Key Points

Passage Recall is a new question type in the TCS NQT Verbal Ability section that most students mistake for Reading Comprehension -- here is what it is actually testing.

  • Four passages are shown for 30 seconds each, followed by 90 seconds to recall and write each one -- 120 seconds per passage, 480 seconds total.
  • TCS introduced Passage Recall to test real workplace skills -- reading quickly, understanding, remembering and communicating accurately -- not vocabulary or grammar.
  • TCS is actually measuring your CARE skills: Comprehend, Absorb, Recall and Express.
  • Common misconceptions -- memorizing every word, using fancy vocabulary, or reproducing the passage exactly -- are all incorrect approaches.

Passage Recall at TC NQT - What is TCS Actually Testing?| Verbal Ability – New Pattern

Passage Recall is a new type of question being asked in the Veral Ability Section of TCS NQT.
Now, the problem is - most of the students are treating Passage Recall like Reading Comprehension.
That's the biggest mistake.
Because Passage Recall is testing something completely different.
Today, I'll explain exactly what the test wants to evaluate here. Once you understand the requirement clearly - the way you prepare Passage Recall will completely change & you’ll do well by default.

1. What actually happens in Passage Recall Question at TCS NQT?
In this question, you are given four passages. 30 seconds are given to you to read each passage after which it disappears from the screen. In the next 90 seconds, you are required to recall and write the passage.

This means, you have got 120 seconds for each passage and a total of 480 seconds for all the four passages put together.

2. Why did TCS introduce Passage Recall Question?
Imagine your first week at TCS – What do you think would happen?
  • Someone would explain you the processes during the induction program
  • Your manager might send you an email.
  • A client may share some requirements.
Nobody would ask you - "What is the synonym of enormous?"
Rather they would expect that you -
  • Read quickly.
  • Understand.
  • Remember.
  • Communicate accurately.
And, these are the exact things Passage Recall is measuring.

3. What is TCS actually testing with Passage Recall Question?
TCS is actually testing your CARE Skills here i.e. your ability to Comprehend, Absorb, Recall and Express.
Ability to Comprehend
Did you understand the passage? What is the main idea of the passage? What is the purpose? How does the passage flow?
Ability to Absorb
Could you retain the important information? Such as any important facts, numbers, names, relationships etc.
Recall Power
Can you retrieve it after reading it briefly?
Expression
Can you write it clearly to communicate the central idea?

4. Biggest Misconceptions associated with Passage Recall Question at TCS NQT
Following are some of the biggest misconceptions candidates have about Passage Recall Question.
  • I need to memorize every word.
  • I need fancy vocabulary.
  • I should be to write exactly the same passage.
  • It's Reading Comprehension
Remember, Passage Recall is not testing your memory. It's testing how well you process the information and communicate it. So, focus on those things and you’ll certainly do well in this section.

In the article we’ll see some tips and tricks to improve your CARE power i.e. your ability to Comprehend, Absorb & Recall & Express the information from the passage you are given.
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About the author

Kshipra Singh

Co-Founder, CareerRide

Co-Founder of CareerRide/TutorialRide.

All articles by Kshipra Singh
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