This entire process for the Cognizant Digital Nuture Program began on 20th May 2025, with a Communication Assessment. After clearing this round, I was invited to take the Technical Assessment, which comprised a total of five questions: (2 DSA questions Java-based, 2 SQL-based questions and 1 Web-based question where I had to make changes to a given JavaScript file based on the problem statement.).
After clearing the technical assessment, I underwent an 8-week in-depth training covering topics such as Design Principles, PL/SQL, Spring and its frameworks, React, Version Control, and Cloud. At the end of this training, an MCQ-based assessment was conducted. Candidates who qualified in this assessment were called for an in-person interview.
In short, there were three rounds before the final interview.
Interview Details:
My interview took place in-person with two interviewers one was physically present and the other one joined the call via the Superset platform. I logged into my Superset account before the interview started. The interview began with the technical sections leading to the HR questions.
Interview date : 1st September, 2025
Duration: 55-60 minutes
The entire interview session was being recorded on the Superset platform. This platform has in-built compilers and interpreters for multiple programming languages including Java, C++, Python, SQL, etc. Since this job role was for Java backend , I was asked to code in Java .
Interview structure
- Introduction: On entering the room , I was asked for my resume and the interview began with my self-introduction. I was cross-questioned because I used the word “innovate” twice in my introduction. They asked me, “What did you innovate?” I explained my personal project and how it solved a real-world problem by helping me and my friends save time.
- Technical Questions :
- I was asked to rate myself in Java and Spring : I rated myself 3.5-4, as I have been practicing DSA and doing competitive coding in Java for the past three years.
Core Java:
- What are exceptions, its types and how are they handled (explain about try-catch-finally block)
- Write a program which will give exception (I chose to write the ArithemeticException code).
- Asked about an example on exceptions and how the role of finally block.
- Difference between final, finalize, finally keyword).
- What is garbage collector , its use and the method used to call it ?
- Given an array of integers, and was asked to sort it using three different approaches (in-built methods, use any other sorting algorithm) - My first approach was using Arrays.sort(). Secondly , I sorted the array using Bubble sort . Thirdly, by Merge sort. This question was result-oriented so I had to print the sorted array on the console. Later, they asked me to explain each of these approaches , their time and space complexity.
- What is inheritance?
- What is the difference between Spring and Spring Boot?
Database Questions:
- What is the difference between RDBMS and Non-RDBMS with one example of each?
- Difference between SQL and PL/SQL.
- What are the different database languages.
- Difference between delete , drop and truncate command. On the Superset platform, there were two tables already present and I was asked to write all these three commands and just say the output without running the queries.
- They will make every single effort to confuse , all you need is to have confidence in what you answer.
- What are magic tables. (I was not familiar with this concept).
- What is master-slave architecture.
Conclusion Questions:
- Asked if I was able to switch between tech stacks or learn multiple tech-stacks simultaneously - to which I answered Yes.
- Confirmed my willingness to relocate and work flexible hours, including night shifts if required?
- I was invited to ask any questions.
Result Date : 6th October, 2025
Verdict : Selected for the GenC Next package.
Most of the interviewees were asked Spring-related questions , whereas I had only one question on that topic, despite my training in Spring Rest, Data JPA, Hibernate, Spring Boot, Microservices, MVC. Out of 33 interviewees , 22 got selected with 8 for the GenC Next role and remaining ones for the GenC role.
Tips:
- Introduction should be crisp and short. Avoid using buzzwords unless you truly understand them.
- Avoid writing any skill in your resume you are not aware of or less confident.
- There may be a situation where you may not be able to answer two-three questions in a row during the interview, no need to worry and maintain your confidence throughout in whatever you speak.
- Do not try to fumble and look tensed. Try to maintain a smile, a good posture and positive facial expression throughout.
- Study thoroughly during the Deep Skilling Round to secure a good, descent package.