TCS NQT: Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Preparation Guide

By the Tech6Sense team · Last reviewed

Quick answer The TCS NQT 2026 pattern has 81 items in 192 minutes: Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability, Advanced Quantitative and Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and two Advanced Coding problems. Each section has its own timer and unused time does not carry over. Verbal is now type-based, so memorised MCQ technique does not transfer. TCS may revise the pattern between cycles, so confirm it on TCS NextStep.

TCS NQT 2026 pattern

SectionItemsTime
Numerical Ability2025 min
Reasoning Ability2025 min
Advanced Quantitative and Reasoning1425 min
Verbal Ability2526 min
Advanced Coding: Easy135 min
Break-1 min
Advanced Coding: Medium155 min
Total81192 min

Other websites quote different totals for other cycles. Confirm the pattern in the instructions for your own test on TCS NextStep.

What the syllabus covers

  • Numerical: percentages, profit and loss, ratio, averages, time and work, and related arithmetic.
  • Reasoning: series, coding-decoding, arrangements and logical puzzles.
  • Verbal: type-based Sentence Completion, Passage Recall and Email Writing.
  • Coding: one easy and one medium problem in a language such as C, C++, Java or Python.

A preparation plan that fits the pattern

  • Take one timed section early to find your weak areas before you plan.
  • Practise with per-question timers. With about 75 seconds per item in Numerical, speed needs training.
  • For Sentence Completion, type one exact word and check the word form the blank needs.
  • Solve the easy coding problem first in practice, and test edge cases before submitting.
  • Finish with full-length timed attempts so the 192-minute duration feels familiar.

Practise with the full course

Everything you need for TCS NQT 2026 - Numerical, Reasoning, Verbal, Coding & 18 real interview modules with 70+ Questions, timed practice and instant feedback.

See what's included

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in TCS NQT?

The 2026 pattern has 81 items: 20 Numerical, 20 Reasoning, 14 Advanced Quantitative and Reasoning, 25 Verbal and 2 coding problems, in 192 minutes including a 1-minute break.

Can unused time in TCS NQT be carried to another section?

No. Each section has its own time limit and unused time does not carry over.

Where do I register for TCS NQT?

Registration runs through the official TCS NextStep portal. Check it for current dates and eligibility, as third-party dates are often unreliable.

Is there a TCS BPS preparation course too?

Yes. Tech6Sense has a separate TCS BPS Full Preparation Guide for that hiring track.

Where to verify

Tech6Sense is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the companies named on this page. Company names are used only to identify the hiring process covered.