TCS NQT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Overview
TCS NQT is open to fresh graduates and final-year students from recognized universities across India. The eligibility criteria are relatively inclusive compared to other IT company exams, making TCS NQT accessible to a wide range of candidates.
Qualifying Degrees
Candidates from the following programs are eligible to apply for TCS NQT 2026:
- •B.E / B.Tech — all branches of engineering
- •M.E / M.Tech — all specializations
- •MCA — Master of Computer Applications
- •M.Sc — Master of Science (IT, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics)
All branches of engineering are eligible — there is no restriction on branch. Students from Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, ECE, EEE, and other non-CS branches can apply.
Academic Requirements
The following academic criteria must be met:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 10th Standard | 60% or above (no rounding) |
| 12th Standard | 60% or above (no rounding) |
| Graduation/Post-graduation | 60% or above aggregate OR 6.0 CGPA and above |
| Backlogs | No active backlogs at the time of appearing for the test |
| Gap in Education | Maximum 2 years gap allowed (with valid reason) |
The 60% criterion is strict — 59.9% does not qualify. If your university uses CGPA, convert it to percentage using your university-approved formula.
Eligible Batches
TCS NQT 2026 is open to students from the following pass-out batches:
- •2024 batch — graduated and seeking placement
- •2025 batch — final year students
- •2026 batch — pre-final year students (limited slots)
Age Criteria
While TCS does not enforce a strict upper age limit for NQT registration, the following guidelines apply:
- •Typical age range: 18-28 years
- •No lower age limit as long as you meet the educational qualifications
- •Candidates with significant gaps in education may need to justify during the interview
Nationality & Work Authorization
The following nationality criteria apply:
- •Indian citizens are eligible
- •PIO (Person of Indian Origin) / OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card holders are eligible
- •Candidates must be legally eligible to work in India
- •Valid passport is recommended (for potential international assignments)
Backlog Policy
TCS has a clear policy on academic backlogs:
- •No active backlogs are allowed at the time of taking the NQT exam
- •Cleared backlogs are acceptable as long as the overall aggregate remains 60% or above
- •A backlog history (even if cleared) may be discussed during the interview
- •Candidates must submit a No Backlog Certificate during document verification
If you have an active backlog, clear it before registering for NQT. If discovered during verification, your candidature will be cancelled even after receiving an offer.
Document Verification
TCS conducts thorough document verification post-selection. Keep the following documents ready:
- •10th and 12th marksheets (originals + photocopies)
- •All semester marksheets (originals + photocopies)
- •Degree certificate or provisional certificate
- •No Backlog Certificate from college
- •Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
- •Passport-size photographs (recent, matching the photo uploaded during registration)
- •Aggregate / CGPA conversion certificate (if applicable)
Document verification is mandatory. Discrepancies between your application data and actual documents can result in offer revocation — even after joining.
Ineligibility Criteria
You are not eligible for TCS NQT if:
- •Your aggregate is below 60% in 10th, 12th, or graduation
- •You have active backlogs at the time of the exam
- •You have more than 2 years of education gap without valid justification
- •You are already employed at TCS (lateral hiring has a separate process)
- •You have been previously offered by TCS and declined (a cooling period may apply)
- •Your degree is from a non-recognized university (not approved by UGC/AICTE)
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