Landing Your First IT Job Doesn’t Require a Tier-1 College Anymore
Here’s the deal – getting hired at a top IT company in 2025 isn’t just about which college you went to. It’s about cracking the right exam.
Over 200,000 freshers compete in single exam cycles these days, and the ones who succeed are those who know exactly what they’re walking into.
This guide covers the 10 most popular employment exams in India that actually help freshers land jobs.
We’re talking real numbers here: selection rates, salary packages ranging from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹27 lakh, eligibility criteria, and the preparation resources that work.
Most freshers fail not because they lack skills but because they don’t have a structured approach.
By the end of this article, you’ll know which exams to target, when to apply, and how to prepare for each one. Let’s get started.
Why Job Exams Are the New Gateway for Freshers
The Playing Field Just Got Level
Campus placement used to be everything. If you weren’t in a tier-1 college, your options were limited.
That’s changed. Off-campus recruitment through national qualifier tests now gives everyone a fair shot, no matter where they studied.
Companies realized they were missing talented candidates just because of college bias.
So they shifted to standardized assessments that focus on actual skills rather than institutional reputation.
Benefits You Can’t Ignore
Taking these exams opens multiple doors from a single test. Pass TCS NQT, and you’re automatically considered for various TCS roles.
The same goes for other companies. It’s cost-effective too – one exam fee can lead to several interview opportunities.
Plus, these tests are designed to measure real job readiness. They don’t just check if you memorized formulas. They test problem-solving, coding ability, communication skills, and how you handle pressure.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Job Exams at a Glance
| Exam | Applicants | Selection Rate | Package Range | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCS NQT | 200,000+ | 20% | ₹3.36–9L | Moderate |
| Wipro Elite NTH | 150,000+ | 10% | ₹3.5–7L | Moderate–High |
| Infosys InfyTQ | 200,000+ | 20% | ₹3.6–9.5L | High |
| Capgemini Exceller | 120,000+ | 12–15% | ₹4.25–7.5L | Moderate |
| Accenture Campus | 150,000+ | 10% | ₹4.6–6L | Moderate |
| HCL Tech Test | 150,000 | 10% | ₹3.5–4.5L | Moderate–High |
| Amazon India | 100,000+ | Highly Selective | ₹12–27L | Very High |
| Deloitte NLA | 75,000–100,000 | Competitive | ₹4–8L | High |
| Cognizant GenC | 100,000+ | 15% | ₹4–6.75L | Moderate |
| LTIMindtree | 50,000+ | Variable | ₹4.05–4.5L | Moderate |
#1 – TCS National Qualifier Test (TCS NQT)
Why This Exam Tops the List
TCS is India’s largest IT employer, and its NQT test is the most accessible entry point.
They conduct multiple exam cycles throughout the year, which means you get several chances.
There’s no minimum percentage requirement either if you have a degree, you can apply.
Around 200,000 candidates take this exam per cycle.
Approximately 50,000 candidates clear the initial round, 25,000 receive interview calls, and over 10,000 receive final job offers.
That’s a 20% selection rate, which is actually one of the highest among major IT companies.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible if you’re graduating (or have graduated) between 2020 and 2026.
Any stream works – B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA, M.Sc. The only catch is that you can’t have active backlogs when joining.
What’s in the Exam?
TCS NQT has two rounds. The Foundation round takes 75 minutes with 65 questions covering:
- Verbal Ability (20-25 questions)
- Numerical Ability (20 questions)
- Logical Ability (20 questions)
If you clear that, you move to the Advanced round (115 minutes):
- Advanced Aptitude and Reasoning (15 questions, 25 minutes)
- Advanced Coding (2 questions, 90 minutes)
The coding round determines which role you get.
Exam Schedule for 2025
The December exam is on 25th December 2025, with registration closing on 14th December. TCS typically holds exams in January, April, July, and November, too. Keep checking their portal.
Salary Breakdown
This is where performance matters:
- Ninja Role: ₹3.36-3.6 LPA (standard entry-level for most candidates)
- Digital Role: ₹7 LPA (requires strong digital skills)
- Prime Role: ₹9+ LPA (top coders get this)
Where to Prepare
TCS offers over 60 hours of free learning content on its iON platform. You get 3 practice tests with registration. For extra prep, PrepInsta has comprehensive materials, and GeeksforGeeks offers a test series for ₹1,499 (free for the first 1,000 registrations).
Official Registration: nextstep.tcs.com/campus or tcsion.com
#2 – Wipro Elite NTH (National Talent Hunt)
What Makes Wipro Different
Wipro’s Elite NTH program specifically targets engineering talent from all college tiers.
They focus on identifying candidates who can handle real projects, not just textbook knowledge.
The selection rate is tougher though – only 10% make it through.
Around 150,000 candidates apply annually. About 15,000 get selected.
The good part? You can have one active backlog when applying (but must clear it before joining).
Eligibility Requirements
You need 60% minimum in 10th, 12th, and graduation. All engineering branches qualify except Fashion Technology, Textile, Agriculture, and Food Technology.
There’s also a 3-year gap limit between 10th and graduation. Indian citizens, PIO, and OCI cardholders can apply.
Three-Stage Assessment
The test has three sections totaling 128 minutes:
- Aptitude Test (48 minutes): Quantitative (16), Logical (14), Verbal (22 questions)
- Written Communication (20 minutes): Essay writing
- Coding Test (60 minutes): 2 coding problems in C, C++, Java, or Python
You need 70% in Aptitude, 75% in Verbal, and 80% in Essay and Coding to progress.
Package Structure
Wipro offers two tracks:
- Project Engineer: ₹3.5-3.6 LPA
- Turbo Engineer/Senior Engineer: ₹7 LPA
The Turbo role requires exceptional performance in coding and aptitude sections.
When to Apply
Wipro conducts drives throughout the year. Registration windows open with 2-3 weeks’ notice on their careers portal. You’ll need to check regularly since dates vary.
Preparation Strategy
Start with Wipro’s official portal at careers.wipro.com. For structured prep, PrepInsta and FacePrep have detailed courses covering their exact pattern. Focus heavily on the essay section since it eliminates many candidates.
Official Registration: careers.wipro.com
#3 – Infosys InfyTQ Certification Program
The Certification Advantage
InfyTQ isn’t just an exam. You get an “Infosys Certified Software Programmer” certification if you pass, which holds value even if you don’t join Infosys immediately. It’s valid proof of your programming skills.
About 200,000 candidates register each cycle. Only 20% score the 65% needed to qualify for interviews. Infosys hires 4,000-5,000 freshers annually through this program.
Who Should Apply?
Students graduating in the following year from B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, M.Sc., MCA, or MCM programs can register. You need 65% to qualify for interviews, but anyone can take the certification exam. There’s no age limit.
Register on the InfyTQ app or website at infytq.infosys.com.
Two-Round Structure
Certification Round (3 hours):
- Hands-on Coding: 2 questions
- Programming MCQs: 10 questions (Java or Python)
- DBMS MCQs: 10 questions
Advantage Round (3 hours – optional, for higher packages):
- Advanced coding: 3 questions
- Complex programming and database scenarios
You can skip the Advantage Round if you want the base package.
Career Paths Available
Performance determines your role:
- Systems Engineer: ₹3.6 LPA (base role)
- Specialist Programmer: ₹5.5-8 LPA (Advantage Round)
- Digital Specialist Engineer: ₹9.5 LPA (top performers)
Exam Timeline
Infosys conducts InfyTQ 2-3 times yearly. Registration announcements come via the app and website. Sign up early since slots fill quickly.
How to Prepare
Use the in-app learning modules first. They’re designed specifically for the exam pattern. PrepInsta has previous year papers that help understand question types. GeeksforGeeks hosts interview experiences from selected candidates.
Official Registration: infytq.infosys.com
#4 – Capgemini Exceller Program
Game-Based Assessment Model
Capgemini switched things up recently. Instead of traditional aptitude tests, they use game-based assessments that test your problem-solving in interactive scenarios. It’s different from what most exams offer, so you’ll need specific preparation.
About 120,000 candidates apply, with a 12-15% selection rate. The exam happens through CoCubes or AMCAT platforms.
Eligibility Checklist
Standard requirements: B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA, M.Sc. from all engineering branches. You need 60% minimum in 10th, 12th, and graduation. No active backlogs allowed. Only 2025 batch graduates for current drives.
Five-Section Breakdown
Total test time varies, but expect around 165 minutes:
- Technical Test (40 questions, 40 minutes): Data Structures, Algorithms, Databases, Cloud, Networking
- Essay Writing (30 minutes): Communication assessment
- Game-Based Aptitude (25-30 minutes): Motion Challenge, Digit Challenge, Switch Challenge, Grid Challenge, Reasoning
- Spoken English (30 questions, 30 minutes)
- Coding (2 questions, 45 minutes): C, C++, or Java
Performance-Based Salaries
Your coding round performance directly impacts your package:
- Analyst (A4): ₹4.25 LPA (base, no coding cleared)
- Analyst Star (A4P): ₹5.75 LPA (1 coding question cleared)
- Senior Analyst (A5): ₹7.50 LPA (both coding questions cleared)
This structure motivates candidates to focus on coding practice.
Drive Schedule
Campus drives run from September to November for most colleges. Off-campus opportunities are rare and usually college-specific. If your college gets a Capgemini drive, don’t miss it.
Game-Based Test Prep
This is where most candidates struggle. Practice with online brain training games and aptitude apps that use similar mechanics. PrepInsta offers specific Capgemini Exceller courses. YouTube has walkthrough videos of the game challenges.
Official Registration: capgemini.com/in-en/careers
#5 – Accenture Campus Hiring
Mass Hiring Approach
Accenture runs large-scale recruitment campaigns for freshers. They hire for both technical and non-technical roles across consulting and technology divisions. With 150,000+ applicants and a 10% selection rate, competition is tight.
Updated Eligibility
You need 65% or 6.5 CGPA minimum in graduation. All streams qualify, especially CS and IT. No active backlogs. Both 2025 and 2026 batch students are eligible for current drives.
2025-26 Exam Pattern
Five sections totaling 175 minutes:
- Behavioral Assessment (20 minutes): 54 psychometric questions
- Cognitive Assessment – Gamified (20 minutes): 3 game-based questions
- Technical Assessment (45 minutes): 45 MCQs on programming, databases, networking
- Coding Assessment (60 minutes): 3 coding questions
- Communication Assessment (30 minutes): 20-25 spoken English questions
Job Roles You Can Get
- Application Development Associate (ADA): ₹4.60 LPA
- System and Application Services Associate (SASA): ₹4.60 LPA
- Foreign Language – Tech: ₹4.60 LPA
- Advanced Analyst/Senior Analyst: ₹6+ LPA
The Advanced roles require exceptional technical performance.
Recruitment Timeline
On-campus drives happen in November-December for most colleges. Off-campus recruitment runs year-round based on business needs. Check their careers portal frequently.
Preparation Resources
Accenture offers a “Countdown to Accenture” learning pathway on their site. PrepInsta and Unstop both have Accenture-specific courses. Focus on the behavioral assessment since it can be tricky if you haven’t practiced psychometric tests before.
Official Registration: accenture.com/in-en/careers
#6 – HCL Tech Campus Test
What HCL Looks For
HCL Technologies runs comprehensive campus drives across India. They assess technical fundamentals thoroughly and expect strong basics in computer science concepts. The difficulty level is medium to high.
About 150,000 candidates apply. Around 15,000 get selected (10% rate). The test itself is well-structured with clear sections.
Eligibility Criteria
B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA from all branches. You need 60% minimum in 10th, 12th, and graduation. No standing arrears at the time of recruitment. Only the 2025 batch graduates for the current cycle.
Five-Section Test Format
Total time: 95 minutes
- Numerical Ability (15 questions, 15 minutes): HCF/LCM, Number System, Time and Work, Probability, Profit and Loss
- Verbal Ability (15 questions, 15 minutes): Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms/Antonyms
- Logical Reasoning (15 questions, 15 minutes): Coding-Decoding, Pattern Recognition, Series
- Computer Fundamentals (30 questions, 30 minutes): Core CS concepts
- Coding (2 questions, 20 minutes): Programming challenges
The time pressure is real – you get exactly 1 minute per question in most sections.
Salary and Training
HCL offers:
- Software Engineer/Analyst: ₹3.5-4.5 LPA
- Training Period Stipend: ₹1.8-2 LPA during initial training
The training period typically lasts a few months before you move to the full package.
When to Apply
HCL conducts campus drives throughout the academic year. Specific dates are announced college-wise. They don’t have standardized national test dates like TCS or Wipro.
How to Prepare
Use HCL’s official careers portal for process details. PrepInsta has placement papers and mock tests for HCL’s pattern. The computer fundamentals section needs special attention since it covers broad CS topics.
Official Registration: hcltech.com/careers/campus-hiring
#7 – Amazon India Campus Recruitment
Why Amazon Pays More
Amazon’s SDE-1 role offers ₹12-27 lakh per year, significantly higher than other companies on this list. But the selection process is also much tougher. Over 100,000 candidates apply, and the selection rate isn’t publicly disclosed (but it’s low).
This isn’t a standardized test like others. Amazon has a multi-stage interview process that tests both technical skills and cultural fit.
Technical Focus Required
Eligibility is strict: B.E., B.Tech, or M.Tech in Computer Science or closely related fields. You need strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, Java, or Perl. Good understanding of OOP, algorithms, and data structures is non-negotiable.
Only 2025 batch graduates qualify for current drives.
The Multi-Stage Process
Amazon’s approach is different:
- Online Application: Resume screening (ATS-based)
- Online Assessment: Work style assessment (10-20 minutes) + work sample simulations (20-60 minutes)
- Technical Phone Screen: Coding and problem-solving
- On-site Interview Loop: Multiple rounds based on Leadership Principles
- Hiring Committee Review: Final decision
The entire process takes 2-4 weeks from application to offer.
Amazon’s Leadership Principles
You need to understand Amazon’s 16 Leadership Principles. They assess these throughout interviews:
- Customer Obsession
- Ownership
- Invent and Simplify
- Learn and Be Curious
- Hire and Develop the Best (and 11 more)
Every interview answer should demonstrate these principles.
Package Breakdown
- SDE-1: ₹12-27 LPA (performance and negotiation dependent)
- Virtual Customer Service Associate (Work from Home): ₹3-4 LPA
- Support Engineer, Business Intelligence Engineer: Competitive packages
The SDE role is what most engineering students target.
Rolling Recruitment
Amazon doesn’t have fixed exam dates. They recruit throughout the year, with major campus drives in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Apply early and track your application status.
Preparation Strategy
Focus on LeetCode. Practice 200+ problems covering arrays, strings, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, and system design. Study Amazon’s Leadership Principles and prepare STAR format answers. IGotAnOffer has comprehensive Amazon interview guides.
Official Registration: amazon.jobs
#8 – Deloitte Campus Recruitment (NLA Program)
Beyond Pure Tech Roles
Deloitte’s National Leadership Academy program recruits for consulting, technology, audit, and advisory roles. This gives you diverse options beyond traditional software development. About 75,000-100,000 candidates apply with highly competitive selection rates.
Who Qualifies?
B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, MCA, B.Sc., M.Sc. in CS, IT, EC, EE, Mathematics, or Statistics. You need 60% minimum in graduation. No active backlogs. Both the 2025 and 2024 batch students can apply. Maximum 2-year education gap allowed.
90-Minute Assessment
Four sections totaling 90 minutes:
- Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning (22 questions): HCF-LCM, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Blood Relations
- English/Language Skills (13 questions): Sentence improvement, Error identification, Reading comprehension
- Computer Fundamentals (30 questions): C, C++, DBMS, Networking, OS
- Coding (2 questions): Dynamic programming focus
The coding questions lean heavily toward dynamic programming, so practice those patterns.
Seasonal Drives
Deloitte runs two major recruitment seasons:
- July to November
- January to April
Dates vary by college. Track their careers portal for announcements.
Role Options and Salaries
- Analyst (Technology/Consulting): ₹4-6 LPA
- Consultant: ₹6-8 LPA
- Audit and Advisory roles: Competitive packages
The consulting track often pays better than pure tech roles.
Prep Resources
Use Deloitte’s official recruitment guide on their website. PrepInsta offers Deloitte-specific courses. GraduatesFirst has aptitude test guides. Focus on dynamic programming problems since they appear frequently in Deloitte’s coding round.
Official Registration: deloitte.com/ui/en/careers
#9 – Cognizant GenC Next/Pro/GenC
Three-Tier System Explained
Cognizant’s Generation Cognizant program has three levels based on your test performance. Everyone takes the same assessments, but scores determine which tier you enter. About 100,000+ candidates apply with an estimated 15% selection rate.
Eligibility Rules
B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, M.Sc., MCA from 2025 batch. You need 60% minimum throughout academics (10th, 12th, UG/PG). No standing arrears. Age limit: 18-30 years. You must be flexible to work from any Cognizant location in India.
Superset Platform Assessment
Three assessments conducted on Cognizant’s Superset platform:
- Communication Assessment (60 minutes): Reading, Grammar, Listening, Speaking
- Aptitude Assessment (100 minutes): Quantitative (25), Logical (35), Verbal (20 questions)
- Technical Assessment (105-120 minutes): Skill cluster-based coding in Java, Python, C#, SQL, Cloud, HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Your performance across all three determines your tier.
2025 Registration Window
Registration opens: 9th April – 5th May 2025
Assessment windows:
- Communication: from 17th April
- Aptitude: from 21st April
- Technical: from 22nd April
Don’t miss these dates since registration windows are short.
Three Salary Tracks
- GenC: ₹4.00 LPA (Programmer Analyst Trainee)
- GenC Pro: ₹5.40 LPA (Programmer Analyst)
- GenC Next: ₹6.75 LPA (Programmer Analyst)
The difference of ₹2.75 lakh between lowest and highest tier is significant for freshers.
Preparation Approach
Focus on all three assessment areas equally. Many candidates neglect communication skills and miss GenC Pro/Next despite good technical scores. PrepInsta and Placement Preparation IO both offer GenC-specific courses.
Official Registration: Through college placement cells or Cognizant recruitment portals
#10 – LTIMindtree Campus Recruitment
Post-Merger Opportunities
LTIMindtree formed from the merger of L&T Infotech and Mindtree. They conduct comprehensive campus hiring for Graduate Engineer Trainees with a detailed 7-section assessment. About 50,000+ candidates apply with variable selection rates.
Comprehensive Eligibility
B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech (all engineering branches), MCA, M.Sc. (5-year integrated CS & IT only). You need consistent 60% in 10th, 12th, Diploma, UG, and PG. No standing arrears at recruitment time. Maximum 2-year academic gap. 2025 and 2026 batch students qualify.
Seven-Section Marathon
Total duration: 130 minutes
- English Comprehension (12 questions, 15 minutes): 3-4 passages
- Quantitative Ability (12 questions, 15 minutes)
- Logical Reasoning (12 questions, 15 minutes)
- Basic Analytical Ability (10 questions, 10 minutes)
- Computer Programming (25 questions, 35 minutes)
- Computer Science (20 questions, 20 minutes)
- Spoken English (20 questions, 20 minutes)
The test is long and comprehensive, covering all major skill areas.
When to Apply
Registration typically opens in August-September. Tests run from September to February for academic year hiring. Check LTIMindtree’s careers portal for specific dates.
Salary Structure
- Associate Graduate Engineer Trainee: ₹4.05 LPA
- Graduate Engineer Trainee: ₹4.5 LPA
- Training Period: ₹1.8-2 LPA stipend during initial months
Around 50% of shortlisted candidates progress to interviews after the test.
How to Prepare
Use LTIMindtree’s official Spark program for campus engagement. PrepInsta and FacePrep have test pattern guides. Since there are 7 sections, time management during the actual test is critical.
Official Registration: ltimindtree.com/careers
Choosing the Right Exam Strategy
Self-Assessment First
Don’t apply randomly. Evaluate your technical skills honestly. If your coding is weak, companies like Amazon or Infosys InfyTQ might not be ideal starting points. If you excel at aptitude but lack programming depth, TCS NQT or Cognizant GenC could work better.
Match your percentage and eligibility against each company’s criteria. Some require 60%, others need 65%. Save time by applying only where you qualify.
Multi-Exam Approach Works
Smart candidates don’t rely on one company. Apply to 5-7 exams with overlapping preparation areas. For example:
- TCS NQT + Wipro Elite NTH (similar aptitude patterns)
- Infosys InfyTQ + Cognizant GenC (both coding-heavy)
- Capgemini + Accenture (game-based assessments)
This strategy maximizes your chances without overwhelming your schedule.
College Tier Reality Check
Off-campus exams give tier-2 and tier-3 college students equal opportunities. Companies like TCS and Wipro explicitly designed their tests to be tier-neutral. Your performance matters, not your institution’s ranking.
The 4-Month Preparation Blueprint
Month 1: Build Foundations
Focus on fundamentals – quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. Learn or refresh one programming language (Java or Python recommended). Register on preparation platforms like PrepInsta, GeeksforGeeks, or LeetCode.
Don’t jump to company-specific prep yet. Master the basics first.
Month 2: Section-Wise Mastery
Dive deep into each section type. Practice 50+ aptitude problems, 30+ logical puzzles, 20+ coding questions. Start with easy problems and gradually increase difficulty. Take weekly mock tests to gauge progress.
Work on communication skills simultaneously – read articles, practice speaking, and improve grammar.
Month 3: Full-Length Tests
Take 2-3 full-length mock tests per week under exam conditions. Time yourself strictly. Analyze mistakes thoroughly after each test. Focus extra on the weak areas identified through mock test performance.
Start preparing your resume and project descriptions for interviews.
Month 4: Company-Specific Refinement
Study each target company’s exact pattern. Practice previous year questions. For Amazon, memorize the Leadership Principles. For Capgemini, practice game-based tests. For coding-heavy exams, solve 2-3 problems daily on LeetCode.
Final revisions, stress management, and maintaining health become priorities.
Must-Have Skills for 2025
Coding Proficiency (Non-Negotiable)
Every major exam now includes coding rounds. You can’t escape programming anymore. Data structures and algorithms form the core – arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting, searching, dynamic programming.
Practice on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeChef. Aim for 100+ solved problems before attempting any exam.
Communication Assessment Prep
Companies test spoken and written English separately. This isn’t just grammar – they evaluate clarity, coherence, and professional communication style. Practice essay writing, speaking exercises, and comprehension passages.
Many technically strong candidates fail here due to neglect.
Aptitude Speed Building
Aptitude sections have time pressure. You need both accuracy and speed. Practice mental math, shortcuts, and quick estimation techniques. Use timed practice sessions to build speed gradually.
Game-Based Test Strategies
Capgemini and Accenture use game-based assessments. These tests measure reaction time, pattern recognition, and adaptive problem-solving. Play brain training games, puzzle apps, and practice online simulators.
Selection Rate Reality Check
What Numbers Actually Mean
A 20% selection rate sounds decent until you realize 80% fail. TCS NQT’s 20% is better than most, but it still means 4 out of 5 candidates don’t get offers. Amazon’s undisclosed rate is likely under 5%.
Understanding these odds helps set realistic expectations.
Stage-Wise Elimination
Take TCS NQT as an example:
- 200,000 apply
- 50,000 cleared the test (75% eliminated)
- 25,000 get interview calls (another 50% cut)
- 10,000 receive offers (final 60% reduction)
Each stage filters candidates aggressively. You need consistency across all stages, not just one good round.
How to Beat the Odds
First, prepare thoroughly using the 4-month blueprint. Second, apply to multiple companies simultaneously. Third, learn from failures – if you don’t clear one exam, analyze what went wrong before the next attempt.
Persistence matters. Many successful candidates appeared for multiple exams before landing their first job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take multiple exams at the same time?
Yes, and you should. Most exams happen at different times or on different dates. Even if two overlap, prioritize based on your strengths and the package offered.
What if I miss a registration deadline?
Most companies conduct multiple drives throughout the year. TCS, Wipro, and Infosys have regular cycles. Wait for the next window and prepare better meanwhile.
Are off-campus exams harder than on-campus ones?
Not necessarily. The exam pattern remains similar. Off-campus might feel harder because you compete with candidates from all colleges instead of just your campus pool.
How important are backlogs?
Very important. Most companies either don’t allow active backlogs or limit them to 1-2. Clear all backlogs before applying to maximize opportunities.
Can I negotiate the salary package?
For mass recruitment programs (TCS, Wipro, Infosys, etc.), packages are fixed. For companies like Amazon or Deloitte, some negotiation might be possible based on your performance and competing offers.
How long should I prepare?
Minimum 3 months if you’re starting from scratch. If you have strong fundamentals already, 6-8 weeks of focused prep might suffice. For Amazon-level companies, expect 5-6 months of intense preparation.
Key Takeaways: Your Action Plan
Here’s what you need to do right now:
Start with TCS NQT registration if you haven’t already – it has the highest selection rate and multiple exam cycles. Set up accounts on LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks today. Download official syllabi for your target companies.
Create an exam calendar marking all important dates. Join online preparation communities – forums, Telegram groups, and Discord servers where candidates share resources and experiences. Practice one coding problem daily without fail.
Red flags to avoid: Don’t depend on a single company. Don’t skip mock tests. Don’t ignore communication skills. Don’t wait until the last month to start preparation.
Remember – these exams measure preparation and practice, not inherent genius. Put in consistent effort, and results will follow.