Top 25 CTS (Cognizant) Java & Selenium Interview Questions and Answers 2026 – For 2 to 5 Years Experience

 

If you’re preparing for a Cognizant (CTS) interview in 2026, this guide is for you! Whether you’re a manual tester transitioning to automation or an experienced QA engineer, knowing how to handle Java and Selenium-based interview questions can make all the difference.

CTS interviews are known for testing your core programming logic, automation approach, and real-time problem-solving skills. Based on Testleaf’s real interview experiences, we’ve compiled the Top 25 most commonly asked CTS Interview Questions and Answers — designed to help you crack your next interview confidently.

Question:1. What are the different types of data types in Java?

Answer :

Java supports two main categories of data types: Primitive and Non-Primitive. Primitive data types include byte, short, int, long, float, double, char, and boolean. Non-primitive data types include Strings, Arrays, Classes, and Interfaces. Primitive types are memory-efficient, while non-primitives are object-based and provide more flexibility.

💡 Expert Tip: CTS often asks follow-up questions about type casting — be ready to explain implicit vs explicit conversion.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between primitive and non-primitive data types in Java?
   (This tests if the candidate can explain memory allocation, default values, and object references — common CTS follow-up.)
2. How does type casting work in Java? Explain with examples of implicit and explicit casting.
   (Cognizant often checks understanding of conversion between int, double, and String types.)
3. What is autoboxing and unboxing in Java? Give an example.
   (This connects data types with wrapper classes—frequently asked in Java rounds at Cognizant.)
4. What is the default value of primitive data types in Java (e.g., int, boolean, float)?
   (Tests memory handling and initialization knowledge — simple but practical.)
5. Explain the difference between String, StringBuilder, and StringBuffer in Java.
   (Interviewers often link this to data type mutability and performance — a real CTS favorite.)

Question:2. Define an Array data type?

Answer :

An Array is a collection of elements of the same data type stored in contiguous memory locations. It helps in storing multiple values under a single variable name, reducing redundancy. Arrays have a fixed size, meaning the number of elements cannot change once declared. They are useful for handling large datasets efficiently using indexes.

💡 Expert Tip: Prepare to explain Array vs ArrayList — a common CTS favorite.

Additional Resources: selenium interview questions

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between one-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of memory layout and declaration syntax.)
2. How do you initialize an array in Java? Explain all possible ways with examples.
   (Tests knowledge of declaration, instantiation, and shorthand initialization.)
3. What happens if you try to access an array index out of bounds in Java?
   (CTS interviewers frequently ask about ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException to check exception-handling basics.)
4. How do you copy elements from one array to another in Java?
   (Focus on System.arraycopy(), Arrays.copyOf(), and manual loops — shows practical coding ability.)
5. What is the difference between Array and ArrayList in Java?
   (A high-value Cognizant question that tests understanding of fixed vs dynamic size, performance, and generics.)

Question:3. What are access modifiers and its types?

Answer :

Access modifiers in Java define the visibility or scope of variables, methods, and classes. There are four types: public – accessible from anywhere, protected – accessible within the package and by subclasses, default – accessible only within the same package, and private – accessible only within the same class. They help in maintaining encapsulation and controlling data access.

💡 Expert Tip: Expect scenario-based questions like “When would you use protected over private?”

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between public, private, and protected access modifiers in Java?
   (A frequent CTS follow-up to test understanding of visibility and inheritance scope.)
2. Can a constructor be declared as private in Java? If yes, where is it used?
   (Checks real-world use cases like Singleton design pattern — a common Cognizant favorite.)
3. What is the default access modifier in Java and when should you use it?
   (Tests conceptual clarity about package-level access and encapsulation.)
4. Can you override a private or static method in Java?
   (Evaluates the candidate’s understanding of method overriding and compile-time binding.)
5. How do access modifiers affect inheritance between classes in different packages?
   (Tests knowledge of subclass accessibility — a typical mid-level CTS interview topic.)

Question:4. Explain static and non-static class members?

Answer :

Static members belong to the class rather than any instance, meaning they can be accessed without object creation. They are used for shared resources like constants or utility methods. Non-static members belong to objects, requiring an instance for access. Static variables have a single memory allocation, while non-static ones have separate copies per object.

Example :

public class Example {
static int totalCount = 0; // Static variable shared by all objects
int instanceCount = 0; // Non-static variable unique to each object

static void displayStatic() {
System.out.println("This is a static method");
}

void displayInstance() {
System.out.println("This is a non-static (instance) method");
}
}


Here, totalCount and displayStatic() belong to the class, while instanceCount and displayInstance() belong to each object.

💡 Expert Tip: Be ready to explain memory usage or real examples like utility methods in Selenium.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between static and instance variables in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of memory allocation and object-level scope.)
2. Can a static method access non-static variables in Java?
   (Checks conceptual clarity of object context and compiler restrictions — a frequent CTS interview check.)
3. Why is the main() method declared as static in Java?
   (Tests knowledge of how the JVM starts execution without needing an object.)
4. Can static methods be overridden in Java? Explain why or why not.
   (A practical CTS favorite to test the difference between overriding and method hiding.)
5. What are static blocks in Java and when are they executed?
   (Evaluates knowledge of class loading, initialization order, and execution flow.)

Question:5. What is a constructor and its types?

Answer :

A constructor is a special method that initializes an object when it is created. It has the same name as the class and no return type.

There are two types:

• Default Constructor (created automatically) and
• Parameterized Constructor (accepts arguments).

Constructors help set initial values for object properties at the time of creation.

💡 Expert Tip: Mention how Selenium Page Object Model (POM) uses constructors for web element initialization.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between a constructor and a method in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of return types, naming, and invocation.)
2. Can a constructor be overloaded in Java?
   (Checks knowledge of compile-time polymorphism — often asked in CTS technical rounds.)
3. What happens if you define a parameterized constructor but no default constructor?
   (Evaluates understanding of compiler behavior and object instantiation rules.)
4. Can a constructor be private in Java? Give an example.
   (Tests understanding of Singleton or Factory design patterns — a popular Cognizant scenario question.)
5. What is constructor chaining in Java?
   (Examines the candidate’s grasp of this() and super() calls for object initialization flow.)

Question:6. What is inheritance and its types?

Answer :

Inheritance allows one class to use the properties and methods of another, promoting code reusability. It forms an ‘is-a’ relationship between classes.

Types of inheritance include

• Single,
• Multilevel,
• Hierarchical, and
• Hybrid.

It enhances code maintainability and reduces redundancy in object-oriented programming.

💡 Expert Tip: Connect to Selenium — explain how WebDriver interface is extended by multiple driver classes.

Related Questions

1. What is the purpose of inheritance in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of code reusability and hierarchical relationships.)
2. What are the different types of inheritance in Java?
   (Checks if the candidate knows about single, multilevel, hierarchical, and why multiple inheritance is avoided with classes.)
3. Why is multiple inheritance not supported in Java using classes?
   (Tests conceptual clarity about the diamond problem and ambiguity in method resolution.)
4. How does inheritance work with constructors in Java?
   (Evaluates understanding of the super() call and constructor chaining in subclass creation.)
5. What is the difference between inheritance and composition in Java?
   (A higher-level CTS question to assess design thinking and code maintainability.)

Question:7. What is the Object class in Java?

Answer :

The Object class is the parent of all classes in Java, forming the root of the class hierarchy. Every class in Java either directly or indirectly inherits from the Object class.

It provides key methods like

• toString(),
• equals(),
• hashCode(), and
• clone().

These methods enable basic object operations such as comparison, cloning, and conversion to string.

💡 Expert Tip: Know how equals() is used in comparing WebElement text in Selenium.

Related Questions

1. Why is the Object class considered the root class in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to check understanding of class hierarchy and inheritance.)
2. What are the commonly overridden methods of the Object class?
   (Tests awareness of equals(), hashCode(), and toString() usage in real-world coding.)
3. What is the purpose of the equals() and hashCode() methods?
   (A frequent CTS interview topic focusing on object comparison and collections behavior.)
4. Can we override the clone() method in Java? How is it used?
   (Evaluates knowledge of object cloning and the Cloneable interface.)
5. What is the difference between getClass() and instanceof in Java?
   (Assesses understanding of runtime type checking and reflection.)

Question:8. What is an exception and its types? How to handle it?

Answer :

An exception is an event that disrupts the normal flow of a program during runtime.

There are two main types:

• Checked exceptions (compile-time) and
• Unchecked exceptions (runtime).

Java handles exceptions using try-catch-finally blocks or by declaring them with the throws keyword. Proper exception handling ensures smooth program execution and better fault tolerance.

💡 Expert Tip: CTS might ask for real-time scenarios like handling NoSuchElementException.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between checked and unchecked exceptions in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of compile-time vs. runtime error handling.)
2. What is the difference between throw and throws in Java?
   (Evaluates knowledge of exception declaration and propagation — a frequent CTS coding question.)
3. What are the key differences between try-catch-finally and try-with-resources?
   (Tests understanding of resource management and modern Java exception handling techniques.)
4. Can we have multiple catch blocks in Java? How are they executed?
   (Checks logical flow of exception handling and subclass–superclass catch order.)
5. What happens if an exception occurs in the finally block?
   (Advanced CTS scenario to test deep understanding of JVM behavior during exception flow.)

Question:9. What is polymorphism and its types?

Answer :

Polymorphism means ‘many forms,’ allowing a single method or object to behave differently based on context.

It is of two types:

• Compile-time polymorphism (method overloading) and
• Runtime polymorphism (method overriding).

This concept improves code flexibility and reusability. It is one of the core principles of Object-Oriented Programming.

💡 Expert Tip: Give examples using Selenium actions or Page Object overrides.

Related Questions

1. What are the two types of polymorphism in Java?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to test understanding of compile-time and runtime polymorphism.)
2. What is the difference between method overloading and method overriding?
   (Frequently asked CTS question to evaluate practical application of polymorphism.)
3. Can constructors be overloaded or overridden in Java?
   (Checks conceptual clarity of constructor behavior in polymorphic design.)
4. How does dynamic method dispatch work in Java?
   (Tests deep understanding of runtime polymorphism and JVM decision-making.)
5. What is the role of the super and this keywords in polymorphism?
   (Evaluates knowledge of method resolution and access to parent class implementations.)

Question:10. What is an abstract class and example in Java and Selenium?

Answer :

An abstract class is a class that cannot be instantiated and can contain both abstract and concrete methods. It provides a partial implementation that subclasses can extend. Abstract classes are used when multiple subclasses share a common structure but have different implementations. They help achieve abstraction and reduce code duplication.

💡 Expert Tip: Relate it to framework design — like abstract BaseTest classes in Selenium projects.

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Related Questions

1. What is the difference between an abstract class and an interface in Java?
   (Frequently asked in CTS interviews to check understanding of abstraction and multiple inheritance.)
2. Can an abstract class have a constructor in Java?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test knowledge of object initialization and superclass chaining.)
3. Can an abstract class have both abstract and non-abstract methods?
   (Cognizant often asks this to evaluate practical design skills in OOP concepts.)
4. Can we create an object of an abstract class? If not, how can we use it?
   (A regular CTS conceptual question focusing on abstract class instantiation through polymorphism.)
5. How are abstract classes used in Selenium framework design?
   (A CTS-specific applied question that checks if candidates understand real-time usage of abstraction in automation frameworks.)

Question:11. What is an interface and example in Java and Selenium?

Answer :

An interface is a blueprint of a class that defines abstract methods without implementation. It helps achieve complete abstraction and multiple inheritance. A class implementing an interface must provide implementations for all its methods. Interfaces are widely used for defining standard behaviors across multiple classes.

💡 Expert Tip: Mention the WebDriver interface as an example.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between an interface and an abstract class in Java?
   (A common CTS follow-up to test understanding of abstraction and multiple inheritance support.)
2. Can an interface have default and static methods in Java?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess knowledge of modern Java features introduced from Java 8 onwards.)
3. Can one interface extend another interface in Java?
   (Tests the candidate’s understanding of interface inheritance and code reusability.)
4. How is an interface implemented in Selenium WebDriver?
   (Cognizant often asks this to check real-world application of interfaces like WebDriver, TakesScreenshot, and JavascriptExecutor.)
5. Can a class implement multiple interfaces in Java? How is ambiguity resolved?
   (Evaluates understanding of multiple inheritance through interfaces — a popular CTS conceptual question.)

Question:12. Explain List and Set and their implementation classes?

Answer :

A List is an ordered collection that allows duplicate elements, whereas a Set is unordered and doesn’t allow duplicates.

Common implementations of List include

• ArrayList,
• LinkedList, and
• Vector.

Set is implemented by

• HashSet,
• LinkedHashSet, and
• TreeSet.

These collections simplify data storage, searching, and manipulation.

💡 Expert Tip: CTS often asks how to store unique locators or test data — Set is your answer.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between List and Set in Java?
   (A very common CTS question to test understanding of duplicates, ordering, and indexing behavior.)
2. What are the main implementation classes of List and Set interfaces?
   (Cognizant often asks this to check if candidates know ArrayList, LinkedList, HashSet, and TreeSet usage.)
3. How does HashSet maintain uniqueness of elements?
   (Tests conceptual clarity about hashing and the role of hashCode() and equals() methods.)
4. When would you use ArrayList over LinkedList in Java?
   (Evaluates practical knowledge of time complexity and performance differences — a frequent CTS scenario question.)
5. What is the difference between HashSet and TreeSet in Java?
   (Common CTS follow-up to assess understanding of ordering, sorting, and underlying data structures.)

Question:13. What are the different types of locators in Selenium?

Answer :

Locators are used to identify web elements in Selenium.

The eight main types are

• ID,
• Name,
• ClassName,
• TagName,
• LinkText,
• PartialLinkText,
• XPath, and
• CSS Selector.

Choosing the correct locator improves test accuracy and reduces flakiness. Among these, ID is considered the most reliable and fastest.

💡 Expert Tip: Always mention XPath as a backup and ID as the fastest.

Related Questions

1. Which locator is considered the fastest and most reliable in Selenium?
   (A common CTS follow-up to test practical knowledge of locator performance and stability.)
2. What is the difference between XPath and CSS Selector in Selenium?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess understanding of syntax, speed, and readability.)
3. How do you handle dynamic elements using XPath in Selenium?
   (Tests real-time problem-solving skills for automation on dynamic web pages — a popular CTS scenario question.)
4. What are relative and absolute XPath? Which one is preferred and why?
   (Checks candidate’s conceptual clarity on XPath strategies and best practices.)
5. When should you prefer ID or Name over other locators in Selenium?
   (Evaluates understanding of locator priority and framework optimization — a typical CTS automation question.)

Question:14. Difference between findElement and findElements?

Answer :

• findElement() returns the first matching web element, throwing an exception if none are found.
• findElements() returns a list of all matching elements, returning an empty list if none exist.

The former is used for single element interactions, while the latter is for multiple. Using the right method ensures efficient element handling during automation.

💡 Expert Tip: Mention how findElements() helps avoid flaky exceptions.

 

Related Questions

1. What does the findElement() method return if no matching element is found?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of NoSuchElementException handling.)
2. What does the findElements() method return when no elements are found?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to check awareness of empty list behavior vs. exception handling.)
3. How can you handle NoSuchElementException in Selenium effectively?
   (Tests practical exception handling techniques using waits and conditional checks.)
4. Can you use findElements() to verify the presence of elements without throwing an exception?
   (A typical CTS scenario-based question to assess best practices in element validation.)
5. What is the difference between implicit wait and explicit wait when used with findElement() and findElements()?
   (Evaluates deeper understanding of synchronization in Selenium — a favorite Cognizant interview topic.)

Question:15. How to select a value from dropdown?

Answer :

Dropdowns can be handled using a Select class that interacts with select tags. Values can be chosen by visible text, value, or index. This approach ensures flexibility when dealing with dynamic dropdowns. It’s commonly used in forms and UI validation testing.

💡 Expert Tip: Add a code snippet to impress interviewers:

Select dropdown = new Select(element);

dropdown.selectByVisibleText(“Option”);

Related Questions

1. What are the different ways to select a value from a dropdown in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of selectByVisibleText(), selectByValue(), and selectByIndex() methods.)
2. How do you handle dynamic dropdowns in Selenium?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess handling of AJAX-based or auto-suggest dropdowns.)
3. What is the difference between a static and dynamic dropdown in Selenium?
   (Checks candidate’s conceptual understanding and real-time framework usage.)
4. Can you select multiple options from a dropdown in Selenium? How?
   (Evaluates knowledge of isMultiple() and multi-select dropdown handling — a common CTS coding question.)
5. How do you handle dropdowns without using the Select class in Selenium?
   (Tests advanced problem-solving using click() and sendKeys() methods on custom HTML dropdowns.)

Question:16. How to switch to different frames?

Answer :

Frames are used to divide a webpage into sections. To access elements inside a frame, Selenium must switch to it first. Switching can be done using the frame’s index, name/id, or WebElement. Proper frame handling ensures smooth interaction with complex web pages.

💡 Expert Tip: Combine with waits — frame switching often fails due to load delays.

Related Questions

1. What are the different ways to switch to a frame in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test knowledge of switching using index, name/id, or WebElement.)
2. How do you switch back to the main page after working inside a frame?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to check understanding of defaultContent() and parentFrame() methods.)
3. What happens if you try to access an element without switching to its frame first?
   (Tests knowledge of NoSuchElementException — a typical CTS scenario question.)
4. How do you handle nested frames in Selenium?
   (Evaluates practical understanding of multi-level frame switching using chained switchTo().frame() calls.)
5. Can we use XPath to identify elements inside an iframe without switching to it?
   (Advanced CTS-level question to test real-world debugging and locator skills.)==

Question:17. What are the different types of waits in Selenium?

Answer :

Waits handle synchronization between script execution and webpage response.

There are three types:

• Implicit Wait,
• Explicit Wait, and
• Fluent Wait.

They help prevent element not found errors by giving elements time to load. Choosing the right wait improves test stability and reliability.

💡 Expert Tip: CTS focuses on synchronization — be clear on when to use which.

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Related Questions

1. What is the difference between implicit wait and explicit wait in Selenium?
   (A frequently asked CTS question to test understanding of synchronization handling and wait hierarchy.)
2. When should you prefer explicit wait over implicit wait in Selenium?
   (Common Cognizant follow-up to assess real-time decision-making in dynamic web testing.)
3. How does Fluent Wait differ from Explicit Wait in Selenium?
   (Tests candidate’s clarity on polling frequency, timeout, and exception handling.)
4. What happens if both implicit and explicit waits are used together in a Selenium script?
   (A tricky CTS conceptual question to check understanding of potential conflicts and performance issues.)
5. How do you handle synchronization issues for AJAX-based or dynamically loaded elements in Selenium?
   (Evaluates practical experience in dealing with real-world wait scenarios — a popular CTS interview topic.)

Question:18. How to handle multiple windows?

Answer :

When multiple browser windows or tabs open, Selenium can switch between them using window handles. The driver stores unique IDs for each window and allows switching using those handles. This is essential when dealing with pop-ups, advertisements, or multi-step flows. Efficient window handling ensures complete test coverage for complex web apps.

💡 Expert Tip: Demonstrate closing popups dynamically in automation.

Related Questions

1. How do you get the window handles of all open browser windows in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test knowledge of getWindowHandles() method and iteration logic.)
2. What is the difference between getWindowHandle() and getWindowHandles() in Selenium?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess understanding of single vs. multiple window management.)
3. How do you switch control to a newly opened browser tab or popup window?
   (Tests candidate’s ability to use window handles dynamically — a practical CTS scenario question.)
4. How can you close only the child window and return to the parent window in Selenium?
   (Evaluates understanding of close() vs. quit() methods and context switching.)
5. How do you handle multiple windows when their titles or URLs are dynamic?
   (A real-time Cognizant question to check problem-solving using conditional loops and string matching.)

Question:19. Usage of Jenkins and Maven?

Answer :

Jenkins is a Continuous Integration tool that automates test execution and reporting. Maven is a build automation tool used for dependency management and project setup. Together, they streamline automation workflows and ensure continuous delivery. They are integral to modern DevOps-based testing pipelines.

💡 Expert Tip: Explain how Jenkins executes your Selenium tests automatically after each commit.

Related Questions

1. How do Jenkins and Maven work together in a Selenium automation framework?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of CI/CD integration and build automation.)
2. What is the role of the pom.xml file in a Maven project?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to check knowledge of dependency management and project configuration.)
3. How can you schedule Selenium test execution using Jenkins?
   (Tests practical experience in automating test runs through Jenkins pipelines or cron scheduling.)
4. What are the benefits of integrating Jenkins with Git and Selenium?
   (Evaluates understanding of continuous integration workflows — a favorite CTS interview topic.)
5. How do you configure Maven commands in Jenkins to build and run tests automatically?
   (Assesses real-world knowledge of Jenkins job setup, Maven goals, and post-build actions in CI environments.)

Question:20. How to perform double click in Selenium?

Answer :

A double-click action simulates rapid clicks on a web element. It is mainly used for UI actions like text selection or special triggers. This is performed using action classes that handle advanced mouse interactions. It’s crucial for automating real-user behaviors on web pages.

💡 Expert Tip: Mention other real-time actions like hover or drag-and-drop.

Related Questions

1. How do you perform right-click (context click) in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of advanced user interactions using the Actions class.)
2. What is the purpose of the Actions class in Selenium?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess knowledge of handling complex mouse and keyboard operations.)
3. How can you perform a mouse hover action on a web element in Selenium?
   (Tests real-time automation skills for dynamic menus and hover-triggered elements.)
4. How do you perform drag and drop in Selenium using the Actions class?
   (Evaluates hands-on understanding of sequence-based interactions — a common CTS practical question.)
5. What is the difference between click(), doubleClick(), and moveToElement().click() in Selenium?
   (Checks deep understanding of event handling and DOM interaction during automation — a typical Cognizant interview query.)

Question:21. What is an assertion and its types?

Answer :

Assertions validate actual results against expected outcomes during test execution.

There are two types:

• Hard Assertions (stop execution on failure) and
• Soft Assertions (continue even after failure).

They ensure test accuracy and reliability by verifying conditions. Assertions are widely used in testing frameworks like TestNG and JUnit.

💡 Expert Tip: Mention using SoftAssert for multiple validations.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between hard and soft assertions in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of execution flow control in TestNG or JUnit.)
2. How do you use SoftAssert in TestNG for multiple validations?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to check practical implementation of soft assertions.)
3. What happens when a hard assertion fails during test execution?
   (Evaluates candidate’s knowledge of exception handling and test flow interruption.)
4. Can you combine hard and soft assertions in the same test case?
   (Tests understanding of practical framework design and flexibility in automation tests.)
5. How do assertions differ from verification commands in Selenium?
   (A popular CTS question to assess the difference between validation logic and error-handling approaches.)

Question:22. Name any six exceptions you handle?

Answer :

Common Selenium exceptions include:

• NoSuchElementException,
• TimeoutException,
• ElementNotVisibleException,
• StaleElementReferenceException,
• NoSuchFrameException,
• NullPointerException.

Handling them ensures smooth and error-free automation execution.

💡 Expert Tip: Know how to handle StaleElementReferenceException — a common CTS question.

Related Questions

1. What is the difference between checked and unchecked exceptions in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to assess understanding of runtime vs. compile-time exceptions.)
2. How do you handle StaleElementReferenceException in Selenium?
   (A frequently asked Cognizant question to test practical debugging and synchronization handling skills.)
3. What causes a NoSuchElementException and how can you prevent it?
   (Tests knowledge of locator strategies and wait mechanisms — a popular CTS scenario question.)
4. What is the difference between throw and throws in Java exception handling?
   (Evaluates understanding of exception declaration and propagation.)
5. How do you implement a global exception handler in a Selenium framework?
   (Advanced CTS-level question to check framework-level exception management and reporting.)

Question:23. How to retrieve message from an alert box?

Answer :

Alerts are small popup windows that display messages or confirmations. You can switch to the alert, read its message, and either accept or dismiss it. Handling alerts is essential for validating UI prompts and warnings. It ensures the script continues seamlessly without interruptions.

💡 Expert Tip: Include examples with accept/dismiss methods.

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Related Questions

1. What are the different types of alerts in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of simple, confirmation, and prompt alerts.)
2. How do you accept or dismiss an alert in Selenium?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to check practical command usage like accept() and dismiss().)
3. How can you send text to a prompt alert in Selenium?
   (Tests candidate’s ability to handle input-based alerts using sendKeys().)
4. What happens if you try to interact with an alert without switching to it first?
   (Evaluates knowledge of NoAlertPresentException and alert handling best practices.)
5. How do you verify the text displayed in an alert box during automation?
   (A typical CTS scenario question focusing on validation of alert messages in test scripts.)

Question:24. What are listeners in TestNG?

Answer :

Listeners are special interfaces that monitor test execution and react to specific events. They can capture events like test start, success, failure, or skip.

Common ones include ITestListener and ISuiteListener.

They’re mainly used for logging, reporting, and custom test behavior.

💡 Expert Tip: Highlight how you used listeners for screenshots or logs.

Related Questions

1. What is the purpose of listeners in TestNG?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of event-driven test monitoring.)
2. What is the difference between ITestListener and ISuiteListener in TestNG?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess clarity on scope — test-level vs. suite-level events.)
3. How can you implement a listener in a Selenium TestNG framework?
   (Tests hands-on knowledge of integrating listeners using @Listeners annotation or testng.xml.)
4. How can listeners be used to capture screenshots on test failure?
   (A practical CTS scenario question focusing on real-world framework enhancements.)
5. Can multiple listeners be used in a single TestNG project? How are they executed?
   (Evaluates understanding of listener chaining and execution order — often asked in advanced CTS rounds.)

Question:25. Difference between setSpeed() and sleep() methods.

Answer :

setSpeed() was used in older Selenium versions (RC) to slow execution; it is now deprecated.

sleep() is a Java method that pauses execution for a defined duration.

While setSpeed() affects all commands, sleep() pauses the entire thread.

Using sleep() is common for fixed wait times during automation.

💡 Expert Tip: Explain why Thread.sleep() isn’t ideal for dynamic web apps.

Related Questions

1. Why is Thread.sleep() not recommended for synchronization in Selenium?
   (Common CTS follow-up to test understanding of dynamic waits and efficient synchronization.)
2. What are the alternatives to Thread.sleep() in Selenium WebDriver?
   (Frequently asked in Cognizant interviews to assess knowledge of WebDriverWait, FluentWait, and conditional waits.)
3. What was the role of setSpeed() in Selenium RC, and why was it deprecated?
   (Checks historical understanding of Selenium evolution — often used to gauge experience depth.)
4. What is the difference between Thread.sleep() and implicit/explicit waits?
   (Evaluates clarity on static vs. dynamic waiting mechanisms in Selenium.)
5. How can improper use of Thread.sleep() affect test performance and reliability?
   (A real-time CTS scenario question focusing on best practices in test optimization.)

Conclusion: Prepare Smart, Not Hard

Cracking a CTS (Cognizant) interview in 2026 requires more than memorizing theory — it’s about understanding real-world scenarios and thinking like an automation engineer.

At Testleaf, we’ve helped thousands of QA professionals master Java, Selenium, Playwright, and AI-driven testing through practical, hands-on learning.

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Top Cognizant Automation Framework Questions (2–5 Years Experience):

 

1. How do you handle dynamic XPath or elements that change frequently in your automation suite?
   (Tests problem-solving in real-time locator maintenance.)

2. What design patterns have you implemented in your automation framework?
   (Common answers: Singleton, Factory, Strategy, or Builder pattern.)

3. How do you parameterize test cases in TestNG or JUnit?
   (Checks data-driven approach knowledge.)

4. Explain how your framework handles browser setup and teardown efficiently.
   (Looks for reusable BaseTest or DriverFactory logic.)

5. How do you maintain different test environments (QA, Stage, UAT) in your framework?
   (Evaluates configuration-driven design using .properties or environment profiles.)

6. What’s your approach to handle pop-ups, alerts, and iframes in automation?
   (Tests command-level handling and reusable utility creation.)

7. How do you manage dependencies between test cases?
   (Checks test independence, TestNG annotations, and retry logic.)

8. What is the purpose of using WebDriverManager in your framework?
   (Cognizant often asks this to check awareness of dependency-free driver setup.)

9. How do you capture and attach screenshots for failed tests automatically?
   (Tests integration with listeners or ExtentReports.)

10. What strategy do you use for test case prioritization and grouping?
    (Checks practical TestNG group usage and regression strategy.)

11. How do you store and manage reusable locators across your framework?
    (Tests Page Object consistency and locator repository approach.)

12. How do you manage waits globally instead of using them in every script?
    (Cognizant checks for utility-based or wrapper-based wait handling.)

13. What is your approach to handle test data versioning when data changes frequently?
    (Looks for externalized data or database integration.)

14. How do you generate and send test reports automatically via Jenkins or email?
    (Tests integration with post-build actions or email utilities.)

15. How do you ensure your automation scripts are maintainable when UI changes occur?
    (Evaluates dynamic locators, abstraction, and element property management.)

16. What kind of retry logic or re-run mechanism have you used for failed test cases?
    (Cognizant expects use of IRetryAnalyzer or similar mechanism.)

17. How do you maintain reusability of common actions like click, type, and select?
    (Tests presence of wrapper or utility layer.)

18. How do you manage test suite execution on multiple browsers in Jenkins?
    (Evaluates capability for parallel and parameterized builds.)

19. Explain how you validate data between UI and database using automation.
    (Cognizant often asks this for full validation workflow understanding.)

20. How do you ensure your automation framework supports cross-platform execution (Windows/Linux)?
    (Tests OS-independent design and config setup.)

21. How do you measure and improve test execution time in your automation suite?
    (Evaluates efficiency optimization — parallel runs, selective regression.)

22. How is exception handling implemented across your framework layers?
    (Checks for central exception management and custom error messages.)

23. How do you perform data-driven testing using Excel or JSON in your framework?
    (Assesses external data handling via Apache POI or Jackson.)

24. How do you integrate API and UI automation in a single framework?
    (Cognizant is now emphasizing hybrid automation skills.)

25. How do you handle reporting of skipped or dependent test cases in your automation suite?
    (Tests awareness of TestNG listeners and reporting filters.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What skills are required to crack the CTS (Cognizant) automation interview in 2026?

To ace a CTS automation interview, focus on Java fundamentals, Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, and framework design patterns. Understanding CI/CD tools like Jenkins and version control systems like Git will also give you a competitive edge.

2. Is Selenium enough to get a job in Cognizant as a QA engineer?

Selenium is a great start, but CTS values professionals who understand the complete automation lifecycle — from writing robust test scripts to integrating them with Maven, Jenkins, and cloud execution tools. Pairing Selenium skills with AI-based testing knowledge makes you stand out.

3. How can a Selenium Automation Course help me prepare for Cognizant interviews?

A Selenium Automation Course provides hands-on training in real-world projects and interview-style challenges. Testleaf’s program includes CTS-style automation rounds, helping you master locators, waits, frameworks, and debugging techniques that recruiters expect in 2026.

4. What is the expected interview pattern for CTS automation testing roles?

Typically, there are three rounds — a technical coding test (Java/Selenium), a technical discussion covering frameworks and problem-solving, and an HR or managerial round to assess communication and scenario handling.

5. Which automation testing tools are important besides Selenium for CTS interviews?

In addition to Selenium, learning Playwright, Cypress, and API testing tools like Postman or RestAssured can boost your chances. These tools show your adaptability and readiness for modern automation environments.

6. How do I prepare for Selenium questions in Cognizant interviews?

Start by practicing common Selenium commands, writing dynamic XPath locators, and understanding test synchronization (waits). Revise framework concepts such as Page Object Model (POM) and Data-Driven Testing. Enrolling in a Selenium Automation Course helps solidify these skills through guided practice.

7. Does Cognizant focus on coding questions for QA automation roles?

Yes. Most CTS interviews for automation engineers include Java coding problems, often related to arrays, strings, collections, or loops. You may also need to write test scripts or debug existing code during technical rounds.

8. What salary range can Selenium automation testers expect at Cognizant in 2026?

For professionals with 2–5 years of experience, salaries range from ₹5.5 LPA to ₹12 LPA, depending on technical depth, framework design expertise, and exposure to DevOps or AI testing tools.

9. How can I move from manual testing to automation in Cognizant?

Start by learning core Java and then progress to Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, and Maven. Hands-on experience through a Selenium Automation Course helps bridge the gap by giving you real project experience to showcase during interviews.

10. Where can I get CTS-specific interview practice and expert mentoring?

You can join Testleaf’s Selenium Automation Course, where industry mentors conduct real Cognizant-style mock interviews, offer feedback on frameworks, and help you build confidence for actual interview scenarios.

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Author’s Bio:

As a Senior SDET with 8+ years in testing and development, I build scalable automation platforms ensuring quality at speed. Passionate about mentoring and innovation, I equip teams with real-time solutions and high-impact frameworks, driving excellence through continuous learning. Let’s shape the future of quality engineering together.

Dilipkumar Rajendran
Senior SDET | Playwright & Selenium Expert