What is TCS NQT?
TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is TCS's flagship recruitment exam for fresh graduates. It's an aptitude + coding test that qualifies you for multiple TCS roles including:
- TCS Ninja - ₹3.36 LPA (Entry-level role)
- TCS Digital - ₹7+ LPA (Premium role, requires higher NQT score)
- TCS Prime - ₹9+ LPA (Top performers + separate coding round)
💡 Pro Tip: Your NQT score is valid for 2 years and can be used for multiple TCS hiring cycles. One test, multiple opportunities!
Foundation vs Advanced Exam
TCS NQT has two levels. You must clear Foundation to attempt Advanced.
NQT Foundation
- • Aptitude + Reasoning + Verbal
- • 90 minutes duration
- • Qualifies for TCS Ninja (₹3.36 LPA)
- • Easier questions, speed is key
- • Negative marking exists
NQT Advanced
- • Coding + Advanced Aptitude
- • 90 minutes duration
- • Qualifies for TCS Digital (₹7+ LPA)
- • 2 coding problems (Medium difficulty)
- • Top scorers get TCS Prime interviews
TCS NQT 2025 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Time | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability | ~26 questions | 30 mins | High |
| Reasoning Ability | ~24 questions | 30 mins | High |
| Verbal Ability | ~24 questions | 30 mins | Medium |
| Coding (Advanced) | 2 problems | 90 mins | Critical |
⚠️ Important: There is negative marking in Foundation exam. Don't guess blindly. Each wrong answer can cost you 0.33 marks.
Complete Syllabus Breakdown
Numerical Ability Topics:
Reasoning Ability Topics:
Verbal Ability Topics:
30-Second Shortcuts (Game Changers!)
These shortcuts from SSC CGL experts will help you solve NQT questions in under 30 seconds:
% Change Shortcut
Instead of calculating percentages, use the "Fraction Method":
10% = 1/10 | 12.5% = 1/8 | 20% = 1/5 | 25% = 1/4 | 33.33% = 1/3Profit-Loss 1-Line Formula
When SP and CP are given in ratio format (a:b):
Profit/Loss % = [(a-b)/b] × 100Time & Work LCM Method
A completes work in 10 days, B in 15 days. Together?
LCM(10,15) = 30 units | A = 3 units/day, B = 2 units/day | Together = 5 units/day | 30/5 = 6 days4-Week Preparation Plan
Week 1: Master Aptitude Basics
Complete Number System, Percentages, Ratio, Profit-Loss. Focus on understanding concepts + shortcuts.
Week 2: Reasoning & Verbal
Cover Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, RC passages. These are high-scoring sections.
Week 3: Coding Preparation
Start DSA basics: Arrays, Strings, Two Pointers. Practice 5-10 easy problems daily on W Code.
Week 4: Mock Tests & Revision
Take 2-3 full mock tests. Focus on weak areas. Revise all shortcuts and formulas.
Crucial Tips from TCS Qualifiers
- Skip time-consuming questions. Each question has equal marks.
- Attempt Verbal first - it's usually the easiest section.
- Don't leave any question unattempted unless you're unsure.
- For coding, focus on partial marks. Even 50% test cases help.
- Use the last 5 minutes to review flagged questions.
- If calculator is allowed, double-check your calculations.
- Read coding problems completely before starting to code.
Start Practicing Now!
W Code has everything you need for TCS NQT preparation: 200+ DSA problems, aptitude shortcuts, and theory notes.