Cognizant GenC 2026 — Documents Required
Document Requirements Overview
Cognizant requires different sets of documents at different stages of the hiring process. Having all your documents ready in advance will ensure a smooth experience from application through onboarding.
There are three stages where you will need documents: Registration, Interview, and Onboarding. Prepare all documents early to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Documents for Registration
The following documents are required when applying through the Superset platform:
| Document | Format | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Resume | Maximum 2 pages, well-formatted, updated with latest academic details and projects | |
| Passport-size Photo | JPEG/PNG | High resolution, light/white background, both ears visible, recent (within 3 months) |
Your passport photo must have a light (preferably white) background with both ears clearly visible. This is specifically mentioned in the job requirements. Avoid selfies or casual photos — get a professional passport photo taken.
Photo Specifications
Cognizant has specific requirements for the passport photo. Follow these guidelines carefully:
- •Background: Light or white background (no colored or patterned backgrounds)
- •Face: Looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression
- •Ears: Both ears must be clearly visible (no hair covering ears)
- •Glasses: Remove glasses if they cause glare — plain prescription glasses are acceptable
- •Head covering: Religious head coverings are acceptable, but the face must be fully visible
- •Resolution: High resolution (at least 300 DPI) — avoid blurry or pixelated images
- •File size: Typically 50 KB to 500 KB depending on the platform requirements
- •Recency: Taken within the last 3 months — it should look like you
The photo you upload during registration will be used for identity verification during the assessment and interview. If it does not match your appearance, you may face issues at the verification stage.
Documents for Interview
If you clear the Online Assessment and Communication Test, you will need the following documents for the interview round:
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| College ID Card | Identity verification | If available — not mandatory if you have graduated |
| 10th Marksheet | Academic verification | Original + 1 photocopy |
| 12th Marksheet | Academic verification | Original + 1 photocopy. Or Diploma marksheet if applicable. |
| UG Marksheets (all semesters) | Academic verification | Originals + 1 photocopy of each semester |
| Consolidated Marksheet | Aggregate verification | If your university issues one — shows overall aggregate |
| Provisional/Degree Certificate | Degree completion proof | If already graduated. Final-year students can carry a bonafide certificate. |
| Resume (printed) | Interview reference | Carry 2-3 printed copies on good quality paper |
Documents for Onboarding
After receiving your offer letter, the following documents are required for the onboarding process:
| Document | Purpose | Critical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAN Card | Tax documentation | Name on PAN card MUST match your registration name exactly. If there is a mismatch, get it corrected before joining. |
| Voter ID or Passport | Citizenship / identity proof | Serves as proof of Indian citizenship. At least one of these is mandatory. |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity & address verification | While not explicitly listed, most companies require Aadhaar for eKYC and bank account setup. |
| Bank Account Details | Salary disbursement | Active savings account in your name. Carry a cancelled cheque or passbook copy. |
| Passport-size Photos | HR records | Carry 4-6 passport photos matching the specifications above |
| All Academic Originals | Final verification | 10th, 12th, all semester marksheets, degree certificate — originals for verification, copies for submission |
PAN card name mismatch is one of the most common onboarding delays. Verify RIGHT NOW that your PAN card name matches the name you used during registration. If it does not match, initiate a PAN card correction immediately — it takes 2-4 weeks.
Document Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready. Prepare these documents as early as possible — do not wait until the last minute.
- •Resume: Updated, 2 pages, PDF format, proofread for errors
- •Passport photo: Professional, light background, both ears visible, high resolution
- •PAN card: Name matches registration name exactly
- •Voter ID or Passport: Valid and not expired
- •Aadhaar card: Updated address, linked mobile number active
- •10th marksheet: Original + 2 photocopies
- •12th / Diploma marksheet: Original + 2 photocopies
- •All UG semester marksheets: Originals + 2 photocopies of each
- •Consolidated marksheet / aggregate certificate: If available from university
- •Degree certificate or provisional certificate: Original + 2 photocopies
- •College ID card: If still available
- •CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate: If your university uses CGPA system
- •Bank passbook / cancelled cheque: For salary account setup
- •Passport-size photos: 6 copies, matching the upload specifications
Common Document Issues
Avoid these document-related problems that frequently delay or derail offers:
- •Name mismatch across documents — your name should be identical on PAN, Aadhaar, marksheets, and the application. Even minor spelling differences (e.g., "Raj Kumar" vs "Rajkumar") can cause issues.
- •Lost marksheets — if you have lost any original marksheet, apply for a duplicate from your school/university immediately. This process can take 2-4 weeks.
- •Expired Voter ID or Passport — check the expiry date now. Renewal takes time.
- •Blurry photocopies — use a good quality scanner or photocopier. Illegible copies will be rejected.
- •Missing CGPA conversion certificate — if your university uses CGPA, proactively get the official conversion certificate. Do not rely on generic formulas.
- •PAN card with old name — if you have changed your name, updated PAN is required. Apply for correction through the NSDL or UTIITSL portal.
- •No provisional certificate — final-year students who have not yet graduated should request a bonafide certificate from their college confirming their enrollment and expected graduation date.
Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital) with all your documents organized. Scan every original document and keep high-quality PDFs on your phone and email for quick access.
Digital Document Tips
Keep digital copies of all documents for a smooth process:
- •Scan all originals at 300 DPI or higher for clear, readable copies
- •Save each document as a separate PDF with a clear filename (e.g., "10th_Marksheet_YourName.pdf")
- •Keep total file size under 2 MB per document unless specified otherwise
- •Store copies in multiple locations — email drafts, cloud drive (Google Drive/OneDrive), and local device
- •Ensure PDF files are not password-protected unless specifically required
- •Keep a single folder with all documents ready for upload at short notice
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