TCS NQT Interview Preparation and Recruitment Process


About TCS NQT


The TCS National Qualifier Test (TCS NQT) is a standardized assessment conducted by TCS iON to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities and domain-specific skills. It serves as a gateway for fresh graduates and young professionals to secure job opportunities across various industries, including IT, BFSI, manufacturing, pharma, and FMCG sectors, with companies such as TCS and other leading organizations .


TCS NQT Interview Questions

Exam Structure

TCS NQT follows an Integrated Test Pattern comprising two main sections:


1. Foundation Section (Mandatory for all candidates)

  • Duration: 75 minutes

  • Components:

    • Numerical Ability: 26 questions

    • Verbal Ability: 24 questions

    • Reasoning Ability: 30 questions



2. Advanced Section (Mandatory for candidates aspiring for Digital or Prime roles)

  • Duration: 115 minutes

  • Components:

    • Advanced Quantitative Ability: 15 questions

    • Advanced Reasoning Ability: 15 questions

    • Advanced Coding: 3 questions

The total duration of the exam is approximately 3 hours, encompassing both sections .



Syllabus Overview


Foundation Section
:

  • Numerical Ability: Topics include number systems, arithmetic, elementary statistics, and data interpretation.

  • Verbal Ability: Focuses on English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence construction.

  • Reasoning Ability: Covers logical reasoning, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and decision-making skills .


Advanced Section
:

  • Advanced Quantitative Ability: Includes topics like HCF & LCM, geometry, allegations and mixtures, permutations and combinations, and probability.

  • Advanced Reasoning Ability: Encompasses complex logical reasoning problems, data interpretation, and analytical puzzles.

  • Advanced Coding: Assesses programming skills through hands-on coding problems in languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python .



Eligibility Criteria

Candidates eligible to apply for the TCS NQT should meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: UG, PG, and Diploma students in their pre-final and final year.

  • Graduation Year: Candidates passing out in the years 2020 to 2026.

  • Work Experience: Freshers with less than 2 years of experience.

  • Age Limit: Minimum 17 years and maximum 30 years .



Registration & Test Details

  • Mode of Examination: The test is conducted in-centre at TCS iON Authorised Exam Centres across India.

  • Frequency: TCS NQT is conducted every 2-4 weeks.

  • Score Validity: The TCS NQT Score is valid for 2 years from the date of result publishing.

  • Reattempts: Candidates can retake the test to improve their scores. Only the best score will be considered .



Career Opportunities

A good performance in TCS NQT can open doors to various roles within TCS, categorized as:

  • Ninja: Entry-level roles.

  • Digital: Roles requiring advanced skills.

  • Prime: Premium roles with higher compensation.

Additionally, the TCS NQT Score is recognized by multiple corporates, allowing candidates to apply for jobs in various industries through the TCS iON Job Listing Portal .



TCS NQT Recruitment Process


The TCS National Qualifier Test (TCS NQT) recruitment process is a structured, multi-stage assessment designed to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities, technical skills, and overall suitability for roles within TCS and other participating companies. Here's an overview of the process:


1. Online Test (TCS NQT Assessment)

This is the initial screening phase, conducted via the TCS iON platform. The test comprises two main sections:

  • Part A – Cognitive Skills:

    • Verbal Ability: 24 questions, 30 minutes

    • Reasoning Ability: 30 questions, 50 minutes

    • Numerical Ability: 26 questions, 40 minutes

  • Part B – Programming Skills:

    • Programming Logic: 10 questions, 15 minutes

    • Hands-on Coding: 2 questions, 45 minutes

In total, the test includes 92 questions to be completed in 180 minutes.



2. Technical Interview

Candidates who clear the online test proceed to the technical interview, which assesses:

  • Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python)

  • Understanding of data structures and algorithms

  • Knowledge of database management systems, operating systems, and networking

  • Academic projects and internships

Interviewers may also pose coding challenges or problem-solving questions to evaluate practical skills.



3. Managerial Interview

This round evaluates a candidate's:

  • Leadership and team management abilities

  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills

  • Adaptability and conflict resolution strategies

  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Candidates may be presented with hypothetical scenarios to assess their responses.



4. HR Interview

The final stage focuses on:

  • Alignment with company values and culture

  • Career aspirations and long-term goals

  • Willingness to relocate and work in different environments

  • Salary expectations and availability

This round also includes verification of documents and academic credentials.



Additional Information

  • Eligibility: Candidates should have a minimum of 60% throughout their academic career, with no pending backlogs.

  • Application Process: Interested candidates can apply through the TCS iON portal. A step-by-step guide to the application process is available here:

  • Score Validity: The TCS NQT score is valid for two years, allowing candidates to apply to multiple companies that recognize the score.

TCS NQT Interview Questions :

1 .
What is JDK?
The Java Development Kit is a distribution of Java Technology by Oracle Corporation. It implements the Java Language Specification and the Java Virtual Machine Specification that provides the Standard Edition of the Java Application Programming Interface.
2 .
How to split strings in Java?
public class FTL{

  public static void main(String args[])

  {

  String str = "FreeTimeLearn";

  String[] arrOfStr = str.split("e", 2);

  for (String a : arrOfStr)

  System.out.println(a);

  }

}

Output:

Fr
eTmeLearn

 

3 .
Explain the swapping of two numbers without using the third variable.
The swapping of two numbers without using the third variable is:

int a = 2, b = 4;

a = a + b;

b = a - b;

a = a - b; ​
4 .
Do you know why the main() method is static in Java?
The main() method, like every other method in Java, is also inside a class. Now, when we compile or run the Java program, we do not create an object of the class containing the main() method. So, we have to make sure that the main() method can be accessed without creating an object of the main() class. Hence, the main() method is static because the static methods belong to the class and not to a particular object.
5 .
Can constructors be overridden?
No, constructors are not overridden. The sub-class constructors have to call the super-class constructor for their creation as they inherit from the super-class. Hence, the constructors cannot be overridden.
6 .
What do you know about DCL?
DCL means Data Control Language. DCL is responsible for managing the access and permissions to a DBMS. DCL helps in deciding which part of the Database should be accessed by which user. The 2 major commands in DCL are :

GRANT: This command is used to grant privileges to the Objects of the database for a user. It helps one user to grant certain permissions to the other users.

REVOKE: This command is used to withdraw the privileges for the objects of the database that have been granted to a user.
7 .
What is Recursion?
It is a method of solving problems where the solution depends on smaller instances of the same problem. Iteration can generally solve those, but this needs to identify and index the smaller instances at programming time. Recursion solves such recursive problems by using functions that call themselves from within their code.
8 .
What is a Database?
The database management system is the software that interacts with end-users, applications, and the database to capture and analyze the data. The database software also encompasses the core facilities provided to administer the database. Database and the associated applications can be referred to as a "database system." Often the term "database" is also used to refer to any of the database systems or an application associated with the database.
9 .
What is JVM?
JVM is a virtual machine that enables the computers to run Java programs as well as the other programs written in other languages that are also compiled to Java bytecode. The JVM is detailed by a specification that formally describes what is required in a JVM implementation. Having a specification ensures interoperability of Java programs across different implementations so that program authors using the Java Development Kit need not worry about idiosyncrasies of the underlying hardware platform.
10 .
What is the use of DCL Language?
Data control language allows access and permission management to the database. It is also the subset of a database that decides what part of the database should be accessed by which user. DCL mainly includes two commands, GRANT and REVOKE.
11 .
Mention different types of operators in Python.
Different types of operations in python are:

* Arithmetic Operators
* Relational Operators
* Assignment Operators
* Logical Operators
* Membership Operators
* Identity Operators
* Bitwise Operators
12 .
Explain the use of the join() function in Python.
In Python, join() is used to define a string method that basically returns a string value. It is also concatenated with the elements of an iterable and provides a flexible way to concatenate the strings.
13 .
Explain the use of the break statement.
Break statement is used to terminate the current loop's execution and transfer control to the outside of the current statement.
14 .
What is a Tuple?
A tuple is a built-in data collection type of Python. It allows storing values in a sequence manner. It uses () brackets rather than [] square brackets to create a tuple. It is not easy and possible to remove any element but can be found in the tuple.
15 .
Explain the TCP/IP Protocol.
TCP/IP is an abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. We use this protocol to ink devices on the internet. This protocol can connect devices in a private network, such as an extranet or intranet.

HTTP, FTP, and HTTPS are examples of TCP/IP Protocols. HTTP manages communication between web browsers and servers. HTTPS ensures that browsers and servers communicate securely. Another is FTP, which handles file transfers between computers.
16 .
What exactly is a Conversion Constructor in C++?
It is a constructor with a single parameter. This constructor can be declared without the function specifier.

Compilers use this constructor to convert objects. In other words, they conduct implicit class-type conversions. This is because implicit conversions do not affect the constructor’s normal behavior.
17 .
Describe the key Characteristics of JavaScript.
JavaScript has many useful features. Here are a few of them.

* It is a scripting language that is case-sensitive and lightweight.
* It is platform-independent.
* It is a language that can be interpreted.
* It manages the handling of events as well as the generation of bespoke events.
* It thoroughly checks user inputs and detects errors.
* It performs the Justin Time compilation.
18 .
Mention the advantages of using super keywords in Java.
Following are the advantages of super keywords in Java.

* When superclasses and subclasses use methods with the same name, it leads to confusion. Using the super keyword can avoid this confusion.

*
We may access the superclass constructor using this keyword.

*
We use the super keyword to call superclass methods.
19 .
Briefly explain Deep Learning.
It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) method that typically analyses data as the human brain does. And it detects patterns in the data. As a result, AI draws helpful conclusions, uncovers insights, and forecasts future trends. Note that the data can be text, audio, image, video, etc.         

Deep learning is widely used in self-driving automobiles, medical image analysis, defense, and safety systems.
20 .
Write a program to swap two numbers in Python.
program:
# Python program to swap two variables
x = 5
y = 10
# To take inputs from the user
#x = input('Enter value of x: ')
#y =
input('Enter value of y: ')
# create a temporary variable and swap the values
temp = x
x = y
y = temp
print('The value of x after swapping: {}'.format(x))
print('The value of y after swapping: {}'.format(y))​

Output:
x = 10; y= 5​
21 .
Create a C code to determine whether the given number is a palindrome.
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int n, reversed = 0, remainder, original;
printf("Enter an integer: ");
scanf("%d", &n);
original = n;
// reversed integer is stored in reversed variable
while (n = 0) {
}
remainder = n % 10;
reversed = reversed * 10 + remainder;
n = 10;
// palindrome if orignal and reversed are equal
if (original == reversed)
else
printf("%d is a palindrome.", original);
printf("%d is not a palindrome.", original);
return 0;
}
22 .
Create a C++ program for binary search on an array.
// Binary Search in C++
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int binarySearch (int array[], int x, int low, int high) {
if (high >= low) {
int mid low + (high low) / 2;
-
// If found at mid, then return it
if (array[mid]
return mid;
==
x)
// Search the left half
if (array[mid] > x)
return binarySearch(array, x, low, mid - 1);
// Search the right half
return binarySearch (array, x, mid + 1, high);
return -1;
}
}
int main(void) {
int array[] = {4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10,11};
int x = 6;
int n = sizeof(array) / sizeof(array[0]);
int result = binarySearch (array, x, 0, n - 1);
if (result == -1)
printf("Not found");
else
printf("Element is found at index %d", result);
}​

Output :
Element is found at index 2​
23 .
Compare and contrast the Waterfall and Agile methodologies In SDLC.
Waterfall Agile
Different phases of SDLC are the basic building blocks of the waterfall approach Sprints are the basic building blocks of the agile approach
Waterfall implementation frameworks include Waterfall and Agilefall. Scrum and Kanban are two Agile implementation frameworks.
It develops software linearly. It adapts dynamic software development to changing requirements.
The testing phase follows the software development phase. We can conduct testing concurrently with software development.
It demands teamwork, but unlike the agile approach It demands a high level of team coordination and collaboration.
This strategy is rigid because it discourages modifying specifications during software development. This strategy is adaptable since specifications can be changed anytime during software development.
24 .
How are Vectors different from ArrayList in Java?
Vectors ArrayList
It is a member of the legacy class. It is a standard collection class.
Vectors can be synchronized. We cannot synchronize ArrayList.
It only allows one thread. It supports many threads.
It permits inheritance. It does not permit inheritance.
It is slower than ArrayList. It is faster than vectors.
25 .
Mention use of help() and dir() function in Python.
Help() function: Python's help() function is used to display the documentation string and facilitates the helping operations related to keywords, modules, and attributes.

Dir() function: dir() function in Python is used to display the defined symbols.
26 .
Explain docstring in Python.
docstring is a string literal that occurs as the first statement in function, class, module, or method definition. It also provides a better way to associate the documentation.
27 .
What are the different types of indexes available in SQL?
The different types of indexes available in SQL are:

* Clustered Index
* Non-Clustered Index
* Unique Index
* Composite Index
* Bit-Map Index
* Normal Index
* B-Tree Index
* Function-Based Index
28 .
What is fragmentation? What does Linked List have to do with it?
In computer science, fragmentation refers to the state of a memory allocation system in which many small blocks of memory are scattered throughout the memory space, making it challenging to allocate large blocks of memory when needed.

Linked lists can be used to manage memory dynamically, which can help to reduce fragmentation. In a linked list, memory blocks are linked together in a linear structure rather than scattered throughout the memory space.
29 .
List some linear and some non-linear data structures
Some common linear data structures include:

* Arrays
* Linked Lists
* Stacks
* Queues
* Strings

Some common non-linear data structures include:

* Trees
* Graphs
* Maps/Dictionaries
* Sets
* Hash tables
30 .
Difference between user-level thread and kernel-level thread
A user-level thread is a thread that is implemented and managed entirely within user space without the involvement of the operating system or kernel. These threads are created and managed by a user-level thread library. They are typically used to improve the performance of a program by allowing multiple tasks to be executed concurrently.

A kernel-level thread is a thread that is implemented and managed by the operating system or kernel. These threads are created and managed by the kernel and are typically used to improve the operating system's performance by allowing multiple tasks to be executed concurrently.
31 .
List some comparisons and similarities between the Java and C++ programming languages.
Some comparisons and similarities between the Java and C++ programming languages include:

* Java and C++ are high-level programming languages, meaning they are easy for humans to read and write but require additional processing to be executed by a computer.
* Both languages support object-oriented programming, meaning they allow the creation and manipulation of objects with specific characteristics and behaviors.
* Both languages support exception handling, allowing for the detection and handling of runtime errors.
* Both languages support polymorphism, meaning they allow different methods or functions to be defined with the same name but different behaviors depending on the context.
32 .
Difference between Process and Thread.
* A process is an instance of a program executed on a computer, and it is a self-contained execution environment with memory space, code, and resources.

* A thread is a unit of execution within a process, and it is a separate execution path that shares the same memory space and resources as the parent process.
33 .
List some major roles performed by an Operating System
* Resource management: managing the allocation and usage of hardware and software resources such as memory, CPU time, and input/output devices.

* Memory management: managing the allocation and deallocation of memory to different programs and processes, as well as handling virtual memory and swapping.

* Process management: creating, scheduling, and terminating processes and controlling the flow of execution of different processes.
34 .
Create a code that will print a right triangular star design.
import java.io.*;
// Java code to demonstrate right star triangle
public class MM {
// Function to demonstrate printing pattern
public static void StarRightTriangle(int n)
{
int a, b;
// outer loop to handle number of rows
// k in this case
for (a = 0; a < n; a++) {
// inner loop to handle number of columns
// values changing acc. to outer loop
for (b = 0; b <= a; b++) {
// printing stars
}
}
}
System.out.print("* ");
// end-line
System.out.println();
// Driver Function
public static void main(String args[])
int k = 3;
{
StarRightTriangle(k);
}
}​

Output:

  *
 * *
* * *​
35 .
Distinguish between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL).
AI is similar to human intellect and functions similarly to the human brain. It thoroughly studies data to identify helpful insights and make informed decisions. As a result, we can quickly handle complex problems using AI models. Amazon Alexa and Amazon Echo are two examples of artificial intelligence machines.

Machine Learning is nothing but a subset of artificial intelligence. It analyses data using complex algorithms. ML models analyze only structured data. We may utilize ML models to estimate future trends in finance, stock exchanges, banking, and other industries. ML can be classified into three types: supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and unsupervised learning.

Deep learning is nothing but a subset of Machine Learning. It examines both organized and unstructured data. It employs deep neural networks or multi-layered advanced algorithms to explore complex data. DL models are widely used in medicine, image analysis, and object detection.

Frequently Asked Questions for TCS NQT



1. How should I prepare for your TCS NQT interview?
First, you must improve your verbal aptitude and essay-writing abilities. Following that, you must have a solid understanding of essential computer fundamentals. You must also have honed your coding abilities. You should also prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions to pass the HR round.

2. How many interview rounds are there in the TCS NQT interview?
The TCS NQT interview consists of four rounds of interviews. TCS NQT written test is the first round. The second round is the technical phase, followed by the managerial round. The last round is the HR round.

3. What should I study in preparation for the TCS NQT interview?
You should study all fundamental computer concepts, such as OOP, OS, DBMS, data structures and algorithms, data science, etc. Mainly, you must be well-versed in these subjects.

4. Will I have any other interviews following the TCS NQT written test?
Yes. Following the written test, you must go through three rounds of interviews.

5. What are the TCS NQT interview pass marks?
It is determined by the number of candidates who take the exam. However, it is recommended that you must score at least 60% on the test.

6. Is the TCS NQT interview tough?
Your preparation efforts determine it. If you have worked hard, you will easily pass the interview. Otherwise, no doubt it will be challenging.

7. What minimum score is required to attend the TCS NQT exam?
You must have received at least 60% or a CGPA of 6 in all your academic credentials from matriculation to graduation.

8. How long does the TCS NQT score valid?
The score is valid for two years.

9. What will be my salary if I pass the TCS NQT interview?
Those who passed the TCS Ninja interviews will receive about 4 LPA.

Those who pass the TCS digital profiles interview will be paid around 7.5 LPA.