Trending @Cognizant; M to SM promotion eligibility?

More than that, who you are reporting to matters more than rating. If your reporting manager is an SM then chances of you getting promoted is slim. No manager takes it easy to bring their reportees up to their level simply because of ego issues. You become their direct competition. Most promotions are held off because of this reason.

Minimum 2 years at M position and last rating should be 5, 4, 3.