TCS NQT Aptitude Guide

🎧 TCS NQT Aptitude Guide

At TCS Interview questions, we value your success and experience you garner on your journey with the world’s largest company. Our expert guidance and tips are here to build you into your best version so that you can accelerate ahead in the massive competition. We interviewed several successful candidates, and we are pleased to share with you a success story from Delhi. Here’s a detailed study guide for TCS NQT.

Read more: TCS Ninja Interview Questions »

🎁 Did you know you can get $30 for sharing your exam and interview experiences? Write and get paid for every article. Learn more »

TCS NQT Number System

Preparing on the number system is crucial for the TCS NQT exam. There can be various questions which can be answered with the knowledge of the number system. For example, let XYZ be a 3-digit number where (X + Y + Z) is not a multiple of 3. Then (XYZ + YZX + ZXY) is NOT divisible by which number? Now, we know a number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. This example here is based on divisibility rules. If we do not know the divisibility rule of 3, it is difficult to answer this question. It is important to remember the divisibility rules of the natural numbers. Here, XYZ + YZX + ZXY will not be divisible by 3. Now, XYZ + YZX + ZXY = (100X + 10Y + Z) + (100Y + 10Z + X) + (100Z + 10X + Y) = 111 (X + Y + Z) = 3 x 37 (X + Y + Z). Hence, we see, the sum is divisible by 3, 37 and (X + Y + Z). It it will not be divisible by any other number like 9 or 11. So if we have an option in the answer like 9, that will be our answer because this sum is not divisible by 9.

Keep reading: TCS Ninja Hiring Tips »

TCS NQT Mensuration

In another question of mensuration, we may be asked what the number of bricks will be required to build a rectangular pond. If the dimensions of the bricks are given, we have to calculate the outer volume, and then the inner volume, and subtract the two. This will give us the total volume of the bricks. Then dividing this total volume of the bricks by the volume of an individual brick, it will give us the total number of bricks required. In the TCS NQT exam, it will often be required to calculate such volumes and then divide it to get to the answer. Knowledge to calculate the volumes of various shapes and sizes can thus come in handy in the NQT exam. Sometimes we may also be required to calculate the diagonal or use the formula of the diagonal of a shape to get to the answer. I remembered how I used to love mensuration problems in my 12th standard. I use several of my books from my school days and college days to brush up my skills.

Keep on reading: TCS Ninja Aptitude Questions »

Geometry, Mensuration

In the TCS NQT exam, we may be presented with a figure pointing North, South, East and West. There can be different points marked in the map. One point maybe, for example 300 kilometers eastward of another point. Another point maybe 400 kilometer north of one point. A Third Point may be at the center of these two points. We have to find the distance of this Third Point from all the other points. Our knowledge of triangle formulas come into play here. Using the distance between the points given to us, we can find out the length of all the sides of the triangle thus formed. Then we can find out the difference between any two points which is asked in the question. The triangle thus formed, maybe equilateral or a right-angled triangle. Based on the question, it can also be an isosceles triangle, or a scalene triangle. Familiarity with all the triangle formulas can thus help us solve these questions without any issue. The figures provided in the question are often exactly divisible and do not provide much fraction or decimals. In case there are square roots which cannot be divided at the end, the answer is usually inclusive of the square root given in the options.

Ratio, Proportion, Mixture

The TCS NQT examination also contains questions on ratio, proportion and mixture. For example, if a bottle contains 20 liters of liquid A, and 4 liters of liquid A is taken out of it and replaced by the same quantity of liquid B, and again, 4 liters of the mixture is taken out and replaced by the same quantity of liquid B, what is the ratio of quantity of liquid A to that of liquid B in the final mixture? This type of question can be solved by using ratio of the liquids. We have to find the ratio of each liquid after each iteration. After the first iteration of mixing, there will be a particular ratio of A and B. Again, in the second iteration of mixing, there will be a ratio of A and B which will be dependent and related to the first iteration. On solving like this, we will find the ratio at the end between A and B is 16:9. Problems of such kind are common in the TCS NQT test. We can even assign a variable if it helps to understand the problem better. But at the end, the variable will be cancelled out leaving us with only a ratio. With proper practice, such problems can be solved at a quick pace.

Mensuration Logics

In mensuration if we know the area of rectangle, we will be presented with various problems where we might have to calculate the areas of rectangles overlaying each other. For example, a rectangular plot of lawn may have dimensions X and Y and be surrounded by a gravel pathway. The area of the gravel pathway may be a topic of the question. The plot of lawn instead of a rectangle may take some other form or shape as well. Or, the lawn maybe rectangle, but the gravel pathway can take some other shape. Hence, we see that finding the area of various shapes can be an important topic in the TCS NQT exam. Now if the height of lawn here is given and we have to find the volume of the gravel pathway, we might have to use the formulas to find volumes of various shapes. Repeated practice of such problems will help memorize the important formulas of volumes and areas. As expert interviewers, we advise you not to miss the easy scoring opportunity in such questions.

Harder Number System

Questions on the number system are always very important in the TCS NQT exam. For example, we may be asked how many zeros are in the product of the following: 1 x 5 x 10 x 15 x 20 x 25 x 30 x 35 x 40 x 45 x 50 x 55 x 60. In such a question, we have to see how zeros are formed. Zeros are formed by the number of 10s we can form in the product. Take out all the 5 and 2 from each number. Then form 10s of those. You will see you will find 10 zeros. Thus, there will be 10 zeros at the end of the product. Questions of such types are often based on general aptitude. You may not have practice such a type of question during your preparation for the exam. But your presence of mind will help you answer such questions if you have practiced enough. If you see a question that is taking too much time, be careful of the steps you are following. Many candidates might start working towards finding the actual product of these numbers. By the time you would have found the product, you would have lost valuable time. Try to adopt such techniques which will save you time during the TCS NQT exam.

Tactical Mensuration

In mensuration we may be poised with several shapes overlaying each other with some values given. For example, we may have a quadrilateral inside a circle. Two sides of the quadrilateral may be equal. And the angle between one side and the diagonal is given. I do not want to disclose the entire problem, but you understand what it’s looking like right now. Based on this, we must find another angle of the quadrilateral. It is important not to get overwhelmed when seeing so many complex shapes on top of each other. Try to segregate the shapes and see each one of them individually. If required, draw dotted lines in them. As you start to see each shape individually, you will start to see your answer. You will start to see the shapes in your own form. In this form you will be able to see how to derive the answers. You will see that now you can apply your formulas in these shapes. You will be able to find the values of all the dotted lines that you drew. The TCS NQT exam often tests candidates with such problems to see if they can find such values.

TCS NQT Profit and Loss

Profit and loss type questions are important for the TCS NQT exam. For example, a shop owner may offer discounts on an article to a customer. We have to find which option of discount is best for the customer. A discount of 10% then 20%. A discount of 20% then 10%. Questions like these will require to find out the value after discount. The original price can be assumed to be a variable. Then we can calculate as per the discounts provided for each option. Finally, on comparing the values we found, we will be able to answer the questions. Usually it is easier when the value in rupees or a currency is given. But even with variables it is achievable. The problem can get more complex when the shopkeeper becomes dishonest and tries to cheat their customers. Such questions are usually related to weighing of an object. In such cases, the problem may take some extra steps to solve it. With more practice, such questions can be solved at a rapid pace during the exam.

TCS NQT Areas of Shapes

Area problems are common in the TCS NQT exam. Let’s say a sheet of rectangle having length 12 centimeters and width 8 centimeter is used to construct a closed cube. What will be the length of each side of the cube? Here, first we must find the total area of the rectangle. Now the surface area of the cube formed will be equal to the area of the rectangle. A cube has six surfaces. Using this information, we can find the length of each side of the cube. So, we can see the values that we are provided might not be straightforward. We have to find out some values and then calculate again to get our desired values. Clear knowledge about the different shapes like cubes and rectangles are crucial. Instead of a cube, we may have been presented with a cylinder here as well. As expert interviewers, we recommend you to be prepared for the most complex kind of questions. Re-imagine these problems with more complex shapes and sizes. Will you be able to solve them?

TCS NQT Permutation, Combination

Questions on permutation and combination can be of various different types. For example, 9 letters have to be dropped in three different letter boxes. In how many different ways can this be done? Remembering the formulas of permutation and combination is very important for the TCS NQT exam. If you are not aware by just looking at the question that the answer is 3⁹, then it will take a lot of time to try and figure out what the answer will be. For us as interviewers, permutation and combination provides a vast playing ground. We can frame as many different types of questions as we want to test the candidate’s ability to solve the problems. Each question can be trickier than the previous one. We can also present you a very simple question, but make it appear so complex. So, play around with the formulas of permutation and combination and apply them to as many scenarios as you can. The more you get comfortable with the real-life scenarios, the easier it will be for you to solve these questions during the exam. Many real-life scenarios might feel new to you, but actually those are a variation of some problem you might have already solved. So be aware of. the question and the hidden logics beneath it.

Real-life Selection Logics

Another type of question with regards to permutation and combination can be to choose an individual for a particular job position. For example, a selection has to be made for one post of Principal and two posts of Vice Principal. Among the six candidates called for interview, only two are eligible for Principal, while they are all eligible for Vice Principal. In how many ways can they be selected? Here we have to find the number of ways in which a Principal can be selected. Then we have to find the number of ways in which a Vice Principal can be selected from the remaining 5 candidates. Then a product of these two numbers will give the total number of ways of selection. Instead of the post of a Principle or Vice Principal, these can be in a school or a birthday party as well. The main thing is to get a hold of what the logic we used. If we see similar problems, or a scenario which resembles this problem, we can apply the same logic. First, we individually find out the possible combinations of each scenario. Then we multiply the numbers. The resulting figure gives us the total number of possible combinations of the entire scenario.

TCS NQT Percentages

Questions on percentages can be given with a variety of scenarios. For example, if the price of a television set is increased by 25%, then by what percentage should the new price be reduced to bring the price back to the original price? In such cases, it is ideal to consider a variable which will be the original price of the object. Then we can apply the provided steps in the question to find the new price. The new price will contain the variable we used. The further logics provided in the question will be applied on this new price we just calculated. On further calculation we will see that the variable cancels out. And we will find that the price should be reduced by 20% to bring it back to the original price. So, a 25% increase will not require a 25% decrease to get the original price. This is because the reduction was applied on the increased price. Hence a smaller percentage of decrease is required to bring it to the original price. Questions on percentages are often not provided with the exact values. Questions like these will require us to consider a variable and then apply the logics accordingly. It is important to consider the variables in a way that they get cancelled out and looks easy on us. For example, 100a is better to consider than a in some cases. The lesser the number of fractions, the easier it will be for us to solve the problem. If the answer options provided are in decimal format and you have got a fraction as your answer, it is important that you convert your fraction to decimal to find which option it matches.

🎁 Did you know you can get $30 for sharing your exam and interview experiences? Write and get paid for every article. Learn more »

---