TCS NQT 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Salary

Last updated: October 2026

The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is how most freshers get into TCS. One test decides whether you are considered for the Ninja, Digital or Prime role. Registration is free, and TCS runs the NQT in cycles through the year.

This guide covers how to register, who can apply, the exam pattern, what to study, and what happens after the test.

TCS NQT 2026 at a glance

• Who conducts it: TCS (through the TCS NextStep portal / TCS iON).
• Who it's for: freshers from eligible batches (recent cycles have accepted 2024, 2025 and 2026 pass-outs).
• Fee: free. TCS never charges for the NQT, an interview slot or an offer letter.
• Roles: Ninja, Digital and Prime.
• Cycles: TCS runs several NQT cycles a year. For example, the September 2026 cycle took applications from 17 August to 2 September 2026.

TCS NQT eligibility

• Degrees: B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA or M.Sc (full-time).
• Batches: usually the current and previous two pass-out years. Check the cycle notice.
• Age: 18–28 years in recent cycles.
• Marks: TCS has typically asked for 60% (or 6.0 CGPA) in 10th, 12th and graduation.
• Backlogs: no active backlogs at the time of selection.
• Gap: a total education gap of up to 24 months has usually been allowed.

Rules can change between cycles, so confirm them on the NextStep portal before you apply.

How to register for TCS NQT (step by step)

1. Go to the TCS NextStep portal and choose the IT category (not BPS).
2. Click Register Now and create your profile. You get a reference ID (CT/DT number). Save it.
3. Fill in your personal, academic and graduation details exactly as on your marksheets.
4. Click Apply for Drive and select the current NQT drive.
5. Choose your test preference if the portal asks for one.
6. Check that your status says "Applied for Drive". Creating a profile alone does not register you for the test.

Tip: Keep an eye on your email (including spam) for the admit card and test instructions.

TCS NQT exam pattern

The NQT is one integrated test of about 190 minutes, in two parts. There is no negative marking.

Part A: Foundation (about 75 minutes)

• Numerical ability: about 20 questions
• Verbal ability: about 25 questions
• Reasoning ability: about 20 questions

Part B: Advanced (about 115 minutes)

• Advanced quantitative and reasoning: about 15 questions
• Advanced coding: 2–3 problems (C, C++, Java, Python or C#)

Each section has its own timer and you cannot go back. Question counts can vary slightly between cycles.

TCS NQT syllabus

• Numerical: percentages, profit and loss, ratios, time and work, time speed distance, averages, simple and compound interest, probability, permutations.
• Verbal: reading comprehension, sentence completion, error spotting, para jumbles, synonyms and antonyms.
• Reasoning: series, coding-decoding, blood relations, seating arrangement, syllogisms, data sufficiency.
• Advanced quant and reasoning: harder versions of the above, plus data interpretation.
• Coding: arrays, strings, loops, sorting, recursion, basic data structures and simple dynamic programming.

Ninja vs Digital vs Prime: how your score decides the role

• Ninja (approx. ₹3.36 LPA): based mainly on the foundation section.
• Digital (approx. ₹7 LPA): needs strong foundation and advanced aptitude scores, with coding.
• Prime (approx. ₹9 LPA and above): needs top scores in the advanced section and coding.

Packages are indicative and differ for UG and PG candidates. Check the offer letter for exact figures.

What happens after the NQT

1. Shortlist: if you clear the cut-off, you get an interview invite by email.
2. Interview: technical, managerial (mostly Digital/Prime) and HR rounds.
3. Document verification.
4. Offer letter and joining.

See our full TCS interview questions guide for 45 commonly asked questions with answers.

How to prepare in 3 weeks

• Week 1: one aptitude topic a day plus 20 timed questions.
• Week 2: verbal and reasoning daily, plus 2 easy coding problems a day.
• Week 3: 3 full timed mock tests, and revise your weak topics.

Frequently asked questions

Is TCS NQT free?
Yes. Never pay anyone for a TCS test link or offer.

Does TCS NQT have negative marking?
No. Attempt every question.

Can I take the NQT more than once?
TCS runs multiple cycles a year. Check the current cycle rules on NextStep for re-attempt limits.

Is the NQT score valid for other companies?
TCS has shared NQT scores with partner companies in some years. Check the latest NQT notice.

Related guides

• TCS interview questions 2026
• Off campus drives 2026: company-wise list
• How to get a job referral at TCS

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