The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a standardized, multi-level assessment conducted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to evaluate the cognitive, aptitude, and technical skills of fresh graduates.
Unlike earlier years where multiple exams existed for different roles, TCS now follows a single Integrated NQT, through which candidates are categorized into Ninja, Digital, or Prime roles based on their performance.
The exam is conducted once a year, usually during the March (Spring) cycle, and the NQT scorecard remains valid for 2 years.
Latest TCS NQT Test Pattern 2026
The TCS NQT 2026 is conducted as a single test for all three roles.
Key Highlights
✅ Single Exam for Ninja, Digital & Prime
✅ Integrated Pattern – Foundation + Advanced sections
⚠️ Both Foundation and Advanced sections are mandatory to be considered for Digital & Prime roles.
TCS NQT Eligibility Criteria 2026
TCS follows strict academic hygiene, and discrepancies can lead to disqualification during verification.
✅ Eligible Degrees
B.E / B.Tech
M.E / M.Tech
MCA
M.Sc / M.S
📌 Academic Requirements
Minimum 60% or 6.0 CGPA throughout (10th, 12th, Diploma, UG, PG)
Maximum 1 active backlog allowed at test time
All backlogs must be cleared before joining
Academic gap ≤ 24 months (valid reason required)
Age Limit: 18 – 28 years
Course Type: Full-time only
NIOS accepted only for 10th & 12th
TCS NQT Application Process
1️⃣ Visit the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) page 2️⃣ Click Register Now 3️⃣ Login using TCS iON Digital Learning Hub credentials
New users → Create Account 4️⃣ Fill all details carefully 5️⃣ Click Submit to complete registration 6️⃣ Confirmation will be sent to registered email & mobile
TCS NQT Selection Process
After the online test, candidates are tagged to Ninja, Digital, or Prime based on percentile.
Stage 1: Online Test
Conducted at TCS iON Authorized Centers
Both sections mandatory for higher roles
Stage 2: Interview Rounds
Technical Round: DSA, OOPS, DBMS, Final Year Project
⚠️ Digital & Prime interviews are significantly more rigorous and may include live coding or system design.
Possible Job Roles & Salary Structure
Role
Focus Area
Salary (UG)
Salary (PG)
Ninja
Support & Maintenance
₹3.36 LPA
₹3.53 LPA
Digital
Development & Specialized Tech
₹7.0 LPA
₹7.3 LPA
Prime
AI, ML & Next-Gen Tech
₹9.0 LPA
₹11.5 LPA
Important Exam Day Guidelines
🏢 In-Centre Exam Only (TCS iON Centers)
🔒 Question Locking: Cannot return to previous questions
📝 Rough sheets provided and collected after exam
❌ No tab/window switching – leads to immediate termination
Final Note
The TCS NQT 2026 is a single gateway to multiple high-impact roles at TCS. Strong fundamentals, consistent practice, and understanding the integrated pattern are key to cracking Digital & Prime roles.
👉 Always apply only through official TCS portals. 👉 TCS never charges fees for recruitment.
