The TCS National Qualifier Test is a national aptitude and coding test run by TCS iON, taken at a test centre. TCS uses it to hire freshers into its Ninja, Digital and Prime roles, and TCS iON says more than 4,000 other companies accept NQT scores. This page covers what the TCS NQT 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 TCS NQT is
The format changed in March 2024, so scores from earlier cycles are excluded from best-score comparison. Officially there is no pass or fail mark: you receive a score that employers use to shortlist.
Format and timings
| Part | What it involves | Time and questions |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation: Numerical Ability | Arithmetic and data questions | 20 questions, 25 minutes |
| Foundation: Verbal Ability | Grammar, reading and vocabulary | 25 questions, 25 minutes |
| Foundation: Reasoning Ability | Logical reasoning | 20 questions, 25 minutes |
| Advanced: Quantitative and Reasoning | Harder aptitude questions | About 15 questions in a shared 25-minute window |
| Advanced: Coding | Two or three programming problems | About 90 minutes |
Total: about 190 minutes and about 83 questions, as commonly reported for the 2026 pattern.
How it is scored
- There is no official cut-off; you get a score.
- Commonly reported for TCS hiring: Foundation is an elimination stage, Ninja shortlisting uses Foundation, and Digital and Prime also need the Advanced section.
- TCS does not publish numeric cut-offs.
Rules to know before you start
- No negative marking, according to TCS iON.
- Each Foundation sub-section has its own timer and fixed order.
- No limit on attempts: your highest score counts, you pay for each attempt, and scores are valid for two years.
- It is taken in person at a test centre.
How to prepare
- Attempt every question, since there is no negative marking.
- Pace section by section and do the quicker question types first.
- If you want Digital or Prime, prepare for Advanced Coding in C, C++, Java, Python or C#.
- Practice with full mocks under the real section timers.
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 TCS NQT
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
Is there negative marking in TCS NQT?
No, according to TCS iON. Attempt every question.
How many times can I take TCS NQT?
There is no limit; your highest score counts and stays valid for two years. Each attempt has a fee.
What is the TCS NQT pattern for 2026?
Commonly reported: a 76-minute Foundation section with 65 questions, then an Advanced section with quantitative and reasoning questions and two or three coding problems.
Which TCS roles need the Advanced section?
Commonly reported: Digital and Prime need Advanced; Ninja shortlisting is based on Foundation.
Can I use AI tools during the TCS NQT?
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