# IBM Recruitment Process and Eligibility

IBM hires freshers (for example Associate System Engineer roles) through an online assessment that currently emphasises a coding test and an English language test, followed by group discussion and technical or HR interviews. Some drives also include cognitive games and a learning agility section, but these are not always active.

_Source: Astra (https://useastra.in). Updated 2026-10-24._

## Eligibility

| Criterion | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| Batch | 2026 |
| CGPA | 60% in 10th and 12th, 65% in graduation and post graduation (drive dependent) |
| Degrees | B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc, BCA, M.Sc, MCA |
| Branches | CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, MCA |
| Backlogs | No active backlogs |
| Gap years | Considered case by case |

## Recruitment rounds, in order

1. **Online Assessment** -- Coding test and English language test; some drives add cognitive games and learning agility.
2. **Group Discussion** -- Topic based discussion assessing communication and reasoning.
3. **Technical Interview** -- DSA, coding, core CS and projects.
4. **HR Interview** -- Communication and fit.

## Online test pattern

| Section | Questions | Time | Topics |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Coding Test | 6 | 30 min | Around 6 problems in Java, C, C++, Python or Node.js, DSA based |
| English Language Test | -- | -- | Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension |
| Cognitive Ability Games (not always active) | -- | -- | Pattern and logic games |

## Interview rounds

- **Technical Interview** (Coding and CS) -- DSA, coding, DBMS, OS and projects.
- **HR Interview** (Fit) -- Communication, relocation and joining flexibility.

## Topics to prepare

- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Coding across languages
- English grammar and comprehension
- DBMS and OS basics

## Preparation notes

- The coding test is time tight (around 6 problems in 30 minutes), practice speed
- Do not ignore the English test, it is a real gate
- Prepare for a group discussion round
- Revise DSA and core CS for the technical interview

## Previously-asked questions

- Interview (10 questions): https://useastra.in/campus/ibm/interview
- DSA (8 questions): https://useastra.in/campus/ibm/dsa
- Aptitude (12 questions): https://useastra.in/campus/ibm/aptitude
- Core CS (10 questions): https://useastra.in/campus/ibm/core-cs

Full guide: https://useastra.in/campus/ibm