TCS NQT Eligibility Criteria: Documents, Backlogs, and Tips

• TCS NQT eligibility criteria require a full-time degree (B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, M.Sc, or MCA) from a recognized institution.
• Only 2025 pass-outs are eligible for campus hiring; others can take the general NQT for non-TCS opportunities.
• Minimum 60% or 6 CGPA is needed in 10th, 12th, and every semester—no rounding up allowed.
• You can have one active backlog at the time of the test, but all must be cleared before joining.
• Gaps in education must not exceed two years and must be supported by valid documents.
• The age limit is 18–28 years, with no exceptions.

The TCS NQT eligibility criteria are often the first challenge that aspiring candidates face when aiming for a career with Tata Consultancy Services. Each year, thousands of students and recent graduates hope to clear the TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) and secure a position in one of India’s leading IT companies. However, not fully understanding the eligibility requirements can lead to missed opportunities, wasted effort, and unnecessary disappointment.

Navigating the application process can be stressful, especially when there’s uncertainty about who can apply and what qualifications are needed. This guide is designed to provide clear, up-to-date information on every aspect of TCS NQT eligibility, so you can focus your energy on preparing for the exam and making the most of this valuable career opportunity.

The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is a nationwide assessment conducted by Tata Consultancy Services to recruit fresh talent for various roles. The exam is recognized by multiple industries, not just TCS, and is considered one of the most significant placement tests for freshers in India. Knowing the eligibility criteria for TCS NQT is essential because even a small oversight can result in your application being rejected, regardless of your skills or preparation.

Overview of TCS NQT

TCS NQT is designed to assess candidates on skills such as:

• Verbal ability
• Reasoning
• Numerical aptitude
• Programming

Your NQT score is valid for a set period and can be used to apply for jobs within TCS and other participating employers.

Importance of Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the TCS NQT exam eligibility criteria is not just a formality. It determines whether you can proceed with the test and, ultimately, with your job application. Every year, many candidates are turned away simply because they missed a detail in the eligibility requirements.

Key Takeaways So Far

• TCS NQT is a gateway for freshers to enter TCS and other companies.
• The test covers verbal, reasoning, numerical, and programming skills.
• Strict eligibility rules mean missing details can cost you the opportunity.

TCS regularly updates its eligibility rules to reflect changing academic and industry standards. For 2025, the NQT eligibility criteria are clear but strict. It’s important to review each point carefully before registering.

Educational Qualifications Required

To meet the TCS NQT qualification criteria, you must be pursuing or have completed a full-time degree from a recognized university or institution. The accepted degrees include:

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)
• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
• Master of Engineering (M.E.)
• Master of Technology (M.Tech)
• Master of Science (M.Sc)
• Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Your degree must be recognized by AICTE or UGC. Part-time or correspondence courses are not considered valid for TCS NQT eligibility. If you are in the final year of your degree and expect to complete it in 2025, you are eligible to apply.

Eligible Degrees and Streams

TCS NQT is open to candidates from a wide range of technical backgrounds. Eligible streams typically include, but are not limited to:

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Information Technology
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Other allied engineering streams

For postgraduates, M.Sc streams such as Computer Science and Information Technology are accepted. MCA graduates are also eligible. If your stream is not listed, check the official notification for any updates or exceptions.

Year of Passing and Batch Restrictions

The TCS NQT criteria for 2025 campus hiring are specific about the year of graduation:

• Only students who will complete their degree in 2025 are eligible for campus hiring via TCS NQT.
• If you have graduated in previous years, you can still appear for the general NQT, but you will not be considered for TCS’s freshers’ recruitment drive.
• This restriction ensures that the hiring process targets the latest batch of graduates.

Minimum Academic Marks and CGPA

The TCS NQT percentage criteria are among the most important requirements:

• You must have scored a minimum of 60% or 6 CGPA in each of the following:
  
  • 10th standard (or equivalent)
  • 12th standard (or equivalent)
  • All semesters of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree
• No rounding off is allowed. For example, a score of 59.9% will not be considered as meeting the 60% requirement.
• Consistency in academic performance is crucial, as TCS checks marks at every educational stage.

Backlog and Arrear Policy

TCS has a clear policy regarding backlogs and arrears:

• At the time of taking the TCS NQT, you may have a maximum of one active backlog or arrear.
• All active backlogs must be cleared before joining TCS, if you are selected.
• Candidates with more than one active backlog at the time of the test are not eligible for that cycle.
• It is important to maintain your academic record and clear any pending subjects as soon as possible.

Gap in Education: What’s Allowed?

Educational gaps are allowed within certain limits, but must be justified:

• The total gap in your academic career should not exceed two years.
• Any break in education, whether between classes or during your degree, must be supported by valid documentation (such as medical certificates or official leave letters).
• Gaps beyond two years generally make you ineligible for TCS NQT.
• Carefully calculate your total academic gap from 10th standard onwards to ensure you meet this criterion.

Age Limit for Applicants

TCS enforces a strict age limit for NQT applicants:

• You must be at least 18 years old and not older than 28 years at the time of application.
• There are no exceptions or relaxations to this rule, regardless of background or circumstances.
• This age range is applicable to all candidates, whether undergraduate or postgraduate.

Work Experience Restrictions

TCS NQT is primarily intended for freshers:

• Candidates with up to two years of professional experience after their degree are eligible for campus hiring.
• If you have more than two years of work experience, you are not eligible for TCS NQT campus hiring and should explore lateral or experienced professional hiring routes.
• This ensures that the NQT remains focused on entry-level positions for new graduates.

By understanding and carefully checking each of these TCS NQT eligibility criteria, you can ensure your application is successful and avoid any last-minute surprises during the recruitment process.

What We Learned So Far

• Strict academic and degree requirements must be met for eligibility.
• Only 2025 pass-outs can apply for TCS campus hiring via NQT.
• Academic gaps and backlogs are tightly regulated.

Many students have unique situations that don’t fit the standard criteria. Here’s how TCS addresses some of the most common questions:

Eligibility for Diploma Holders and Non-Engineering Graduates

• Diploma Holders: Diploma holders alone are generally not eligible for TCS NQT campus hiring. However, if you complete a full-time degree (such as B.E., B.Tech, M.E., or M.Tech) after your diploma, you become eligible, provided you meet all other criteria.
• Non-Engineering Graduates: Most non-engineering graduates (such as B.Sc, B.A., or B.Com) are not eligible for TCS NQT campus hiring. Exceptions may exist for certain M.Sc streams (like Computer Science and IT) and MCA graduates. Always refer to the latest official notification for updates.

Rules for Candidates with Gaps or Repeated Years

• Education Gap: TCS allows a maximum total gap of two years in your academic career. This includes gaps between classes, repeated years, or breaks taken for personal or medical reasons.
  
  • All gaps must be supported by valid documentation (such as medical certificates or official leave letters).
  • If your total gap exceeds two years, you are not eligible for TCS NQT campus hiring.
• Repeated Years: If you repeated a year (due to academic or personal reasons), ensure your total academic gap, including repeated years, does not exceed two years.

Clarifications on Backlogs During Application

• Active Backlogs: You are allowed only one active backlog or arrear at the time of appearing for the TCS NQT test.
• Clearing Backlogs: All pending backlogs must be cleared before joining TCS, if you are selected.
• Multiple Backlogs: If you have more than one active backlog at the time of the test, you are not eligible for that cycle.

Eligibility for Previous Year Pass-Outs

• Current Cycle Restriction: Only students passing out in 2025 are eligible for TCS campus hiring through NQT for the 2025 cycle.
• Other Opportunities: If you graduated in earlier years, you can still take the general NQT, which may help you apply to other companies, but you will not be considered for TCS’s fresher recruitment drive.

Eligibility for Candidates with International Degrees

• Recognition: If you hold an international degree, it must be recognized by AICTE or UGC for you to be eligible.
• Documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documentation or equivalency certificates if your degree is from a foreign institution.

Quick Note: By addressing these special scenarios and common doubts, you can better assess your own eligibility and avoid confusion or disappointment during the TCS NQT application process. Always refer to the latest official TCS guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth application and verification process. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to disqualification, even if you meet all other TCS NQT eligibility criteria. Make sure to gather and verify all necessary documents before submitting your application.

List of Essential Academic Documents

• Mark Sheets:
  
  • 10th standard (or equivalent) mark sheet
  • 12th standard (or equivalent) mark sheet
  • Diploma mark sheet (if applicable)
  • All semester mark sheets for your undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree
• Degree Certificates: Provisional or final degree certificate for your qualifying degree (B.E., B.Tech, M.E., M.Tech, M.Sc, MCA, etc.)

• Government-Issued ID Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or any other valid photo identification

• Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent color photographs as per the specifications mentioned in the application

Handling Discrepancies in Documents

• Name Mismatches: Ensure your name is consistent across all documents. If there is a mismatch (for example, due to spelling errors or name changes), provide an affidavit or supporting legal document.
• Marks/CGPA Differences: Double-check that the marks or CGPA entered in your application match those on your official mark sheets. Any discrepancies can lead to rejection.
• Supporting Documents for Gaps or Backlogs: If you have an academic gap or have cleared a backlog, keep supporting documents ready (such as medical certificates, official leave letters, or university-issued proof of backlog clearance).

Tips for Document Preparation

• Keep both original documents and clear photocopies or scanned versions handy.
• Make sure all documents are legible and not damaged.
• Organize your documents in advance to avoid last-minute stress during the verification process.

Having all these documents ready and accurate will help ensure that your TCS NQT application process is smooth and that you do not face unnecessary delays or disqualification during the selection process.