The Ignite assessment is a 120-minute, in-centre TCS iON test with three compulsory aptitude sections and one optional coding problem. Each section has its own timer — you cannot carry unused minutes from one section into the next.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Time | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 30 min | Yes |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 | 30 min | Yes |
| Verbal Ability | 20 | 30 min | Yes |
| Coding | 1 problem | 30 min | Optional |
| Total | 60 MCQs + 1 problem | 120 min | — |
Rules that shape your strategy
- No negative marking — never leave an MCQ blank. With 30 seconds to spare, guess every remaining question.
- Sectional timers. 90 seconds per question is the budget in every section; a question that has eaten three minutes should be guessed and left.
- Sectional cut-offs are reported. Candidates consistently report that a very weak section is not rescued by a strong one — aim for at least 12–13 correct in each.
- Coding is optional but visible. Attempting it is how you signal a programming aptitude to the panel; a clean, compiling solution to a simple problem (string, array, number logic) is a real advantage at interview. Languages offered: C, C++, Java, Python and Perl.
- Mode. Computer-based at a TCS iON centre allotted on your hall ticket; carry the admit card and a government photo ID.
Difficulty
Comparable to the Foundation part of TCS NQT — Class 10 maths, basic grammar and standard reasoning puzzles. The time pressure, not the concepts, is what fails candidates. Practice with the numerical, verbal and reasoning sets here, then time yourself on full NQT foundation papers.