Complete TCS NQT formula sheet with 100+ solved examples from past papers (2020–2026). Master quantitative, logical, and verbal sections for Ninja & Digital roles.
Focus: Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, SI/CI
Focus: Blood Relations, Coding, Syllogisms
Focus: Sentence Correction, Comprehension
| Section | Questions | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 26 | 40 min (approx) | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | 30 | 30 min (approx) | Easy-Moderate |
| Verbal Ability | 24 | 20 min (approx) | Easy |
| Total | 80 | 90 min | Negative: -0.33 |
Note: No sectional time limits. You can switch between sections freely. TCS Digital and Prime roles require higher cutoff (typically 75%+ vs 60%+ for Ninja).
Core Formulas:
Successive Percentage Change (Most common in TCS)
If value changes by x% then y%, net change = x + y + (xy/100)
Example: Population increases 20% then 15% → Net = 20 + 15 + (20×15/100) = 38% increase
Price-Consumption Relationship
If price increases by x%, consumption must decrease by [x/(100+x)] × 100% to keep expenditure same
TCS Favorite: Price ↑ 25% → Consumption ↓ 25/125 × 100 = 20%
Quick Percentage Shortcuts
10% = ÷10 | 20% = ÷5 | 25% = ÷4 | 50% = ÷2 | 33.33% = ÷3 | 12.5% = ÷8
⭐ TCS Past Paper Example (2024):
Q: A number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 15%. What is the net percentage change?
Solution: Net = 20 + (-15) + (20×(-15)/100) = 5 - 3 = 2% increase
Must-Know Formulas:
Train Crossing Platform (TCS Favorite)
Time = (Length of train + Length of platform) / Speed
Convert: Always convert km/h to m/s → multiply by 5/18
Relative Speed (Opposite Direction)
Relative Speed = Speed₁ + Speed₂
TCS Pattern: Two trains moving towards each other — when do they meet?
Average Speed (Equal Distance)
If equal distances at speeds x and y: Average = 2xy/(x+y)
Not arithmetic mean! Use harmonic mean formula
Boats & Streams
Boat speed = (Downstream + Upstream)/2 | Stream = (Downstream - Upstream)/2
⭐ TCS Past Paper Example (2023):
Q: A train 120m long crosses a platform 180m long in 15 seconds. Find its speed in km/h.
Solution: Speed = (120+180)/15 = 20 m/s = 20 × 18/5 = 72 km/h
TCS-Specific Formulas:
Marked Price & Discount (Very common)
SP = MP × (100 - Discount%)/100
TCS Twist: Multiple successive discounts — use successive formula!
False Weight Problem
Profit% = [(True weight - False weight) / False weight] × 100
Example: Uses 900g instead of 1kg → Profit = (1000-900)/900 × 100 = 11.11%
Two Items at Equal Profit & Loss
If selling two items, one at x% profit and other at x% loss: Net result = Always loss = (x/10)²%
Quick: 20% profit & 20% loss → Net loss = (20/10)² = 4%
TCS High-Yield Formulas:
Difference Between CI & SI (Most Asked)
For 2 years: CI - SI = P(R/100)²
For 3 years: CI - SI = P(R/100)²(3 + R/100)
TCS Pattern: Given difference, find P or R
Quick CI Calculation
Amount = P(1 + R/100)ᵀ
Shortcut: For 10% rate → multiply by 1.1, 1.21, 1.331 for 1, 2, 3 years
⭐ TCS Past Paper Example (2025):
Q: The difference between CI and SI on ₹10,000 for 2 years is ₹64. Find the rate.
Solution: CI - SI = P(R/100)² → 64 = 10000(R/100)² → R² = 64 → R = 8%
TCS logical reasoning is easier than quant — focus on speed and accuracy. 30 questions in ~30 minutes = 1 min per question.
Blood Relations (6-8 Q)
Easiest — memorize relationships
Coding-Decoding (5-7 Q)
Pattern recognition
Syllogisms (4-6 Q)
Use Venn diagrams
TCS Tested Relationships:
⚡ TCS Trick:
Draw a small family tree — saves 30 seconds per question!
TCS Common Patterns:
💡 Example:
If WORK = XPSL, find CODE
→ Each +1 → DPEF
Valid Conclusion Rules:
⚡ TCS Tip:
Draw 3 overlapping circles — conclusion must be true in ALL cases!
24 questions in ~20 minutes — TCS verbal is easiest section. Focus on grammar rules & reading speed.
TCS Grammar Rules to Master:
TCS RC Tips:
TCS Common Words:
TCS Jumble Strategy:
Master percentages, profit-loss, SI/CI formulas. Solve 50+ questions.
Time-speed-distance, trains, boats. Practice 100+ logical reasoning.
Mock tests. Identify weak areas. Revise all formulas daily.
Full-length TCS NQT mocks. Target 75%+ for Digital role.
TCS Ninja: 60-65% | TCS Digital: 75-80% | TCS Prime (CodeVita): 85%+. Cutoffs vary by college tier and batch size.
You can attempt TCS NQT once per exam cycle. If you don't qualify, you can reappear in the next cycle (usually 6 months later).
TCS NQT is moderate difficulty — similar to CoCubes, slightly easier than eLitmus. Focus on formula memorization and speed.
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided for the quantitative aptitude section. Practice using it beforehand to save time.