Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Complete placement preparation guide
About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a global IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation headquartered in India. TCS hires extensively through campus drives and the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT), a standardized test used for multiple early-career hiring tracks. The company emphasizes strong problem-solving, coding fundamentals and communication skills.
TCS NQT (TCS iON) is designed to evaluate candidates on foundational aptitude and advanced skill sections including coding. The test format includes a Foundation (aptitude & verbal) section and an Advanced section (advanced quant/reasoning + coding). There is no negative marking in the standard NQT pattern, and candidates are often required to meet sectional cut-offs for specific roles.
TCS NQT – Latest Test Pattern (Foundation + Advanced)
| Part / Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation – Numerical Ability | 20 | Shared 75 minutes (Foundation total) | Basic to moderate difficulty |
| Foundation – Verbal Ability | 25 | Included in Foundation timing | Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary |
| Foundation – Reasoning Ability | 20 | Included in Foundation timing | Logical puzzles, DI, arrangements |
| Advanced – Quantitative & Reasoning | 15 (shared) | Part of Advanced window (~115 minutes) | Higher difficulty, accuracy focused |
| Advanced – Coding (Hands-on) | 3 coding tasks | Up to 90 minutes (within Advanced window) | Role-based coding problems |
| Total | ~83 MCQs + 3 Coding | ~190 minutes (varies by campaign) | No negative marking; sectional cut-offs apply |
Test Description
Foundation Section (Aptitude & Verbal)
The foundation section is time-shared (around 75 minutes) across Numerical, Verbal, and Reasoning areas. Questions test arithmetic ability, grammar, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and short data interpretation sets.
Advanced Section (Quantitative & Reasoning)
This section contains higher-difficulty questions focused on analytical depth, problem-solving, and speed. Accuracy matters more than attempting all questions.
Hands-on Coding
Coding is conducted in an online IDE. Problems usually involve arrays, strings, algorithms, and basic data structures. Clean, correct code is prioritized over complex optimizations.
Recommended Strategy
Foundation (Quick Wins)
- Attempt high-confidence verbal and reasoning questions first.
- Avoid lengthy DI and puzzle sets initially.
- Maintain accuracy to clear sectional cut-offs.
Advanced & Coding
- Practice arrays, strings, hashing, and basic algorithms.
- Write readable and tested code in the IDE.
- Prioritize correctness over attempting all questions.
Hiring Package Details (Typical)
- Roles: Software Engineer (Trainee), Systems Engineer, Analyst
- Salary: ₹3 – ₹7 LPA (entry-level, role dependent)
- Higher Roles: Packages increase with skill-based selection
- Locations: Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, Kolkata
Latest Interview Experience Summary
Round 1: Online Assessment
Foundation aptitude and reasoning with shared timing. Advanced candidates face higher-difficulty MCQs and coding tasks.
Round 2: Technical Interview
Questions on projects, data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving ability.
Round 3: HR Interview
Discussion on communication, flexibility, role understanding, and long-term goals.
Preparation Tips
Aptitude Practice
Focus on quantitative and logical reasoning sections
Coding Skills
Practice Data Structures and Algorithms problems
Communication
Prepare for technical and HR interviews
Previous Papers
Solve previous year placement papers
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