Placement Prep Kit · updated Nov 2026
TCS NQT Placement Prep 2026
One test, three tracks: Ninja, Digital and Prime – your NQT score decides which one you are offered.
- TestTCS National Qualifier Test
- Package≈ ₹3.4 LPA (Ninja) to ₹9–11 LPA (Prime)
- WhenSeveral NQT rounds through the year
- DifficultyModerate
Overview
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is the single entry point for most freshers joining Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest IT employer. It has a Foundation part (numerical, verbal and reasoning ability) that everyone takes and an Advanced part (advanced aptitude and coding) that decides whether you are considered for the higher-paying Digital and Prime roles.
The test is taken online, usually at a TCS iON centre. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. Speed matters more than difficulty: most questions are school-level maths and grammar asked under a tight clock.
TCS NQT test pattern
| Section | Questions | Time | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical AbilityIn mock | 20 | 25 min | Percentages, ratio, time & work, speed & distance, profit & loss, number system, data interpretation |
| Verbal AbilityIn mock | 25 | 25 min | Reading comprehension, sentence completion, error spotting, para jumbles, vocabulary |
| Reasoning AbilityIn mock | 20 | 25 min | Series, coding-decoding, blood relations, seating arrangement, syllogisms, visual reasoning |
| Advanced Quantitative & ReasoningIn mock | 15 | 25 min | Harder arithmetic, permutations, probability, data sufficiency, puzzles |
| Advanced Coding | 2 | 90 min | Two programming problems – arrays, strings, greedy, simple DP (practise in the Python compiler) |
| Total | 82 | 190 min |
Pattern based on recent campus drives (2025–26). Always confirm timings and sections in your official test invitation.
Selection process
- 1
Register on TCS NextStep and apply for the NQT drive
- 2
NQT online test (Foundation + Advanced)
- 3
Technical interview (projects, one language, DBMS/OOP basics)
- 4
Managerial round (situations, teamwork, flexibility)
- 5
HR round (documents, relocation, bond and joining)
Roles and packages for freshers
Packages are approximate fixed CTC from recent offers and vary by drive and location.
Eligibility
- B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, MCA or M.Sc (relevant streams) – final year or recently graduated
- 60% (or 6 CGPA) or more in 10th, 12th/diploma, graduation and post-graduation
- Not more than one active backlog at the time of the test; all cleared before joining
- Education gap of up to 2 years is usually accepted if justified
Preparation plan & tips
- Practise 20 numerical questions a day with a timer – aim for under a minute each.
- For verbal, focus on sentence completion, error spotting and reading comprehension; avoid guessing long passages last.
- Learn one language well (C, Java or Python) for the coding questions: arrays, strings, loops and simple maths.
- In the interview, explain your final-year project end to end – TCS interviewers almost always start there.
- Keep an ID proof and your NQT reference number ready; late entry is not allowed at iON centres.
TCS NQT FAQs
Is there negative marking in TCS NQT?
No. Recent NQT drives have had no negative marking, so answer every question.
Which language is allowed in the coding section?
Usually C, C++, Java, Python and Perl. Use the one you can write fastest without help.
How is Digital or Prime decided?
By your score in the Advanced sections (advanced aptitude and coding) followed by a tougher interview.
How long is the NQT score valid?
TCS states the validity in each drive; it has typically been about two years for job applications.