Cisco Code with Cisco 2027: Software Engineer Hiring Drive | India (Job ID 2016168)

Company: Cisco Systems India Private Limited
Program / Hiring Drive: Code with Cisco (University Hiring & Relations – FY27 / UHR-FY27)
Job Title: Software Engineer – India Engineering
Job ID / Requisition: 2016168
Target Batch: 2027 Graduates Only
Work Model: Hybrid
Category: Engineering & Product Development
Experience Level: 0 Years (Fresh Graduates / Campus Hiring Batch 2027)
Locations: Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida ,Pune, Thane, Vijayawada, India

Cisco Systems is a global networking, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity leader powering modern digital connectivity across 190+ countries. The “Code with Cisco” program is Cisco’s premier University Hiring (UHR) drive designed to recruit top-tier engineering talent from the 2027 graduating class across India.

The Software Engineer (Job ID: 2016168) role integrates early-career engineers into Cisco India’s core product development teams. Operating across three specialized tracks—Networking Protocols, Application Software, and Embedded/Systems Development—engineers design, code, and troubleshoot high-concurrency routing software, cloud security applications, enterprise collaboration tools, and low-level kernel drivers following Cisco Design Thinking Principles and secure coding standards.

Candidates selected through the FY27 Code with Cisco drive are aligned to one of three technical tracks based on assessment performance and domain interest:

1. Software Engineer – Networking Protocols

• Protocol & Network Development: Build and optimize L2/L3 networking protocols, routing/switching logic, and packet processing pipelines.
• Network Security Integration: Work on security engines including Firewalls, IPS/IDS, VPNs, IPsec, and TLS inspection mechanisms.
• Performance Optimization: Write optimized Python/C/C++ code for real-time packet inspection, threat vector mitigation, and network debugging.

2. Software Engineer – Application Software

• Cloud & Full-Stack Applications: Design and scale cloud-native microservices, Web APIs, and multi-tenant enterprise platforms.
• Object-Oriented Design & UI/UX: Build responsive user interfaces and client applications using modern Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigms and open-source stacks.
• App Performance & Scaling: Optimize frontend/backend components for cloud elasticity, reliability, and security compliance.

3. Software Engineer – Embedded and Systems Development

• Kernel & Low-Level Programming: Develop operating system components, kernel space code, user space utilities, and device drivers/Board Support Packages (BSPs).
• System Debugging & OS Internals: Utilize low-level system debugging utilities to analyze memory footprints, thread synchronization, and CPU scheduling.
• Hardware-Software Interface: Collaborate with hardware design groups to enable software-driven control over system-on-chips (SoCs) and network processors.

Academic Background & Graduation Batch

• Eligible Batch: 2027 Graduates ONLY (Currently pursuing final/pre-final year studies).
• Degree Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in CS, IT, ECE, EEE, Telecom, or related technical disciplines + 0 years experience.
  • Master’s Degree (M.E. / M.Tech / M.S. / MCA) + 0 years experience.

Mandatory Technical Competencies

• Computer Science Core: Solid understanding of Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, and Object-Oriented Programming.
• Programming & Scripting: Strong programming capabilities in Python, C, C++, or Java with an emphasis on code optimization and clean code principles.
• Networking Foundations: Fundamental grasp of TCP/IP networking, OSI layers, routing/switching concepts, and IP addressing.
• Testing & Quality Mindset: Inclination toward unit testing, writing clean code, secure coding practices, and systematic debugging/troubleshooting.

Preferred / Good-to-Have Skills

• Hands-on experience with open-source projects, hackathons, or competitive programming.
• Exposure to network tools (Wireshark, tcpdump), cloud computing platforms (AWS/GCP), or kernel space development.

• Estimated Starting Compensation (CTC):
  • Software Engineer (FTE): ₹18.0 LPA to ₹24.0 LPA (CTC) (includes basic salary, target bonus, and equity RSUs).
  • Pre-Placement Internship Stipend: ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month (for 6-month pre-final year internship).
• Cisco Corporate Benefits:
  • Direct participation in Cisco’s global University Hiring (UHR) onboarding and mentorship framework.
  • Hybrid work model flexibility, wellness days off, and access to Cisco R&D campus facilities.
  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Personal Accident Insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Cloud and networking certification reimbursements (CCNA, CCNP, DevNet).

1. Profile Registration & Resume Audit (Job ID: 2016168)
   (Verification of 2027 graduation batch, B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech degree, & Python/C++/Networking skills)
   ↓
2. Code with Cisco Online Assessment (HackerRank / CodeSignal)
   (Evaluation of CS Fundamentals, Data Structures & Algorithms [2 Coding Questions], & Networking MCQs)
   ↓
3. Technical Interview Round 1 (Data Structures, Algorithms & Networking Basics)
   (Live coding on arrays/strings/trees/graphs, memory management, TCP/IP handshake, & OS concepts)
   ↓
4. Technical Interview Round 2 (Track-Specific Systems/Apps Design)
   (Deep dive into chosen track: L2/L3 protocols, Kernel/Drivers, or Cloud API/OOP System Design + Code Reviews)
   ↓
5. ETR / HR & Management Round (Culture Fit & Offer Rollout)
   (Discussion on Cisco Design Thinking principles, team fitment, hybrid work alignment, & offer issuance)

Cisco Official Anti-Scam Notice: Cisco follows a strict recruitment policy. Official communications originate strictly from @cisco.com email addresses or careers.cisco.com. Cisco never requests payments, fees, or sensitive government credentials during the hiring process.

• Data Structures & Algorithms: Dynamic Programming, Graph Traversals (BFS/DFS), Sliding Window, Bit Manipulation, Trees, and Sorting.
• Networking & Protocols: TCP vs. UDP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, Subnetting, Socket Programming, SSL/TLS Handshake, and Packet Capturing.
• Operating Systems & Systems Programming: Process vs. Thread, Synchronization (Mutex, Semaphore), Virtual Memory, System Calls, and Linux Kernel Internals.

• Program & Role: Code with Cisco, Software Engineer FY27, UHR-FY27, India Engineering, 2027 Batch Freshers
• Technical Domains: Networking Protocols, Application Software, Embedded and Systems Development, TCP/IP, L2/L3 Routing, Switching
• Languages & Systems: Python, C, C++, Java, Linux Kernel, Device Drivers, REST APIs, Microservices, Security (IPsec, TLS, Firewall)
• Cisco Specifics: Job ID 2016168, Cisco India Engineering, Hybrid Work Model, Design Thinking Principles

1. Who is eligible for the Code with Cisco FY27 drive?

Only students graduating in the year 2027 pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in technical streams are eligible.

2. What is the Job Requisition ID for this role?

The official Cisco job ID is 2016168.

3. What are the primary engineering tracks under this requisition?

Candidates are evaluated for three tracks: Networking Protocols, Application Software, and Embedded and Systems Development.

4. What programming languages are primarily assessed?

Strong proficiency in Python, C, or C++ is heavily prioritized across all technical rounds.