112 questions · from 17 interviews · 5 asked more than once

IBM interview questions

Q: What questions are asked in IBM interviews?

Candidates reported 112 distinct questions across 17 IBM interviews. 29 coding and DSA questions, 8 system design questions, 31 behavioural and HR questions, 44 other questions.

Q: Which IBM interview questions are asked most often?

The most repeated are "Why IBM?" (2 times), "Strengths and Weaknesses" (2 times), "Stars Triangle Pattern" (2 times), "Multiprocessing vs Multithreading" (2 times), "Knockout Tournament Matches" (2 times).

Q: How difficult are IBM interview questions?

Of the questions candidates rated, 33% were easy, 50% medium and 17% hard.

Every question candidates reported from their IBM interviews, most frequently asked first. Each links to the write-up it came from, so you can see the round and how it went.

IBM coding and DSA questions

01
Stars Triangle Pattern
Write code or logic to generate a stars triangle pattern.
Asked 2 times · From IBM | Associate Consultant, India | Nov, 2022 [Offer]
02
Knockout Tournament Matches
Given 100 players in a knockout tournament, determine how many matches will be played until a single winner is decided.
Asked 2 times · From IBM | Associate Consultant, India | Nov, 2022 [Offer]
03
Find Strictly Increasing Contiguous Slope of Size K
Given an integer array yCoordinates where yCoordinates[i] represents the Y‑coordinate at X‑coordinate i. Find the number of strictly increasing contiguous sub‑arrays (slopes) of length exactly K. Example Input: yCoordinates = [6,5,7,8,3,5,6], K = 3 Points:…
From IBM Coding Assessment 2 - On campus
04
Make the Array Alternating in Parity
Given an array of positive integers, find the minimum number of operations required to make the array alternate in parity. The final array can follow either pattern: Odd, Even, Odd, Even,... or Even, Odd, Even, Odd,... In one operation you may replace any…
From IBM Online Assessment -On Campus-2 Coding Problems
05
Maximum Number of Valid Pairs
Given two arrays arr1 and arr2 and an integer d, form the maximum number of pairs (arr1[i], arr2[j]) such that arr1[i] <= arr2[j] <= arr1[i] + d. Each element can be used in at most one pair. Constraints: 1 <= arr1.size(), arr2.size() <= 10^5, 1 <= d <= 10^5.
From IBM Online Assessment -On Campus-2 Coding Problems
06
Similar Strings Based on Character Frequency Difference ≤ 3
You are given two arrays of strings, s and t, each of length n. Each pair s[i] and t[i] contains two lowercase English strings. Two strings are considered similar if, for every lowercase English letter from 'a' to 'z', the absolute difference between the…
From IBM Coding Assessment Question | Similar Strings Based on Character Frequency Difference ≤ 3
07
Maximize Rental Revenue
In a cloud computing platform, there are $n$ virtual machine (VM) types. The number of available instances for each type is given in an array vmStock of size $n$. Each customer rents exactly one VM. The price paid is the current available instance count of…
From IBM India Online Assessment (OA) | Application developer-Cloud fullstack
08
plusMult (pluwult)
Given an array $A$ of integers, determine whether the array is ODD, EVEN, or NEUTRAL using the following calculations (the symbol % denotes the modulo operator): 1. Compute $R{\text{even}}$ using elements at even indices (0,2,4,…): start with $A[0]$,…
From IBM India Online Assessment (OA) | Application developer-Cloud fullstack
09
Count Ideal Numbers in Range
An ideal number is defined as 3^x · 5^y where x and y are non‑negative integers (≥ 0). Given two integers low and high, count how many ideal numbers lie in the inclusive range [low, high].
From IBM (Application Developer-Cloud FullStack) - Coding Assesment tricky question
10
Max Consecutive All Machines Respond 'Y'
You are given a list of strings that represent a set of requests sent by different machines at particular points. An example: For 3 machines this would be the result of five requests. ["YYN", "NNN", "YNY", "YYY", "YYY"] We want to find the max amount of times…
Easy · From IBM AI Developer Entry Level Interview Questions - Real REST API Question
11
Max Subarray with Equal 0s/1s and Prefix Condition
You are given an array with only 0 and 1. You have to return the length of the maximum subarray that satisfies the following 2 conditions: No. of 0's and No. of 1's should be equal. Prefix of the subarray should never have the No. of 0's more than No. of 1's.…
From IBM ASE Coding Interview
12
Count Unstable Processes
You are given Process, its timestamp, and its limit. You are to find the No. of Unstable processes and return it. A process is considered Unstable if the process has atleast one increasing and atleast one decreasing limit according to the timestamps.…
From IBM ASE Coding Interview
13
Maximize Decryption Value
The actual question was 'Maximize Decryption Value'. The author noted that LeetCode 239 (Sliding Window Maximum) provides useful strategies for this type of problem, suggesting it involves sliding window techniques.
From IBM (OA)
14
Maximum Distinct Split Sum
The actual question was 'Maximum Distinct Split Sum'. The author noted that LeetCode 410 (Split Array Largest Sum) provides useful partitioning logic when adapted for distinct counts, suggesting it involves partitioning and possibly dynamic programming or…
From IBM (OA)
15
API Rate Limiting System
You are tasked with designing an API rate-limiting system that processes incoming requests while enforcing request limits. Given an array of domain requests, each request occurs at a specific second. The API gateway applies the following rate limits: - A…
Hard · From IBM CODING ASSESSMENT - IBM US - Standard - Data Science
16
Longest Bitonic Subarray
A bitonic sequence is a sequence of numbers that first increase (non-decreasing) and then decreases (non-increasing). Given an array of integers, find the length of the longest subarray that is bitonic in nature. Input: arr =[10,8,9,15,12,6,7] Output: 5…
From IBM | OA | Bitonic Sequence
17
Repeated DNA Sequences
Given a string s that represents a DNA sequence, return all the 10-letter-long sequences (substrings) that occur more than once in a DNA molecule. You may return the answer in any order.
Medium · From IBM || 6 rounds || Interview Experience || On Campus
18
Single Element in a Sorted Array
You are given a sorted array consisting of only integers where every element appears exactly twice, except for one element which appears exactly once. Find this single element.
From IBM || 6 rounds || Interview Experience || On Campus
19
Searching and Sorting Techniques
Explain any one searching technique, such as Binary Search Algorithm, and any sorting technique, such as Bubble Sort, or any other of your choice.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
20
Types of Time Complexities
What are the different types of time complexities (e.g., O(1), O(n), O(log n))?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
21
Heap Sort Explanation and Implementation
Explain the Heap Sort algorithm in detail, including its time and space complexity. Provide a code implementation and perform a detailed dry run using an example array.
Medium · From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
22
Find Common Characters in Two Strings
Given two strings, find and list all the common characters that appear in both strings. Discuss an approach to solve this problem and provide an implementation in C.
Easy · From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
23
Probability Problem with Permutations & Combinations
Solve a probability problem requiring the application of permutations and combinations concepts.
From IBM | Associate Consultant, India | Nov, 2022 [Offer]
24
Coin Change Problem
Given a set of coin denominations and a target amount, find the minimum number of coins needed to make up that amount. If the amount cannot be made, return -1.
Medium · From IBM Recruitment Process for Software Developer | 2021
25
Quicksort Algorithm Implementation
Implement the Quicksort algorithm. Discuss its time complexity, space complexity, stability, and worst-case scenarios. Also, explain pivot selection strategies.
Medium · From IBM Recruitment Process for Software Developer | 2021

4 more in the IBM write-ups.

IBM system design questions

01
Microservices vs. Monolithic Architecture
Which one is better: microservices or monolithic architecture? Justify your answer.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
02
Journey of a Web Request (www.ibm.com)
Describe the entire process that occurs from the moment a user types 'www.ibm.com' into a web browser and presses enter, until the webpage is displayed. Cover aspects like DNS resolution, TCP/IP, HTTP, and web server interaction.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
03
Purpose of Docker
Explain why Docker is widely used in modern software development and deployment, highlighting its key benefits.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
04
Docker Image Concepts
Define what a Docker image is, how it functions as a lightweight, standalone, executable package of software, and provide examples of common Docker images.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
05
Docker Working Directory
Explain the concept of a working directory within a Docker container and differentiate its configuration from simply using the cd command to change directory inside the container.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
06
Port Forwarding
Explain the concept of port forwarding, particularly in the context of networking and containerization (like Docker).
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
07
Purpose of Kubernetes (K8s)
Explain the reasons behind the widespread adoption of Kubernetes (K8s) for container orchestration, detailing its benefits and use cases.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
08
Minimum Resource Allocation in VM
Explain strategies and considerations for allocating the minimum required resources (CPU, RAM, storage) to a Virtual Machine (VM) to ensure optimal performance without over-provisioning.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024

IBM behavioural and HR questions

01
Why IBM?
Why are you interested in working at IBM, and what specific aspects of the company or its work attract you?
Asked 2 times · From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
02
Strengths and Weaknesses
Discuss your main strengths and weaknesses relevant to this role and how you address them.
Asked 2 times · From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
03
Team Member Conflict Resolution
Tell me about a time when a team member wasn’t cooperating on a project. What did you do?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
04
Helping a Friend Situation
Describe a situation where you helped a friend?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
05
Tell Me About Yourself
Tell me about yourself?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
06
Motivation for AI & ML Specialization
Why AI & ML specialization?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
07
Internship Experience and Challenges
Explain your internship experience and challenges?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
08
Project Walkthrough and Contribution
Walkthrough of your projects, team size, your contribution?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
09
First Interview & Learnings
Is this your first interview? What did you learn from past interviews?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
10
Knowledge of IBM
What do you know about IBM?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
11
Five Year Plan
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
12
Contribution to Role
What do you want to contribute to this role?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
13
Self Introduction
Tell me about yourself.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
14
About IBM and its Achievements
What do you know about IBM? Please explain some of IBM's key achievements.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
15
Technical Interests/Domain
What are your particular interests or domains in technology?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
16
Interest in IBM
What attracts you towards working at IBM?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
17
Hobbies
Tell me about your hobbies.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
18
Greatest Life Moment
Describe the greatest moment in your life.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
19
Favorite Book and Writer
What is your favorite book and who is your favorite writer?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
20
Role Model
Who is your role model?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
21
Free Time Activities
What do you do in your free time?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
22
Questions for Interviewer
Do you have any questions for me?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
23
Coding Proficiency
How would you rate yourself in coding, and in which programming language?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
24
Programming Language Choice
Why did you choose that particular programming language over others?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
25
Ethical and Privacy Concerns in AI/ML
Discuss the significant privacy and ethical concerns that arise with the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning systems.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024

6 more in the IBM write-ups.

IBM other questions

01
Multiprocessing vs Multithreading
Explain the difference between multiprocessing and multithreading.
Asked 2 times · From IBM | Associate Consultant, India | Nov, 2022 [Offer]
02
Highest Rated Movie by Genre via REST API
You are given a URL format which gets several bits of information. http://api.notrealwebsite.xyz/movies/page/{insertNumHere} The insertNumHere will give you the data on specified page number. The API will return the following. "currentPage" : Gives current…
Medium · From IBM AI Developer Entry Level Interview Questions - Real REST API Question
03
AI and Job Displacement
Can AI replace human jobs?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
04
Java vs Python Key Differences
Java vs Python — key differences?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
05
Mutable vs Immutable Types (String Mutability)
Mutable vs Immutable types — is String mutable?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
06
Python Data Structures: List, Tuple, Dictionary
What are List, Tuple, and Dictionary in Python?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
07
SQL Joins: Types and Differences
SQL Joins — Types and differences?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
08
SQL Multiple Joins Execution Order
In what order are multiple joins executed (top-down or bottom-up)?
From IBM ASE Interview Experience | On-Campus | 4 Rounds | Not Selected 😔
09
Memory vs. Storage & Phone Details
What is the difference between memory and storage? Also, what is the model of your phone? Explain its features and qualities.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
10
What is ASCII?
What is ASCII?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
11
Private vs. Hybrid Cloud
What do you know about private and hybrid cloud? State the main differences between them.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
12
Kubernetes and Orchestration
What is Kubernetes, and what is orchestration in the context of container management?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
13
Benefits of Cloud and VMs
Why do we use cloud computing and virtual machines (VMs)?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
14
Computer Network Layers
Explain the different layers of the Computer Network (OSI/TCP-IP) model.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
15
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Explain the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
16
ASCII with Example
Explain ASCII completely, providing an example.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
17
Project Explanation
Please share your screen and explain any one of the projects mentioned on your resume.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
18
Kubernetes vs. Docker
Explain the differences between Kubernetes and Docker.
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
19
Latest Technologies
Which latest technologies are you familiar with?
From IBM - Global Sales - Summer Intern Hiring | Interview Experience | On-campus | for Batch 2025
20
Supervised vs Unsupervised Learning
Explain the fundamental differences between supervised and unsupervised machine learning paradigms, including their applications and how they learn from data.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
21
Necessity of Pooling in CNN
Explain why pooling layers are a necessary component in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), discussing their purpose and benefits.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
22
SQL vs NoSQL Databases
Explain the key differences between SQL (relational) and NoSQL (non-relational) databases, including their data models, use cases, and scalability characteristics.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
23
Concurrent Database Updates in SQL
Given a SQL database, explain how you would manage concurrent updates when multiple users attempt to modify the database simultaneously. Discuss mechanisms to ensure data consistency and prevent conflicts.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
24
Purpose of Database Denormalization
Explain the reasons and scenarios in which denormalizing a database schema might be beneficial, considering its trade-offs with data redundancy and performance.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024
25
How Device Drivers Work
Explain the fundamental working mechanism of device drivers, including their role in operating systems and how they interact with hardware.
From IBM ISDL | On Campus | 2024

19 more in the IBM write-ups.