Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the All India NQT Hiring 2026 drive, inviting top graduates to join one of India’s largest and most respected IT services companies. TCS is offering multiple career pathways for freshers from the 2025 and 2026 batches, with competitive salary packages and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology projects across digital transformation, cloud, software development, automation, data engineering, and more.
This comprehensive guide explains the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) hiring process, expected salary ranges (up to ₹12 LPA), hiring categories, eligibility criteria, expected responsibilities, interview process, how to apply online, and detailed FAQs to help you succeed in TCS recruitment.
What Is TCS All India NQT Hiring?
The TCS All India NQT Hiring program is an entry-level recruitment initiative by Tata Consultancy Services where candidates are evaluated through the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT). Based on performance in the test, candidates become eligible for different job offers within TCS under three primary categories: Prime, Digital, and Ninja. These roles involve IT and technology work such as software development, digital engineering, analytics, and more.
TCS NQT aims to democratize recruitment by assessing candidates purely on skills, aptitude, and domain readiness, enabling fresh talent from across India to secure positions in one of the biggest IT companies.
TCS NQT Hiring Job Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
| Program | All India NQT Hiring 2026 |
| Target Batches | 2025 & 2026 Graduates |
| Test Name | TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) |
| Role Types | IT & Technology Roles (Software, Digital, Tech Support) |
| Salary Range | ₹3.4 LPA to ₹12.26 LPA (Estimated) |
| Apply Link | Apply for TCS All India NQT Hiring 2026 |
Salary Details – Pay Scales Explained
TCS NQT offers vary widely based on category and candidate performance. The main offer categories are:
| Category | UG Salary Range | PG Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | ₹9.09 LPA – ₹9.66 LPA | ₹11.59 LPA – ₹12.26 LPA |
| Digital | ₹7.09 LPA – ₹7.72 LPA | ₹7.39 LPA – ₹8.04 LPA |
| Ninja | ₹3.4 LPA – ₹3.6 LPA (minimum) | ₹3.4 LPA – ₹3.6 LPA |
The actual salary offered depends on your test performance, the specific job role, and location. These figures are estimates based on official TCS NQT guidelines for 2026.
Hiring Categories – What Do They Mean?
TCS NQT performance places candidates into one of the following hiring categories:
- Prime: Focuses on advanced technologies, complex system design, enterprise architecture, automation, machine learning, and security practices.
- Digital: Involves solution development, integration, and projects using modern digital tech stacks.
- Ninja: Entry-level application development and maintenance roles focusing on coding, testing, and support activities.
Each category prepares you for a different kind of IT or digital role, and performance in the NQT test determines your eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | B.E / B.Tech / M.Tech / M.E / MCA / M.Sc (Full-time) from AICTE/UGC recognised institutes |
| Batch | 2025 & 2026 graduates |
| Academic Aggregate | Minimum 60% or CGPA equivalent in 10th, 12th, graduation & post-graduation (if applicable) |
| Backlogs | No active backlogs allowed |
| Gaps | Total gap in education not exceeding 24 months |
| Age | 18 to 28 years |
Test Pattern & Selection Process
The TCS NQT selection process typically involves multiple stages designed to evaluate aptitude, reasoning, coding, and communication skills.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Register and apply through the TCS NextStep portal under the ‘IT’ category. |
| National Qualifier Test | 190-minute integrated test covering foundation and advanced sections including coding. |
| Shortlisting | Candidates are shortlisted based on NQT performance for interviews. |
| Interviews | Technical and HR interviews based on category (Prime / Digital / Ninja). |
| Final Offer | Offer letter with salary and grade based on final evaluation. |
Core Skills That Improve Your Chances
- Strong coding ability (especially in C, C++, Java, or Python)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Aptitude in quantitative reasoning and logical ability
- Basic understanding of databases and web technologies
- Good verbal and written English communication
Career Growth & Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Competitive Salary | High starting packages based on category (up to ₹12 LPA). |
| Skill Development | Exposure to enterprise projects and advanced tech stacks. |
| Training & Onboarding | Structured learning programs post selection. |
| Global Exposure | Work with international teams and clients. |
| Placement Stability | Opportunity for long-term career in IT services. |
Apply Link: https://www.tcs.com/careers/india/tcs-all-india-nqt-hiring
How to Apply Online?
- Visit the official TCS All India NQT Hiring page through the apply link above.
- Create your profile on the TCS NextStep portal (select ‘IT’ category).
- Fill in your academic, personal, and contact details.
- Upload required documents like marksheets and certificates.
- Submit the application and choose preferred job skills.
- Note down your reference and application details for tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is TCS NQT Hiring an IT job?
Yes, the TCS All India NQT Hiring focuses on recruiting graduates into IT and technology roles involving software development, digital solutions, analytics, and technical services.
Q2. What is the highest salary offered through this hiring?
Top offers under the Prime category can go up to approximately ₹12.26 LPA for postgraduate candidates.
Q3. Can non-IT graduates apply?
Only graduates with technical degrees such as B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA, and similar full-time programs are eligible; non-IT or non-technical degrees may not qualify.
Q4. Are coding skills required?
Yes — especially for Digital and Prime categories, strong coding and problem-solving skills are essential to score well in the advanced section of the NQT.
Q5. What happens after I clear the NQT?
Candidates are shortlisted for interviews based on their NQT scores, followed by technical and HR rounds before final offers are made.
The TCS All India NQT Hiring 2026 is one of the most highly anticipated IT job drives in the country. With competitive salary packages, structured onboarding, and opportunities to work on global tech projects, it represents an excellent career launching point for fresh graduates. Use the official apply link above to register and begin your journey toward a rewarding technology career.