Amazon Intern-SDE Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: I received an email from Amazon inviting me to apply for either a 2-month or 6-month internship. I opted for the 2-month internship. The selection process consisted of two rounds: an Online Assessment and an Interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: The OA included coding problems and possibly some behavioral questions. The exact questions weren’t disclosed, but they were typical of Amazon’s OA format, focusing on data structures and algorithms.
    • Your Approach: I practiced extensively on platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks, focusing on Amazon’s frequently asked questions. I also timed myself to simulate the actual test environment.
    • Outcome: I cleared the OA and was shortlisted for the interview round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked me to solve a coding problem related to trees/graphs (exact problem not disclosed). There were also follow-up questions to optimize the solution and discuss its time complexity.
    • Your Approach: I explained my thought process clearly, starting with a brute-force approach and then optimizing it. I also wrote clean, modular code and tested it with edge cases.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my approach, and I was selected for the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on Amazon’s leadership principles as they often guide the behavioral questions.
  • Practice coding problems, especially those related to data structures like arrays, strings, trees, and graphs.
  • Mock interviews can help simulate the actual interview environment and build confidence.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. I could have practiced more on system design basics, as some interns mentioned it being part of their interviews. My advice is to stay consistent with coding practice and understand the underlying concepts thoroughly.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • A simple array-based problem (similar to a LeetCode problem).
      • A tree-based problem.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the array problem, I used a straightforward approach and solved it completely.
      • For the tree problem, I managed to solve it partially but couldn’t complete it fully due to time constraints.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was knowledgeable and provided a good experience. I passed this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on solving standard LeetCode problems, especially those related to arrays and trees.
  • Practice time management to ensure you can complete problems within the given time.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of practicing a variety of problems to handle any question confidently. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and mock interviews to simulate the actual experience.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The application process involved an online assessment, which included a coding round and a personality assessment test. Candidates were shortlisted based on their performance in these assessments.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview consisted of two Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) questions. Unfortunately, the specific questions weren’t shared, but they were typical of Amazon’s interview style, focusing on problem-solving and coding efficiency.
    • Your Approach: I focused on understanding the problem thoroughly before jumping into coding. I made sure to discuss my thought process with the interviewer, clarifying any doubts and explaining my approach step-by-step. I also tried to optimize my solution for time and space complexity.
    • Outcome: The interview was the only round conducted, and the selection was based on this performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice DSA problems regularly, especially those from Amazon’s frequently asked questions.
  • Focus on explaining your thought process clearly during the interview.
  • Time management is crucial, so practice solving problems under timed conditions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was smooth, and the interviewers were supportive. I realized the importance of clear communication and problem-solving skills. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing consistently and staying calm during the interview.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The process began with an online proctored test. Selected candidates were then notified via email for the interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Proctored Test:

    • Questions Asked: Two coding questions of easy to medium difficulty.
    • Your Approach: Focused on understanding the problem first, then writing efficient code while ensuring edge cases were handled.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and received an email for the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A coding question based on arrays. The interviewer moved to a second question if satisfied with the first answer.
    • Your Approach: Started by discussing the problem and potential solutions with the interviewer, then implemented the most optimal one.
    • Outcome: Performed well and progressed to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Behavioural Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions focused on past experiences, teamwork, and problem-solving scenarios.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR method to structure answers, providing clear examples from past projects.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with the responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding questions on arrays, strings, and other fundamental topics.
  • Revise data structures and algorithms thoroughly.
  • Prepare for behavioural questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds but could have practiced more behavioural questions in advance. My advice to future candidates is to balance preparation between coding and soft skills.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. A BFS-related problem (LeetCode medium level).
      2. A problem involving Priority Queues (LeetCode hard level).
    • Your Approach:
      • For the BFS problem, I explained the approach step-by-step, ensuring to cover edge cases and optimize the solution.
      • For the Priority Queue problem, I discussed the logic first, then coded it efficiently, handling all possible scenarios.
    • Outcome: Solved both problems successfully. The interviewer was satisfied with my approach and solutions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on practicing BFS and Priority Queue problems from LeetCode.
  • Understand the underlying concepts thoroughly to explain your approach clearly during the interview.
  • Time management is key; practice solving problems under timed conditions.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. The interviewer was very supportive, and solving both problems confidently helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing a variety of problem types and staying calm during the interview to think clearly.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the college pre-placement talk, followed by an online assessment (OA).

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment (OA):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. SQL schema-related question.
      2. Two DSA problems: one of hard difficulty and one of LeetCode medium difficulty.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the SQL question, I reviewed database schemas and practiced writing queries beforehand.
      • For the DSA problems, I focused on optimizing my solutions for time and space complexity, ensuring I covered edge cases.
    • Outcome: Cleared the OA and moved to the interview round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Two or three technical questions, primarily focused on DSA.
    • Your Approach:
      • I started by understanding the problem thoroughly before jumping into coding.
      • I explained my thought process clearly and discussed potential optimizations.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback on my problem-solving approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice SQL schema design and query optimization.
  • Solve a variety of DSA problems, especially focusing on medium to hard difficulty levels.
  • Mock interviews can help in improving clarity and confidence during the actual interview.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with what I had prepared. I could have practiced more SQL-related problems to feel even more confident. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both DSA and SQL, as Amazon covers a broad range of topics in their assessments.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process. The initial step was an online assessment followed by interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Solve a Sudoku puzzle.
    • Implement Dijkstra’s algorithm.
    • Analyze the time complexity of the solutions and optimize them further.
  • Your Approach:

    • For the Sudoku puzzle, I used backtracking to ensure all constraints were met.
    • For Dijkstra’s algorithm, I implemented it using a priority queue and discussed its time complexity (O(V + E log V)). I also suggested optimizations like using a Fibonacci heap for better performance.
  • Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Detailed discussion on the solutions from the online assessment.
    • Additional questions on graph algorithms and dynamic programming.
  • Your Approach:

    • Explained my thought process for the Sudoku and Dijkstra solutions.
    • Solved a dynamic programming problem on the spot, focusing on memoization.
  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core data structures and algorithms, especially graphs and dynamic programming.
  • Practice coding under time constraints to simulate the online assessment environment.
  • Review time complexity analysis for common algorithms.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but fair. I felt well-prepared for the technical aspects, but I could have practiced more on optimizing code further. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly understand the fundamentals and practice problem-solving under pressure.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The application was submitted online through Amazon’s career portal. After a few weeks, I received an email inviting me to the interview process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Basic questions about data structures and algorithms.
      • Two coding problems focusing on optimization and efficiency.
      • Detailed discussion on time and space complexity for the solutions.
      • Follow-up questions on whether the solutions could be further optimized.
    • Your Approach:
      • I started by explaining my thought process clearly before jumping into coding.
      • For the coding problems, I first discussed brute-force solutions and then optimized them step-by-step.
      • I made sure to analyze the time and space complexity for each approach.
    • Outcome:
      • The interviewer seemed satisfied with my problem-solving approach and the optimizations I suggested.
      • I passed this round and moved to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding core data structures and algorithms thoroughly.
  • Practice coding problems with an emphasis on optimization and complexity analysis.
  • Mock interviews or discussing solutions with peers can help refine your approach.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of clear communication and structured problem-solving. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing under timed conditions to simulate the actual interview environment.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment (OA):

  • Questions Asked: The OA consisted of coding problems focused on data structures and algorithms.

  • Your Approach: I practiced extensively on platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks to prepare for this round. I focused on solving problems efficiently within the given time constraints.

  • Outcome: Cleared the OA and was shortlisted for the technical interview round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked two DSA-based questions:

    1. A problem related to tree traversal.
    2. A problem involving dynamic programming.
  • Your Approach: I explained my thought process clearly before coding and ensured my solutions were optimized. I also discussed edge cases and time complexity.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback on my problem-solving approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core DSA topics like arrays, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming.
  • Practice coding under time constraints to simulate the actual interview environment.
  • Review past interview questions from the company to understand the pattern.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was smooth, and the interviewers were supportive. I could have practiced more on dynamic programming problems to feel even more confident. For future candidates, I’d recommend consistent practice and clear communication during the interview.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The application process was smooth. I applied through the campus placement program, and the process was well-organized.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer focused on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) questions. There were also some basic Computer Science (CS) questions related to OS, DBMS, and Networks. Additionally, I was asked about my projects.
    • Your Approach: I prepared thoroughly for DSA and brushed up on core CS subjects. For the project-related questions, I explained my contributions and the technologies used.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was very humble, and the round went well. I passed to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus heavily on Data Structures and Algorithms as they are the most important.
  • Revise core CS subjects like OS, DBMS, and Networks.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, as project-related questions are common.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was very positive. The interviewer was supportive, and the process was smooth. I would advise future candidates to prepare well for DSA and core CS topics, and to be confident while discussing their projects.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: After getting shortlisted in the Online Assessment, I was invited for a technical interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. The interviewer introduced themselves and asked me to introduce myself.
      2. Two Data Structure questions were given. The expectation was to first provide a naive solution and then an optimized solution.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the introduction, I kept it concise, focusing on my academic background and relevant projects.
      • For the coding questions, I first explained the brute-force approach and then discussed potential optimizations, walking through my thought process. I made sure to communicate clearly and ask clarifying questions when needed.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round by providing both naive and optimized solutions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice solving Data Structure problems from platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
  • Focus on understanding the time and space complexity of your solutions.
  • Mock interviews can help improve communication and problem-solving under pressure.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of clear communication and thinking aloud while solving problems. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing problem-solving consistently and working on explaining your approach effectively.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
  • Questions Asked:
    • Code 2 programs (specifics not mentioned).
    • Questions about data structures (described as simple).
  • Your Approach:
    • Focused on problem-solving and explaining thought process clearly.
  • Outcome:
    • The interviewer was helpful, and the experience was positive.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on data structures and algorithms.
  • Practice coding problems to improve problem-solving speed and clarity.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. The interviewer’s supportive nature made the process smooth. Practicing more coding problems beforehand could have further boosted confidence.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The application process involved a coding round followed by a technical interview. Clearing the technical interview would secure the internship position.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Basic DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) questions were asked, along with some fundamental Computer Science concepts.

  • Your Approach: I focused on revising core DSA topics like arrays, linked lists, and sorting algorithms. For the CS fundamentals, I brushed up on OS, DBMS, and networking basics. During the interview, I tried to explain my thought process clearly while solving the problems.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round and secured the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
  • Revise core Computer Science subjects, especially OS, DBMS, and networking.
  • Focus on explaining your approach clearly during the interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, with a focus on problem-solving and fundamentals. Preparing well for DSA and CS basics helped me clear the round. For future candidates, I’d recommend consistent practice and clarity in communication.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The recruitment process consisted of two phases: an online assessment and an interview. I applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Two DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) questions on HackerRank.
      • Multiple-choice questions for a job fit test.
    • Your Approach: I practiced DSA problems from platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks beforehand. For the job fit test, I answered honestly based on my preferences and work style.
    • Outcome: Cleared the online assessment and moved to the interview phase.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Live Coding):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Two coding questions to be solved on the LiveCode platform in front of the interviewer.
    • Your Approach: I explained my thought process clearly while coding and discussed edge cases with the interviewer. I also optimized my solutions for time and space complexity.
    • Outcome: Successfully solved both questions and received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on DSA topics like arrays, strings, trees, and graphs.
  • Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank to get comfortable with live coding.
  • Work on explaining your thought process clearly during interviews.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. I would advise future candidates to practice coding under time constraints and to communicate their approach effectively during interviews.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Introduction and project discussion.
      • Medium-level questions on trees, dynamic programming, and heaps.
      • “Do you have any questions for me?”
    • Your Approach:
      • Started with a brief introduction and detailed discussion about my projects.
      • Focused on explaining my thought process clearly while solving the technical questions.
      • Asked a couple of questions about the team and work culture at the end.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core data structures and algorithms, especially trees, dynamic programming, and heaps.
  • Practice explaining your thought process out loud while solving problems.
  • Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the role or the company.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I felt confident discussing my projects and solving the problems. However, I could have practiced more dynamic programming problems beforehand. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and staying calm during the interview.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process at my university.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked: A medium-difficulty dynamic programming (DP) problem was given. No questions about my resume or projects were asked. Some candidates were also questioned about OOPs and OS concepts.
    • Your Approach: I focused on breaking down the DP problem into smaller subproblems and then built up the solution. For the theoretical questions, I relied on my understanding of core computer science subjects.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice DP problems thoroughly, as they are a common topic.
  • Revise core CS subjects like OOPs and OS, as they might be tested even if not mentioned initially.
  • Focus on problem-solving skills rather than just memorizing solutions.

Conclusion:
The interview was challenging but fair. I realized the importance of a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals. For future candidates, I’d recommend balancing problem-solving practice with theoretical knowledge.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: The application process involved an online test followed by a technical interview. No HR round was conducted.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

  • Questions Asked: The test included questions related to Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA).

  • Your Approach: I focused on solving the problems efficiently, ensuring optimal time and space complexity. I practiced similar problems beforehand to get comfortable with the format.

  • Outcome: Qualified for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (1.5 hours):

  • Questions Asked: Two DSA-based questions were asked. The interviewer was interested in understanding my thought process and problem-solving approach.

  • Your Approach: I explained my approach clearly, discussed edge cases, and optimized the solution as much as possible. I also communicated my thought process aloud to keep the interviewer engaged.

  • Outcome: Selected for the internship. Out of the candidates, 14 were chosen.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core DSA topics like arrays, strings, trees, and graphs.
  • Practice solving problems on platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
  • Work on explaining your thought process clearly during interviews.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was challenging but rewarding. The key to success was thorough preparation and effective communication during the interview. I would advise future candidates to practice consistently and stay calm during the interview to perform their best.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Medium-level coding questions on strings and arrays. The interviewer also asked for explanations of the approach used, cross-questions, and handling of corner cases with multiple examples.
    • Your Approach: I started by understanding the problem thoroughly, then discussed the brute-force approach before optimizing it. I made sure to explain my thought process clearly and provided multiple examples to validate my solution.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully. The interviewer appreciated the clarity in my approach and the way I handled corner cases.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems on strings and arrays from platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
  • Focus on explaining your thought process clearly during the interview.
  • Always test your code with multiple examples, including edge cases.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of clear communication and thorough testing. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing problem-solving under time constraints and being ready to explain every step of your solution.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. A problem based on BFS (Breadth-First Search).
      2. A problem related to graphs.
    • Your Approach:
      • Solved the first question using BFS, but struggled to optimize the second question due to nervousness.
    • Outcome: Couldn’t perform as well as expected in the second question.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on practicing graph-related problems, as they can be tricky under pressure.
  • Work on managing nervousness during interviews by simulating mock interviews.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a good learning experience. I realized the importance of staying calm and practicing a variety of DSA problems, especially graphs. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and mock interviews to build confidence.

Company Name: Amazon

Position: Intern-SDE

Application Process: Applied through the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Coding Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Two coding questions with difficulty ranging from easy to moderate.
  • Your Approach:

    • Focused on understanding the problem thoroughly before jumping into coding.
    • Started with a brute-force solution and then optimized it.
  • Outcome: Cleared this round by providing optimized solutions for both questions.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Two coding questions, again ranging from easy to moderate.
  • Your Approach:

    • Explained my thought process clearly before coding.
    • Discussed edge cases and time complexity.
  • Outcome: Cleared this round by demonstrating confidence and a structured approach.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding questions on platforms like LeetCode and Codeforces.
  • Focus on understanding the problem first and then optimizing the solution.
  • Be confident in explaining your approach during the interview.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview experience was smooth. What worked well was my clarity in explaining the approach and my ability to optimize solutions. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing a variety of problems and being confident during the interview.