Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- TCS NQT 2026 features a 180-190 minute test with Foundation (Numerical 20Q/25m, Verbal 25Q/25m, Reasoning 20Q/25m) and optional Advanced sections (Coding 2-3 problems/45-90m), no negative marking.
- March exam on 20th, apply by 8th March via tcsion.com; download admit card from email using credentials, carry ID proof.
- Scores accepted by TCS and 150+ partners (Jio, TVS, ITC); variants include standard NQT, Industry/Subject NQT, Bundle Pack for targeted roles.
- Prep with 4-week plan: Week 1 basics, Week 2 advanced/coding, Weeks 3-4 mocks/PYQs from Testbook/PrepInsta; target 85%+.
- Post-results: Interviews (Technical/Managerial/HR), 2-year score validity; use for job listings on TCS iON platform.
Introduction
TCS NQT (National Qualifier Test) opens doors to entry-level roles at TCS and its partner companies, making it a must-crack exam for freshers. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest 2026 exam pattern, detailed syllabus, and a step-by-step preparation strategy tailored for Indian graduates aiming for Ninja, Digital, or Prime profiles.
Exam Overview
TCS NQT serves as the first screening stage for TCS recruitment, targeting engineering and non-engineering graduates with at least 60% aggregate marks. Conducted by TCS iON, the test is available year-round in online proctored or center-based modes, with registration fees around ₹500-₹1000 and a score validity of two years.
The process includes the cognitive skills test (Foundation mandatory, Advanced optional for elite roles), followed by technical, managerial, and HR interviews. Foundation scores qualify you for Ninja (basic profiles), while Advanced unlocks Digital and Prime opportunities with higher packages (up to ₹9 LPA). Over 3 lakh candidates appear quarterly, so early registration via tcsion.com is key.
Success rates hover around 20-30% for interviews, emphasizing the need for balanced prep across sections. Adaptive difficulty adjusts based on performance, rewarding accuracy over speed.
| TCS NQT Recruitment 2026Â Overview | |
| Recruiting Body | Tata Consultancy Service |
| Test Name | TCS National Qualifier Test (i.e., TCS NQT) |
| Cycle | 2026 (March Cycle) |
| Last Date to Apply | 8th March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 20th March 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Age Limit | 18 to 28 years |
| Qualification | UG/ PG students of B.E. / B.Tech / M.E. / M.Tech / MCA/ M.Sc |
| Experience | Freshers (Experience up to two years is allowed) |
| Selection Process | Test and Interview |
| Exam Pattern | Two sections- Foundation and Advanced |
| Purpose | To select candidates for jobs in TCS, Jio, Asian Paints, etc. |
| Exam Duration | 166 minutes |
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Join NowDetailed Exam Pattern
The TCS NQT 2026 spans 180-190 minutes with 80-92 questions, divided into Foundation and Advanced sections. No negative marking applies, but time management is critical as sections are individually timed.
| Section | Questions | Duration | Key Topics | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ||||
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 25 mins | Percentages, profit/loss, time/speed, averages | Easy-Medium |
| Verbal Ability | 25 | 25 mins | Comprehension, sentence completion, grammar | Easy |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 | 25 mins | Patterns, series, puzzles, coding-decoding | Medium |
| Advanced (Optional) | ||||
| Advanced Quantitative | 10-15 | 25 mins | Permutations, probability, advanced aptitude | Medium-Hard |
| Advanced Reasoning | 10-15 | 25 mins | Complex logic, data interpretation | Hard |
| Coding (Hands-on) | 2-3 | 45-90 mins | Arrays, strings, algorithms in C/Python/C++ | Medium-Hard |
Pro Tip: Foundation is qualifying (aim 60%+ for Ninja); Advanced boosts percentile for top roles. Coding tests live execution, so practice debugging.
TCS NQT Exam Dates
TCS NQT 2026 is conducted in multiple cycles throughout the year, with the March exam being a key slot for early-year opportunities. Candidates should apply early to secure preferred slots and avoid last-minute rushes.
March 2026 Exam Details
- Test Date: 20th March, 2026
- Apply Before: 8th March, 2026
This cycle targets freshers aiming for Ninja, Digital, and Prime profiles, with slots filling quickly due to high demand (over 3 lakh applicants quarterly). Registration opens via the TCS iON portal, requiring basic details, documents, and a fee of ₹500-₹1000. Late applications may shift you to later cycles like April or May.
Pro Tip: Check tcsion.com/hub/national-qualifier-test for real-time availability and additional cycles (e.g., June, September). Set reminders for the 8th March deadline to lock in the 20th March test date, aligning with campus placements and off-campus drives. Scores remain valid for 2 years across hiring cycles.
Section-wise Syllabus
Numerical Ability
Focus on arithmetic: percentages (8-10 Qs), profit/loss (5-7 Qs), time/work/speed (4-6 Qs), ratios/probability (3-5 Qs). Expect DI charts and number series. Build speed with 50 questions daily.
Verbal Ability
Includes reading comprehensions (10-12 Qs), sentence rearrangement (5 Qs), fill-in-blanks (5-7 Qs), error spotting (3-5 Qs). Enhance vocabulary via roots and synonyms; practice 2 RC passages/day.
Reasoning Ability
Covers puzzles/seating (5-7 Qs), syllogisms (3-4 Qs), blood relations (2-3 Qs), patterns/series (5 Qs). Visualize arrangements; solve 30 puzzles weekly for fluency.
Advanced Quantitative & Reasoning
Deeper topics: functions, matrices, graphs for Quant; critical reasoning, assumptions for Reasoning. Overlaps with IT roles; link to coding logic.
Coding Section
2-3 problems (easy: sum/prime; medium: arrays/strings; hard: patterns/DS). Languages: C, C++, Java, Python. Test cases: 8-12 per problem; partial marking for logic.
Also read:Â TCS MBA Hiring 2026: Registrations Live!
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Join NowPreparation Strategy
Allocate 60% time to syllabus mastery, 30% to mocks, 10% revision. Start with basics (RS Aggarwal), move to TCS-specific PYQs. Daily routine: 2 hours/section + 1 mock; analyze errors via scorecards. Target 85%+ in mocks for top percentiles.
Key Tips:
- Time Management: Practice sectional timers; skip tough questions.
- Coding Practice: LeetCode easy (50 problems), HackerRank TCS track.
- Weak Area Fix: Use analytics from Testbook/PrepInsta.
- Health: 7-8 hours sleep, 30-min breaks to avoid burnout.
Track progress: Week 1 baseline mock → improve 10% weekly. Join Kerala-based Telegram groups for peer mocks.
Recommended Resources
- Official: TCS iON portal (free mocks, syllabus PDF).
- Online Platforms: Testbook TCS NQT series (200+ mocks), PrepInsta PYQs (topic-wise), GeeksforGeeks courses.
- Books: RS Aggarwal (Quant/Reasoning), Objective General English (SP Bakshi), Coding: Let Us C (Yashavant Kanetkar).
- Apps: Entri App (sectional tests, Malayalam support for Kerala users), Unacademy free TCS playlist.
Budget: ₹500-2000 for premium mocks yields 2x ROI via selection.
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Sample Study Plan (4 Weeks)
Week 1: Foundation Build
- Days 1-3: Numerical (50 Qs/day).
- Days 4-6: Verbal + Reasoning (40 Qs each).
- Day 7: Full Foundation mock + review.
Week 2: Advanced Intro
- Days 1-4: Advanced Quant/Reasoning (30 Qs/day) + 1 coding problem.
- Days 5-7: 2 coding sessions + sectional tests.
Week 3: Intensive Practice
- Daily: 1 full mock (Foundation + Advanced) + error log.
- Extra: 10 PYQs/section.
Week 4: Peak Performance
- 2 mocks/day; revise formulas/errors.
- Day 6-7: Light revision + interview basics (resume, projects).
Adjust for your schedule; extend to 8 weeks if beginner.
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TCS NQT Admit Card 2026
The TCS NQT Admit Card 2026 is your mandatory entry ticket to the exam hall, released a few days before the test date via your registered email from TCS iON. It contains essential details like your name, roll number, exam date/time/venue, reporting instructions, and scanned photo/signature—without it, entry is denied.
How to Download TCS NQT Admit Card
Follow these simple steps once the link arrives in your email:
- Open the download link sent to your registered email ID.
- Enter your TCS NQT login credentials (registration number and password).
- Verify details on the displayed hall ticket.
- Download the PDF and print multiple copies on A4 paper.
Prerequisites: Stable internet, printer, your user ID/registration number, and password/DOB. Download early, as the final date aligns close to the exam (e.g., before March 20 for the March cycle).
Details on the Admit Card
- Candidate’s name and roll number
- Exam date, time, duration, and venue address
- Reporting time and test instructions
- Scanned photo, signature space, and left thumb impression area
- Registration number
Cross-check all info immediately; discrepancies must be reported to TCS support before the exam.
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
Alongside the printed admit card:
- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport
- Original recent photograph (if specified) No originals of educational docs needed at this stage.
What If Issues Arise?
Contact TCS NQT helpline for delays, errors, or non-receipt:
- Toll-free: 1800 209 63030 (India)
- Email: tcsionhelpdesk@tcs.com
- SMS: TCSiON to 56161
Authorities won’t fix post-exam issues from incorrect registration data—double-check during signup. Print extras and arrive 1-2 hours early for security checks.
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List of Companies Accepting TCS NQT Scores
TCS NQT scores unlock opportunities beyond TCS, with over 150 partner firms using them for hiring freshers across IT, manufacturing, and services. Key recruiters include Jio Platforms for telecom roles, TVS Motor for engineering positions, ITC for operations, and Vedantu for edtech.
- Teamlese
- TVS Motor
- TCI Express
- Publicis Sapient
- Ramco
- UST Global
- Tredence Quess Corp Limited
- ITC
- BORN Group
- Vedantu
- Wiley
- Sakshi Infotech
- Simon and Sons
- Jio Platforms
Other notable companies: TeamLease (staffing), TCI Express (logistics), Publicis Sapient (consulting), Ramco Systems (ERP), UST Global (IT services), Tredence (analytics), Quess Corp (BPO), Born Group (design), Wiley (publishing), Sakshi Infotech (software), Simon and Sons (tech). Scores valid for 2 years; apply via TCS iON Job Listings.
TCS NQT Shift Timings
TCS NQT exams operate in multiple shifts daily to handle high volumes efficiently, typically in morning and afternoon windows. Morning shifts start around 9:00 AM, while afternoon ones begin at 2:00 PM, with exact times printed on your admit card post-registration.
Report 60-90 minutes early for checks; shifts prevent overcrowding and ensure proctored fairness. For the March 20 cycle, confirm via email—plan travel based on your slot to avoid delays.
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TCS NQT Variants
TCS NQT offers four variants to match skill levels and roles:
- standard NQT (core cognitive test),
- Industry NQT (sector-specific knowledge like BFSI/IT),
- Subject NQT (domain skills e.g., Java/Python),
- and NQT Bundle Pack (all-inclusive for broad opportunities).
Each includes Cognitive Skills (verbal/numerical/reasoning) plus add-ons like programming or psychometrics. Choose based on profile: Ninja (standard), Digital/Prime (advanced/bundle). Multiple attempts allowed; best score counts.
TCS NQT 2026: How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applying for TCS NQT 2026 is straightforward via the TCS NextStep Portal—complete before deadlines like March 8 for the March 20 exam.
- Visit tcsion.com/hub/national-qualifier-test and register/log in with email/mobile.
- Fill personal/academic details (degree, marks, experience <2 years).
- Select test variant/mode (remote/in-centre), pay fee (₹500+).
- Submit and track status under “Applied for Drive.”
- Receive confirmation email with slot options.
Eligibility: 18-28 years, UG/PG freshers (2020-2026 passouts). Track updates on the portal.
TCS NQT Selection Process 2026
The multi-stage process evaluates aptitude, tech skills, and fit:
- starts with an Online Test (Cognitive + Programming, 180 mins),
- followed by Technical Interview (core concepts/projects),
- Managerial Round (leadership/scenarios),
- and HR (personality/culture).
Qualify Cognitive for shortlist; advanced scores prioritize. Interviews virtual/in-person; offers post-verification. Aim 80%+ in test for top calls.
What’s Next After TCS NQT 2026 Declaration?
Post-results (via NextStep Portal), shortlisted candidates get a scorecard (valid 2 years).
Steps:
- Accept offer,
- upload docs (marksheets/ID),
- clear Background Verification,
- receive Joining Letter with training details (TCS Xplore modules).
- Onboard via induction;
- apply to jobs on iON platform using score.
- Prep resumes/projects early for interviews.
TCS NQT Syllabus
Core syllabus spans
- Cognitive Skills: Verbal (comprehension/grammar, 24 Qs/30 mins),
- Numerical (arithmetic/DI, 26 Qs/40 mins),
- Reasoning (puzzles/logic, 30 Qs/50 mins).
- Programming: Logic MCQs (10 Qs/15 mins),
- Hands-on Coding (2 tasks/45 mins).
Advanced: Industry/subject specifics (e.g., BFSI, coding langs). Practice PYQs for trends; no negative marking.
Conclusion
TCS NQT 2026 is your launchpad to TCS and 150+ firms—register now, master the pattern/syllabus, and practice mocks relentlessly. With cycles like March 20 ongoing, consistent prep turns scores into offers. Download resources from TCS iON, track portals, and ace interviews for that dream role. Start today!
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Join NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in TCS NQT?
No, you can attempt all questions confidently.
What score is required for Ninja/Digital?
Ninja: 60%+; Digital: Top 10% percentile.
Can freshers from any stream apply?
Yes, BE/BTech/MCA/BSc with 60%+.
