TCS Recruitment 2026 – Smart Hiring for Freshers
Complete Guide to TCS NQT, Eligibility, Salary & Application Process
Overview: TCS Recruitment 2026
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is India\’s largest IT company and a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions. With headquarters in Mumbai, TCS operates in over 50 countries and has a workforce of more than 600,000 employees.
TCS Recruitment 2026 is one of the biggest hiring drives in India for freshers, offering opportunities across multiple job roles and profiles. The company is hiring 40,000+ freshers for various positions including:
- TCS NQT (National Qualifier Test) – For engineering graduates
- TCS Smart Hiring – For BCA, B.Sc graduates
- TCS B.Sc Ignite – Specialized program for science graduates
- TCS BPS Hiring – For commerce and arts graduates
- TCS Atlas – For M.Sc graduates
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications
- Full-time B.E., B.Tech, ME, M.Tech, MCA, M.Sc graduates
- BCA, B.Sc (IT, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics)
- B.Voc in Computer Science / Information Technology
- Year of Passing: 2025 or 2026 batch
Academic Performance
- Minimum 50% aggregate throughout academics (10th, 12th, Graduation)
- No backlogs at the time of joining
- Maximum 1 active backlog at the time of appearing for the exam
- Overall academic gap should not exceed 2 years
Other Criteria
- Age: Minimum 18 years, Maximum 28 years
- Indian citizenship or valid work authorization
- All engineering and technical streams eligible
- Full-time education only (Distance education not eligible)
Document Requirements
Keep the following documents ready for verification:
- 10th Standard Mark Sheet
- 12th Standard Mark Sheet
- Graduation Mark Sheets (All Semesters)
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Valid ID
- Resume (CV)
- Certificates for additional skills / certifications
Important Dates – TCS Recruitment 2026
Salary & Benefits Package
TCS offers competitive salary packages based on your profile and performance. Here\’s the detailed breakdown:
Entry-level profile for all engineering graduates
- Fixed Salary: ₹25,000/month
- Performance Incentive: Up to ₹60,000
- Annual Increment: 10%
- Best for: Coding & Software Development
Advanced profile requiring strong coding skills
- Fixed Salary: ₹55,000/month
- Performance Incentive: Up to ₹60,000
- Advanced Coding Round Required
- Best for: Advanced Development Roles
Premium profile for highest performers
- Fixed Salary: ₹60,000+/month
- Performance Incentive: Up to ₹60,000
- Leadership Track
- Best for: Leadership Roles
*LPA (Lakhs Per Annum). Salary is subject to change based on location, role, and performance. Additional benefits include medical insurance, paid leave, meal vouchers, and career development opportunities.
Additional Benefits
- Health & Life Insurance coverage
- Paid annual leave & casual leave
- Performance-based annual increments
- Gratuity & Provident Fund (PF)
- Internal training & certification programs
- Opportunities for international projects
TCS NQT Exam Pattern 2026
Test Structure
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is an adaptive online test designed to evaluate your aptitude, reasoning, verbal ability, and coding skills.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability | 20 Questions | 75 minutes (shared) | Adaptive |
| Verbal Ability | 25 Questions | 75 minutes (shared) | Moderate |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 Questions | 75 minutes (shared) | Adaptive |
| Advanced Coding | 3 Questions | 90 minutes | Advanced (Optional) |
Key Features
- Total Duration: 190 minutes (3+ hours)
- No negative marking
- Adaptive test (difficulty adjusts based on your performance)
- Test conducted online via secure portal
- Results available immediately after test completion
- Coding section is optional but recommended for Digital/Prime profiles
Coding Languages Allowed
For the advanced coding section, you can write code in: C, C++, Java, Python, Perl
Selection Process – Step by Step
How to Apply – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Visit TCS NextStep Portal
Go to nextstep.tcs.com and click on \”IT\” or relevant category.
Step 2: Register Your Account
Provide the following details:
- Name (as per Aadhaar card)
- Date of Birth (as per official documents)
- Email ID (active and verified)
- Mobile Number (active for OTP verification)
- Gender and Aadhaar Number
Step 3: Complete Application Form
After registration, login with Reference ID and OTP. Fill the application form with:
- Academic details (10th, 12th, Graduation marks)
- Current course and expected graduation date
- Address and location preferences
- Any work experience (if applicable)
- Additional certifications and skills
Step 4: Upload Resume
Upload your professional resume (PDF format, max 5 MB) highlighting:
- Education details with marks/CGPA
- Technical skills and programming languages
- Projects and internships
- Certifications and achievements
- Contact information and LinkedIn profile
Step 5: Apply for Drive
Click \”Apply for Drive\” after completing all sections. Select:
- Test mode (In-center or Online from home)
- Preferred test center location
- Preferred test date (if available)
Step 6: Confirm and Submit
Review all information carefully. Ensure accuracy as incorrect details may lead to disqualification. Click Submit to complete application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TCS offers salary packages ranging from ₹3.36 LPA to ₹7.3 LPA depending on the profile:
- Ninja Profile: ₹3.36 LPA
- Digital Profile: ₹7 LPA
- Prime Profile: ₹7.3 LPA
Additionally, you get an incentive of up to ₹60,000 based on performance in the TCS Xplore program.
Backlog: No backlogs at joining, but 1 active backlog is allowed at time of test appearance.
Academic Gap: Overall gap should not exceed 2 years. Valid reasons for gap are considered.
Be prepared to explain any gaps during the interview round.
The complete process typically takes 2-4 months:
- Online Test: Same day result
- Technical Interview: 1-2 weeks after test
- HR Round: 1-2 weeks after technical
- Offer Letter: 1-2 weeks after HR round
No, the advanced coding section is optional. However, if you want to get selected for Digital or Prime profiles, attempting the coding section is highly recommended as it demonstrates advanced programming skills.
For Ninja profile, coding is not required.
No, once you select your test center and submit the application, you cannot change it. Choose your preferred center carefully at the time of application.
In case of genuine emergency, contact TCS support through the portal.
You can appear for TCS recruitment multiple times in a year. If you don\’t clear one drive, you can apply for the next recruitment cycle.
Use the failed attempt to prepare better and improve your skills before the next attempt.
Keep original copies of the following:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Graduation mark sheets (all semesters)
- Degree certificate
- Aadhaar card or valid ID
- Certificate for additional skills/certifications
- If applicable: Internship offer letters, projects documentation
Yes, TCS provides relocation assistance for freshers who are posted in cities different from their home location.
The assistance includes temporary accommodation and travel allowance for the first few days/weeks until you arrange permanent accommodation.
Ready to Apply?
Don\’t miss this opportunity to join India\’s largest IT company. Start your application today on TCS NextStep Portal.
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