TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) Mock Test 2026
How to practice for TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT)?
What is the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) Exam Pattern?
Integrated Test Pattern (ITP)
written • Weightage: 100
Foundation Section
Questions
65
Duration
75 Min
Marks
65
Negative
None
Advanced Section
Questions
17
Duration
115 Min
Marks
17
Negative
None
Important Guideline
Total Duration is 190 Minutes with 82 Questions.
TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
What is the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) syllabus for 2026?
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) syllabus covers 6 subjects: Arithmetic & Data Interpretation, Number System & Elementary Statistics, Grammar & Reading Comprehension, Logical & Analytical Reasoning, Advanced Problem Solving, Data Structures & Algorithms (C/C++/Java/Python). The exam has 82 questions across 5 sections in 190 minutes, with no negative marking.
TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A: Foundation - Numerical Ability | 20 | 25 min | None |
| Part A: Foundation - Verbal Ability | 25 | 25 min | None |
| Part A: Foundation - Reasoning Ability | 20 | 25 min | None |
| Part B: Advanced - Quant & Reasoning | 15 | 25 min | None |
| Part B: Advanced - Coding | 2 | 90 min | None |
| Total | 82 | 190 min |
Marking scheme: +1 correct · 0 wrong · 0 unanswered. Last updated: 2026-07-23.
Subjects in the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) Syllabus
- Arithmetic & Data Interpretation
- Number System & Elementary Statistics
- Grammar & Reading Comprehension
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
- Advanced Problem Solving
- Data Structures & Algorithms (C/C++/Java/Python)
Drill individual topics with free topic-wise practice tests before attempting full-length papers.
Is there negative marking in TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT)?
No. TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) has no negative marking, so attempt every question — an unanswered question scores the same as a wrong one (0). Accuracy still matters for cutoffs, but never leave blanks.
Frequently Asked Questions — TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT)
The TCS National Qualifier Test (TCS NQT) is a standardized, scalable assessment conducted by TCS iON. It acts as the primary recruitment gateway for freshers (and professionals with up to 2 years of experience) seeking entry-level software development and IT careers at Tata Consultancy Services.
Full-time students of B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, MCA, and M.Sc (CS/IT) are eligible. Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 60% or 6.0 CGPA throughout their academic career (10th, 12th, and graduation). A maximum of 1 active backlog is permitted at the time of the test, and the academic gap should not exceed 24 months.
The exam consists of two parts. Part A: Foundation Section (Numerical Ability, Verbal Ability, Reasoning Ability) for 75 minutes. Part B: Advanced Section (Advanced Quantitative/Reasoning Ability and Advanced Coding) for 115 minutes. The total duration of the test is 190 minutes.
No, there is no negative marking in the TCS NQT exam. However, you cannot revisit previous questions or switch between sections during the test, so pace yourself carefully.
TCS Ninja provides standard entry-level Systems Engineer roles (CTC around ₹3.36 LPA). TCS Digital offers advanced development roles focusing on emerging technologies (CTC around ₹7.0 LPA). TCS Prime offers high-end research and complex system architecture roles (CTC around ₹9.0 LPA). Qualification for these roles is determined by NQT cognitive performance and coding round scores.
The TCS NQT score certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of the test. During this period, candidates can apply for jobs on the TCS iON job portal and other hiring partner companies.
Candidates must register on the TCS NextStep Portal under the IT category to get a CT Reference Number. Once the profile is complete, select the 'Apply for Drive' or register for the TCS NQT through the dashboard or authorized TCS iON site.
While TCS iON occasionally supports remote online testing under specific circumstances, the primary mode of the TCS NQT exam is in-person at authorized physical TCS iON Digital Zones (exam centers).
The syllabus includes Numerical Ability (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation), Verbal Ability (comprehension, grammar, sentence completion), Reasoning Ability (logical puzzles, arrangements, data sufficiency), Programming Logic (flowchart tracing, pseudocode prediction), and Coding (algorithmic coding using languages like C, C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript).
No. A high NQT score qualifies you to be shortlisted for the interview process. The final job offer is based on your performance in the Technical, Managerial, and HR interview rounds.
