The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is one of India's biggest fresher hiring gateways. Here's the structure, what to study, and a focused prep plan.
TCS NQT Test Structure
The NQT (Cognitive + Foundation/Advanced) typically covers:
- •Numerical Ability — arithmetic, number system, ratios, percentages, time & work, probability
- •Verbal Ability — grammar, reading comprehension, sentence completion
- •Reasoning Ability — series, figures, data sufficiency, logical reasoning
- •Programming Logic — pseudo-code, data types, loops, OOP, complexity
- •Coding — 1–2 hands-on coding problems (C, C++, Java or Python)
What to Study (Priority Topics)
- •Numerical: percentages, profit & loss, time-speed-distance, permutations & combinations
- •Programming Logic: loops, arrays, functions, recursion, OOP basics, Big-O
- •Coding: strings, arrays, patterns, sorting/searching — practice writing clean, working code
- •Verbal: error spotting and reading comprehension
A Focused 3-Week Plan
- •Week 1: Numerical + verbal fundamentals; 20 questions/day
- •Week 2: Reasoning + programming logic; revise OOP and complexity
- •Week 3: Daily coding practice + 3 full-length timed mock tests
Coding Round Tips
- •Read the problem fully; handle edge cases (empty input, single element)
- •Write a brute-force solution first, then optimize
- •Test with a couple of inputs before submitting
Sharpen these with our [free aptitude tests, coding tests and placement mocks](/interview-prep) and review technical interview questions for freshers.
Beyond TCS
TCS NQT is one path — apply widely. [Create a free MyInternships.in profile](/candidate/register) and get matched to verified software and IT fresher jobs at startups, product companies and GCCs too.