Interview questions for TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES (TCS) Consultant
Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES (TCS) Consultant
The Consultant at TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES (TCS) involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Interview Rounds:
Round 1: HR Interview Focus on background, experience, and motivation for applying to TCS. Expect general HR questions assessing fit and communication.
Round 2: SME/Reporting Manager Interview Technical and situational questions related to consulting, problem-solving scenarios, and past project experience. Depth checks on your approach and impact.
Round 3: Panel Interview (Middle/Senior Management/HR) Mix of behavioral, situational, and technical questions testing analytical and strategic thinking; expects crisp, structured responses with examples.
Note: In another experience, the process began with a Technical/Conceptual interview focusing on consulting fundamentals (e.g., defining consulting and its value).
Interview Preparation Tips:
Understand the consulting domain and TCS’s work in this space; research TCS consulting projects.
Practice situational and behavioral questions using real-life examples; structure answers clearly.
Brush up on consulting concepts, problem-structuring, and relevant technical aspects/frameworks.
Stay calm, confident, and use concise, example-backed responses.
Consulting Concepts / Domain Knowledge
What is consulting according to you?
How does a consultant help organizations improve performance or solve specific challenges?
Which approaches or frameworks would you use to structure a business problem?
Problem-Solving / Situational / Case-Based
Walk me through how you would approach a client problem-solving scenario.
Describe a challenging problem you solved. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
How would you structure your analysis for a new business problem with limited data?
Tell me about a past project relevant to consulting and your specific contribution.
HR / Personality / Behavioral
Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your background and experience.
What is your motivation for applying to TCS and this consulting role?
Company Knowledge / Role Fit
What do you know about TCS’s consulting practice and recent projects?
Why TCS for consulting over other firms?
How does your experience align with our consulting offerings?
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow guidelines
For “Tell me about yourself,” I gave a concise overview of my background, education, and relevant experience.
For “What is consulting according to you?” I defined consulting as a problem-solving service where expertise is provided to help organizations improve their performance or solve specific challenges.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Prepare well for technical and conceptual questions related to consulting.
Brush up on key consulting skills and frameworks.
Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, focusing on understanding my perspective on consulting. It would have been helpful to research TCS’s consulting projects beforehand to align my answers more closely with their work. For future candidates, clarity and confidence in defining consulting concepts are key.
Questions Asked: Standard questions (as mentioned, nothing much beyond what can be found online).
Your Approach: Prepared using common interview questions available online.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Thoroughly research the company and role before applying.
Be cautious about joining if salary expectations or growth opportunities are a priority.
Understand the work culture and management style to avoid dissatisfaction later.
Conclusion:
The experience shared highlights significant concerns about the work environment and growth opportunities at TCS. It’s advised to carefully evaluate personal career goals and company culture before making a decision to join. The candidate emphasizes the importance of self-research and reflection to avoid potential regrets.
What is the difference between business rule and business process in MS Dynamics?
Your Approach:
For the first question, I explained the concept of plugins in the context of software development, emphasizing their role in extending functionality.
For the second question, I differentiated between business rules (specific conditions or logic) and business processes (a sequence of steps or workflows) in MS Dynamics.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding core concepts like plugins, business rules, and business processes in MS Dynamics.
Review practical applications of these concepts in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, with questions centered around technical knowledge of MS Dynamics. Preparing thoroughly for these topics would be beneficial for future candidates.
Application Process: Applied via a job portal in April 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Tell me about your work experience.
What are your roles and responsibilities?
Your Approach:
For the first question, I highlighted my previous work experiences, focusing on relevant skills and achievements.
For the second question, I detailed my roles and responsibilities in my current or past positions, emphasizing how they align with the consultant role at TCS.
Outcome: Successfully passed the round.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company and the role thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.
Practice explaining your work experience and responsibilities clearly and concisely.
Brush up on key skills like Order Management, Salesforce, Talend, DevOps, SCLM, Linux, Ansible, and Big Data, as they are highly recommended for this role.
Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, focusing on my work experience and responsibilities. Preparing well for these questions helped me answer confidently. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing your responses to common interview questions and ensuring you understand the role’s requirements.
Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in August 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Basics of SAP MM.
Different processes in SAP MM.
Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing SAP MM fundamentals and common processes.
Outcome: No response or feedback received post-interview.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding the basics of SAP MM and its processes.
Be prepared for technical questions even if the interview process seems unstructured.
Conclusion:
The interview experience was underwhelming, with no follow-up or feedback provided. It seems like the interviews might be conducted for formality rather than actual hiring. My advice for future candidates is to prepare thoroughly but also manage expectations regarding the responsiveness of the process.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Normal aptitude questions.
Your Approach: Prepared using standard aptitude resources and practiced time management.
Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.
Round 2 - Coding Test:
Questions Asked: Easy questions on arrays and strings.
Your Approach: Focused on basic problem-solving and ensured code efficiency.
Outcome: Passed the round.
Round 3 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Questions about projects.
How to alter a table.
Your Approach: Explained my projects in detail and demonstrated knowledge of SQL commands.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 4 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Why do you want to join TCS?
Behavioural questions.
Your Approach: Highlighted my enthusiasm for consulting and aligned my answers with TCS’s values.
Outcome: Received positive feedback and cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on aptitude and basic coding problems.
Be thorough with your project details and SQL commands.
Practice answering behavioural questions confidently.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. Preparing for aptitude and technical rounds was crucial. I could have practiced more SQL commands for the technical round. Overall, it was a great learning experience, and I would advise future candidates to focus on fundamentals and stay confident during interviews.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Interview:
Questions Asked:
Grilled my CV and coding knowledge.
Asked me about DBMS.
Your Approach:
For the CV-related questions, I ensured I could explain every project and skill mentioned in detail.
For coding and DBMS, I revised core concepts and practiced problem-solving beforehand.
Outcome: [Result of this round not specified]
Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:
Questions Asked:
Asked about Business logic.
Tested my logical thinking.
Your Approach:
For business logic, I drew from my academic and project experiences to explain real-world applications.
For logical thinking, I tackled the problems methodically, breaking them down into smaller parts.
Outcome: [Result of this round not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Revise core technical subjects like coding, DBMS, and business logic.
Practice explaining your CV and projects clearly.
Work on logical problem-solving skills.
Conclusion:
The interview was a mix of technical and logical challenges. Being thorough with my CV and brushing up on core concepts helped. Future candidates should focus on clarity and logical reasoning.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Business Case Presentation and Group Discussion:
Questions Asked: Each group was given a topic to create a “business case for the CEO.” Each candidate had 3-4 minutes to present their part, followed by a short group discussion (around 5 minutes) on the same topic.
Your Approach: Focused on structuring the business case logically, highlighting key points, and actively participating in the group discussion to showcase teamwork and communication skills.
Outcome: [Result of this round not specified]
Round 2 - Panel Interview:
Questions Asked: General questions about the type of job the candidate was looking for, their understanding of consulting, and related topics.
Your Approach: Prepared by researching the consulting domain, understanding TCS’s consulting services, and aligning personal career goals with the role.
Outcome: [Result of this round not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Practice structuring business cases and presenting them concisely.
Brush up on consulting basics and be clear about your career aspirations.
Participate actively in group discussions to demonstrate teamwork and communication skills.
Conclusion:
The interview process was insightful, with a good mix of individual and group activities. Preparing well for the business case presentation and understanding the consulting domain helped. Future candidates should focus on clarity in communication and aligning their goals with the role.
Application Process: I applied via a job portal and was interviewed in June 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
What is your name?
Why do you want to join us?
Your Approach: I answered the questions confidently, introducing myself clearly and explaining my motivation for joining TCS.
Outcome: I passed this round.
Round 2 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
What is meant by “join”?
Explain DDIC in ABAP SAP.
Your Approach: I provided a concise definition of “join” and explained DDIC in ABAP SAP based on my understanding.
Outcome: I passed this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
Noting
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, and I felt prepared for the questions asked. I would advise future candidates to be clear and confident in their responses and to brush up on basic concepts related to the role.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Telephonic Interview (V&A):
Questions Asked:
Asked about my daily routine.
How I manage my time and tasks.
Your Approach:
Answered honestly about my routine and time management strategies.
Outcome:
Felt the interview was okay but not great. The manager kept me waiting for a long time, which was frustrating.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was mixed. The telephonic round was straightforward, but the long waiting time was a downside. For future candidates, I’d advise staying patient and composed even if the process feels drawn out.
Application Process: The application process was a mix of campus placement and online application. The coordination could have been better as it felt a bit disorganized.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my understanding of consulting, problem-solving scenarios, and basic technical concepts related to my field.
Your Approach: I tried to stay calm and structured my answers logically, focusing on real-life examples where possible.
Outcome: I passed this round, but the interviewer mentioned I could work on being more concise.
Round 2 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: This round focused on my motivation for joining TCS, my long-term goals, and how I handle teamwork and conflicts.
Your Approach: I emphasized my passion for consulting and shared experiences where I collaborated effectively in teams.
Outcome: I cleared this round as well, but the feedback was to be more specific about my career aspirations.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on basic technical concepts related to consulting.
Practice structuring your answers clearly and concisely.
Be ready with examples from past experiences to showcase problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was a good learning experience, though it could have been more streamlined. I realized the importance of clarity and conciseness in my responses. For future candidates, I’d advise practicing mock interviews to refine your communication skills.
Application Process: The hiring process consisted of two rounds of interviews. The first round was with the business team, followed by a salary negotiation round with HR.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Business Team Interview:
Questions Asked:
Presented with a business case related to the Order-to-cash cycle.
Common-sense questions about business issues and recommendations.
Your Approach:
Stayed witty and confident.
Identified issues in the case and provided logical recommendations.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Round 2 - HR Salary Negotiation:
Questions Asked:
Discussion about salary components and expectations.
Clarification about travel policies (e.g., no international travel in the first year).
Your Approach:
Avoided accepting vague assurances about earnings through travel.
Focused on understanding the fixed salary component clearly.
Outcome: Finalized the offer after negotiation.
Preparation Tips:
Be prepared to think on your feet for business cases.
Practice common business scenarios and logical problem-solving.
Research the company’s policies (like travel restrictions) to negotiate better.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth, but it’s crucial to be clear about salary expectations upfront. Don’t rely on promises of future earnings through travel, especially since TCS has a policy of no international travel in the first year. Stay confident and logical in your approach to business cases.
Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university. The initial screening was followed by an invitation for the interview rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical & Behavioral Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewers asked open-ended questions about my specialist skills, problem-solving abilities, and past projects. They also inquired about how I handle challenges in a team setting.
Your Approach: I focused on providing clear, concise answers while highlighting my expertise and experience. I also shared specific examples from my past work to demonstrate my skills.
Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next stage.
Round 2 - Management Review:
Questions Asked: This round was more intensive, with questions about strategic thinking, leadership, and how I align with TCS’s consulting approach. The interviewers were keen listeners and probed deeper into my responses.
Your Approach: I emphasized my ability to think critically and adapt to different scenarios. I also discussed my understanding of the consulting role and how I could contribute to TCS.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback about my fit for the role.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on your specialist skills and be ready to discuss them in detail.
Practice answering open-ended questions with clarity and confidence.
Research the company’s consulting approach and align your answers accordingly.
Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The interviewers were professional and focused, which made the experience insightful. I would advise future candidates to be thorough in their preparation and stay confident throughout the process.
Application Process: The interview was scheduled via email communication from TCS. The process involved multiple rounds, including technical, functional, management, and HR interviews.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Focused on domain-specific software, utilities, and functionalities.
Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing domain-related concepts and software functionalities to ensure a strong understanding.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round by demonstrating technical knowledge.
Round 2 - Functional Interview:
Questions Asked: Emphasized understanding of the domain and business-related questions.
Your Approach: Researched industry trends and business scenarios to align answers with practical applications.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round by showcasing domain expertise.
Round 3 - Management Interview:
Questions Asked: Centered on project/program management and reviews.
Your Approach: Highlighted past experiences in managing projects and handling reviews, using specific examples.
Outcome: Cleared the round by effectively communicating management skills.
Round 4 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about fit, motivation, and career goals.
Your Approach: Answered honestly, aligning responses with the company’s values and role expectations.
Outcome: Successfully completed the HR round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on domain-specific knowledge and software functionalities for the technical round.
Stay updated with industry trends and business scenarios for the functional round.
Prepare examples of project management experiences for the management round.
Be clear about your career goals and how they align with the company for the HR round.
Conclusion:
The interview process was comprehensive, covering technical, functional, management, and HR aspects. Preparing thoroughly for each round and aligning answers with the role’s requirements helped in clearing all stages. Future candidates should focus on domain knowledge, practical applications, and clear communication to succeed in TCS interviews.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical/Consulting Interview:
Questions Asked: The questions were very difficult and unclear. The interviewer asked unconventional and confusing questions that were hard to interpret.
Your Approach: Tried to answer as best as I could, but the questions were too vague and didn’t align with typical consulting or technical topics.
Outcome: Did not pass the round. The experience was frustrating and demotivating.
Conclusion:
The interview process at TCS for the Consulting role was extremely challenging, not because of the complexity of the role but due to the unclear and difficult nature of the questions. I wouldn’t recommend this experience to anyone and would advise future candidates to thoroughly research the interview process before applying.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical/Consulting Interview:
Questions Asked: The questions were generally easy to answer, though a few were challenging. Specific questions were not detailed.
Your Approach: I approached the questions with confidence, focusing on clarity and relevance to the consulting role. For the tougher questions, I took a moment to think before responding.
Outcome: The round went well overall, and I felt prepared for most of the questions.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding the basics of consulting and how to approach problem-solving.
Practice answering both technical and situational questions to build confidence.
Conclusion:
The interview experience with TCS for the Consulting role was positive. While most questions were manageable, the few challenging ones highlighted areas where I could improve. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and staying calm during the interview.
Questions Asked: A mix of behavioral, situational, and technical questions. Some questions were challenging, testing analytical and strategic thinking.
Your Approach: Stayed composed, answered crisply, and provided structured responses. Used examples to back up my answers, which impressed the panel.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the interview.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding the consulting domain and TCS’s work in this space.
Practice situational and behavioral questions with real-life examples.
Brush up on technical aspects relevant to the role.
Stay calm and confident during the interview.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive, with a stress-free atmosphere due to thorough preparation. Proactively addressing questions with references and examples worked in my favor. For future candidates, I recommend preparing well in advance and practicing structured responses to stand out.