HCL Interview Questions

HCL Recruitment Process

Interview Process

HCL (Hindustan Computers Limited) is an active recruiter, conducting recruitment every year to hire fresh, exceptional applicants for a variety of positions. These four rounds are usually included in the company's selection procedure.

• Written/Aptitude Assessment Round
• Group Discussion
• Technical Interview Round
• HR Round

Interview Rounds

• The first phase of the written/aptitude assessment focuses on verbal reasoning and numeric skills. These are multiple-choice questions that are answered online. This round is often reserved for first-year students rather than experienced applicants.
• Group Discussion: During the selection process, recruiters examine if a candidate possesses particular personality attributes that a business desires in its personnel. Teams are established and given a common topic of discussion/argument in this round. One can choose whether they want to discuss points in favor of or against the issue. It might also be a general talk about something that occurred recently. Team spirit, capacity to come up with responses on the moment, how to manage disagreements, awareness of contemporary subjects, and so on were some of the features identified in this round.
• Technical Interview Round: Questions on topics such as C, C++, JAVA, UNIX, LINUX, and others may be asked for the technical round. Being meticulous with your fundamentals is an excellent practice for being able to crack this round. Below is a list of the inquiries we've prepared for the technical game. Interviewers may also inquire about your current year's projects. Most of the questions for an experienced applicant will come from the résumé and past job experience.
• The HCL interview process ends with the HR Round. Recruiters will ask general questions in this round. They also consider factors such as your desire to join the group. They inquire about your aims and ambitions and why you want to work for their company.

HCL Interview Questions for Freshers

1. What do "Class access modifiers" imply?

An access modifier in Java determines which classes are allowed access to a particular class's fields, constructors, and methods. It is possible to provide different access modifiers for a class' constructors, properties, and processes. In everyday speech, Java access specifiers occasionally refer to Java access modifiers. However, this is incorrect. There are four distinct Java access modifiers that may be used on classes, fields, constructors, and methods:

• private
• default (package)
• protected
• public

2. What exactly is a thread?

Within a program, a thread is a single sequential flow of control. A single sequential line is not what excites people about threads. Instead, it refers to employing numerous cables operating concurrently and carrying out various activities inside a single program.

3. What occurs in sockets after each system call, both at the client and the server?

A server (software) has a socket tied to a particular port and executes on a specific machine. The server waits and listens to the socket when a client requests a connection. The server accepts the link if all goes according to plan. After getting it, the server receives a new socket connected to a different port.

4. Give two critical distinctions between "Truncate" and "Delete."

The table's data can be deleted using either the delete or truncate commands. While truncate is a DDL command, delete is a DML command. The table's complete data can be deleted using the truncate function without compromising the table's integrity. However, the delete statement may be used to remove a specified set of data.

5. Define the term "access specifiers."

An access specifier is a defining code that can specify which program components are permitted access to a particular variable or another part of data.

6. In SQL, what are BLOCK statements?

An executable statement, the PL/SQL anonymous block statement, can hold both SQL and PL/SQL control notifications. In a scripting language, it can be used to build procedural logic. The data server can develop and execute this statement in PL/SQL environments.

7. What does it mean to have an "Abstract Class"?

An abstract class is known as a class explicitly intended to be used as a base class. There is at least one pure virtual function in an abstract class. In the declaration of a virtual member function in the class declaration, you define a pure virtual function using the pure specifier (= 0).

8. What exactly is a peek stack?

The initial element of the stack, or the one at the top, maybe retrieved using Java's Stack. peek() function. The retrieved element is not erased or taken out of the stack. Syntax: STACK.peek() The technique doesn't require any arguments.

9. What is the definition of a foreign key?

A column or columns of data in one table that links to the primary critical data in the original table are known as foreign keys.

10. Is the HCL interview easy?

If you're adequately prepared, the HCL interview process is simple. In most cases, the recruiting cycle at HCL takes around a week; however, it may take longer in rare cases. The first round consists of a simple aptitude exam. The individuals who have been shortlisted are subsequently chosen for a group discussion round. This interview section is also simple if you have a good understanding of current events and are confident. Be prepared for the interview and technical questions, as it differs somewhat from other firms.

11. Why do you want to join HCL?

HCL is a corporation that prioritizes innovation and culture. As an individual, I'd like to broaden my horizons while contributing to the company's success. Furthermore, the company's belief in 'Ideapreneurship' motivates me tremendously. It excites me to have the opportunity to propose suggestions for achieving the company's objectives.

12. How do you get placed in HCL?

HCL Technologies holds campus recruiting campaigns to hire young graduates from colleges all around India for various employment categories. Off-campus drives are also available. Aptitude, GD, Technical, and HR are the four processes they usually go through to get chosen. You can go into HCL if you prepare well for these rounds.

13. What is the salary for freshers in HCL?

In India, the typical compensation for freshers at HCL Technologies is between 1.6 and 4 lakhs per annum.

14. Does HCL reject after the HR round?

However, many students are turned down by HRs owing to a lack of communication skills. They may ask questions such as Tell me about yourself, why I should hire you, are you qualified for this role, and so on. The following portions were maintained for our campus recruitment. In our campus recruiting, HCL turned down Bio-Medical Engineering students.

15. What are class, object, and inheritance in Java?

Java One class can gain property from another type through inheritance. In Java, we utilize inheritance when there is an "Is-A" link between two classes. The inherited class is referred to as a subclass, while the parent class is a superclass.

No public function Object() { [native code] } exists for the class. Instead, when a class is created from the bytes of a class file using one of the following methods, the Java Virtual Machine immediately creates a Class object: Java's ClassLoader::defineClass.

Object in Java. Public class Object. The class object is the foundation of the class hierarchy. Object is the superclass of every class. All objects, including arrays, implement the methods of this class.

16. What is Thread, and where is used for?

An execution thread is a path through the code of a process. It has its program counter, which keeps track of which instruction to execute next, system registers, which maintain its current working variables, and a stack, which holds the history of previous executions.

17. What types of DBMS are you familiar with?

The market offers the following sorts of databases depending on the usage requirements:

• Organized database.
• Spread-out database.
• A private database.
• Client database.
• Business database.
• NoSQL data source
• The database used in operations.
• Relationship database
• Online database.
• Object-oriented database.
• Database for graphs.

18. How do you handle this situation if your team member is not working and you are the team leader?

Answer something like 

• Be encouraging while providing feedback.
• Communicate to find out if there are any underlying problems that could be worrying people.
• Offer suggestions for how they can receive assistance if the issue is unrelated to work yet affects how they perform at work.
• To assist employees in re-engaging, setting goals, improving skills, or modifying their job profile.

19. If your team member does not know the technology, how can you support him?

Supporting your team by empowering others around you is an effective strategy. However, it's not always simple to define the phrase. In essence, it's allowing others the freedom to think independently, make choices, and act by their judgment

You can empower people in several ways, albeit it's a rather complex approach. It frequently includes delegation since it demonstrates trust and confidence in them. Similarly, you should establish limits and expectations for how much freedom kids should have.

Giving fair and constructive criticism and ensuring that the natural consequences of decisions and actions are addressed are both essential components of empowerment. While this principle primarily applies to individuals in leadership positions, anybody may contribute to a culture where everyone feels empowered—supporting conversation, promoting ideas, and cultivating a healthy workplace culture all help.

20. What is Artificial Intelligence?

Computer science uses a technique called artificial intelligence. It is utilized to build intelligent machines acting like people and doing any work.

HCL Interview Questions for Experienced

21. Do you have any idea why programming languages exist?

It's true that the programming language is a formal language that enables the coding of several forms of data. It is how programmers once interacted with computers.

23. What is the complete form of SDLC?

Software Development Life Cycle is how SDLC is formally referred to. It is a well-known procedure that delivers high-quality software solutions quickly.

24. Name some popular operating systems.

Some of the most widely used operating systems include Windows, OSX, Linux, and Microsoft.

25. What will you do if you have to learn a new programming language for this job?

I'm constantly eager to learn. Additionally, I've learned various programming languages, including Python, Ruby, SQL, Python, C, C++, and C#. I thus believe that I will pick up the new language quickly.

26. What interests pulled you up about this job?

I would be interested in working here as a programmer. I believe that my master's programs are assisting me in developing in this profession and allowing me to put my abilities to use.

27. What is the difference between abstraction and encapsulation in object-oriented programming?

Abstraction focuses on hiding complex implementation details and showing only essential features of an object. Encapsulation is the bundling of data and the methods that operate on that data within a single unit or object. While abstraction is about simplifying and generalizing, encapsulation is about containing and protecting.

28. What is the difference between HashMap and Hashtable in Java?

• HashMap is non-synchronized and allows one null key and multiple null values, making it better for non-threaded applications.
• Hashtable is synchronized and doesn't allow any null key or value, which makes it slower but thread-safe.

29. Explain the concept of dependency injection and its benefits.

Dependency injection is a design pattern where objects receive their dependencies from external sources rather than creating them internally. Benefits include:

• Improved testability
• Reduced coupling between classes
• Enhanced modularity and flexibility
• Easier maintenance and scalability

30. Explain the concept of volatile keyword in Java.

The volatile keyword ensures that the value of a variable is always read from the main memory and not from the thread's cache, making it visible to all threads immediately after write operations.

31. What are microservices and how do they differ from a monolithic architecture?

Microservices are an architectural style where an application is composed of loosely coupled, independently deployable services. Unlike monolithic architectures where all functionality is managed in a single codebase, microservices allow for:

• Independent development and deployment of services
• Better scalability and fault isolation
• Technology diversity (different services can use different tech stacks)
• Easier maintenance and updates

32. What is the difference between a shallow copy and a deep copy in Java?

• Shallow Copy: Copies the object's reference, meaning changes to the referenced objects will affect the copied object.
• Deep Copy: Creates a new object and copies all fields, and for any references, it recursively copies them, ensuring no changes in the original object affect the copy.

33. How do you ensure thread safety in a multi-threaded application?

Thread safety can be ensured through various techniques:

• Using synchronization mechanisms (locks, semaphores)
• Implementing thread-safe data structures
• Using atomic operations
• Applying the principle of thread confinement
• Utilizing immutable objects
• Employing concurrent collections

34. What is HCL's strategy for expanding its global presence?

HCL's global expansion strategy involves:

• Establishing delivery centers in strategic locations
• Acquiring local companies to gain market presence and expertise
• Developing partnerships with regional players
• Tailoring services to meet local market needs
• Investing in local talent development

35. Explain the differences between REST and GraphQL APIs.

REST (Representational State Transfer) and GraphQL are both API design architectures:

• REST uses multiple endpoints for different resources, while GraphQL uses a single endpoint
• REST typically over-fetches or under-fetches data, while GraphQL allows clients to request exactly what they need
• REST has a fixed structure for requests and responses, while GraphQL offers more flexibility
• GraphQL provides strong typing and introspection capabilities

36. How can you improve the performance of a SQL query?

The performance of SQL queries can be improved by:

• Indexing appropriate columns.
• Avoiding SELECT * and fetching only required columns.
• Using joins instead of subqueries.
• Avoiding unnecessary usage of DISTINCT.
• Optimizing table schema and data types.

37. What is HCL's approach to innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industry?

HCL's approach to innovation includes:

• Investing in R&D labs and innovation centers
• Encouraging employee-driven innovation through Ideapreneurship™
• Collaborating with academic institutions and startups
• Participating in technology consortiums and standards bodies
• Continuous learning and upskilling programs for employees

38. What are design patterns and can you explain a few commonly used ones?

Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems in software design. Some common patterns include:

• Singleton: Ensures a class has only one instance
• Factory: Provides an interface for creating objects without specifying their concrete classes
• Observer: Defines a one-to-many dependency between objects
• Strategy: Defines a family of algorithms, encapsulates each one, and makes them interchangeable

39. What is lazy loading and eager loading in Hibernate?

• Lazy Loading: Entities or collections are loaded only when they are accessed.
• Eager Loading: Entities or collections are loaded immediately when the parent entity is loaded, consuming more memory but reducing subsequent database hits.

40. How do you approach performance optimization in a large-scale application?

Approaches to performance optimization include:

• Profiling and identifying bottlenecks
• Optimizing database queries and indexing
• Implementing caching strategies
• Code optimization and algorithmic improvements
• Load balancing and horizontal scaling
• Asynchronous processing for time-consuming tasks
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for static assets

41. How does HCL leverage partnerships in its business strategy?

HCL leverages partnerships through:

• Strategic alliances with technology leaders (IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, etc.)
• Joint go-to-market strategies
• Co-innovation initiatives
• Ecosystem development for specific industries or technologies

HCL HR Interview Questions

42. Can you tell me about yourself and your professional journey?

Answer: This is an open-ended question where you should provide a brief overview of your educational background, work experience, key skills, and career aspirations. Focus on experiences and skills relevant to the position you're applying for at HCL.

43. What motivates you to give your best at work?

Explain the factors that drive you, such as personal achievement, contributing to team success, learning new skills, or overcoming challenges. Mention how the values of HCL and its opportunities for innovation or growth align with your motivation.

44. Why do you want to work for HCL?

Answer: Demonstrate your knowledge about HCL's services, culture, and recent achievements. Mention how your skills align with HCL's needs and how working at HCL aligns with your career goals. You could highlight HCL's global presence, innovative projects, or commitment to employee development.

45. How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines to meet?

Describe your approach to prioritization, such as assessing the urgency and importance of tasks, breaking down larger projects into smaller steps, and using tools like to-do lists or project management software to stay organized.

46. How do you handle stress and pressure in a work environment?

Describe your strategies for managing stress, such as prioritizing tasks, maintaining a work-life balance, or using specific relaxation techniques. Provide an example of a high-pressure situation you've successfully navigated in your previous roles.

47. How would your colleagues describe you?

Choose attributes that reflect your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You might say that your colleagues describe you as reliable, hardworking, a good team player, or someone who remains calm under pressure.

48. Can you describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team to solve a complex problem?

Answer: Choose a relevant example that showcases your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Describe the situation, your role, the actions you took, and the positive outcome achieved through collaboration.

49. How do you handle criticism or feedback from colleagues or managers?

Explain that you view constructive feedback as a learning opportunity and a chance to grow. Mention how you stay open to feedback, reflect on it, and take necessary steps to improve your performance.

50. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your field?

Answer: Mention specific methods like following industry blogs, attending conferences or webinars, participating in online courses, or being part of professional networks. Highlight any recent learning experiences or certifications you've acquired.

51. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Talk about your career objectives and how you plan to grow professionally. You can mention how you expect to take on more responsibilities, improve your leadership skills, or deepen your expertise in a specific field. Align these goals with opportunities at HCL.

HCL Coding Questions

52. Write a function to reverse a string without using any built-in reverse functions.

• Python

Python

def reverse_string(s):
   return s[::-1]
# Alternative implementation:
def reverse_string_alt(s):
   return ''.join(reversed(s))
# Test
print(reverse_string("Hello, HCL!")) 

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Output

!LCH ,olleH

53. Write a program to check if a string is a palindrome in Python.

• Python

Python

def is_palindrome(s):
    return s == s[::-1]

# Example usage
string = "madam"
if is_palindrome(string):
    print(f"{string} is a palindrome")
else:
    print(f"{string} is not a palindrome")

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Output

madam is a palindrome

54. Implement a function to find the first non-repeated character in a string.

• Python

Python

def first_non_repeated_char(s):
   char_count = {}
   for char in s:
       char_count[char] = char_count.get(char, 0) + 1
   
   for char in s:
       if char_count[char] == 1:
           return char
   
   return None
# Test
print(first_non_repeated_char("HCL Technologies")) 

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Output

H

55. Write a program to find the factorial of a number using recursion in Java.

• Java

Java

public class Factorial {
    public static int factorial(int n) {
        if (n == 0) {
            return 1;
        }
        return n * factorial(n - 1);
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int number = 5;
        System.out.println("Factorial of " + number + " is " + factorial(number));
    }
}

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Output

Factorial of 5 is 120

56. Write a program to check if a given number is prime.

• Python

Python

def is_prime(n):
   if n < 2:
       return False
   for i in range(2, int(n**0.5) + 1):
       if n % i == 0:
           return False
   return True
# Test
print(is_prime(17))  
print(is_prime(24)) 

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Output

True
False

57. Write a program to merge two sorted arrays in C++.

• C++

C++

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

void mergeArrays(int arr1[], int arr2[], int n1, int n2, int arr3[]) {
    int i = 0, j = 0, k = 0;
    while (i < n1 && j < n2) {
        if (arr1[i] < arr2[j])
            arr3[k++] = arr1[i++];
        else
            arr3[k++] = arr2[j++];
    }
    while (i < n1)
        arr3[k++] = arr1[i++];
    while (j < n2)
        arr3[k++] = arr2[j++];
}

int main() {
    int arr1[] = {1, 3, 5, 7};
    int arr2[] = {2, 4, 6, 8};
    int n1 = sizeof(arr1)/sizeof(arr1[0]);
    int n2 = sizeof(arr2)/sizeof(arr2[0]);
    int arr3[n1 + n2];
    mergeArrays(arr1, arr2, n1, n2, arr3);
    
    cout << "Merged array: ";
    for (int i = 0; i < n1 + n2; i++)
        cout << arr3[i] << " ";
    return 0;
}

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Output

Merged array: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

58. Implement a function to find the longest palindromic substring in a given string.

• Python

Python

def longest_palindrome_substring(s):
   def expand_around_center(left, right):
       while left >= 0 and right < len(s) and s[left] == s[right]:
           left -= 1
           right += 1
       return s[left+1:right]
   longest = ""
   for i in range(len(s)):
       # Odd length palindromes
       palindrome = expand_around_center(i, i)
       if len(palindrome) > len(longest):
           longest = palindrome
       
       # Even length palindromes
       palindrome = expand_around_center(i, i+1)
       if len(palindrome) > len(longest):
           longest = palindrome
   
   return longest
# Test
print(longest_palindrome_substring("babad")) 

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Output

bab or aba

59. Write a Java program to find the second largest element in an array.

• Java

Java

public class SecondLargest {
    public static int findSecondLargest(int[] arr) {
        int largest = Integer.MIN_VALUE, secondLargest = Integer.MIN_VALUE;
        for (int num : arr) {
            if (num > largest) {
                secondLargest = largest;
                largest = num;
            } else if (num > secondLargest && num != largest) {
                secondLargest = num;
            }
        }
        return secondLargest;
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int[] arr = {5, 7, 9, 3, 2, 1};
        System.out.println("Second largest element is: " + findSecondLargest(arr));
    }
}

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Output

Second largest element is: 7

60. Write a function to find the intersection of two sorted arrays.

• Python

Python

def array_intersection(arr1, arr2):
   i, j = 0, 0
   result = []
   while i < len(arr1) and j < len(arr2):
       if arr1[i] == arr2[j]:
           result.append(arr1[i])
           i += 1
           j += 1
       elif arr1[i] < arr2[j]:
           i += 1
       else:
           j += 1
   return result
# Test
print(array_intersection([1, 2, 4, 5, 6], [2, 3, 5, 7]))

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Output

[2, 5]

61. Write a program to check if two strings are anagrams in Python.

• Python

Python

def are_anagrams(str1, str2):
    return sorted(str1) == sorted(str2)

str1 = "listen"
str2 = "silent"
print(f"{str1} and {str2} are anagrams" if are_anagrams(str1, str2) else "Not anagrams")

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Output

listen and silent are anagrams

HCL Interview Preparation

How to Prepare for HCL Interview?

When making a job application or getting ready for an interview, keep the following points in order to facilitate your ability to succeed:

• To better comprehend the needs of the organization, carefully review the job description. Improve your CV to reflect this, making sure to list all of your accomplishments and life lessons.
• Prior to the aptitude exam, practice. To obtain a sense of the questions you will ask, take a few sample examinations online.
• Be confident when it's your turn to talk in the Group Discussion round. Please have a good understanding of what's going on in the world of technology, as some of the subjects of debate revolve around it.
• Before the interview, practicing your communication abilities is a good idea.
• Prepare your responses for the technical round by going over the frequently requested questions.
• To increase your problem-solving abilities, use a variety of approaches.
• Make use of your prior interview experiences to help you prepare.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you get placed in HCL?

To get placed in HCL, candidates typically undergo an online aptitude test, a technical interview, and an HR interview. Preparing well in technical subjects and practicing problem-solving skills can significantly improve your chances of selection.

Q. What is the salary for freshers in HCL?

The salary for freshers in HCL usually ranges between ₹3.0 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh per annum. However, the exact package may vary depending on the candidate's skills, role, and the specific division within HCL.

Q. Is HCL interview easy?

The HCL interview is considered moderately difficult. It includes both technical and HR rounds. Preparation in core subjects, problem-solving skills, and good communication can make it easier to clear the selection process.

Q. Why do you want to join HCL?

I want to join HCL because it is a global leader in technology services, offering excellent growth opportunities, a collaborative work environment, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, which aligns with my career aspirations and professional goals.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed HCL interview questions. Preparing for an HCL interview requires a balanced approach to both technical and HR rounds. By practicing common programming problems, understanding key concepts in your domain, and preparing for behavioral questions, you can enhance your chances of success. 

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