Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the TCS NQT 2026 for fresh graduates looking to begin their careers in the IT industry. The TCS National Qualifier Test provides candidates with an opportunity to be considered for different fresher roles, including Ninja, Digital, and Prime profiles.
Candidates from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 batches who meet the eligibility criteria can register for the test.
TCS NQT 2026 | National Qualifier Test
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
| Program | TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) 2026 |
| Roles | Ninja / Digital / Prime |
| Qualification | B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech / MCA / M.Sc |
| Eligible Batches | 2024 / 2025 / 2026 |
| Experience | Freshers |
| Expected Salary | ₹3.36 LPA – ₹9+ LPA |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Location | Pan India |
About TCS NQT 2026
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a fresher hiring examination conducted for candidates seeking career opportunities with TCS. Candidates can use one NQT registration to be considered for different hiring tracks based on their test performance.
The major tracks include Ninja, Digital, and Prime. The Ninja profile offers an entry-level opportunity, while Digital and Prime tracks are intended for candidates demonstrating stronger technical and coding capabilities.
The examination can be taken through the available TCS iON test modes, depending on the options provided during registration.
TCS NQT 2026 Exam Pattern
The TCS NQT examination consists of Foundation and Advanced sections. The Foundation section covers numerical ability, verbal ability, and reasoning ability. Candidates interested in the Digital and Prime tracks can attempt the Advanced section.
| Section | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 25 Minutes |
| Verbal Ability | 25 | 25 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 | 25 Minutes |
| Advanced Quantitative & Reasoning | 15 | 25 Minutes |
| Advanced Coding | 2 Problems | 55 Minutes |
The complete examination can take approximately 155 minutes, depending on the sections attempted.
TCS NQT Salary Structure
TCS offers different fresher career tracks based on candidate performance and selection.
Ninja – ₹3.36 LPA
The Ninja track is designed for entry-level development and support opportunities across different TCS business units.
Digital – ₹7 LPA
The Digital track is aimed at candidates with stronger technical skills and may include opportunities in areas such as software development, cloud, and data engineering.
Prime – ₹9+ LPA
The Prime track is intended for high-performing candidates who demonstrate strong advanced technical and coding skills. Selected candidates may work on R&D and product engineering-related opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in TCS NQT 2026 should meet the following requirements:
- Candidates must have completed or be completing B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA, or M.Sc.
- Eligible batches include 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Candidates should have a minimum of 60% or 6 CGPA throughout their academic career from Class 10 onward.
- Candidates should not have active backlogs at the time of appearing for the examination.
- The education gap should generally not exceed 24 months and must have a valid reason.
- Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions specified by TCS for the respective hiring drive.
How To Apply For TCS NQT 2026
- Visit the official TCS NextStep portal.
- Register under the relevant IT category.
- Note down your CT/DT reference number after registration.
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Upload the required documents.
- Select TCS NQT 2026 under the active drives, if available.
- Select your preferred examination mode and book the test slot.
- Candidates shortlisted after the test will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process.
TCS NQT Apply Link: Click Here
All Jobs: Click Here
Selection Process
The TCS NQT selection process generally includes multiple stages. After the written examination, shortlisted candidates may be invited for technical and managerial or HR discussions.
The technical interview may cover programming fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, projects mentioned on the resume, and the candidate’s preferred programming language. Candidates shortlisted for higher technical tracks may face more detailed coding and technical questions.
The final stage may include managerial and HR discussions covering communication skills, behavioral questions, relocation, work preferences, and other employment-related topics.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Updated resume in PDF format.
- Class 10 marksheet.
- Class 12 marksheet.
- Semester-wise graduation marksheets.
- Government-issued photo identification such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
- Recent passport-size photograph as required by the application portal.
- Relevant documents explaining any academic gap or backlog, if applicable.
TCS NQT 2026 Preparation Tips
Candidates preparing for the examination should focus on numerical ability, reasoning, verbal ability, and programming fundamentals.
For the Advanced Coding section, candidates should practice commonly tested concepts such as arrays, strings, searching, sorting, and hashing using a programming language they are comfortable with.
It is also recommended to attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Candidates should revise important aptitude concepts and practice coding problems regularly before the examination.
About Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a global IT services, consulting, and business solutions company and a part of the Tata Group. The company works with organizations across industries to provide technology services, digital transformation solutions, consulting, and software development capabilities.
TCS regularly conducts fresher hiring programs and provides graduates with opportunities to begin careers across software development, IT services, data, cloud, consulting, and other technology areas.
