TCS NQT 2026 Test Pattern — Section-wise Breakdown
TCS NQT Exam Pattern Overview
The TCS NQT 2026 exam consists of two sections — Foundation and Advanced. Both sections are conducted in a single sitting on the TCS iON platform. The total test duration is approximately 190 minutes (3 hours 10 minutes).
There is no negative marking in the TCS NQT. Each correct answer carries equal marks within its section. You can navigate freely between questions within a section but cannot return to a previous section once submitted.
Foundation Section Pattern
The Foundation section is mandatory for all candidates. Your Foundation score determines eligibility for the TCS Ninja hiring track (3.6 LPA package).
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 15-18 | ~20 min | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles |
| Reasoning Ability | 15-18 | ~25 min | Logical Reasoning, Puzzles, Series, Coding-Decoding |
| Numerical Ability | 15-18 | ~30 min | Quant, Data Interpretation, Percentages, Averages |
| Total (Foundation) | ~65 | 75 min | — |
The Foundation section has a strict 75-minute time limit. Individual section timers may or may not be enforced — this varies by exam cycle.
Advanced Section Pattern
The Advanced section is optional but highly recommended. High scores qualify you for TCS Digital (7+ LPA) and TCS Prime (9+ LPA) tracks.
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS MCQ | 15 | ~35 min | DBMS, OS, Networking, OOP, DSA, Algorithms |
| Coding | 2-3 | ~80 min | Programming (C/C++/Java/Python) |
| Total (Advanced) | ~18 | 115 min | — |
Combined Test Summary
Here is the complete TCS NQT 2026 test pattern at a glance:
| Parameter | Foundation | Advanced | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | ~65 | ~18 | ~83 |
| Duration | 75 min | 115 min | 190 min |
| Negative Marking | No | No | — |
| Calculator | On-screen | Not available | — |
| Track Eligibility | Ninja (3.6 LPA) | Digital (7+ LPA) / Prime (9+ LPA) | — |
Marking Scheme
TCS has not publicly disclosed the exact marks per question, but based on past patterns:
- •No negative marking — attempt every question without penalty
- •All questions within a section carry equal marks
- •Foundation and Advanced sections are scored independently
- •Coding problems are evaluated on test case pass rate (partial marking available)
- •The NQT score is a percentile-based score, not a raw score
Since there is no negative marking, never leave a question unanswered. Even an educated guess gives you a chance to score.
Test Platform & Environment
Key details about the test environment:
- •Platform: TCS iON (web-based, no software download required)
- •Browser: Latest Chrome or Firefox recommended
- •On-screen calculator available for Foundation numerical section
- •Coding section has an integrated code editor with basic syntax highlighting
- •Supported coding languages: C, C++, Java, Python
- •Remote proctoring enabled — webcam and microphone access required
- •Stable internet connection (minimum 1 Mbps) required throughout the test
- •ID verification at the start of the exam
Section Navigation Rules
Important rules about navigating between sections:
- •You can freely navigate between questions within a section (next/previous/jump)
- •You can mark questions for review and return to them later within the same section
- •Once you submit a section, you cannot go back to it
- •Sections must be completed in order: Verbal → Reasoning → Numerical → CS MCQ → Coding
- •Each section has its own timer — auto-submits when time runs out
- •The overall exam timer is also visible throughout the test
Do not submit a section early unless you are confident about your answers. Use remaining time to review marked questions.
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