Trending @Cognizant; 💬 Understanding the 5-Star Rating & Normalization Process at Cognizant
Last year (2024 cycle), I received a 5-star rating, but as 2025 is nearing its end, I’m genuinely wondering how ratings are decided this time. Many people say “If you got 5 last year, you won’t get 5 again” because of quota limits — but I’m not sure how true that is.
From what I learned after discussing with my previous manager, managers don’t actually have a fixed quota. They submit the initial ratings, and then the normalization process happens at leadership level — where the final distribution is decided.
This year, my new manager is a senior manager with around 17 direct reports, unlike my previous manager who had only 3. So, I assume competition and relative comparison might be higher this time, which could impact final ratings.
Still, I believe if performance is consistent and visible through measurable outcomes, we should continue getting high ratings — even if normalization sometimes adjusts the curve.
Would love to hear others’ experiences or insights — 👉 Is it true that consecutive 5-star ratings are rare? 👉 Or does strong and consistent performance still get recognized regardless of quota pressure?
#Cognizant #PerformanceRating #Appraisal2025 #Normalization #EmployeeExperience #LifeAtCognizant #FeedbackCulture #CTSHike2025
It is super rare... I know some friends, who got 5 ratings first year and second year also they were the same.. delivering all the things and the client was happy but he got 4 next year...
After talking to the manager, the manager simply said I cannot reward you 5 all time.. others are also there to whom I need to see..!
This line is good in terms of humanity but bad in terms of personal growth...!
Now the choice is yours..
