# TCS Interview Questions with Answers

8 previously-asked interview questions from TCS's hiring process, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. Written against the company's actual test pattern.

_Source: Astra (https://useastra.in). Updated 2026-09-05._

### 1. What is the difference between C and C++?

**Answer:** C is a procedural language, while C++ is multi-paradigm and supports object oriented programming with classes, inheritance, and polymorphism. C++ also adds features like function overloading, references, templates, and the STL, and offers stronger type checking.

**Explanation:** Procedural vs object oriented, plus C++ extra features.

### 2. What is a pointer in C?

**Answer:** A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. It allows dynamic memory allocation, passing by reference, and efficient handling of arrays and data structures. Dereferencing a pointer accesses the value at that address.

**Explanation:** Definition and uses of pointers.

### 3. What is the difference between DBMS and RDBMS?

**Answer:** A DBMS stores data as files with little relationship handling, while an RDBMS stores data in tables (relations) with keys and supports relationships, constraints, and SQL. RDBMS also enforces ACID properties and normalization. Examples: MySQL and Oracle are RDBMS.

**Explanation:** Relational structure and constraints distinguish RDBMS.

### 4. What is normalization and why is it used?

**Answer:** Normalization is the process of organising database tables to reduce redundancy and avoid anomalies during insert, update, and delete. It splits data into related tables and applies normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF). The trade-off is more joins for cleaner, consistent data.

**Explanation:** Reduce redundancy and anomalies via normal forms.

### 5. What is the difference between a process and a thread?

**Answer:** A process is an independent program in execution with its own memory space, while a thread is a lightweight unit within a process that shares the process memory and resources. Threads are faster to create and switch, but need synchronization to avoid race conditions.

**Explanation:** Process has own memory; threads share it.

### 6. Explain the ACID properties of a transaction.

**Answer:** ACID stands for Atomicity (all or nothing), Consistency (valid state to valid state), Isolation (concurrent transactions do not interfere), and Durability (committed changes persist). Together they guarantee reliable database transactions.

**Explanation:** Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability.

### 7. Tell me about yourself.

**Answer:** Give a concise 60 to 90 second summary: your name and degree, one or two technical strengths, a project or internship you are proud of with the impact, and why you are excited about a role at TCS. Keep it structured and end by connecting your goals to the company.

**Explanation:** Structured pitch: background, strengths, project, fit.

### 8. Why do you want to join TCS?

**Answer:** Mention TCS scale and global client exposure, its strong learning ecosystem for freshers (ILP training), stability, and how the variety of projects helps you grow. Tie it to your own goal of building a strong foundation early in your career. Be specific and genuine.

**Explanation:** Scale, training, exposure, growth; be specific.

More TCS preparation, including the full recruitment process: https://useastra.in/campus/tcs