The Ignite assessment is a 120-minute, in-centre TCS iON test of 51 questions: three aptitude sections (50 MCQs) sat in a fixed order, then one hands-on programming task. This is the shape of TCS's own 2026 “B.Sc Ignite & Smart Hiring” sample paper. TCS states one overall time; the minutes per section below are our recommended split, and our mock locks each section once it is submitted.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Time | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 17 | ≈ 25 min | Yes |
| Section II — Numerical Ability & Data Interpretation | 22 | ≈ 45 min | Yes |
| Section III — Reasoning Ability | 11 | ≈ 20 min | Yes |
| Section IV — Programming (hands-on) | 1 problem | ≈ 30 min | Yes |
| Total | 50 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.
- The programming task is the last section. A clean, compiling solution to a simple problem (string, array, number or counting 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.