Hey everyone!
I wanted to share my complete journey of getting selected into Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) — the steps I followed, what went right, what went wrong, and suggestions I believe could help you crack it too.
(No, I won't mention my name or real personal info, but this is based on 100% true events. If needed, feel free to assume I'm a regular student just like many of you.)

Stage 1 — The Beginning

It all started in September 2024 when I submitted my application for TCS CodeVita Season 12 and received my DT ID. That was my entry ticket.
After that, I began preparing for CodeVita — a 6-hour online coding contest with 6 problems. It's a massive contest with 4,00,000+ participants.
PS: The questions are extremely hard. My preparation was honestly not enough.

Stage 2 — The Contest

From 29th to 30th November 2024, the CodeVita portal was open.
My personal suggestion: Take the exam at night — the server load is low and the portal performs better.
I started my exam 7 hours before the end of the contest, and I managed to solve only 2 questions.
Meanwhile, my classmates solved 4–5 problems, and I got scared thinking I had no chance.
I thought it was over for me.

Stage 3 — The Unexpected Surprise

But then in December 2024, I got an email:
"Congratulations on Advancing to Round 2 of TCS CodeVita Season 12!"
I was shocked. I had only solved 2 questions, and still made it.
I checked my rank — around 1000 out of 5,00,000+. I asked my classmates, but none of them got selected. That's when I realized the truth…
They had cheated. Shared codes among themselves and copied from Telegram groups.

Reminder: TCS has one of the strongest plagiarism checks. Don't try to manipulate the system.
Only 9800 candidates cleared Round 1. The number of problems you solve doesn't matter as much as writing original code.
Even solving 1 question honestly can help you move ahead.

Stage 4 — TAG Exam Preparation (Offline)

A few days later, I got a mail to select 3 preferred locations for the TAG exam — a new round that's offline and held at TCS iON Digital Centres.
Before my batch, people who cleared Round 1 directly went to interviews, but now there's TAG in between.
Unfortunately, there weren't many resources because TAG had only been introduced a year ago.

What helped? I started solving LeetCode Easy to Medium problems. That level is perfect for TAG.

Stage 5 — CodeVita Round 2 (Missed It!)

While preparing for TAG, CodeVita Round 2 started — this time it was 8 hours and 8 questions.
But I had semester exams, so I didn't attend it.
Note: Round 2 is not mandatory for final selection.
Still, my rank got updated — now around 2000.

Stage 6 — TAG Exam Day (January 2025)

I received my TAG admit card and went to the center.

Documents you need:

Hard copy of admit card
2 passport-size photos
One valid government ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport)

Exam pattern:

2 Coding Questions
Total Duration: 90 minutes
Q1: 30 minutes | Q2: 60 minutes
7 Test Cases each (2 public + 5 private)
Only private test cases are evaluated
Once you start a question, you cannot go back or skip

Role eligibility based on your performance:

Solve only Q1 → Ninja (3.5 LPA)
Solve only Q2 → Digital (7 LPA)
Solve both → Prime (9+ LPA)

The IDE is basic, and you'll have to adapt quickly.

Stage 7 — TCS Digital Interview (March 2025)

Since I solved only the second question, I got a Digital interview call at a TCS office.
First impression? TCS offices are fabulous!
The moment I entered, I felt emotional — getting into TCS had always been my dream. And I was so close.

The interview had two rounds:

Technical + Managerial (TR + MR) — Questions on your resume, projects, and a bit of live coding (paper or computer).
HR Round — Very friendly and relaxed. Mainly document verification and casual questions.

Tip: No active backlogs should be present during the interview. Cleared backlogs are fine.

Stage 8 — TCS NQT: My Doubts and Clarity

I had applied for TCS NQT earlier — not sure about the exact month, but it was before my CodeVita interview.
Important Tip: Apply for NQT as early as possible to get faster exam/interview dates.

After my interview, I got the NQT admit card and was in a dilemma:
What if I fail NQT? Will it affect my CodeVita Digital offer?
But I took the exam anyway — and it didn't affect my CodeVita journey.

NQT exam pattern:

Aptitude section (with multiple subsections and sectional cutoff)
Coding section (similar to TAG)

Solving:

0 coding questions → Ninja
1 question → Digital
1.5 or 2 → Prime
(These may vary slightly)

Tip: Make sure to solve at least 50% in each aptitude section to clear NQT.

Stage 9 — CodeVita Result & Offer Letter

After a few days, I got the result for my CodeVita interview — and I was selected for Digital!

Then began the document submission phase. They ask for:

All 8 semester marksheets
Provisional/Degree certificate

Don't panic if you don't have all documents yet — submit what you have.

Then I received my offer letter and was asked to accept it on the NextStep portal.
If you don't accept, it'll be withdrawn.
Next, I logged in to Xplore portal and started the courses.
Not mandatory, but very useful for training.

I also started getting survey mails, event invites, and TCS community updates. Stay active!

Stage 10 — Prime Interview Experience

Later, I got a mail saying I had cleared NQT and was eligible for the TCS Prime Interview.
At first, I didn't want to go — but my friends encouraged me. I had a doubt:
"If I fail the Prime interview, will I lose my Digital offer?"

So I reached out to HR, and they said:

"No. This is just for upgradation. If you don't qualify, you'll continue with your Digital offer."

That gave me confidence.
But… I messed up. My Prime interview performance was bad. I didn't prepare properly.
Still, I retained my Digital role, and I'm thankful for that.

My Suggestions to You:

🔸 Do not cheat in CodeVita — you'll get caught.
🔸 Apply early — for CodeVita, NQT, everything.
🔸 Wear formal dress to interviews — appearance matters.
🔸 Update your resume and don't lie in it.
🔸 Double-check every detail in TCS forms before submission.
🔸 Don't submit BGC forms until you're instructed. Wait for official mail.
🔸 Be patient — it's a slow process. Keep checking mail and portal.

Final Words

Getting into TCS was a huge milestone in my career. The journey wasn't easy, but it was worth every step.

If you're dreaming of joining TCS — prepare sincerely, stay original, and trust the process.

Thank you, TCS, for making my dream a reality
Stay healthy, stay humble, and keep coding.

— Signing off,
your CR

Disclaimer:

This post is based on my personal journey and experience with the TCS selection process.Selection criteria, processes, and policies may vary depending on time, location, and candidate profile. Please always refer to the official TCS website and communications for the most accurate and updated information.

My TCS Selection Journey: From CodeVita to Offer Letter - The Real Experience