1️⃣ Application / Registration

This is the first step where a candidate submits their profile for a job.

Where it happens:

• Cognizant Careers website
• On-Campus placement drives
• Off-Campus drives (email/portal-based)
• Referral programs
• Job portals (e.g., Naukri, LinkedIn)

What is required while applying:

• Resume (ATS-friendly preferred)
• Personal & academic details
• Skills & certification details (if any)
• Location and job preference

📌 Goal of this stage: To collect your details and match you to a suitable job.

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2️⃣ Eligibility Screening / Profile Shortlisting

Cognizant’s recruiting team checks whether your profile meets the eligibility criteria.

Common checks include:

Criterion	Meaning
Degree	Whether you belong to the required qualification stream (e.g., B.E/B.Tech/MCA/M.Sc etc.)
Academic Score	Minimum % or CGPA requirement in 10th, 12th, and graduation
Active Backlogs	Whether you have any uncleared subjects
Year of Passing	You must belong to the eligible batch
Gap in Education	Valid explanation for long academic gaps

📌 Goal of this stage: To filter candidates who fit the basic requirements for the role.

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3️⃣ Online Assessments / Written Tests

Candidates who pass screening are invited to an online test. For freshers, this is usually multi-stage.

Types of online assessments explained:

Assessment Type	Purpose	What it tests
Aptitude Test	Measure thinking skills	Quantitative (Math), Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability
Communication Test	Measure English communication	Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Listening, Speaking
Technical / Coding Test	Measure technical strength	Programming, SQL, Debugging, DSA, Basic CS concepts
Personality Assessment (sometimes)	Understand workplace behavior	Traits like teamwork, leadership, adaptability

📌 Goal of this stage: To evaluate whether the candidate has problem-solving, language, and technical skills needed for the job.

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4️⃣ Interview Rounds

Candidates who clear assessments are moved to interviews. Cognizant usually conducts one or two rounds.

🔹 Technical Interview (if applying for technical role)

Tests your:

• Programming skills (Java, Python, C, etc.)
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• DBMS / SQL
• OOP Concepts
• Computer Networks / OS basics
• Engineering project work
• Certifications and mini-projects

You may be asked to:

• Write code
• Explain your project architecture
• Debug a program
• Solve logic-based questions

🔹 HR / Behavioral Interview

This measures your personality and workplace fit.

You may be evaluated on:

• Communication & confidence
• Teamwork and leadership
• Handling conflicts and pressure
• Professional attitude
• Expected salary / Notice period / Relocation flexibility

Example questions:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why Cognizant?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Goal of interview stage: To verify technical ability + communication + culture fit.

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5️⃣ Final Evaluation & Offer Letter

After the interviews, Cognizant reviews your:

• Test scores
• Interview performance
• Eligibility documents
• Hiring requirements (open positions, skill match)

If selected, Cognizant sends an Offer Letter / Letter of Intent (LOI) via email.

Important details in the offer:

• Position & job role
• Salary / CTC structure
• Job location
• Joining date
• Terms & conditions

Goal of this stage: To officially confirm your job selection.

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6️⃣ Background & Document Verification

Before joining, Cognizant verifies your provided documents.

Documents usually requested:

• 10th, 12th, graduation mark sheets & certificates
• ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
• Internship / experience letters (if any)
• Government-issued photographs
• Gap justification (if any)

Purpose:
To ensure the candidate’s details are authentic and accurate.

Goal of this stage: To remove fake profiles and discrepancies.

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7️⃣ Pre-Onboarding / Pre-Joining Training (for some batches)

Sometimes Cognizant provides:

• Free learning modules
• Skill-based assessments
• Onboarding tasks

Candidates may get access to:

• LMS (Learning Management System)
• Skill-building courses (programming, cloud, testing etc.)
• Pre-joining assignments

Goal of this stage: To make candidates ready for the role by the joining date.

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8️⃣ Onboarding & Joining

This is the final step.

You will:

• Receive joining date & reporting details
• Attend orientation sessions
• Submit joining forms
• Get IT assets (laptop if WFH or on-site)
• Connect with reporting manager/team
• Start project allocation or training

Freshers typically go through:

• Induction → Introduction to company policies & culture
• Technical / domain training → Based on role & skill requirement

Goal of this stage: To successfully integrate you into the organization and assign you to a team/project.

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Summary Flow

Stage	Result
Application	Profile submitted
Eligibility Screening	Shortlisted or rejected
Assessments	Cleared or eliminated
Technical Interview	Cleared or eliminated
HR Interview	Cleared or eliminated
Offer Letter	Selection confirmed
Background Verification	Documents validated
Onboarding	You officially join Cognizant

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Extra Tips to Succeed

• Build a strong ATS-friendly resume
• Prepare coding + SQL + OOP thoroughly
• Practice aptitude and communication skills
• Improve confidence and body language for interviews
• Keep academic documents ready
• Respond promptly to emails from Cognizant