Cisco OA Questions 2020: What Candidates Actually Saw
Last updated: May 2026
10+ Cisco online assessment questions reported by candidates who took the OA in 2020. Sourced from 1Point3Acres, LeetCode, Blind, Glassdoor, and Reddit. Data grows as new reports are added.
Cisco OA Format in 2020
The Cisco online assessment has followed a consistent format across multiple hiring cycles. Based on 2020 reports in the database, candidates typically see 2 to 3 algorithmic coding problems delivered through a proctored online platform (most commonly HackerRank). Some roles include additional behavioral or work-simulation components after the coding section.
Time limits reported by candidates range from 70 to 110 minutes for the full assessment. The coding problems are auto-graded, so edge case handling and runtime efficiency both matter. Partial credit is available on some platforms if your solution passes a subset of test cases.
Real Cisco OA Questions from 2020
CISCO OA 2021
Hey I got the question maximum difference between two elements such that larger element appears after the smaller number. But only 12/14 test cases passed. Did anyone else face this...
CISCO OA 2021 - Word search
Did anyone get the word search problem in CISCO like this https://leetcode.com/problems/word-search/ Only 9/13 cases passed for me..anyone else faced the same issue?
Cisco AMCAT Test for New Grads
I took the Cisco AMCAT today and I have to say that "Aspiring Minds" is the worst testing environment that I have ever used. I was given a dp problem,...
Cisco OA 2021 Question
Hi, Got 2 Easy and 1 medium LC. Maximum subarray, Decode String with minor variation and finding mean and mode of an array.
Cisco OA 2021
I recently took the assesment for new grad role and there was this simple question to check wheather a queen can attack the opponent. No matter what I did, it...
CISCO hackerrank Internship OnCampus 7th Sept 2020
It was like intersection of start and end time and maximum profit Input n=3 start time = 0900 = 9 AM end time = 1030 =10:30 AM fees = 100 start time = 1000 = 10...
Cisco Interview Experience for FullStack Developer
Total Time: 30 daysNo. Of Rounds: 5Round 1: Hackerrank Test, Duration: 1.5HData Structure and Algorithm problem, based on your level of exp. but 5+ y.o.e can expect DP, Tr...
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Cisco visited our campus recently to offer a 2-month internship for the upcoming summer of 2021. All processes are done virtually.Round 1 (Online Round – 60 minutes):The f...
SAP SVNT OA 2020 Backend Rest API question
These are 2 questions I found on internet for SAP SVNT test- Can you please help me how to answer these questions Question 1: Build a User Management Functionality for a web...
Cisco Interview Experience 2020 | On Campus
This was an On-Campus virtual interview that happened during the month of August 2020 midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cisco visited our campus for two roles.Software Engin...
Topic Breakdown (2020 OA)
Topics reported by candidates who took the Cisco OA in 2020:
Difficulty Breakdown (2020 OA)
5
easy
Difficulty labels are reported by candidates or inferred from LeetCode ratings.
How to Prepare for the Cisco OA
The Cisco OA is a timed, auto-graded coding test. Preparation is different from interview prep: you need to optimize for both correctness and speed, since partial credit requires passing test cases, not just showing reasoning.
- Practice timed sessions. Set a timer for 35 to 45 minutes per problem and simulate the real constraint.
- Focus on the topic clusters that appear most in Cisco OA reports: dynamic programming, graphs, arrays, and strings make up the majority of reported problems.
- Read the problem constraints carefully before writing code. The constraints often reveal the expected time complexity and algorithm type.
- Use the LeakCode database to review 2020 OA questions from actual candidates. Pattern recognition across multiple sightings is a stronger prep signal than any single mock problem.
- If the OA includes a work simulation section, practice under realistic conditions. This section tests judgment and values alignment, not coding ability.
FAQ
What does the Cisco OA look like in 2020?
Based on 2020 candidate reports, the Cisco OA typically includes 2 to 3 coding problems and runs 70 to 110 minutes. Topics lean toward dynamic programming, graphs, arrays, and strings. Some roles include a work simulation section after the coding component.
How long is the Cisco OA?
Most candidates report 70 to 90 minutes for the coding component. Roles with additional work simulation sections extend the total time to 110 to 150 minutes. Check your invitation email for the exact time allocation for your specific role.
What platform does Cisco use for the OA?
Cisco uses HackerRank or its own proprietary platform depending on the role and hiring cycle. Your invitation will specify the platform. Both platforms support multiple languages including Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
Are these real Cisco OA questions?
Yes. All questions in the LeakCode database come from candidate reports on 1Point3Acres, Blind, Glassdoor, Reddit, and LeetCode. They are not AI-generated. Each question links to its source where available.
Other Cisco OA Years
Related: Cisco OA Hub · Cisco All Questions · All OA Questions · Data Sources