at your resume for an average of 6 seconds, make sure to leave the best impression.
View all tips
Round 2 - Aptitude Test 

There will be verbal , English test etc we need to cross the best score to move on to round 2

Round 3 - Coding Test 

There will 2coding question will be given need to clear with in given time and should pass all the test cases

Round 4 - HR 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Here we need to answer to the hr questions very confidently
  • Q2. Intro , why need to hire you
Interview experience
4
Good
Difficulty level
-
Process Duration
-
Result
-
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist 
Pro Tip by AmbitionBox:
Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at your resume for an average of 6 seconds, make sure to leave the best impression.
View all tips
Round 2 - Aptitude Test 

Common aptitude questions ,that include all fields,if you prepare well you can crack this test,and maybe some basic programming questions can ask

Round 3 - One-on-one 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. 1. Tell me about yourself
  • Q2. 2. Explain the OOPs concepts
  • Ans. 

    OOPs concepts are the fundamental principles of Object-Oriented Programming.

    • Abstraction: Hiding implementation details and showing only necessary information.

    • Encapsulation: Binding data and functions together to protect data from outside interference.

    • Inheritance: Acquiring properties and behavior of a parent class by a child class.

    • Polymorphism: Ability of an object to take many forms or have multiple behaviors.

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Practice Mock interviews and watch previous interview experience of other candidates
Interview experience
5
Excellent
Difficulty level
Easy
Process Duration
Less than 2 weeks
Result
Selected Selected

I applied via Recruitment Consulltant and was interviewed in Nov 2022. There were 2 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Resume Shortlist 
Pro Tip by AmbitionBox:
Don’t add your photo or details such as gender, age, and address in your resume. These details do not add any value.
View all tips
Round 2 - One-on-one 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. .net programming and skills
  • Q2. C language programming

Interview Preparation Tips

Topics to prepare for Cognizant Software Engineer interview:
  • Communication Skills
Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Learning for skills in programming and soft skills

I applied via Campus Placement and was interviewed in Sep 2022. There were 3 interview rounds.

Round 1 - Resume Shortlist 
Pro Tip by AmbitionBox:
Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at your resume for an average of 6 seconds, make sure to leave the best impression.
View all tips
Round 2 - Technical 

(3 Questions)

  • Q1. TC questions: Types of datatypes? Predefined functions? Difference between list and tree? Who is more preferred? Difference between class and object? Difference between inheritance and polymorphism? Aptit...
  • Ans. 

    Interview questions for Software Engineer position

    • Datatypes: int, float, string, boolean, etc.

    • Predefined functions: print(), len(), range(), etc.

    • List is linear while tree is hierarchical. Trees are preferred for faster search and insertion.

    • Class is a blueprint while object is an instance of a class.

    • Inheritance is a way to create a new class from an existing class while polymorphism is the ability of an object to take o...

  • Answered by AI
  • Q2. Write a program using recursion
  • Q3. Sort the array and write a code for searching array element
  • Ans. 

    Sort and search an array in software engineering interview

    • Use built-in sorting functions or implement your own sorting algorithm

    • For searching, use linear search or binary search depending on the size of the array

    • Consider the time complexity of the sorting and searching algorithms

    • Ensure the code is efficient and handles edge cases properly

  • Answered by AI
Round 3 - HR 

(1 Question)

  • Q1. HR QUESTIONS: Can you relocate? Are you ok with shift wise working? Strengths and weaknesses? Biggest achievement?
  • Ans. 

    Yes

    • Yes, I am open to relocation for the right opportunity.

    • Yes, I am comfortable with shift-wise working.

    • Strengths: Strong problem-solving skills, excellent programming abilities, and effective communication skills.

    • Weaknesses: Sometimes I can be overly detail-oriented and perfectionistic.

    • Biggest achievement: Successfully leading a team to develop and launch a complex software project within a tight deadline.

  • Answered by AI

Interview Preparation Tips

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - Be confident
Prepare the things which u mentioned in resume

Skills evaluated in this interview

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

I appeared for an interview before Mar 2024.

Round 1 - Aptitude Test 

Aptitude test to test analytical skills

Round 2 - Coding Test 

2 questions based on building logic

Round 3 - HR 

(2 Questions)

  • Q1. Name and experience
  • Q2. Why do you want to join

Cognizant Interview FAQs

How many rounds are there in Cognizant Software Engineer interview for freshers?
Cognizant interview process for freshers usually has 2-3 rounds. The most common rounds in the Cognizant interview process for freshers are Resume Shortlist, Technical and Aptitude Test.
How to prepare for Cognizant Software Engineer interview for freshers?
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 Spring Boot, Java, Software Engineering, Microservices and Javascript.
What are the top questions asked in Cognizant Software Engineer interview for freshers?

Some of the top questions asked at the Cognizant Software Engineer interview for freshers -

  1. two puzzles: 1. how can you cut a cake in 8 pieces in minimum number of cuts(an...read more
  2. Write a query to find the employee name who earns maximum sal...read more
  3. TC questions: Types of datatypes? Predefined functions? Difference between lis...read more
What are the most common questions asked in Cognizant Software Engineer HR round for freshers?

The most common HR questions asked in Cognizant Software Engineer interview are for freshers -

  1. What are your strengths and weakness...read more
  2. Where do you see yourself in 5 yea...read more
  3. What is your family backgrou...read more
How long is the Cognizant Software Engineer interview process?

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

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Overall Interview Experience Rating

4.2/5

based on 14 interview experiences

Difficulty level

Easy 60%
Moderate 40%

Duration

Less than 2 weeks 78%
2-4 weeks 11%
More than 8 weeks 11%
View more
Cognizant Software Engineer Salary
based on 17.9k salaries
₹2.3 L/yr - ₹14.7 L/yr
12% less than the average Software Engineer Salary in India
View more details

Cognizant Software Engineer Reviews and Ratings

based on 1.2k reviews

3.7/5

Rating in categories

3.6

Skill development

3.6

Work-life balance

3.3

Salary

3.4

Job security

3.6

Company culture

3.0

Promotions

3.4

Work satisfaction

Explore 1.2k Reviews and Ratings
Software Engineer

Coimbatore

5-8 Yrs

Not Disclosed

Software Engineer

Coimbatore

5-8 Yrs

Not Disclosed

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