Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Abhishek Sharma
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a prestigious and widely recognized assessment conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India’s largest IT services and consulting companies. The TCS NQT serves as a gateway for fresh graduates and early professionals to secure positions in TCS and other leading corporations. This exam is a part of TCS’s larger initiative to identify and recruit talented individuals who can contribute to their diverse range of projects across industries. With its comprehensive assessment approach, the TCS NQT evaluates candidates on various skills, making it a crucial stepping stone for those aspiring to build a career in the IT industry.
IT companies in India use recruitment exams as a way to screen large numbers of candidates and to identify those who possess the necessary skills and aptitudes for success in the industry. The exams also provide a level playing field for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, as they allow companies to assess a candidate’s abilities objectively.
Recruitment exams in the IT industry are typically competitive, and the scores obtained in these exams are considered along with other factors such as academic performance, work experience, and personal interviews, to determine a candidate’s eligibility for a job at the company. Clearing a recruitment exam is not a guarantee of employment, but it is an important step in securing a job in the IT industry.
About TCS
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization. It is part of the Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate. TCS was founded in 1968 and has since grown to become one of the largest IT services companies in the world, with over 450,000 employees in 46 countries. The company offers a wide range of services, including application development and maintenance, infrastructure management, digital and cloud services, and engineering and industrial services. TCS is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, and has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellence in these areas. The company has a strong corporate culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous learning and development. TCS is an attractive employer for many IT professionals due to its global reach, challenging work environment, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What is TCS NQT Exam?
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is an online assessment designed to evaluate the skills and competencies of candidates in key areas such as cognitive ability, programming, and subject-specific knowledge. The test is open to students and professionals with up to two years of work experience. TCS NQT scores are used by TCS and other participating companies for hiring across multiple roles and industries. The exam is typically conducted several times a year, and candidates can take it from the comfort of their homes or at designated test centers.
The NQT is conducted online and consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics such as logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and computer programming concepts. The duration of the exam is typically 2 hours, and candidates are required to solve around 80 to 100 questions within the given time frame.
The logical reasoning section of the NQT tests a candidate’s ability to analyze and solve problems, think critically, and make logical decisions. This section typically includes questions related to puzzles, data interpretation, syllogisms, and logical sequences.
The quantitative aptitude section tests a candidate’s numerical ability and problem-solving skills. This section typically includes questions on topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
The English language section assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the language, including their reading, writing, and speaking skills. This section typically includes questions on vocabulary, grammar, sentence formation, and comprehension.
The computer programming concepts section tests a candidate’s knowledge of fundamental programming concepts, algorithms, data structures, and software development methodologies. This section is particularly relevant for candidates who have a background in computer science or engineering.
The scores obtained in the NQT are considered along with other factors such as academic performance, work experience, and personal interviews, to determine a candidate’s eligibility for a job at TCS. It is important to note that clearing the NQT is not a guarantee of employment with TCS, but rather an indication of a candidate’s potential to succeed in the company’s rigorous selection process.
TCS is known for its commitment to hiring the best talent from across India, and the NQT is a key component of its recruitment drive. The company offers a challenging and dynamic work environment, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth. TCS provides its employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off, among others.
In short words, the TCS NQT (National Qualifier Test) is a challenging and competitive exam that tests a candidate’s aptitude, technical skills, and overall suitability for a career in the IT industry. The exam is conducted online and covers a wide range of topics, including logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and computer programming concepts. Clearing the NQT is an essential step in securing a job at TCS, and is a testament to a candidate’s potential to succeed in the company’s rigorous selection process.
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 Recruiting Process
This process has 3 rounds:
Round 1: Online Written Exam
This is the first step or phase of the entire TCS NQT Hiring Procedure because the company’s main goal in this round is to assess the student’s aptitude as well as coding knowledge.
TCS NQT Written Round was updated this year(2023), and there will be two rounds.
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Part A (Foundation Section for Ninja Profile)
It consists of questions on reasoning ability, numerical ability, and verbal ability -
Part B (Advanced Section for Digital profile)
It requires advanced reasoning ability and advanced coding
Round 2: Technical Interviews
This is the most difficult stage of the hiring process, so prepare as thoroughly as possible. The focus of the interview will be on your technical knowledge, biography, and main project.
There’s a good chance you’ll be assigned to write some code.
Visit the PrepBytes youtube channel to learn more about Interview Experience. You must include all of the elements listed in your resume because omitting any of them will harm your resume.
Round 3: HR Interview
This is the simplest round, here interviewer checks your communication skill, your confidence, and leadership quality .in this round interviewer describes the job profile, and job salary.
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.
Conclusion
The TCS NQT is more than just an entry point to a job at TCS; it is a comprehensive assessment that helps candidates showcase their abilities to a wide array of potential employers. With its focus on cognitive and technical skills, the NQT provides a standardized platform for evaluating talent across the country. Preparing for the TCS NQT requires dedication, practice, and a clear understanding of the test format. Success in this exam can open doors to numerous opportunities, making it an important milestone for those looking to embark on a career in the IT and consulting sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on TCS NQT
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions by candidates on TCS NQT
1. How is the TCS NQT scored?
TCS NQT provides a comprehensive scorecard that includes percentile rankings for cognitive skills, subject-specific abilities, and overall performance. These scores can be used by candidates to apply for jobs at TCS and other participating companies.
2. How often is the TCS NQT conducted?
The TCS NQT is conducted multiple times a year. Candidates can choose the test date that best suits their schedule from the available slots.
3. Is there a fee to take the TCS NQT?
Yes, there is a registration fee for the TCS NQT. The exact amount can vary depending on the test variant and the sections included. Some educational institutions may also cover the cost for their students.
4. Can I retake the TCS NQT if I am not satisfied with my score?
Yes, candidates are allowed to retake the TCS NQT to improve their scores. However, there may be a waiting period between attempts, and an additional fee may apply for each retake.
5. How should I prepare for the TCS NQT?
Preparation for the TCS NQT should include practicing aptitude questions, improving programming skills, and reviewing subject-specific knowledge. There are various online resources, mock tests, and study materials available to help candidates prepare effectively.
6. Can my TCS NQT score be used for other companies?
Yes, the TCS NQT scorecard is recognized by several companies besides TCS. The score can be used to apply for job opportunities across various industries.
7. How long is the TCS NQT score valid?
The TCS NQT score is typically valid for two years from the date of the test. Candidates can use their scores to apply for jobs during this period.