Module 6 : TCS Various Exams and Roles ( Ninja , Prime , Digital , BPS )

TCS conducts multiple hiring programs and examinations to recruit freshers and early-career professionals. Among these, the most important and widely used hiring route is the TCS All India NQT (National Qualifier Test). Based on performance in these exams and interviews, candidates are offered different roles such as Ninja, Digital, and Prime. Apart from NQT, TCS also runs specialized and business-focused hiring programs.

This section explains in detail all the major TCS exams and the roles offered through them.

1. TCS NATIONAL QUALIFIER TEST (TCS NQT)

What is TCS NQT?

TCS NQT is the primary recruitment examination conducted by TCS for hiring fresh graduates across India. It is designed to test candidates on their core skills such as aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and programming. The NQT score plays a crucial role in deciding whether a candidate is eligible for Ninja, Digital, or Prime roles.

The exam is conducted at TCS iON centers or authorized test locations. Candidates must register through the TCS NextStep portal and select the NQT hiring option.

2. TCS NQT EXAM PATTERN (2026)

The exam is divided into two parts:

Part A: Foundation Section

This section tests basic skills required for entry-level IT jobs.

It includes:

• Numerical Ability (percentages, ratios, averages, time and work, profit and loss)
• Verbal Ability (reading comprehension, sentence correction, vocabulary)
• Reasoning Ability (series, puzzles, coding-decoding, logical arrangements)

This section checks whether the candidate has the minimum academic and logical foundation to work in an IT role.

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Part B: Advanced Section

This section is required for candidates targeting Digital or Prime roles.

It includes:

• Advanced Quantitative and Logical Reasoning
• Advanced Coding (problem-solving using programming languages like C, C++, Java, or Python)

This section measures higher-level problem-solving and programming skills.

Candidates who attempt only Part A are generally considered for Ninja roles. Candidates who perform well in both Part A and Part B are considered for Digital or Prime roles.

3. ROLES OFFERED THROUGH TCS NQT

Based on exam score and interview performance, candidates are mapped into one of the following roles.

3.1 PRIME ROLE

The Prime role is the highest-level fresher role offered through TCS NQT. It is meant for candidates who demonstrate strong analytical ability, advanced programming skills, and high performance in both the test and interview.

Nature of work:

• Software development on complex systems
• High-end project involvement
• Exposure to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation

Salary (indicative range):

• Approximately 9 to 12 LPA, depending on qualification and role type

Skills expected:

• Strong programming knowledge
• Clear understanding of computer science fundamentals
• Ability to solve complex problems
• Good communication skills

Prime role candidates are expected to take ownership of tasks and grow into technical specialists.

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3.2 DIGITAL ROLE

The Digital role is a mid-level technical role between Prime and Ninja. It is suitable for candidates who have good technical understanding but may not meet the very high threshold of Prime.

Nature of work:

• Development and integration of digital solutions
• Working with modern technologies such as cloud platforms, data engineering, DevOps, and UI frameworks
• Participation in digital transformation projects

Salary (indicative range):

• Approximately 7 to 8 LPA

Skills expected:

• Good knowledge of at least one programming language
• Understanding of databases and basic system concepts
• Logical problem-solving ability
• Willingness to learn new technologies

Digital role candidates work in delivery teams and gradually build advanced skills.

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3.3 NINJA ROLE

The Ninja role is the entry-level role for most freshers joining TCS. It is designed for candidates with basic technical knowledge and a strong learning mindset.

Nature of work:

• Application support and basic development
• Maintenance of existing systems
• Entry-level programming and testing tasks

Salary (indicative range):

• Approximately 3.4 to 3.6 LPA

Skills expected:

• Basic programming knowledge
• Clear fundamentals in aptitude and logic
• Good communication and teamwork
• Willingness to adapt to different technologies and locations

Ninja role provides stability and industry exposure to fresh graduates.

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4. OTHER TCS HIRING EXAMS AND PROGRAMS

Apart from TCS NQT, TCS conducts additional hiring programs based on business needs.

4.1 TCS BPS (Business Process Services) HIRING

This hiring program is focused on non-core technical roles such as business operations and process support.

Nature of work:

• Process management
• Business operations
• Customer and data handling
• Reporting and documentation

Skills tested:

• Communication
• Logical thinking
• Basic aptitude
• Behavioral and psychometric traits

This program is suitable for graduates from commerce, arts, and management backgrounds as well.

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4.2 SKILL-BASED AND SPECIALIST HIRING

TCS also conducts hiring drives for candidates with specific technical skills such as:

• Artificial intelligence and data science
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• Embedded systems
• Internet of Things
• SAP and enterprise systems

In such hiring, the interview focuses heavily on the candidate’s domain knowledge, certifications, and project experience.

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5. HOW TCS DECIDES ROLE ALLOCATION

Role allocation is based on:

• NQT score
• Interview performance
• Candidate’s technical skills
• Business requirements

Even if a candidate scores high in the exam, the final role depends on interview results and project needs. In some cases, candidates eligible for higher roles may be offered lower roles based on suitability and availability.

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6. COMPARISON OF ROLES

Prime Role:

• Highest salary
• Advanced technical work
• High expectations
• Faster career growth

Digital Role:

• Medium salary
• Technical and digital projects
• Moderate expectations
• Balanced growth

Ninja Role:

• Entry-level salary
• Support and basic development work
• Learning-focused
• Stable career start

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7. PREPARATION STRATEGY BASED ON ROLE

For Ninja:

• Focus on aptitude
• Basic programming
• Verbal ability
• Resume and communication

For Digital:

• Strong aptitude
• Coding practice
• DBMS and OOPS
• Project clarity

For Prime:

• Advanced coding
• Data structures
• Problem-solving
• System concepts
• Mock technical interviews

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SUMMARY

TCS conducts multiple exams and hiring programs, but TCS NQT is the most important pathway for freshers. Based on performance, candidates are placed into Ninja, Digital, or Prime roles. Apart from NQT, TCS also hires through BPS and skill-based programs.

Each role has different responsibilities, expectations, and salary levels. Understanding these differences helps candidates prepare properly and choose the right career path.