HCLTech has two very different entry routes. TechBee hires Class XII students through the HCL CAT aptitude test, a Versant English test and an interview, while graduate freshers take a 60-question aptitude and technical online test. This page covers what the HCLTech online test is, its format and timings, how it is scored, the rules to know before you start, how to prepare and a practice plan.
What the HCLTech online test is
TechBee is current for Class XII pass-outs of 2025 and 2026, according to HCLTech's registration page. The graduate fresher test runs on partner platforms, including AMCAT in some cycles.
Format and timings
| Part | What it involves | Time and questions |
|---|---|---|
| TechBee: HCL CAT | Quantitative, logical reasoning and language | About 60 minutes |
| TechBee: Versant English test | Including spoken English | Separate stage |
| TechBee: interview | Face to face | Then a letter of intent or offer |
| Graduate fresher test | Aptitude and technical questions | 60 questions, about 60 minutes |
Total: about 60 minutes for HCL CAT and about 60 minutes for the graduate test, as commonly reported.
How it is scored
- TechBee selection is described as merit-based in HCLTech's official FAQ.
- For the graduate test, a 70 percent per-section cut-off is reported but not official.
Rules to know before you start
- Applicants with an 80 or higher percentile in JEE Main can skip HCL CAT and go straight to Versant and the interview, according to HCLTech.
- On the graduate test, each section has its own 15-minute timer and unused time does not carry over.
- No negative marking on the graduate test, according to prep sites.
How to prepare
- TechBee: practice spoken English for the Versant stage.
- Graduate test: do not overspend time on one section.
- Attempt every question on the graduate test.
- Revise basic programming and computer fundamentals for the technical part.
A practice plan
- Week 1: aptitude daily (quantitative, reasoning and verbal) with section timers.
- Week 2: coding problems of easy to medium difficulty in one language, plus pseudocode or technical questions if the test has them.
- Week 3: full mock tests under exam conditions and spoken-English practice if there is a communication round.
Related guides: what an online assessment is, the new grad online assessment guide, the TCS interview process.
On the day, and the mistakes to avoid
- Keep your ID, admit card or invitation and academic documents ready, as the drive requires.
- For centre-based tests, arrive early and follow the centre's rules on phones and belongings.
- For online tests, check your camera, microphone and connection, and use a quiet room.
- Note each section's timer: sections are often fixed in order and you cannot go back.
- Attempt every question where there is no negative marking.
- In coding rounds, submit code that compiles and passes some cases rather than nothing.
Mistakes that cost candidates:
- Neglecting the English or communication section, which is often an elimination round.
- Overspending time in one aptitude section when each has its own timer.
- Practicing only coding and skipping pseudocode and computer fundamentals.
- Registering through unofficial links; use the company's careers site or your placement cell.
- Skipping full mock tests, so the real section timers come as a surprise.
What happens after the HCLTech online test
Shortlisted candidates usually move on to technical and HR interviews, then an offer letter and onboarding. Prepare to explain your projects, basic programming concepts and why you want to join, and keep practicing spoken English for the interviews. For the next stage, see the new grad online assessment guide.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
Online assessments are tests you take on your own: outside help is not allowed, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or a second voice. Practice beforehand instead. CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant; its free AI mock interview prepares you for the interviews that follow the assessment, with questions built from your résumé and the job description and each spoken answer scored out of ten. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Read the invitation carefully and follow your employer's rules.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What is HCLTech TechBee?
An early-career program that hires Class XII students through an aptitude test, an English test and an interview, with training and work.
Can I skip HCL CAT?
Yes, if you scored at or above the 80th percentile in JEE Main, according to HCLTech.
What is the HCLTech graduate test pattern?
Commonly reported: 60 aptitude and technical questions in about 60 minutes, with separately timed sections.
Is there negative marking?
Not on the graduate test, according to prep sites.
Can I use AI tools during the HCLTech online test?
No, unless the instructions explicitly allow it. Assessments are meant to be taken on your own, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or pasted code. Use AI tools to practice beforehand, and follow your employer's rules.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
Start a mock interview