TCS NQT 2026 · syllabus & strategy
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Quick Note
There is no negative marking in any section of TCS NQT 2026. Attempt every single question.
▣ Exam Structure at a Glance
Integrated single‑test format. One exam determines Ninja, Digital, or Prime. You must appear for both Foundation and Advanced.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 190 Minutes (75 + 115) |
| Total Sections | 2 Parts (Foundation & Advanced) |
| Negative Marking | None — attempt all |
| Valid Score | 2 Years |
| Exam Mode | In‑Centre at TCS iON Authorised Centers |
▣ Foundation Section (75 min · Ninja eligibility)
Mandatory for all. Clear this cut‑off for Ninja (₹7.09–7.60 LPA). Higher scores unlock Advanced.
Numerical Ability
20 Q · Easy–MediumVerbal Ability
25 Q · Easy–Medium- Reading Comprehension (dense passages)
- Sentence Correction & Completion
- Error Identification
- Para Jumbles
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Active/Passive Voice & Idioms
Reasoning Ability
20 Q · Medium- Coding‑Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Data Arrangements (Linear, Circular)
- Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms
- Visual Reasoning
- Cubes & Dice
- Statement Assumption & Conclusion
▣ Advanced Section (115 min · Digital / Prime)
Only candidates who clear Foundation cut‑off are evaluated. Determines Digital (₹9.09 LPA+) and Prime (₹11.59 LPA+).
Advanced Quant & Reasoning
15 Q · Hard · FUBAdvanced Coding
2 Q (1 Medium, 1 Hard) · PrimeLanguages: C, C++, Java, Python, Perl
Critical TCS iON Compiler Warning
If you compile and see errors, you cannot edit the code directly. You must Reset the entire code and retype it (no copy‑paste). Write logic on paper first.
▣ Cut‑Off Scores (percentile estimates)
Based on student‑reported data from last 4 cycles. Approximate ranges.
| Profile | CTC Range | Verbal | Reasoning | Numerical | Coding Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | ₹11.59 LPA | 85%+ (21/25) | 80%+ (16/20) | 80%+ (16/20) | Both solved |
| Digital | ₹9.09 LPA | 75%+ (19/25) | 70%+ (14/20) | 70%+ (14/20) | 1 solved + partial |
| Ninja | ₹7.09 LPA | 60%+ (15/25) | 60%+ (12/20) | 60%+ (12/20) | Partial (30‑40%) |
⌨ CS/IT Students
Your superpower: Coding. Don’t ignore Aptitude.
- Practice 50+ LeetCode easy/medium on TCS compiler
- Data Interpretation speed
- Seating arrangements: target 75 sec/question
- Read 2 RC passages daily
30‑day focus
Week 1: Python/C++ + Aptitude · Week 2: Arrays/Strings + Reasoning · Week 3: Advanced Quant + Mocks · Week 4: Compiler simulation + revision
👥 Non‑CS Students
You can absolutely clear Digital. Compensate.
- Master RCs, error detection, para jumbles
- Venn diagrams, syllogisms, blood relations
- Numerical: Averages, Profit/Loss
- Python basics: if‑else, for loops
30‑day focus
Week 1: Verbal + Reasoning · Week 2: Numerical + Python · Week 3: Advanced Quant (easy topics) + Mocks · Week 4: Full syllabus mocks + iON simulator
⇄ What Changed in 2026 vs 2025?
- Advanced Coding Time: Increased from 75 → 90 minutes
- Pseudo Code: Added to Advanced Aptitude
- Negative Marking: Completely removed from all sections
- Python Officially Supported: Game‑changer for non‑CS
- Compiler: Eclipse‑based interface, but “Reset & retype” still applies
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is syllabus different for CS and Non‑CS?
No. Exam pattern is identical. Only preparation strategy differs.
Q2: Is Python allowed in TCS NQT 2026?
Yes. Python, C, C++, Java, Perl supported.
Q3: How many attempts?
No official limit. Best score valid for 2 years.
Q4: Eligibility for 2026 batch?
- B.Tech/B.E/M.Tech/MCA/M.Sc (full‑time)
- 60% or 6.0 CGPA in 10th, 12th, Graduation
- Gap ≤ 24 months · Age 18‑28
Q5: Advanced Aptitude – options?
No. Most are “Fill Up the Box” (FUB) – numeric answer.
Q6: I’m Non‑CS. Should I skip coding?
No. Focus on passing 2‑3 test cases. Partial credit is enough.
🏁 Ready to Test Your Readiness?
Understanding the syllabus is step one. Now practice rigorously.
- Take a Free Mock Test: Simulate 190‑minute environment.
- Practice TCS iON specific coding: Use compilers that don’t allow copy‑paste.
TCS NQT 2026 is a game of strategy, not just knowledge.
If you are from CS, dominate coding. If Non‑CS, weaponize Verbal and Reasoning. Follow the syllabus, respect the compiler, attempt every question.
Good luck with your TCS journey!
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