Hi Leetcoders,
I have always wanted to share my on-campus TCS Prime interview experience to help future students. Here’s how my journey unfolded when TCS visited our college in January 2024 for three profiles:
- Ninja (3 LPA)
- Digital (7 LPA)
- Prime (9 LPA)
Step 1: TCS NQT Exam
After applying, TCS asked us to upload all necessary documents and issued an admit card for the NQT exam. The test was conducted at a designated center and lasted 3 hours. It consisted of:
- Aptitude Section: English, Mathematics, Reasoning, and more (section-wise with fixed timings).
- Coding Section: Two coding problems, one easy and one medium (90 minutes total).
Coding Questions in My Test:
- Convert a matrix into a lower triangular matrix.
- Given a long string, convert it into an r * c matrix under specific mathematical conditions.
I couldn't solve the first question due to panic but managed to complete the second one, which qualified me for the Prime interview. For context:
- Solving the first coding question leads to a Digital interview.
- Solving the second coding question only leads to a Prime interview.
Step 2: Interview Process (On-Campus)
After the NQT results, shortlisted candidates were notified of their respective profiles. My interview was scheduled on-campus at 7 AM, starting at 9 AM.
Round 1: Panel Interview
The panel included an HR, a technical member, and a manager. My interview lasted around 15 minutes.
Questions and Topics:
Introduction: I gave a brief introduction, mentioning my skills like React and Bootstrap.
Technical Questions:
What is React? What are hooks?
What is Bootstrap?
DSA problem: Transpose a matrix.
I provided two solutions (create a new matrix and use swapping), and the manager was satisfied with the second approach.
What is normalization?
Why MongoDB over SQL (based on my project)?
HR Questions:
Preferred work location and time shifts (day/night).
If offered Ninja, would I join?
Step 3: Second Interview (Lucknow Office)
A week later, I was informed that candidates shortlisted for Prime needed to re-interview due to the panel offering many Prime selections. Six of us were called to the Lucknow TCS office.
Round 2: Panel Interview
This panel was more experienced, and the interview lasted 50-55 minutes.
Questions and Topics:
Introduction: I introduced myself again.
Technical Questions:
- Sorting algorithms: Heap Sort, Quick Sort, Merge Sort, and their differences.
- Graph algorithms: Dijkstra’s algorithm, Prim’s vs. Kruskal’s algorithms.
- Bootstrap: Definition and use.
- DSA problem: Find all prime numbers between 1 to N.
I wrote the code on paper and explained it.
Math Question:
Solve x^2-y^2=101 and x>0 ,y>0 then find x^2+y^2=?.
I solved it using factorization and logic, and the manager was impressed.
DSA Conceptual Problem:
Trapping Rain Water: Explained the approach theoretically.
General Knowledge:
What is BrahMos Missile? Why is it named BrahMos Missile?
Current Affairs:
Latest TCS news: Work from office policy.
Opinion: Work from home vs. office.
HR Questions: - Why TCS?
- Location preference (Bangalore) and their follow-up on traffic and flexibility with Chennai.
- If Ninja was offered, would I join?
- What would I do if I didn’t receive an offer from TCS?
Results
After the second interview, I was the only one selected for the Prime profile among six candidates. Others were offered Digital roles.
Key Takeaways
- Stay confident: Confidence matters more than knowing everything.
- Prepare strategically: Focus on coding and problem-solving skills.
- Be adaptive: Panelists can ask a mix of technical, behavioral, and general knowledge questions.
I joined TCS Bangalore five months ago and am excited to continue this journey. Best of luck to all future aspirants! 😊
