TCS Prime On Campus Interview Experience
Summary
I cleared the TCSNQT for the Prime role, then successfully interviewed for the Digital role, eventually receiving an offer. My experience involved coding questions from the exam, followed by a detailed technical and HR interview.
Full Experience
My TCS On-Campus Interview Journey
My journey started with the TCSNQT exam, which determines the role offered based on performance: Ninja (3.36 LPA), Digital (7 LPA), or Prime (9 LPA). I performed well, solving two coding questions (one easy, one hard) and excelling in the Advanced Quant & Reasoning rounds, which led to my shortlisting for the Prime role.
For the aptitude rounds, a virtual calculator was provided. I found topics like string manipulation, matrix problems, complex patterns, and problems based on lists and sets to be highly relevant. Tree or graph coding questions were not emphasized much.
TCSNQT Coding Questions
- I was given a matrix filled with non-zero elements and asked to create an upper triangular matrix out of it. The question itself clearly defined what an upper triangular matrix is. This was an easy problem.
- The second coding question was quite challenging, described as a mixture close to LeetCode problems 68 - Text Justification and 6 - ZigZag Conversion. This was considered a hard problem.
Interview Round
Based on my experience, the interview rounds differed by role:
- Ninja: Mostly focused on HR questions.
- Digital: A good mixture of HR and technical questions.
- Prime: Predominantly technical questions based on my CV and general knowledge.
For Digital and Prime roles, being prompt and knowledgeable was crucial. As an Android developer, my interview experience might differ from others based on their profiles.
Questions I Was Asked
- Introduction.
- Explain my projects (I started with the most complex one).
- Follow-up questions on my projects, such as which version of Java I used and why, scope for enhancement, and drawbacks.
- What is a lambda function?
- What are ACID properties?
- Explain Normalization.
- What is NoSQL?
- What other languages do I know apart from Java?
- Which language do I want to learn in the near future and why?
- What are the advantages of Kotlin over Java?
- Explain the four pillars of OOP concepts briefly.
- What are my hobbies?
Initially, I was selected for the Ninja role. After an upgrade, I was shortlisted for the Digital interview and eventually received the Digital offer.
Interview Questions (14)
Create Upper Triangular Matrix
I was given a matrix filled with non-zero elements and asked to create an upper triangular matrix out of it. The question itself clearly explained what an upper triangular matrix is.
Text Justification & ZigZag Conversion Mixture
This coding question was described as a mixture of LeetCode 68 (Text Justification) and LeetCode 6 (ZigZag Conversion), implying complex string manipulation.
Introduction
I was asked to introduce myself.
Explain Your Projects
I was asked to explain my projects, with a recommendation to start with the most complex one.
Java Version, Enhancements, Drawbacks in Projects
Follow-up questions from my projects included which version of Java I used and why, the scope of enhancement, and any drawbacks.
Explain Lambda Function
I was asked to explain what a lambda function is.
Explain ACID Properties
I was asked to explain ACID properties.
Explain Normalization
I was asked to explain Normalization.
What is NoSQL?
I was asked to define what NoSQL is.
Other Programming Languages Known
I was asked what languages I know apart from Java.
Which Language to Learn in Future & Why
I was asked which language I want to learn in the near future and why.
Advantages of Kotlin over Java
I was asked about the advantages of Kotlin over Java.
Explain OOP Concepts (4 Pillars)
I was asked to explain the four pillars of OOP concepts briefly.
What are your Hobbies?
I was asked about my hobbies.
Preparation Tips
I focused my preparation on topics like string manipulation, matrix problems, complex patterns, and problems based on lists and sets. I utilized LeetCode study plans such as Interview 75, Top Liked 100, and Top Interview 150, as I found it nearly impossible to encounter questions outside these study plans. Additionally, I meticulously prepared my self-introduction and project explanations for the interview rounds.