Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) exam structure, eligibility requirements, rules, and timelines.
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.
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