Cognizant Interview Questions

Excerpts from Interview #1:

• Briefly explain the method you will use to execute an array linked list?
• What are character constants in C++?
• Write a program to add two strings without utilizing “+” operator ?
• Define the terms OSI, TCP, and IP.
• What are streams in C++? What are predefined streams in C++?
• Give me a Query to find out the second largest compensation in an organization ?
• What is the implementation of merge ?

• Are you willing to relocate to a completely different city?
• Tell me something about your family?
• What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience.
• Why should we hire you?
• What do you think makes you stand out for a job in Cognizant?
• Tell me about a time when you worked effectively under pressure.

Excerpts from Interview #2:

• Write the connection code to a database?
• How did you create it in your project?
• What are derived data types? Name the user defined data types in C++.
• Whether higher normal forms better than lower forms as far
• Redundancy is concerned ?
• Explain tokens in C++.Also tell about their role and importance.
• How would you input data to your code?
• Can a database table exist without a primary key ?
• What are the similarities and differences between a class and a structure?
• What is the reason behind using “Inner Join” and “Outer Join” ?

• Introduce yourself.
• Which is the last movie that you saw?
• Which is your dream company
• What do you think are the qualities that a Team Leader should possess?
• What are your future plans?
• What are your strengths? Weakness?
• If you could be any animal, what would it be?
• What were your favorite classes? Why?
• Do you enjoy doing independent research?
• Who were your favorite professors? Why?

Excerpts from Interview #3:

• Suggest a method of joining two tables.
• What is the “top-n analysis” in DBMS?
• Write a function to take an into argument and return 0 if the given number is prime otherwise return -1.
• What do you mean by “normalisation”?
• Where do we generally create INDEX?
• What is object oriented model?
• Define RDBMS.
• What are reference variables and how is it defined in C++?
• What are the various forms of normalisation?
• Why is DML provided?

• Working at Cognizant may involve working on different technologies at different places. Are you ready to do so?
• What is your father’s occupation?
• How was your academic performance in school and during Engineering?
• Why didn’t you think about pursuing higher studies rather than doing a job?
• Tell us about a time when you made a bad decision.

Excerpts from Interview #4:

• What is Operating System?
• What conditions lead to a deadlock situation?
• Explain the concept of flagging a “semaphore”.
• What is difference between rand() and srand()?
• Define subquery.
• What is BCNF?
• What is the difference between a “semaphore” and a “monitor”?
• Explain these terms- Linked List, Stack, Queue
• Define triggers. Give its applications.

• Which of your qualities do you think will make you a good fit for the IT Industry?
• What opinion do your friends have about you?
• What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
• When do you think you will complete and be able to join? (contextual question)
• How can you assure that you will join by that time? (contextual question)

Excerpts from Interview #5:

• Give me a program to reverse a Linked List.
• Discuss transparent DBMS.
• Define significance of constant arguments
• What is the role undertaken by DBA in databases ?
• What is RDBMS KERNEL?
• What is the difference between primary key, foreign key, candidate key & super key?
• Differentiate exclusive lock and shared lock.

• What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Was it your own decision to pursue Computer Science Engineering or were you influenced by your parents?
• What interests you most about this position?
• If I were to ask one of your professors to describe you, what would he or she say?
• Why did you choose to attend your college?
• What changes would you make at your college?
• How has your education prepared you for your career?
• Describe your Final Year Project. What innovations did you bring into this project ?
• What is the name of the CEO of Cognizant technologies?
• Do you have any questions for us ?

Excerpts from Interview #6:

• Define double linked lists.
• Differentiate RDBMS and DBMS.
• Can you tell us something about scope rules in C++?
• What are the advantages to use stored procedures.
• Give me a SQL Query to find out the second largest compensation in an organization?
• Do you think BCNF is better than 2NF & 3NF? Why?
• Give pros and cons of DBMS.

• What do you aspire to achieve?
• How have you improved your academic position in the last two years?
• Do you know anyone who works at Cognizant?
• Who do idolize and why?
• Are you a team player?
• What motivates you?
• Why should I hire you?
• Are you a goal oriented person?
• Do you know our organization mottos?