HCL Technologies interview experience Real time questions & tips from candidates to crack your interview

Graduate Engineer Trainee

HCL Technologies
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3 rounds | 14 Coding problems

Interview preparation journey

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Journey
My journey began with learning the basics and steadily building a strong foundation through continuous practice and hands-on projects. I put in a lot of effort to improve both my technical knowledge and communication skills. I successfully cleared the first round, which was an online test, and gave my best in the group discussion that followed. Reaching the personal interview round was a big milestone for me, and although I didn’t make it past the final stage, the entire experience was incredibly enriching. It gave me clearer insights into where I stand and what I need to work on. This attempt has only fuelled my determination to come back stronger and keep moving forward.
Application story
I applied for this role through my college's on-campus placement drive. After successfully clearing the initial online test and the Group Discussion (GD), I was shortlisted for the final stages of the selection process held at the HCL campus in Noida. The final process was divided into two main rounds: the Technical Round, where my domain knowledge and problem-solving abilities were assessed through a series of technical questions and discussions, and the HR Round, which focused on evaluating my communication skills, personality, and cultural fit for the organization.
Why selected/rejected for the role?
Although I successfully cleared the online test and Group Discussion (GD) rounds, I believe I was not selected in the final round due to a few reasons. There might have been minor gaps in my technical knowledge or the way I approached certain questions. Additionally, there could have been slight communication gaps or a lack of confidence during the HR round. It is also possible that my profile did not perfectly match the specific skills or experience HCL was looking for at the time.
Preparation
Duration: 2 months
Topics: Python, Java, MySQL, React, OOPS, Networking
Tip
Tip

Tip 1: Practice DSA regularly.
Tip 2: Focus on core concepts of Python and Java.
Tip 3: Work on DBMS, OS, Networking and MySQL.

Application process
Where: Campus
Eligibility: No active backlogs, Above 8 CGPA, (Salary Package: 4.5 LPA)
Resume Tip
Resume tip

Tip 1: Add relevant experience and skills according to the role.
Tip 2: Add projects you have built.

Interview rounds

01
Round
Easy
Online Coding Test
Duration110 minutes
Interview date18 Feb 2025
Coding problem2

The test consisted of 10 MCQs each on Probability, Coding, Aptitude and Reasoning.

1. DBMS

What is normalization? What are the different normal forms? (Learn)

Problem approach

Tip 1: Explain with a simple example like a student table where student info and course info are in one table. Then show how normalization splits it into smaller, meaningful tables (e.g., Students and Courses).
Tip 2: Start with "why" normalization is needed—to avoid redundancy, maintain data integrity, and improve performance. Interviewers like candidates who understand why, not just what.
Tip 3: Clearly differentiate each normal form in a step-by-step manner, and don’t try to overcomplicate it with unnecessary technical jargon. Clean, simple definitions show clarity of concept.

2. Compress the String

Moderate
25m average time
60% success
0/80
Asked in companies
AdobeMathworksCIS - Cyber Infrastructure

You’re given a string where multiple characters are repeated consecutively. You’re supposed to reduce the size of this string using mathematical logic given as in the example below :
Input :
abbccccc

Output:
ab2c5

Problem approach

Step 1: I first thought about using a dictionary to store character counts.
But then I realized this wouldn't maintain the order or handle consecutive repetition properly.
Step 2: I changed my approach and started iterating through the string from left to right. I used a loop to count how many times the current character is repeating consecutively.
Step 3: For each character, I added it to the result string. If its count was more than 1, I added the count next to it.
Step 4: I implemented this logic using a simple while loop and string concatenation. The interviewer liked how I optimized the approach to run in O(n) time with O(1) extra space (ignoring output).

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02
Round
Easy
Face to Face
Duration120 minutes
Interview date5 Apr 2025
Coding problem6

During the technical round of my Industrial Exposure, I had the opportunity to demonstrate and apply my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. The interview focused on both theoretical concepts and practical applications related to my academic background. I was asked questions from core subjects such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems (DBMS), and Web Development technologies like React.js, JavaScript, and SQL.
In addition to technical questions, I was also given problem statements to solve in real-time, which tested my coding abilities and logical thinking. The panel evaluated my approach to analysing the problems, optimizing solutions, and writing clean, efficient code. I was also assessed on my understanding of system design principles, API integration, and cloud basics, reflecting the industry's demand for well-rounded technical skills.
Overall, the technical round helped me to not only assess my preparedness but also to better understand the expectations and real-world application of the concepts I had learned during my academic journey.

1. System Design

What is system design? Why is it important? (Learn)

Problem approach

Tip 1: Read regularly about system designs.
Tip 2: Think About Database Design.
Tip 3: Define High-Level System Architecture.

2. DBMS

What is ACID property in DBMS? (Learn)

Problem approach

Tip 1: Practice DBMS regularly.
Tip 2: Solve questions online.

3. Operating System

Difference between Process and Thread? (Learn)

Problem approach

Tip 1: Study OS concepts daily.
Tip 2: Add a small real-life example to explain clearly.

4. 2 Sum

Moderate
0/80
Asked in companies
Wells FargoHCL TechnologiesOLX Group

Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to a specific target.

Problem approach

Step 1: Create a hashmap to store number → index.
Step 2: For each element x, check if target - x exists in the map.
Step 3: If found, return their indices.

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5. Merge Two Sorted Linked Lists

Moderate
15m average time
80% success
0/80
Asked in companies
CIS - Cyber InfrastructureAmazonApple

Merge two sorted linked lists into one sorted list.

Problem approach

Step 1: Create a dummy node, use a current pointer.
Step 2: Compare heads of both lists, append smaller to current, move pointer.
Step 3: Append remaining elements.

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6. Maximum Subarray Sum

Moderate
25m average time
75% success
0/80
Asked in companies
SquadstackAmazonRazorpay

Find the contiguous subarray with the largest sum.

Problem approach

Step 1: Initialize max_sum = current_sum = arr[0].
Step 2: For each element, update current_sum = max(x, current_sum + x).
Step 3: Update max_sum if current_sum is greater.

Try solving now
03
Round
Easy
HR Round
Duration15 minutes
Interview date5 Apr 2025
Coding problem6

The HR round primarily focused on assessing my personality, communication skills, and cultural fit within the company. The interviewer asked about my background, interests, and motivation for applying to the company. There were questions about my academic journey, projects, and how I handle challenges, especially in teamwork and deadlines. Additionally, I was asked about my long-term career goals and how I would align them with the company’s values and vision.

The HR also discussed compensation, relocation (if applicable), and availability, providing a clear understanding of the company’s work culture and expectations. The round was conversational, with a focus on gauging my enthusiasm, attitude, and adaptability rather than technical skills.

1. HR Question

Tell me about yourself.

Problem approach

Tip 1: Start with your education and technical background (make it relevant to the role).
Tip 2: Mention key skills, certifications, or projects you've worked on (briefly).
Tip 3: End with your career goal or why you are excited about the opportunity.

2. HR Question

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Choose real strengths that are relevant (like teamwork, communication, quick learning).
Tip 2: Pick a weakness that is minor and show how you're working to improve it.
Tip 3:Be honest but positive — never sound careless.

3. HR Question

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Show career growth, not job-hopping.
Tip 2: Align your goals with the company's goals (example: growing technically, leadership roles).
Tip 3: Be realistic and show ambition.

4. HR Question

Why do you want to work here?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Mention values, culture, or recent achievements.
Tip 2: Show alignment with your career path.
Tip 3: Avoid generic answers like "good reputation."

5. HR Question

Why should we hire you?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Highlight key skills/achievements. Match them to job requirements.
Tip 2: Emphasize how you’ll contribute to the team.
Tip 3: Be concise and confident: No need to oversell.

6. HR Question

Do you have any questions for us?

Problem approach

Tip 1: Always say yes. It shows engagement.
Tip 2: Ask thoughtful questions about growth, team culture, or projects.
Tip 3: Avoid salary/leave topics early.

Here's your problem of the day

Solving this problem will increase your chance to get selected in this company

Skill covered: Programming

What is recursion?

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