TCS NQT Coding Questions 2026 Pattern Explained
TCS · Ninja, Digital and Prime hiring
One integrated test decides your Ninja, Digital, or Prime band. Here is the verified section structure, the coding topics candidate reports mention most, and how to spend your 90 minutes.
Selection rounds
- 1
Foundation, 75 minutes
Numerical Ability (20 questions, 25 min), Verbal Ability (25 questions, 25 min), Reasoning Ability (20 questions, 25 min). Each sub section has a fixed timer with no carryover, and there is no negative marking.
- 2
Advanced aptitude, 25 minutes
About 15 Advanced Quantitative and Reasoning questions. Mandatory for Digital and Prime aspirants.
- 3
Advanced coding, 90 minutes
2 to 3 problems on TCS iON in C, C++, Java, Python, or Perl. Scoring counts partial test cases, so always submit a working partial solution.
- 4
Interviews
Technical round on CS fundamentals, your project, and one coding question, plus a Managerial round for Digital and Prime candidates and an HR round on bond, relocation, and flexibility.
Topics to prepare
Arrays and strings
The most frequently reported topic family in candidate experiences, from basic manipulation to sliding window problems.
Sorting, searching, and basic math
The medium problem often combines sorting with conditional logic. Read input constraints twice, since iON input handling trips up first timers.
Linked lists and recursion
Regular easy picks. Practice clean pointer handling and correct base cases.
Easy DP and greedy
Digital tier problems touch simple dynamic programming. Attempt everything, since partial credit counts.
How AutoCoder fits this pattern
MCQ solver for Foundation revision plus C, Java, and Python completions for Advanced coding practice, with hotkey capture that never disturbs the practice window.
Frequently asked questions
How many coding questions are in TCS NQT 2026?
2 to 3 Advanced Coding problems in 90 minutes. Candidate reports describe one easy and one medium problem, each with around 7 test cases. Everyone attempts both parts in one sitting, and the combined score maps to the Ninja, Digital, or Prime band.
Is there negative marking in TCS NQT?
No. There is no negative marking in any section, so attempt every question. Each timed sub section locks when its own clock ends, and unused time does not carry over.
Which language should I use on TCS iON?
C, C++, Java, Python, and Perl are supported. Python suits most candidates under time pressure, but practice the iON input format specifically, since it differs from LeetCode and HackerRank and has cost candidates 20 to 30 minutes.
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