TCS NQT vs TCS iON NQT: Which Test Actually Gets You a TCS Job?
You search for "TCS NQT" and find two things. One page says registration is closed. Another says the next test is on 24 November 2026.So which one is right?
Honestly, both. Because they are not the same test.
TCS NQT is used in TCS's own hiring drive for freshers. TCS iON NQT is a test that gives you a scorecard you can use to apply to many companies. Many students mix them up and register for the wrong one. Let's clear it up.
TCS NQT: TCS's Own Hiring Drive
This is the route to a job at TCS itself. TCS runs it as a hiring drive, and you register through the TCS NextStep portal under the "IT" category, then click "Apply For Drive".The latest drive was for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 batches. Registration opened on 18 February 2026, tests started from 10 March 2026, and the last date to register was 20 March 2026. It is now closed.
Based on your test performance, you can qualify for Prime, Digital or Ninja interviews. The Advanced section is mandatory if you want a Prime or Digital offer. For freshers with 0 to 1 year of experience, TCS lists these CTC ranges:
| Offer | UG | PG |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | 9.09 to 9.30 LPA | 11.59 to 11.80 LPA |
| Digital | 7.09 to 7.30 LPA | 7.39 to 7.60 LPA |
Eligibility is strict. For the latest drive, you needed a B.Tech, B.E., M.Tech, M.E., MCA or M.Sc. from an AICTE or UGC recognised institution, at least 60% in 10th, 12th, diploma (if any), graduation and post-graduation (if any), no pending backlog, and an overall education gap of not more than 24 months.
TCS iON NQT: A Scorecard for Many Companies
This one is run by TCS iON. It is an ability test, and after the test you get a TCS iON NQT Scorecard. You can then use that score to apply for jobs on the TCS iON website and on the websites of companies that accept it.Who can apply: pre-final or final year students of any stream or degree, students passing out between 2022 and 2028, and working professionals with up to 2 years of experience.
A few things that make it different:
It is held often. TCS iON says tests are scheduled every 2 to 4 weeks at its exam centres.
Your score stays useful. The scorecard is valid for 2 years, and you can take the test again to improve your score.
The next test is on 24 November 2026. You must apply before 12 November 2026.
So Which One Should You Take?
If your goal is a job at TCS as a Prime, Digital or Ninja fresher, follow the TCS NQT hiring drive on TCS's careers page. The last one is closed, so keep checking for the next one and prepare in the meantime.If you want a score you can show to many employers, including non-IT roles, TCS iON NQT is the one that is open right now.
And if you are not sure, don't guess. Read the official page carefully before you pay or register for anything.
Beware of Fake TCS Job Offers
TCS states this clearly on its hiring page:TCS does not ask candidates to deposit money for any employment offer.
TCS does not send hiring communication or job offers from email IDs like Gmail, Rediffmail, Yahoo Mail or Hotmail. And TCS is not associated with any external agency to conduct interviews or make offers on its behalf.
If someone asks you for money to "confirm" a TCS job, walk away.
Prepare Before the Next Drive
Whichever test you take, the preparation is the same: numbers, reasoning, verbal ability and, for higher offers, coding. Start with our 5-step quantitative aptitude plan for TCS NQT, and practise regularly in the TCS NQT section.Know which test you are taking.
Then prepare for it like it matters, because it does.
