Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Abhishek Sharma
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a widely recognized examination conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to identify talented candidates for various roles within the company and other participating organizations. The exam pattern of TCS NQT plays a crucial role in shaping the preparation strategy of candidates. Understanding the structure, types of questions, and time allocation for each section is essential for performing well in the exam. The TCS NQT is designed to assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities, technical skills, and domain knowledge, making it a comprehensive test for evaluating overall job readiness.
About TCS NQT
TCS NQT (National Qualifier Test) is an online assessment test conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the recruitment of entry-level engineers. The test measures a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning skills, and English proficiency. The TCS NQT is a crucial step in the recruitment process for TCS, as the company hires thousands of engineers every year from across India.
The TCS NQT is a computer-based test that consists of three sections – Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. The aptitude section measures the candidate’s numerical and logical reasoning abilities, while the reasoning section tests the candidate’s ability to identify patterns and analyze data. The English section tests the candidate’s grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Successful candidates who clear all the stages of the TCS NQT will be offered a job at TCS, one of the largest and most respected IT services companies in the world. The TCS NQT provides a unique opportunity for fresh graduates and postgraduates to start their careers with a leading technology company and work on cutting-edge projects for clients across the globe.
Before moving to the detailed TCS NQT Exam Pattern, let us first peep into the eligibility criteria for the same.
Eligibility Criteria for TCS NQT
The eligibility criteria for TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) are as follows:
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Postgraduate candidates are also eligible to apply for the TCS NQT.
- Age limit: Freshers of minimum 17 years and maximum 30 years of age can apply.
- Percentage Criteria: The candidate must have a minimum aggregate of 60% in their highest degree. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum aggregate is 55%.
- Professional Experience: Only Candidates with less than 2 years of experience are allowed
- Backlog Criteria: TCS allows candidates with a maximum of 1 Backlog.
- Gap Year: Candidates with a maximum of 2 years gap are allowed.
TCS NQT Exam Pattern
TCS NQT Exam consists of two major sections:
- Round 1: Foundation Section (For both Ninja and Digital Aspirants)
- Round 2: Advanced Section (Majorly for Digital Aspirants)
The given image summarizes the TCS NQT Exam Pattern in a more lucid way.
Let us discuss each of these rounds in detail along with the subjects asked and the time duration given in the exam for each exam.
Round 1: Foundation Section
Round 1 is basically for both Ninja and Digital Aspirants. The difficulty of this round is moderate. The subjects included in this round are:
- Traits
- Numerical Ability
- Verbal Ability
- Reasoning Ability
The table given below provides the exact number of questions from a particular subject.
Round 2: Advanced Section
The round is known as Advanced Section is mandatory for the TCS Digital Aspirants. The difficulty of this round is tough. The subjects included in this round are:
- Advanced Quantitative Ability
- Advanced Reasoning Ability
- Advanced Coding
The number of questions and time for each subject in this Advanced Section are given below in form of a table.
Important Points about TCS NQT Exam Pattern
Here are key points that candidates must know before appearing in the exam.
- There is no negative marking.
- You cannot switch sections in between.
- You are not allowed to visit the question that you have already visited.
- All the questions are mandatory.
- You are not allowed to change the tabs. This will lead to auto-submission of the test.
- The test will be AI proctored. Both audio and Video will be recorded.
TCS-NQT Important Topics and Syllabus
A candidate must cover all of the topics that are mentioned below inorder to score good marks in TCS NQT Examination 2023. The topics are divided according to the sections that is asked in various rounds.
Numerical Ability Foundation Section
Statistics
Percentage
Time & Work
Area & Mensuration
Number System
Linear Equations
Data Interpretation
HCF LCM
Simple Interest
Compound Interest
Profit and Loss
Speed, Distance, Time
Ratio and Proportion
Permutation and Combination
Probability
Partnership
Mixtures
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Reasoning Ability Foundation Section:
Coding and Decoding
Cuts and unfolds
Attention to detail
Unboxing a cube
Analogies
Blood Relation
Data Arrangements
Visual Reasoning
Venn Diagrams
Syllogisms
Statement Assumption
Statement Conclusion
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Verbal Ability Foundation Section:
Reading comprehension
Sentence correction
Sentence completion
Error Identification
Synonyms & Antonyms
Sentence/Paragraph Re-arrangements
Fill in the blanks
(Prepositions/Articles Tenses/Conjunctions)
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Advanced Quantitative Aptitude (Advanced Section):
Averages
Profit Loss
HCF LCM
Permutation and Combination
Probability
Geometry
Mensuration
Puzzles
Partnership
Number System
Time & Work
Time, Speed, Distance
Simple & Compound Interest
Progressions
Logarithms
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Advanced Reasoning Ability (Advanced Section):
Data Arrangements
Visual Reasoning
Venn Diagrams
Syllogisms
Statement Assumption
Statement Conclusion
Seating Arrangements
Spatial Reasoning
Puzzles
Cuts, Folds, Cubes-based questions
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Advanced Coding
Operators
Looping statements
Object-Oriented Programming (OOPS)
Threading
Functions
Recursion
Algorithms
Arrays
Control statements
Strings
Data Structures: Linked List, Stack, Queue, Trees, and Graphs
Scenario and Logical Based Problems are asked
Matrix Operations and Set Theory
String Operations: Backward and Forward Shift
Multidimensional Arrays
Flow Control Loops
Number Series, Pattern Series
Shortest Path Calculation Logic
Algorithms
Data Structures
Time and Space Complexity
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Conclusion
The TCS NQT exam pattern is thoughtfully structured to assess a wide range of skills, from general cognitive abilities to specific technical competencies. Familiarity with the exam pattern is key to effective preparation, as it helps candidates allocate their time wisely during the test and focus on areas that are most crucial. Success in the TCS NQT not only opens doors to opportunities within TCS but also enhances a candidate’s employability across various industries. By understanding the exam pattern, candidates can approach the test with confidence and increase their chances of achieving a high score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) : TCS NQT Exam
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on TCS NQT Exam Pattern.
1. What is the overall structure of the TCS NQT exam?
The TCS NQT exam is divided into multiple sections, including Verbal Ability, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, Programming Logic, and a Coding section. The test is typically conducted online and has a specific time duration for each section.
2. How many questions are there in the TCS NQT exam?
The number of questions can vary depending on the specific test variant, but generally, there are around 92-100 questions spread across different sections. Each section has a set number of questions designed to assess particular skills.
3. What is the time duration for the TCS NQT exam?
The total time duration for the TCS NQT exam is usually around 180 minutes (3 hours). This time is divided among the various sections, with each section having its own time limit.
4. Is there negative marking in the TCS NQT exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the TCS NQT exam. Candidates can attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.
5. How is the TCS NQT exam conducted?
The TCS NQT exam is conducted online, and candidates can take the test either from home or at designated test centers. The exam is proctored to ensure fairness and prevent malpractice.
6. What types of questions are included in the Verbal Ability section?
The Verbal Ability section typically includes questions on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and verbal reasoning. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s command over the English language.