Cognizant Hiring 2026 – Off-Campus Recruitment for Fresher Analyst Trainees & Technical Roles

Cognizant Technology Solutions is aggressively expanding its fresher hiring program for 2026, announcing one of India's largest off-campus recruitment drives targeting 20,000+ fresh graduates across multiple IT and operations domains. The company is actively recruiting candidates from 2024, 2025, and 2026 graduation batches through its proprietary Superset platform, offering competitive compensation packages ranging from ₹3.5–6 LPA with roles spanning Analyst Trainee, Programmer Analyst Trainee (PAT), GenC/GenC Next, and technical support positions. With a hybrid work model across India's major metros including Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, this recruitment cycle provides entry-level professionals with structured onboarding, career development, and exposure to enterprise-scale technology projects.

Overview

Role Highlights

Primary Hiring Tracks

Analyst Trainee (Process + Data)

• Roles: Junior Analyst, Analyst Support

• Applicable for: BCA, B.Sc (CS/IT/Math/Statistics/Electronics/Physics)

• Responsibilities: Data entry, business process documentation, client communication, basic analytics

• Tools: Excel, SQL (basic), Power BI fundamentals.​​

Programmer Analyst Trainee (PAT) / GenC

• Roles: Entry-level software development, coding

• Applicable for: B.Tech/B.E (all streams), M.Tech

• Tech Stack: Java, Python, C++, SQL, basic web development

• Responsibilities: Code development, debugging, unit testing, technical documentation.​

GenC Next / GenC Pro

• Roles: Advanced fresher engineering roles

• Applicable for: B.Tech/B.E (Electronics, Computer Science, IT, Mechanical)

• Responsibilities: Full-stack development, system design, technical problem-solving

• Salary: ₹4.5–6 LPA.​

Technical Support Associate

• Roles: Help Desk Support, Service Support, Technical Operations

• Applicable for: Any graduation, BCA, B.Tech

• Responsibilities: Customer support, ticket management, troubleshooting, process adherence

• Shift: 24×7 rotational (day/evening/night shifts).​

Content & Operations Executive

• Roles: Business Process Associate, Operations Analyst

• Applicable for: BBA, B.Com, BA (any discipline)

• Responsibilities: Content management, process documentation, quality assurance

• Salary: ₹3.5–4.5 LPA.​

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

• Engineering Graduates: BE/B.Tech (any stream), M.Tech, ME — all disciplines including non-tech like Textile, Agriculture, Food Technology are accepted (except Leather Technology, Fashion Technology).​

• Non-Engineering: BCA, BBA, B.Sc (Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, Statistics, Electronics, Physics), B.Com, BA graduates.​​

• Postgraduate: MCA, MBA (any specialization), M.Sc.​

Academic Performance Requirements

• Minimum Aggregate: 60% consistently across 10th, 12th, Diploma (if applicable), Undergraduate, and Postgraduate.​

• No Rounding: 59.9% will not be accepted; only 60% and above qualifies.​

• No Backlogs: Zero standing arrears at time of application and joining.​

• CGPA Conversion: University-specific conversion formula applied; CGPA must translate to minimum 60% equivalent.​

Experience & Other Requirements

• No Prior Experience: Hiring is exclusively for freshers; prior work experience will not be considered.​

• Nationality: Indian nationals or OCI holding Aadhaar/PAN currently residing in India.​

• Shift Flexibility: Mandatory willingness to work night shifts (24×7 rotation) and change project assignments.​

• Location Flexibility: Must accept any Cognizant office location and technology stack.​

Required Skills

Core Competencies (Role-based)

Technical Skills (for PAT/GenC roles):

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++ (foundational level sufficient)

• Database: SQL basics

• Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (entry-level)

• Problem-Solving: Data Structure and Algorithm (DSA) fundamentals.​

Process Skills (for Analyst/Operations roles):

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)

• SQL: Basic query writing (SELECT, WHERE, JOIN)

• Business Analysis: Process understanding, documentation, flow diagrams.​

Soft Skills (all roles):

• Communication: Professional written English (email writing, documentation)

• Verbal Communication: Clear articulation, presentation skills, client interaction readiness

• Attitude: Teachability, team collaboration, customer-centric mindset, work ethic.​

Additional Desirable Skills

• Agentic AI, Generative AI concepts (given Cognizant's 2026 focus on AI hiring).​

• Data Science fundamentals (Python, Pandas, statistical analysis).​​

• Cloud basics (AWS, Azure) for tech-track roles.​

Selection Process

Four-Stage Assessment

Stage 1: Communication Assessment (Email Writing)

• Duration: 30 minutes

• Task: Write professional emails addressing business scenarios

• Evaluation: Grammar, clarity, business etiquette, professional tone

• Qualifying Mark: Typically 50%+.​

Stage 2: Aptitude Test (Online)

• Duration: 60-90 minutes

• Sections: Quantitative Reasoning (30 marks), Logical Reasoning (30 marks), English/Verbal (30 marks)

• Questions: 90 MCQs (multiple choice)

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer (typically).​

• Qualifying Mark: 40-50% across all sections.​

Stage 3: Technical Interview

• Duration: 30-45 minutes

• For PAT/GenC: Coding round (1-2 medium-level DSA problems using any language), technical concepts, projects from resume

• For Analyst/Operations: SQL queries, Excel problem-solving, business case scenarios

• For Support: System/software troubleshooting, customer scenario handling

• Interviewer Assessment: Technical competency, problem-solving approach, communication.​

Stage 4: HR Interview

• Duration: 15-20 minutes

• Focus: Motivation, cultural fit, shift flexibility confirmation, location acceptance, past achievements, learning mindset

• Outcome: Final selection or rejection.​

Shortlisting Criteria

• Written Test Cutoff: Top 3-4 times vacancies advanced to technical + HR interviews

• Final Merit: Combination of all four round scores (weightage varies; typically aptitude 25%, technical 40%, HR 20%, communication 15%)

• No Curve-outs: All eligible applicants can appear for assessments; company evaluates individually.​

Work Locations

Cognizant operates across major Indian metros with hybrid flexibility:

• Hyderabad (largest hub, 60+ percent of freshers)

• Gurgaon/Delhi (NCR region)

• Bengaluru (Tech cluster)

• Pune (Growing operations center)

• Chennai (Service delivery center)

• Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur (smaller centers, role-dependent)

Hybrid Model: Initially on-site 3-5 days/week during training; post-stabilization, flexible remote work based on project policy. Night shift roles may require on-site presence.​

Salary & Compensation

Fresher Package Breakdown

• Analyst Trainee/Operations: ₹3.5–4.2 LPA

• Programmer Analyst Trainee (PAT): ₹4.0–4.8 LPA

• GenC (Engineering): ₹4.2–5.2 LPA

• GenC Next (Specialized): ₹4.8–6.0 LPA.​

Components

• Base Salary: ₹25,000–₹35,000/month

• Dearness Allowance: ₹2,000–₹5,000/month (location-based)

• Shift Allowance: ₹2,000–₹6,000/month (night shift roles)

• Cab Facility: Free pick-up/drop from designated hubs

• Performance Bonus: ₹5,000–₹15,000 (semi-annual based on appraisal).​

Benefits

• Mediclaim insurance (covers self + family)

• Annual leaves (20 days) + casual/sick leaves

• Learning & development allowance

• Flexible work policy post-probation (6 months)

• Internal job mobility after 18-24 months.​

How to Apply

Registration on Superset (Official Platform)

Step 1: Create Account

1. Visit 

2. https://app.joinsuperset.com

3.  (official Cognizant hiring portal)

4. Click "Sign Up" → Select "Student" → Provide email, create password

5. Verify email via OTP link sent to your registered mailbox.​

Step 2: Complete Profile

1. Fill personal details (full name, DOB, phone, current city)

2. Upload educational documents: 10th, 12th, UG/PG mark sheets, degree certificate

3. Add aggregate percentage for each qualification (must be 60%+)

4. Specify graduation batch (2024/2025/2026)

5. Declare no active backlogs.​

Step 3: Upload Resume & Photo

• Resume: Single-page, highlighting academics, projects, technical/soft skills

• Photo: Clear face passport-size photo (JPG/PNG, <500KB)

• Do NOT mention work experience; focus on academic achievements.​

Step 4: Select Role & Apply

1. Browse available role links on Superset

2. Click "Apply" for Analyst Trainee / PAT / GenC (as per eligibility)

3. Confirm location preferences (1-3 preferred cities)

4. Accept terms & submit application.​

Step 5: Receive Assessment Links

• Communication + Aptitude assessment links sent to registered email within 2-5 days

• Important: Email ID must remain unchanged throughout hiring process

• All future communications (interview calls, results) via this email only.​

Step 6: Complete Online Assessments

• Log in via unique link provided

• Complete communication writing task (30 mins)

• Immediately take aptitude test (90 mins)

• Results displayed after completion.​

Step 7: Technical + HR Interview (If Shortlisted)

• Interview links sent via email with date/time slots

• Use stable internet, professional setting, camera + microphone enabled

• Perform given coding/case problems and HR discussion.​

Step 8: Final Selection & Onboarding

• Offer letter sent to registered email

• Background verification initiated

• Joining date shared (typically 2-4 weeks post-selection)

• Training period: 4-6 weeks before project assignment.​

Who Should Apply

Ideal Candidates:

• Fresh graduates from 2024, 2025, 2026 batches

• Any engineering discipline (non-tech streams also welcome)

• BCA, BBA, B.Sc graduates

• Minimum 60% cumulative score

• Zero backlogs (this is non-negotiable)

• Willing to work 24×7 shifts and relocate within India.​

NOT Eligible:

• 2023 batch or earlier (closed for most roles)

• Candidates with outstanding arrears/backlogs

• Employees of other organizations (company policy)

• Candidates with prior experience (non-fresher status).​