The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a widely recognized examination conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to identify talented candidates for various roles within the company and other participating organizations. The exam pattern of TCS NQT plays a crucial role in shaping the preparation strategy of candidates. Understanding the structure, types of questions, and time allocation for each section is essential for performing well in the exam. The TCS NQT is designed to assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities, technical skills, and domain knowledge, making it a comprehensive test for evaluating overall job readiness.
TCS NQT (National Qualifier Test) is an online assessment test conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the recruitment of entry-level engineers. The test measures a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning skills, and English proficiency. The TCS NQT is a crucial step in the recruitment process for TCS, as the company hires thousands of engineers every year from across India.
The TCS NQT is a computer-based test that consists of three sections – Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. The aptitude section measures the candidate’s numerical and logical reasoning abilities, while the reasoning section tests the candidate’s ability to identify patterns and analyze data. The English section tests the candidate’s grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Successful candidates who clear all the stages of the TCS NQT will be offered a job at TCS, one of the largest and most respected IT services companies in the world. The TCS NQT provides a unique opportunity for fresh graduates and postgraduates to start their careers with a leading technology company and work on cutting-edge projects for clients across the globe.
Before moving to the detailed TCS NQT Exam Pattern, let us first peep into the eligibility criteria for the same.
The eligibility criteria for TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) are as follows:
TCS NQT Exam consists of two major sections:
The given image summarizes the TCS NQT Exam Pattern in a more lucid way.

Let us discuss each of these rounds in detail along with the subjects asked and the time duration given in the exam for each exam.
Round 1 is basically for both Ninja and Digital Aspirants. The difficulty of this round is moderate. The subjects included in this round are:
The table given below provides the exact number of questions from a particular subject.

The round is known as Advanced Section is mandatory for the TCS Digital Aspirants. The difficulty of this round is tough. The subjects included in this round are:
The number of questions and time for each subject in this Advanced Section are given below in form of a table.

Here are key points that candidates must know before appearing in the exam.
A candidate must cover all of the topics that are mentioned below inorder to score good marks in TCS NQT Examination 2023. The topics are divided according to the sections that is asked in various rounds.
Statistics 
Percentage 
Time & Work 
Area & Mensuration 
Number System 
Linear Equations 
Data Interpretation 
HCF LCM 
Simple Interest 
Compound Interest 
Profit and Loss 
Speed, Distance, Time 
Ratio and Proportion 
Permutation and Combination 
Probability 
Partnership 
Mixtures
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Coding and Decoding 
Cuts and unfolds 
Attention to detail 
Unboxing a cube 
Analogies 
Blood Relation 
Data Arrangements 
Visual Reasoning 
Venn Diagrams 
Syllogisms 
Statement Assumption 
Statement Conclusion
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Reading comprehension 
Sentence correction 
Sentence completion 
Error Identification 
Synonyms & Antonyms 
Sentence/Paragraph Re-arrangements 
Fill in the blanks 
(Prepositions/Articles Tenses/Conjunctions)
Level of Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Averages 
Profit Loss 
HCF LCM 
Permutation and Combination 
Probability 
Geometry 
Mensuration 
Puzzles 
Partnership 
Number System 
Time & Work 
Time, Speed, Distance 
Simple & Compound Interest 
Progressions 
Logarithms
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Data Arrangements 
Visual Reasoning 
Venn Diagrams 
Syllogisms 
Statement Assumption 
Statement Conclusion 
Seating Arrangements 
Spatial Reasoning 
Puzzles 
Cuts, Folds, Cubes-based questions
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Operators 
Looping statements 
Object-Oriented Programming (OOPS) 
Threading 
Functions 
Recursion 
Algorithms 
Arrays 
Control statements 
Strings 
Data Structures: Linked List, Stack, Queue, Trees, and Graphs 
Scenario and Logical Based Problems are asked 
Matrix Operations and Set Theory 
String Operations: Backward and Forward Shift 
Multidimensional Arrays 
Flow Control Loops 
Number Series, Pattern Series 
Shortest Path Calculation Logic 
Algorithms 
Data Structures 
Time and Space Complexity
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Conclusion 
The TCS NQT exam pattern is thoughtfully structured to assess a wide range of skills, from general cognitive abilities to specific technical competencies. Familiarity with the exam pattern is key to effective preparation, as it helps candidates allocate their time wisely during the test and focus on areas that are most crucial. Success in the TCS NQT not only opens doors to opportunities within TCS but also enhances a candidate’s employability across various industries. By understanding the exam pattern, candidates can approach the test with confidence and increase their chances of achieving a high score.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on TCS NQT Exam Pattern.
1. What is the overall structure of the TCS NQT exam? 
The TCS NQT exam is divided into multiple sections, including Verbal Ability, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, Programming Logic, and a Coding section. The test is typically conducted online and has a specific time duration for each section.
2. How many questions are there in the TCS NQT exam? 
The number of questions can vary depending on the specific test variant, but generally, there are around 92-100 questions spread across different sections. Each section has a set number of questions designed to assess particular skills.
3. What is the time duration for the TCS NQT exam? 
The total time duration for the TCS NQT exam is usually around 180 minutes (3 hours). This time is divided among the various sections, with each section having its own time limit.
4. Is there negative marking in the TCS NQT exam? 
No, there is no negative marking in the TCS NQT exam. Candidates can attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.
5. How is the TCS NQT exam conducted? 
The TCS NQT exam is conducted online, and candidates can take the test either from home or at designated test centers. The exam is proctored to ensure fairness and prevent malpractice.
6. What types of questions are included in the Verbal Ability section? 
The Verbal Ability section typically includes questions on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and verbal reasoning. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s command over the English language.