The Cognizant Process (GenC)
Online test → coding → technical + HR. Higher bands add tougher coding.
- Online: quantitative, logical reasoning, verbal ability
- Coding: 1–2 problems (C, C++, Java, Python)
- Technical: language, DBMS, SQL, OOPs, projects
- HR: introduction, relocation, why Cognizant
Common Interview Questions & Answers
Q1. Tell me about yourself.
60–90 seconds on education, relevant projects/skills, and why you want a software role at Cognizant, ending on enthusiasm.
Keep it role-focused and concise.
Q2. What are the ACID properties in DBMS?
Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability — the guarantees that make transactions reliable.
One line each is enough.
Q3. What is polymorphism? Give a real example.
Polymorphism means one interface with many forms — compile-time (overloading) and runtime (overriding). Example: a Shape base with area() overridden by Circle and Square.
Real examples land better than definitions alone.
Q4. Write a program to check if a string is a palindrome.
Use two pointers from both ends comparing characters, or compare the string to its reverse. O(n) time.
Handle case/spaces if asked.
Q5. What is the difference between UNION and UNION ALL?
UNION combines result sets and removes duplicates (extra sort/dedup cost); UNION ALL keeps all rows including duplicates and is faster.
Mention UNION ALL is preferred when you know rows are distinct.
Q6. What is a subquery?
A query nested inside another query, used in WHERE, FROM or SELECT. It can be correlated (references the outer query) or non-correlated.
Give a simple 'salary > average salary' example.
Q7. Explain the difference between stack and queue.
Stack is LIFO (push/pop one end); queue is FIFO (enqueue at rear, dequeue at front). Stacks suit backtracking; queues suit scheduling and BFS.
Name a use case for each.
Q8. What is inheritance and why use it?
Inheritance lets a class reuse and extend another class's members, promoting code reuse and a natural hierarchy (is-a relationship).
Mention it enables runtime polymorphism.
Q9. Why Cognizant?
Reference Cognizant's strong presence in digital and healthcare/BFSI domains, the GenC training program, and growth opportunities, tied to your goals.
Name a domain Cognizant is strong in.
Q10. Are you willing to relocate?
Yes — confirm clearly; relocation flexibility is expected.
Decisive answers only.
Q11. What is an operating system's role?
It manages hardware and software resources — process, memory, file and device management — providing an interface between users and hardware.
List the management types quickly.
Q12. Do you have any questions?
Yes — ask about GenC training, project allocation, or upskilling support.
Prepare two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not preparing SQL — Cognizant asks it consistently
Weak project explanations
Ignoring the higher GenC bands' coding expectations
Generic 'why Cognizant' answers
Expert Tips
Practise SQL queries (joins, subqueries, aggregates) — a Cognizant staple
Prepare one language + core CS solidly
Know a Cognizant strength domain (healthcare, BFSI, digital)
For GenC Next/Elevate, sharpen DSA
Pre-Interview Checklist
5 itemsFrequently Asked Questions
What is Cognizant GenC?
GenC is Cognizant's fresher hiring and training program; GenC Next and GenC Elevate are higher-package bands requiring stronger coding performance.
Does Cognizant ask SQL?
Yes — SQL (joins, subqueries, aggregates) is one of the most consistently asked topics in the Cognizant technical round.
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