TCS Ninja Exam – Latest Pattern, Questions, and Preparation Guide

Introduction

Are you aiming for a career at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) through the TCS Ninja recruitment process? If so, you must be well-versed in the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and questions to crack the test successfully.

In this guide, we will cover:

• TCS Ninja Exam Pattern (Updated 2025)
• Section-wise Syllabus Breakdown
• Latest Sample Questions with Solutions
• Best Preparation Tips
• Interview Rounds & How to Crack Them

Staying updated with official announcements from the TCS NQT website is essential to track any last-minute changes in the pattern.

TCS Ninja Exam Pattern (Latest)

The TCS Ninja test is part of the TCS National Qualifier Test (TCS NQT). It consists of two main sections:

Foundation Section

This section tests basic aptitude, reasoning, and verbal skills. It consists of three sub-sections:

• Numerical Ability (Mathematics, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation)
• Verbal Ability (Grammar, Sentence Completion, Reading Comprehension)
• Reasoning Ability (Logical and Analytical Reasoning)

Advanced Section

This section is for candidates who clear the foundation stage. It includes:

• Advanced Quantitative Aptitude
• Advanced Reasoning Ability
• Programming Logic & Hands-on Coding

Total Exam Duration: 190 minutes
Total Questions: 83
Negative Marking: No

Section-wise Syllabus Breakdown

Numerical Ability

This section evaluates mathematical and problem-solving skills.

Important Topics:

• Profit & Loss
• Time & Work
• Permutations & Combinations
• Number System
• Probability
• Data Interpretation

1. Profit & Loss

Question:
A shopkeeper buys a shirt for ₹500 and sells it at a 20% profit. What is the selling price of the shirt?

Answer:
The formula for selling price (SP) when profit percentage is given:SP = CP + (CP \times \frac{\text{Profit %}}{100})

Substituting the values:SP=500+(500×20100)=500+100=₹600SP = 500 + (500 \times \frac{20}{100}) = 500 + 100 = ₹600SP=500+(500×10020​)=500+100=₹600

Final Answer: ₹600

2. Time & Work

Question:
A can complete a task in 10 days, and B can complete the same task in 15 days. If both work together, how long will it take to complete the task?

Answer:
Work done by A in 1 day = 1/10
Work done by B in 1 day = 1/15
Work done by A and B together in 1 day:110+115=330+230=530=16\frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{15} = \frac{3}{30} + \frac{2}{30} = \frac{5}{30} = \frac{1}{6}101​+151​=303​+302​=305​=61​

So, A and B together can complete the work in 6 days.

Final Answer: 6 days

3. Permutations & Combinations

Question:
How many different 4-letter words (with or without meaning) can be formed using the letters A, B, C, and D without repetition?

Answer:
Since there are 4 different letters and we need to arrange all of them, we use the permutation formula:Total arrangements=4!=4×3×2×1=24\text{Total arrangements} = 4! = 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 = 24Total arrangements=4!=4×3×2×1=24

Final Answer: 24

4. Probability

Question:
A bag contains 5 red balls and 3 blue balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability of getting a red ball?

Answer:
Total number of balls = 5 (red) + 3 (blue) = 8
Favorable outcomes (red ball) = 5

Probability formula:P(red ball)=Favorable OutcomesTotal Outcomes=58P(\text{red ball}) = \frac{\text{Favorable Outcomes}}{\text{Total Outcomes}} = \frac{5}{8}P(red ball)=Total OutcomesFavorable Outcomes​=85​

Final Answer: 5/8

5. Number System

Question:
Find the least number that when divided by 5, 7, and 9 leaves a remainder of 3 in each case.

Answer:
To find the least number satisfying this condition, we follow these steps:

1. Find the LCM of 5, 7, and 9. LCM(5,7,9)=5×7×9=315\text{LCM}(5, 7, 9) = 5 \times 7 \times 9 = 315LCM(5,7,9)=5×7×9=315
2. Since the remainder in each case is 3, the required number is: 315+3=318315 + 3 = 318315+3=318

Final Answer: 318

6. Data Interpretation

Question: (Refer to the table below for the question)

Question:
What is the percentage increase in revenue of Company B from 2020 to 2023?

Answer:
Percentage increase formula:Final Value−Initial ValueInitial Value×100\frac{\text{Final Value} – \text{Initial Value}}{\text{Initial Value}} \times 100Initial ValueFinal Value−Initial Value​×100 320−180180×100=140180×100=77.78%\frac{320 – 180}{180} \times 100 = \frac{140}{180} \times 100 = 77.78\%180320−180​×100=180140​×100=77.78%

Final Answer: 77.78%

Verbal Ability

This section tests English proficiency through grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary-based questions.

Important Topics:

• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Sentence Completion
• Error Spotting
• Reading Comprehension
• Para Jumbles

1. Synonyms & Antonyms

Question:
Choose the correct synonym of the word “Eloquent.”

a) Silent
b) Fluent
c) Confused
d) Hesitant

Answer:
The word “Eloquent” means expressing ideas clearly and persuasively. The correct synonym is “Fluent”.

Final Answer: b) Fluent

2. Sentence Completion

Question:
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

“The scientist was ___________ in his research, never giving up despite multiple failures.”

a) enthusiastic
b) relentless
c) uninterested
d) careless

Answer:
The sentence implies that the scientist was determined and did not give up. The correct word is “relentless”.

Final Answer: b) relentless

3. Error Spotting

Question:
Identify the error in the following sentence:

“Each of the employees were given a bonus for their performance.”

Answer:
Error: “were” should be “was” because “Each” is singular.

Correct sentence:
“Each of the employees was given a bonus for their performance.”

Final Answer: Replace “were” with “was.”

4. Reading Comprehension

Passage:
Many species of birds migrate thousands of miles each year to find suitable breeding grounds. Scientists have observed that these birds use a combination of the Earth’s magnetic field, the position of the sun, and their memory of landmarks to navigate their routes. Despite the challenges of long journeys, migration ensures survival by providing better food resources and favorable climates.

Question:
What is the primary reason birds migrate long distances?

a) To escape from predators
b) To avoid interacting with other species
c) To find better food resources and favorable climates
d) To discover new habitats

Answer:
The passage states that migration ensures survival by providing better food resources and favorable climates.

Final Answer: c) To find better food resources and favorable climates.

5. Para Jumbles

Question: Arrange the following sentences in the correct order to form a coherent paragraph:

1. They communicate using different sounds and gestures.
2. Dolphins are known for their intelligence.
3. They are also highly social animals that live in groups called pods.
4. Research has shown that dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors.

Answer:
Correct order: 2 – 4 – 3 – 1

Explanation:

• Sentence 2 introduces dolphins and their intelligence.
• Sentence 4 provides supporting information about their cognitive abilities.
• Sentence 3 explains their social behavior.
• Sentence 1 concludes with how they communicate.

Final Answer: 2 – 4 – 3 – 1

Reasoning Ability

This section focuses on logical and analytical reasoning.

Important Topics:

• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Syllogisms
• Statement & Conclusions
• Puzzles & Seating Arrangements

Programming Logic & Coding

This section assesses basic programming skills in C, C++, Java, Python, or any preferred language.

Key Areas:

• Data Types & Operators
• Functions & Recursion
• Arrays & Strings
• Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
• Searching & Sorting Algorithms

Latest Sample Questions with Solutions

Numerical Ability Question

Q: Two pipes can fill a tank in 20 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. If both are opened together, how long will it take to fill the tank?

Answer: 12 minutes
Solution: Using the LCM method.

Verbal Ability Question

Q: Identify the grammatical error in this sentence:
“Each of the students have submitted their assignments.”

Answer: “have” should be replaced with “has” (Each is singular).

Reasoning Ability Question

Question:

What comes next in the series?
2, 6, 12, 20, ?

Answer: 30
Solution: The pattern follows n² + n formula.

1. Coding-Decoding

Question:
In a certain language, BREAK is written as EYPDN. How is STONE written in that language?

Answer:
Observing the pattern:

• B → E (+3)
• R → Y (+7)
• E → P (+11)
• A → D (+3)
• K → N (+7)

Following the same pattern for STONE:

• S → V (+3)
• T → A (+7)
• O → Z (+11)
• N → Q (+3)
• E → L (+7)

Final Answer: VAZQL

2. Blood Relations

Question:
Pointing to a man, a woman said, “His mother is the only daughter of my mother.” How is the woman related to the man?

Answer:
Breaking it down:

• “Only daughter of my mother” means the woman herself.
• “His mother” means the woman’s daughter.
• Therefore, the man is the woman’s grandson.

Final Answer: Grandmother

3. Syllogisms

Question:
Statements:

1. All roses are flowers.
2. Some flowers are red.

Conclusions:

1. Some roses are red.
2. All flowers are roses.

Which conclusions logically follow?

Answer:

• Some roses are red → Not necessarily true, because the second statement does not specify whether roses are among the red flowers.
• All flowers are roses → False, because only “all roses are flowers,” but not vice versa.

Final Answer: Neither Conclusion 1 nor Conclusion 2 follows.

4. Seating Arrangement

Question:
A, B, C, D, and E are sitting in a row.

• A is to the left of B but right of C.
• D is to the right of B but left of E.

Who is sitting in the middle?

Answer:
From the given clues, the correct arrangement is:
C A B D E

The middle position is occupied by B.

Final Answer: B

Programming Question

Q: What will be the output of this Python code?

pythonCopyEditdef func(x):
    return x * x

print(func(5))

Answer: 25

TCS Ninja Interview Process

After clearing the written test, you will be shortlisted for the interview rounds. These typically include:

Technical Interview

• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• DBMS, SQL Queries
• Coding Problem (Hands-on Implementation)

HR Interview

• Behavioral Questions
• Situational Case Studies
• Why TCS?
• Strengths & Weaknesses

Preparing with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method for behavioral questions can be helpful.

Preparation Tips to Crack TCS Ninja

1. Follow a Structured Study Plan
   Break down topics into daily, weekly, and monthly study plans.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
   Practicing TCS Ninja previous year questions helps understand patterns.
3. Take Mock Tests
   Simulating exam conditions improves speed and accuracy.
4. Improve Coding Skills
   Practice on LeetCode, CodeChef, and GeeksforGeeks for coding questions.
5. Focus on Time Management
   Use shortcut techniques for numerical questions and efficient coding for programming sections.

conclusion

Cracking the TCS Ninja exam requires consistent practice, conceptual clarity, and smart preparation strategies. Use the latest pattern, syllabus, and sample questions to enhance your chances of success.

Next Steps:

• Take a mock test today.
• Revise formulas and shortcuts daily.
• Practice at least two coding questions per day.