Table of Contents
Introduction
Amazon’s Online Assessment (OA) is a key step in the hiring process for many roles, such as Software Development Engineer (SDE), data analyst, and business positions. It helps Amazon screen candidates efficiently. This guide explains the full OA format for 2026, including every section, preparation steps, and tips for success. It focuses on a clear career path for Indian freshers and early-career professionals targeting Amazon jobs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Amazon OA Overview
Amazon uses the OA as the first major test after resume screening. The test is online and proctored through webcam. It usually lasts 90 to 120 minutes. Results come within 1 to 5 days.
The OA checks three main areas.
- First, it tests technical skills like coding.
- Second, it evaluates logical thinking and decision-making.
- Third, it assesses fit with Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles, such as Customer Obsession and Ownership.
In 2026, Amazon added more game-like sections and AI-related questions. These changes make the test more interactive. The pass rate is about 20% for SDE roles. Campus drives happen from March to May. Off-campus applications are open year-round.
Quick OA Facts Table
| Detail | SDE Role | Non-Tech Role |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 90-120 minutes | 60-90 minutes |
| Main Focus | Coding | Simulations |
| Pass Rate | 18-25% | 35-45% |
| Retake Wait Time | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
Master Data Analytics with No-Cost EMI options at Zero Interest 💳✨
Learn AI-driven data analytics with real-world projects and placement assistance for high-growth careers.
Join NowHow to Apply and Get the OA Invite
- You need a B.Tech or M.Tech degree with at least 7.0 CGPA. T
- here should be no active backlogs.
- Freshers from 2025-2028 batches can apply.
- Experienced candidates with 0-2 years also qualify.
Follow these steps to apply.
- First, go to amazon.jobs.
- Search for “SDE I India” or your role.
- Upload a one-page resume.
- Include keywords like “LeetCode” or GitHub links.
- Referrals from employees help a lot.
- Amazon shortlists resumes in 7-14 days.
- They send an OA link by email.
- The link expires in 3-7 days.
For the test day, use a laptop with Chrome browser. Ensure stable internet of 5 Mbps or more. Sit in a quiet room. Have your ID ready for proctoring.
Full Amazon OA Format for 2026
The OA has four main sections. Amazon may split it into OA1 and OA2 for some roles. Here is a detailed look at each part.
1. Coding Section (40-70 Minutes, 2-3 Questions)
This section has the highest weight, around 50%. You solve 2-3 coding problems. They are medium to hard level, like LeetCode problems. The system tests your code on 20-50 hidden cases.
Common topics include arrays, strings, graphs, trees, dynamic programming, and heaps. Amazon likes problems on sliding windows and BFS/DFS.
Example Problem 1: Shortest Path in a Grid You get a grid with obstacles (1s) and open paths (0s). Find the minimum steps from start to end. Here is a simple Python solution.
from collections import deque def shortestPath(grid, start, end): rows = len(grid) cols = len(grid[0]) queue = deque([start]) visited = set([start]) steps = 0 directions = [(0,1), (1,0), (0,-1), (-1,0)] while queue: size = len(queue) for _ in range(size): x, y = queue.popleft() if (x, y) == end: return steps for dx, dy in directions: nx, ny = x + dx, y + dy if (0 <= nx < rows and 0 <= ny < cols and grid[nx][ny] == 0 and (nx, ny) not in visited): visited.add((nx, ny)) queue.append((nx, ny)) steps += 1 return -1 This code uses BFS for the shortest path. It runs in O(rows * columns) time.
Tips for Coding:
- Read all input formats carefully.
- Test with edge cases like empty grid or no path.
- Aim for optimal time complexity, like O(n).
- Write clean code with comments if time allows.
Example Problem 2: Top K Frequent Elements Given an array, return the k most frequent numbers. Use a heap or bucket sort. Partial credit is given if basic cases pass.
2. Work Simulation Section (20-30 Minutes)
This part puts you in real Amazon work scenarios. You handle emails, chats, and tasks as if you are an employee. There are 8-12 tasks.
Examples include prioritizing bug fixes over new features or responding to a customer complaint. You rank options or write short replies (under 250 words).
The section tests Leadership Principles. For instance, choose actions that show “Customer Obsession.” Always explain your choice with reasons.
Sample Scenario: A production outage happens during a deadline. What do you do first? Good answer: First, fix the outage to help customers. Then, update the team. Finally, plan to avoid it next time.
Tips:
- Prioritize high-impact tasks.
- Use words from Leadership Principles.
- Write clear, short responses.
3. Work Style Assessment (15 Minutes)
You answer 50-100 statements on a scale from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Questions link to Leadership Principles.
Examples:
- “I always check data before deciding.” (Dive Deep)
- “I take risks to meet goals.” (Bias for Action)
Be consistent in your answers. Amazon looks for traits like Ownership and Invent and Simplify. Most successful candidates agree 70% of the time on key principles.
Tips:
- Answer quickly but thoughtfully.
- Stay true to a collaborative, customer-focused profile.
4. Reasoning and Games Section (15-25 Minutes)
This includes logical puzzles, verbal questions, and new game elements. There are 15-20 questions.
Games test memory, multitasking, or debugging code snippets. Verbal questions are true/false/cannot say. Quantitative covers probability and data interpretation.
Example Game: Match patterns or spot code bugs in a loop. New in 2026: Chat with an AI coworker about ethical choices.
Tips:
- Use “Cannot Say” for unclear verbal questions.
- Practice quick math like permutations.
Section Weight Table
| Section | Time | Weight | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coding | 70 minutes | 50% | Problem-solving |
| Work Simulation | 25 minutes | 25% | Decision-making |
| Work Style | 15 minutes | 15% | Personality fit |
| Reasoning/Games | 20 minutes | 10% | Logic and speed |
Amazon Leadership Principles
Amazon follows 16 Leadership Principles. These guide how employees make decisions and work every day. The company expects all candidates to show these principles during the Online Assessment (OA) and interviews. In the OA, they appear in the Work Style Assessment and Work Simulation sections. You answer statements or scenarios based on these ideas. Understanding them helps you respond correctly and increases your chances of passing.
Here is a complete list of the 16 Leadership Principles. Each one includes a simple explanation and an example question from the OA or interviews. Use these to prepare.
1. Customer Obsession
Leaders start with the customer and work backwards. They work hard to earn and keep customer trust. OA Example: “A customer reports a delay. Do you fix it first or finish your report?” (Choose customer.)
2. Ownership
Leaders act like they own the whole company. They think long-term and do not say “that’s not my job.” OA Example: Rate: “I fix problems even if they are in another team’s area.” (Strongly Agree.)
3. Invent and Simplify
Leaders expect new ideas. They simplify things and seek ideas from everywhere. OA Example: “I find easier ways to solve old problems.” (Agree.)
4. Are Right, A Lot
Leaders make good judgments. They seek different views and work with experts. OA Example: Scenario: “Your idea differs from the team’s. What do you do?” (Share data, then support group.)
5. Learn and Be Curious
Leaders never stop learning. They explore new possibilities and improve skills. OA Example: “I read about new tech outside work.” (Agree.)
6. Hire and Develop the Best
Leaders raise the bar with every hire. They coach others and mentor juniors. OA Example: “I train new team members even if busy.” (Agree.)
7. Insist on the Highest Standards
Leaders set very high standards. They fix issues so problems stay solved. OA Example: Rate: “Good enough is never enough for me.” (Strongly Agree.)
8. Think Big
Leaders create bold visions. They think beyond today and act to reach them. OA Example: “I plan for 5 years ahead, not just this quarter.” (Agree.)
9. Bias for Action
Leaders act fast and take risks. Speed matters in business. OA Example: Scenario: “Launch now with 80% ready or wait?” (Launch with data.)
10. Frugality
Leaders do more with less. They avoid waste and spend wisely. OA Example: “I find cheap ways to test ideas.” (Agree.)
11. Earn Trust
Leaders listen, speak clearly, and treat others respectfully. They admit mistakes. OA Example: “I listen more than I talk in meetings.” (Agree.)
12. Dive Deep
Leaders stay connected to details. They audit often and drill into data. OA Example: Rate: “I check numbers myself before reports.” (Strongly Agree.)
13. Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit
Leaders disagree respectfully with data. Once decided, they commit fully. OA Example: “I argue with bosses if wrong, then follow.” (Agree.)
14. Deliver Results
Leaders focus on key inputs. They overcome blocks and deliver. OA Example: “I meet deadlines despite problems.” (Strongly Agree.)
15. Strive to be Earth’s Best Employer
Leaders create a safe, inclusive workplace. They lead with empathy. OA Example: “I support work-life balance for the team.” (Agree.)
16. Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility
Leaders think globally. They act for positive impact on communities and Earth. OA Example: “I consider environment in product choices.” (Agree.)
Leadership Principles Table for Quick Review
| Principle Number | Name | Key Action in OA/Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Customer Obsession | Prioritize users |
| 2 | Ownership | Fix any problem |
| 3 | Invent and Simplify | Innovate daily |
| 4 | Are Right, A Lot | Use data wisely |
| 5 | Learn and Be Curious | Study new topics |
| 6 | Hire and Develop the Best | Mentor others |
| 7 | Insist on the Highest Standards | Reject average work |
| 8 | Think Big | Plan long-term |
| 9 | Bias for Action | Move fast |
| 10 | Frugality | Save resources |
| 11 | Earn Trust | Be honest |
| 12 | Dive Deep | Check details |
| 13 | Have Backbone | Disagree, then commit |
| 14 | Deliver Results | Beat obstacles |
| 15 | Earth’s Best Employer | Care for people |
| 16 | Broad Responsibility | Think global good |
How to Use Leadership Principles in OA Preparation
Read the official list on amazon.jobs. Memorize the top 10: Customer Obsession, Ownership, Invent and Simplify, Are Right A Lot, Learn and Be Curious, Hire and Develop the Best, Insist on the Highest Standards, Think Big, Bias for Action, and Earn Trust. These appear most in OAs.
In Work Style questions, agree with statements that match these. Stay consistent. In simulations, explain choices using principle names. For example, say “This follows Customer Obsession because…”
Practice with 50 sample questions daily. Use STAR method for responses: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This shows real examples from your life.
Prep Tip: Make flashcards. Test yourself on definitions and OA examples. Review Amazon’s careers page weekly for updates.
Master Data Analytics with No-Cost EMI options at Zero Interest 💳✨
Learn AI-driven data analytics with real-world projects and placement assistance for high-growth careers.
Join Now6-Week Preparation Plan for Amazon Online Assessment
Follow this plan for 4 hours per day. It works for both technical and non-technical roles.
Weeks 1-2: Build Basics Solve 100 easy coding problems on LeetCode. Study the 16 Leadership Principles from amazon.jobs. Take one full mock test. Log your mistakes in a notebook.
Weeks 3-4: Practice Patterns Do 5 medium coding problems daily. Practice 3 work simulations from YouTube. Time yourself strictly. Review weak areas like graphs or DP.
Weeks 5-6: Full Tests and Review Take 4 complete OA mocks per week. Aim to pass 2 out of 3 coding questions. Refine simulation responses. Rest one day a week.
Daily Routine:
- 2 hours: Coding practice.
- 1 hour: Simulations and Leadership Principles.
- 1 hour: Review and mocks.
Best Resources Table
| Resource Type | Name | What It Offers | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coding | LeetCode Amazon Tag | 350 problems | ₹1500/year |
| Mocks | PrepInsta | 50 full tests | ₹500 |
| Leadership | Amazon Careers Page | Official principles | Free |
| Simulations | YouTube Channels | 30+ walkthroughs | Free |
| Patterns | NeetCode.io | Video explanations | Free |
| Book | Cracking the Code | 189 problems + tips | ₹600 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates fail due to simple errors. Do not rush coding without testing. Always check edge cases. Be consistent in Work Style answers. Read simulation scenarios fully before replying. Practice in a quiet setup to avoid proctor issues. Test your code manually for large inputs.
What Happens After the OA
If you pass OA1, you get OA2 within days. It has tougher simulations. Clearing both leads to virtual interviews. These are 4 rounds of 45 minutes each: coding, system design, and behavioral. Offers come in 2-4 weeks. Base salary starts at ₹25 LPA for freshers, plus stock options.
Final Steps to Success
Start your preparation today with a mock test. Focus on coding, Leadership Principles, and simulations. Track your progress weekly. You can clear the Amazon OA with steady effort.
Master Data Analytics with No-Cost EMI options at Zero Interest 💳✨
Learn AI-driven data analytics with real-world projects and placement assistance for high-growth careers.
Join NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon OA hard?
Yes, but 3 months of practice helps most pass.
Is there negative marking?
No, guess if unsure.
Which language to use?
Python is easiest and fast. C++ works for speed.
Can I retake OA?
Wait 6-12 months.
What if I fail?
Review feedback and reapply later.
Are mocks free?
Yes, on LeetCode Discuss and GeeksforGeeks.
Does referral help?
Yes, it boosts shortlisting chances.
