Are you a 2027 batch student dreaming of landing your first job at India's largest IT company? Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has officially announced its TCS NQT Priority Hiring Drive for the 2027 Batch, and the window to secure your spot is now open. Whether you're a B.Tech, B.E., M.Tech, MCA, or M.Sc. student graduating in 2027, this is one of the biggest fresher recruitment opportunities in the country — with salary packages ranging from ₹3.36 LPA all the way up to ₹12.26 LPA.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, how to register, the test pattern, cadre details (Ninja, Digital & Prime), salary packages, and pro tips to maximize your chances.
What Is the TCS NQT Priority Hiring Drive?
The TCS National Qualifier Test (NQT) is TCS's flagship off-campus hiring mechanism for fresh graduates across India. Rather than waiting for campus placements, TCS invites candidates to appear for a standardized test — and based on their performance, shortlists them for one of three hiring cadres: Ninja, Digital, or Prime.
The "Priority Hiring Drive" is targeted specifically at the 2027 graduating batch, making it the primary channel for final-year students to get placed at TCS before they even graduate. Registration is done via the TCS NextStep Portal, and the process is entirely free for eligible candidates.
TCS NQT Eligibility Criteria for 2027 Batch
Before you register, make sure you meet every criterion. TCS verifies eligibility at each stage of the selection process.
Qualifying Degrees:
B.Tech / B.E. / M.Tech / M.E. / MCA / M.Sc. / M.S. — any discipline
Only full-time courses from AICTE/UGC-recognized universities are accepted
Part-time or correspondence degrees are not eligible
Academic Performance:
Minimum 60% aggregate or 6.0 CGPA across all semesters (10th, 12th, Diploma if applicable, Graduation/Post-Graduation)
No rounding off — 59.9% does not qualify as 60%
Backlogs:
Up to one active backlog is allowed at the time of the test
All backlogs must be cleared before joining
Graduation Year:
Only candidates passing out in 2027 are eligible for this specific drive
Academic Gap:
Overall academic gap should not exceed 24 months
Any gap must be explained with adequate proof during the interview
Work Experience:
Freshers preferred; working professionals with up to 2 years of experience may also apply
How to Register for TCS NQT 2027 – Step-by-Step
Registration happens through the official TCS NextStep Portal. Follow these steps carefully:
Visit the TCS NextStep Portal at nextstep.tcs.com
Log in or Register:
Existing users: Log in using your CT/DT Reference ID (TCS Reference Number)
New users: Click "Register Now" → Select category as "IT" → Fill in your details
Apply for Drive: Click the "Apply For Drive" button — this step is mandatory and cannot be skipped
Select Skill: Choose the technology/skill on which you wish to be evaluated
Choose Test Mode & Centre: Select "In-Centre" mode and pick your 3 preferred test centres
Confirm Application Status: Your status must show "Applied for Drive" to be confirmed
Use your personal email only — this cannot be changed later, and make sure you enter 2027 as your graduation year
⚠️ TCS does not send hiring communication from Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail IDs. Beware of recruitment fraud — TCS never charges any fee for hiring.
TCS NQT Test Pattern: Foundation + Advanced
The TCS NQT 2027 is an Integrated Test of 190 minutes, divided into two sections:
Section Topics Duration Foundation Numerical Ability, Verbal Ability, Reasoning Ability 75 minutes Advanced Quantitative Ability, Advanced Reasoning, Coding (2 problems) 115 minutes
Key points:
All candidates are encouraged to attempt both sections
The Advanced Section is mandatory if you want to be considered for the Digital or Prime cadre
Based on your overall performance, you will be shortlisted for either a Ninja, Digital, or Prime interview
Understanding the Three TCS Cadres: Ninja, Digital & Prime
Your NQT score determines which cadre interview you are called for. Here's what each cadre means:
🟢 TCS Ninja (ASE-T)
Role: Assistant System Engineer – Trainee
Work: Application support, maintenance, and basic development
Salary: ₹3.36 LPA (UG) / ₹3.53 LPA (PG)
Best for: Candidates seeking job security with the Tata brand while upskilling for future transitions
🔵 TCS Digital
Role: Digital transformation projects, solution development, integration
Work: Building next-gen tech solutions involving cloud, AI, and automation
Salary: ₹7.09 LPA (UG) / ₹7.39 LPA (PG) and above
Best for: Candidates with strong coding skills and interest in modern tech stacks
🟡 TCS Prime
Role: Advanced technology and high-impact innovation projects
Work: Cutting-edge engineering across AI, cloud, and next-gen platforms
Salary: ₹9.09 LPA – ₹12.26 LPA (UG/PG combined)
Best for: Top performers who solve coding problems with optimal time complexity
💡 Pro Tip: You do NOT apply separately for each cadre. You take one exam. A high score in the Advanced Coding section automatically routes you toward Digital and Prime shortlisting.
TCS NQT 2027 Salary Packages at a Glance
Ninja₹3.36 LPA-₹3.53 LPA
Digital₹7.09 LPA-₹7.39 LPA
Prime₹9.09 – ₹12.26 LPA
A Prime offer puts you in the top 10% of fresh engineering earners in India. Even after joining as a Ninja, TCS offers internal mobility — you can appear for the internal "Wings1" exam to upgrade your band and salary to the Digital level without leaving the company.
How to Crack TCS NQT 2027 – Preparation Strategy
For the Foundation Section (Numerical, Verbal, Reasoning):
Practice basic aptitude from RS Aggarwal or IndiaBix
Focus on time management — 75 minutes for 3 subjects means speed matters
Read editorials and articles to improve verbal ability
For the Advanced Section (Coding):
Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank
Focus on data structures (arrays, strings, linked lists) and time complexity optimization
Solving both coding problems with optimal complexity almost always qualifies you for Prime shortlisting
Avoid compilation errors — the system downgrades scores based on execution quality
General Tips:
Attempt mock tests under timed conditions
Read the TCS NQT syllabus carefully before you start preparing
Keep all academic documents ready before the interview stage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is the TCS NQT free for 2027 batch students? Yes. The Priority Hiring Drive for the 2027 batch is completely free. You register via the TCS NextStep Portal at no cost.
Q2. Can I apply if I have one active backlog? Yes, up to one active backlog is permitted at the time of the test. However, all backlogs must be cleared before you can join TCS.
Q3. Is internship experience considered for salary fitment? No. TCS does not count internship experience for salary fitment purposes. Only full-time work experience may be considered.
Q4. What happens if my NQT score is low? A lower score in the Advanced Section routes you to the Ninja cadre interview. You can still get hired and later upgrade through TCS's internal assessment programs.
Q5. How long is the TCS iON NQT score valid? For the paid NQT (TCS iON), scores are valid for 2 years and accepted by multiple companies. The free campus NQT is typically exclusive to TCS hiring.
Q6. What documents do I need for the interview? Original mark sheets and certificates for 10th, 12th, Diploma (if any), and all semesters of graduation/post-graduation, along with valid photo ID proof.
Conclusion
The TCS NQT Priority Hiring Drive for the 2027 Batch is one of the most accessible and high-value fresher placement opportunities available right now. With salary packages up to ₹12.26 LPA and a structured path from Ninja to Prime, TCS offers both a safe landing and a high-growth ceiling for fresh graduates.
Register early via the TCS NextStep Portal, prepare seriously for the Advanced Coding section, and aim for Prime — because one exam can genuinely define the trajectory of your IT career.
Ready to apply? Head to the TCS NextStep Portal and click "Apply For Drive" today. Good luck, Class of 2027!