Placement season 2026–27
Cognizant eligibility criteria and fresher salary
Cognizant hires freshers as GenC through an aptitude test and a communication assessment. GenC Next is the higher-paid track for stronger candidates.
Who can apply
| Role | 10th | 12th / diploma | Degree | Backlogs | Gap years | Branches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GenC | 60% | 60% | 60% | None active | Not stated | All engineering branches |
| GenC Next | 70% | 70% | 70% | None active | Not stated | All engineering branches |
Source: GUVI: Cognizant GenC guide 2026 (Cognizant's own page gives no figures) (Unofficial: placement sites, 2026). Rules can change between drives; confirm on Cognizant’s own notice before you apply.
What Cognizant pays freshers
| Role | CTC per year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GenC | ₹4 LPA | GUVI: Cognizant GenC guide 2026 (Cognizant's own page gives no figures) (2026) |
| GenC Next | ₹6.75 LPA | GUVI: Cognizant GenC guide 2026 (Cognizant's own page gives no figures) (2026) |
CTC is not in-hand pay. In-hand salary is usually well below CTC ÷ 12.
What the Cognizant test checks
GenC: Quantitative aptitude, Logical reasoning, Verbal ability, plus the spoken English test.
GenC Next: Quantitative aptitude, Logical reasoning, Verbal ability, Code output, Coding.
Meeting the marks rule only gets you into the exam hall. The aptitude round is where most candidates are cut, and the higher-paid tracks need you to solve coding problems in time.
Common questions
What percentage is needed for Cognizant?
GenC: 60% in 10th, 60% in 12th and 60% in your degree (unofficial: placement sites). GenC Next: 70% in 10th, 70% in 12th and 70% in your degree (unofficial: placement sites).
Are backlogs allowed in Cognizant?
Cognizant asks for no active backlogs in its fresher programmes.
What is the Cognizant fresher salary?
GenC: ₹4 LPA. GenC Next: ₹6.75 LPA.
Would you make the Cognizant shortlist today?
Take the same rounds Cognizant uses, on your phone, in under two hours. Your report tells you for each Cognizant role whether you meet the usual bar, and what to fix first.
PlacementSzn is not affiliated with Cognizant. Readiness is an estimate, not a job guarantee.