Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employs 3 lakhs+ employees across 46 countries. They hire talented individuals from reputed colleges in India through a selection process. TCS has development centres and/or regional offices in the following Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna, Haldia.
TCS works worldwide, with a broad talent pool of over 400,875 associates (including subsidiaries) representing 143 nationalities from 46 countries as of June 30, 2018. They assist their customers in meeting their business objectives and driving technology-led transformations. They are one of the largest employers of women, accounting for 35.6% of the workforce.
The selection process includes three stages, where candidates compete for the job. If a candidate doesn’t qualify in any round, they are disqualified. However, one does not have to worry as we have everything you need to know about TCS’ campus selection process.
TCS Selection Process for Freshers
TCS administers written tests as well as technical and managerial interviews to trainees and employees with less than two years of experience. TCS does not administer written tests for laterals.
- The procedure consists of shortlisting based on certain eligibility criteria including the student’s academic track record and domain/specialisations, an aptitude test, and a two-tier competency-based interview.
- In management institutes, TCS replaces aptitude tests with group discussions.
- TCS often looks for technical expertise, professionalism, good communication skills, a willingness to operate outside of traditional boundaries, and a cooperation orientation.
TCS often selects freshers through an online aptitude test that covers quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and verbal abilities. Successful candidates are invited to a technical interview to examine their mastery of computer science topics and programming. Finally, an HR interview assesses communication skills and cultural fit. Overall, TCS looks for applicants with strong academic records, problem-solving talents, and effective communication skills.
How Do I Apply for TCS Recruitment 2025?
The steps for applying to TCS Recruitment are outlined below.
Step 1: Access the TCS Next Step Portal.
Step 2: Register yourself and apply for the TCS Recruitment process.
If you’ve already registered, log in and fill out the application form. After submitting your application, click “Apply For Drive”.
If you are a new user, click Register Now, select “IT” as the category, and then fill out the application form. Submit and select “Apply For Drive”.
Step 3: Select your mode of test (in-centre or remote) and click Apply.
Step 4: To confirm your application status, click “Track Your Application” which would reflect as “Applied for Drive”
Eligibility for TCS Selection Process
Before applying for the TCS jobs, candidates should be aware of the TCS eligibility for 2025. Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements for 2025, including age, educational qualification, and nationality, to be considered for active recruiting. If a candidate passes the TCS selection process 2025; however, if later it is found that the candidate does not match the eligibility requirements, such candidates will be automatically rejected.
- Age: Students should be 18 to 28 years of age to participate in the TCS Off-Campus Hiring process.
- Highest Qualification: Students should have completed their education in the stipulated course duration.
- Backlogs/ Arrears/ ATKT: Students should not have any pending backlogs to apply.
- Gap/ Break-in Education: A two-year gap in the academic year is allowed. Furthermore, it is mandatory to declare any educational gaps. The whole academic gap should not be more than 24 months till the highest qualification. Relevant documentation evidence is required and will be evaluated for educational gaps.
- Percentage: The candidate must obtain a minimum aggregate (all subjects in all semesters) of 60% or 6 CGPA in each of the following examinations: Class X, Class XII, Diploma (if applicable), Graduation, and Post-Graduation.
- Course Type: Full-time courses will be considered (no part-time or correspondence courses). Students who have finished their Secondary and/or Senior Secondary courses at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are also eligible to apply if the previous courses are full-time. Students with B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech., MCA/M.Sc degrees from any recognised university/college are eligible.
- Work Experience: Students having past work experience of up to two years are allowed to apply for the TCS Off Campus Hiring Process, with a maximum of three years.
**Certification in various Programming Languages will be considered a bonus.
Note:
Along with the TCS NQT Eligibility, there are a few key points to consider:
- Applicants must retain their original documents, such as proof of age, educational qualifications, and nationality, in hand if they are requested to present them during the interview process.
- Candidates having more than a two-year gap in their academic records are ineligible for admission. There is no leniency on this issue.
Check out the stages of the TCS Recruitment Process – Types of TCS Interview
TCS Selection Process 2025
The TCS NQT Exam selection procedure is divided into four main categories. This includes:
- Online Test (Exam Syllabus, Pattern)
- Interview (Technical, Managerial, HR)
TCS Selection Process 2025 – Online Test
The candidates will take the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) online test. The TCS NQT exam paper consists of five papers: verbal ability, reasoning ability, numerical ability, programming logic, and hands-on coding. The paper will contain 92 questions, with the exam lasting 180 minutes.
Email Writing
You will be given instructions and a set of keywords. Follow the exact directions, and use all the keywords in the same order as listed in the question.
Omit all unnecessary details from your email. Your answer should be a minimum of 50 words; the ideal length is 70-80 words.
Sometimes, the word length is mentioned in the question. Avoid spelling errors and typos, big words and complex sentences, keep the writing crisp and to the point, and remember to use accepted norms for salutation and signing off.
Also Read: IT Jobs: Do you have what it takes to be an IT professional?
Analytical Reasoning: Numerical and Reasoning ability
This section tests your numerical and reasoning ability. Time management is critical. Try and solve the easy questions first before attempting the difficult ones.
Certain ‘star’ questions carry more marks; don’t get stuck on these unless you are confident of solving them quickly since it could upset your time management. Instead, return after solving the easy questions.
Programming Language Efficiency
This is a new round introduced by TCS where candidates must answer 10 multiple choice questions on C language based on basic programming concepts.
Coding Test
This test is of the Command Line Programming type where candidates are required to solve one programming question in 20 minutes in C language using an inbuilt online compiler. Prepare for basic programs like leap year GCD, Fibonacci series, HCF, LCM, odd/ even series, etc.
Also Read: Preparation Tips for the TCS Aptitude Test
How to Get Placed in TCS: Personal Interviews
TCS personal interview includes three rounds—technical, managerial and HR. The managerial round may be omitted depending on the discretion of the employers.
Technical Round
Choose two domains or technologies as your specialisation and study them in depth including new versions and updates. Cover the general programming concepts. Knowledge of C language is a plus. Be prepared for detailed questions on the projects you’ve worked on. You could also be asked to write programs during the interview.
Managerial Round
This interview is intended to gauge your response to a pressure situation. Expect brain teasers, deliberate efforts to confound you, scepticism, and emotional intimidation. Much depends on your interviewer.
HR Round
This is where they assess things like your attitude and fitment in the company, apart from informing you about the terms and conditions of employment.
Expect standard HR questions on why you want to join the company, why you think you’re a better choice than other candidates, and your strengths and weaknesses, apart from behavioural questions.
In the interview rounds, remember that you are constantly being judged on your confidence, personality, and soft skills, so remain calm and make an effort to be pleasant even if you are under strain.
TCS Recruitment Exam Syllabus 2025
The TCS Exam Syllabus for the Cognitive Skills and Programming for the previous year is given below. However, the TCS syllabus 2025 is expected to be the same.
Section | Topics |
Verbal Ability | Direct & Indirect speech, Articles, Noun, Pronouns, Prepositions, Verbs, Tenses, Active and Passive voice, Types of sentences, Improvement of Sentences, Subject-verb Agreement, Connectors, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution, Fill in the Blanks |
Reasoning | Visual Memory, Symbolic/ Number Classification, Analytical Reasoning, Clocks, Odd man out, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Number Series, Directions, Analogy, Syllogism, Statements & Arguments, Figural Classification, Decision Making, Number Series, Non-Verbal Series, Arithmetical Reasoning, Number Ranking, Cubes and Dice, Venn diagrams, Problem Solving, Coding-Decoding |
Numerical Ability | Average, Percentage, Number Systems, Time & Work, Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Speed, Simplification, Permutation and Combination, Pipes and Cistern, Logarithm, Problem On Ages, Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pictorial Graph, Pie Chart), Algebra, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics and Probability, Boats and Streams, Decimal Fraction, Square Root and Cube Root |
Programming Logic | Command Line Programming, Data Types, Functions and Scope, Variables and Registers, Inbuilt Libraries (based on C), Input-Output (based on C), Pointers, Call by value/ reference, Recursion, Iteration, Hands-on Coding (C++, Java, C, Perl, Python) |
TCS Recruitment Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for the TCS recruitment process is described below. Candidates can review the exam format in detail.
- Computer-Based Online Test (TCS NQT)
- The exam is scheduled for 180 minutes (3 hours).
- The two parts of the online exam are programming and cognitive skills.
- Candidates who pass the test will be called for an interview.
- There will only be one English exam.
TCS Exam Pattern 2025 | |||
Section | No. of questions | Duration (minutes) | |
Part A – Cognitive Skills | Verbal Ability | 24 | 30 |
Reasoning Ability | 30 | 50 | |
Numerical Ability | 26 | 40 | |
Part B – Programming | Programming Logic | 10 | 15 |
Hands-on Coding | 2 | 45 | |
Total | — | 92 Questions | 180 Minutes |
TCS Interview Questions 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. In this phase, candidates will be asked questions in both technical and human resources domains.
Commonly Asked Interview Questions in TCS Interview
15 most frequently asked questions during the HR stage of TCS recruitment are given here.
- What do you know about TCS and how it ranks among competitors?
- What motivates you to join TCS?
- Why do you believe we should hire?
- Have you ever held any leadership positions, and are you a team player or not?
- What is your area of expertise: software creation, analysis, or testing?
- What projects or internships have you worked on?
- Tell me something about yourself.
- Are you willing to change your domain? If yes, why?
- Are you willing to relocate if required?
- What is your weakness?
- Are you a team player?
- What is your strength?
- Is there anything that distinguishes you from the other candidates?
- What qualities should a leader have, according to you?
- Tell me something about the recent trends In IT Industry.
Related Read: TCS Digital Interview Questions for Freshers
Preparation Tips for TCS Job Selection
For aspirants who are just getting started with the syllabus, it is recommended that they follow the basic procedures outlined below as TCS interview preparation recommendations.
Step 1: Understand the TCS Selection Process 2025.
Step 2: Knowing the TCS NQT Syllabus.
Step 3: Understanding the Exam Pattern of TCS NQT
Interview Preparation Strategies for TCS Job
Find subject-specific tactics for preparing for the TCS NQT exam, as recommended by experts, as well as time management and interview preparation strategies.
Step 1: Make a Study Plan for the TCS online test.
Month | Subject Strategy | Week-wise Plan | Day-wise Goals | Revision Plan |
Month 1 | Verbal Ability | Week 1: Grammar and Vocabulary | Day 1: Basic grammar concepts | Weekends: Revision of grammar and vocabulary topics |
Week 2: Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction | Day 2: Practice RC passages | |||
Week 3: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Idioms | Day 3: Learn new vocabulary words | |||
Week 4: Practice Tests and Full-marks Paper Analysis | Day 4: Solve practice exercises | |||
Month 2 | Reasoning Ability | Week 1: Puzzles and Seating Arrangements | Day 5: Solve puzzle problems | Weekends: Revision of puzzle-solving techniques and seating arrangements |
Week 2: Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability | Day 6: Practice logical reasoning questions | |||
Week 3: Coding Decoding and Series Completion | Day 7: Work on coding decoding problems | |||
Week 4: Practice Tests and Full-marks Paper Analysis | Day 8: Solve practice reasoning exercises | |||
Month 3 | Programming Logic | Week 1: Basic Concepts and Data Structures | Day 9: Review basic programming concepts | Weekends: Revision of data structures and algorithms |
Week 2: Control Structures and Loops | Day 10: Practice loop-related problems | |||
Week 3: Functions and Arrays | Day 11: Solve problems involving arrays | |||
Week 4: Practice Tests and Full-marks Paper Analysis | Day 12: Work on coding exercises | |||
Month 4 | Numerical Ability | Week 1: Number System and Arithmetic | Day 13: Practice arithmetic problems | Weekends: Revision of number system concepts and arithmetic operations |
Week 2: Algebra and Geometry | Day 14: Solve algebraic equations | |||
Week 3: Percentages and Profit & Loss | Day 15: Work on problems related to percentages | |||
Week 4: Practice Tests and Full-marks Paper Analysis | Day 16: Solve numerical ability exercises | |||
Month 5 | Hands-on-coding | Week 1: Basic Programming Concepts | Day 17: Practice basic coding exercises | Weekends: Revision of programming concepts and coding techniques |
Week 2: Conditional Statements and Loops | Day 18: Work on conditional statements | |||
Week 3: Arrays and Strings | Day 19: Solve problems involving arrays and strings | |||
Week 4: Practice Tests and Full-marks Paper Analysis | Day 20: Solve coding | |||
Month 6 | Comprehensive Revision | Week 1: Revision of all subjects | Day 21-27: Review all topics covered so far | Weekends: Final revision of all subjects |
Week 2: Mock Tests and Analysis | Day 28-29: Take mock tests and analyze performance | |||
Week 3: Final Preparation | Day 30: Finalize study plan for the exam |
Step 2: Subject-wise Preparation Tips for TCS Online Exam
Section | Preparation Tips |
Verbal Ability | This section tests linguistic abilities and expression skills. Focus on improving communication skills as they are crucial in the professional world. |
Reasoning Ability | Practice solving puzzles, seating arrangements, and other reasoning problems to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the exam. |
Programming Logic | Master the programming language by solving Previous Year Papers (PYPs) to understand the topics frequently covered in the exam. |
Numerical Ability | Practice extensively to excel in this section. Cover all the important topics mentioned in the syllabus thoroughly. |
Hands-on coding | Enhance programming skills by solving Previous Year Papers (PYPs) to prepare effectively for this section. |
What after the TCS Interview Process?
TCS has a background screening process carried out by professional agencies. As part of this process, TCS investigates authenticity, educational background, and professional experience. Typically, background checks are conducted before joining.
When an employee joins, they are handed a letter of appointment. All terms and conditions of service are outlined in the letter of offer sent once the candidate passes the management interview.
All candidates, including those who were rejected, are notified of their status. Candidates may contact the office to check on the status of their application.
Although TCS generally recruits for a post, if alternatives are available and the candidate is deemed fit, HR may pursue the application.
TCS Job Postings
TCS NQT (TCS National Qualifier Test) is a placement exam conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to hire new employees. Students are hired for two job postings:
- TCS Ninja
- TCS Digital profiles.
TCS Ninja is a profile name used to recruit young graduates across India. Students who qualify for TCS Ninja receive a bundle worth around 3.5 LPA.
TCS Digital is a profile name used to recruit fresh graduates across India through a National Qualifier Test (NQT). Candidates are assigned to several units based on their areas of interest, including IoT, AI, ML, Big Data, Virtual Reality, BlockChain, NLP, and others. Students who qualify for TCS Digital receive a package worth around 7 LPA.
Growth Prospects in TCS
TCS offers careers in five streams: sales, delivery, practice, technology, corporate roles, and around four areas of specialisation: engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure services, BPO, IT services, and global consulting.
TCS offers employees an aspiration-based career in project management, technology, domain, and sales. This is made possible by continual competency development, differentiated compensation, and numerous work-life balance programmes.
The opportunity to work in various markets and regions through our network of 169 offices in 35 countries. This has enabled TCS to recruit and retain personnel at all levels.
Remuneration
TCS salaries are based on the years of experience and the nature of the experience, such as skills, technology, etc. TCS offers an annual salary package worth around 3 LPA to 12 LPA. The salary is frequently benchmarked against the industry.
What skills do you need to succeed in TCS Interview?
TCS interviews require technical knowledge of programming languages, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, familiarity with TCS’ business and services, adaptability, teamwork, and a good attitude.
Hard Skills Required For TCS Online Test
Hard skills are specialised, teachable qualities that can be quantified and tested, such as technical knowledge or competency with a particular software. They are essential for completing job activities swiftly and successfully. The following are the hard skills required to qualify TCS Online test:
- Data structures and algorithms
- Database and SQL
- Object-oriented programming (OOP) languages
- Integrated development environments (IDEs)
- Cloud computing
- Web development
- Containers
- Text editors
- Git version control
Soft Skills For TCS interview
Soft skills differ from technical (hard) skills in that they include personal characteristics and interpersonal abilities, allowing professionals to work together more successfully and happily with others.
Here are a few of the most essential programmers’ soft skills:
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Teamwork and conflict resolution
- Problem-solving
- Empathy
- Patience
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Time management
While the recruitment process may seem quite rigorous, a few weeks of preparation could give you a good shot at getting selected. Check the step-by-step guide to tackle TCS interview questions. Prepare well and apply. It could be an ideal launch pad for your career!
Related Topics | |
Job vacancies in India | Top Career Options after B.Tech |
Infosys Recruitment Selection Process | Technical interview questions |
FAQ on the TCS Selection Process
Q1. What is the TCS selection process for freshers?
A1. The TCS campus selection process for freshers typically involves the following stages:
- Online Aptitude Test: Assessing candidates’ quantitative, logical, and verbal abilities.
- Technical Interview: Evaluating the candidate’s technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and programming proficiency.
- Managerial Interview (if applicable): Testing the candidate’s response to pressure situations, problem-solving approach, and overall managerial potential.
- HR Interview: Discussing the candidate’s communication skills, cultural fit, and understanding of TCS’s values and expectations.
Q2. How can I prepare for the TCS campus aptitude test?
A2. To prepare for the TCS campus aptitude test, focus on sharpening your quantitative, logical reasoning, and verbal abilities. Practice previous years’ test papers and take online mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and time management.
Q3. What topics are usually covered in the TCS technical interview for campus recruitment?
A3. The TCS technical interview covers topics related to your field of study or specialisation. Be prepared to answer questions on programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and fundamental concepts of your chosen domain.
Q4. How can I make a positive impression during the TCS HR interview?
A4. To make a positive impression during the TCS HR interview:
- Showcase Your Communication Skills: Articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
- Research TCS: Learn about the company, its values, and recent projects to demonstrate your interest.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasise your strengths and how they align with TCS’ requirements.
- Be Genuine: Be honest in your responses and avoid giving scripted answers.
Q5. What qualities does TCS look for in candidates during campus selection?
A5. TCS looks for candidates who exhibit strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication. Additionally, a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and alignment with TCS’s values are essential traits they seek in potential hires.
Q6. What is the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT)?
A6. The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a standardized test used to assess candidates’ cognitive skills and programming knowledge. It consists of:
- Cognitive Skills: Verbal ability, reasoning, and numerical ability.
- Programming Skills: Basic programming concepts, hands-on coding. The test is conducted online and is a key component of the TCS recruitment process.
Job By Role: