Key Details:
- Number of coding questions: 2-3
- Duration: 60-120 minutes
- Languages allowed: C, C++, Java, Python
- Negative marking: No (in coding section)
- Elimination round: Yes
- Difficulty level: Medium to Hard (LeetCode Medium-Hard equivalent)
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Goldman Sachs Latest Syllabus & Test Pattern 2026
The Goldman Sachs Engineering Campus Hiring Program is a multi-level assessment that serves as a gateway for engineering freshers to enter one of the world's most prestigious financial services firms. The assessment is conducted for both campus and off-campus candidates applying for the Engineering Analyst role at Goldman Sachs India offices in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
To better understand the updated Goldman Sachs syllabus and test pattern for 2026, scroll down and delve into the details. The Goldman Sachs recruitment assessment evaluates candidates across aptitude, technical knowledge, coding ability, and interview performance through a rigorous multi-round process.
Goldman Sachs Engineering Analyst Syllabus & Test Pattern - Overview
Here's an overview of the Goldman Sachs Engineering Analyst Assessment Syllabus & Test Pattern:
| Level | Section Name | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Numerical Computation |
8 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Numerical Reasoning |
12 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Logical Reasoning |
12 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Abstract Reasoning |
12 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Diagrammatic Reasoning |
12 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 (Aptitude) |
Verbal Reasoning |
10 |
90 Minutes (shared) |
Round 1 Total |
66 |
90 Minutes |
|
Round 2 (Technical) |
Coding Problems |
2-3 |
60-120 Minutes |
Round 2 (Technical) |
Technical MCQs (CS Fundamentals) |
8-11 |
Included in Round 2 time |
Round 3 |
Technical Interview 1 |
N/A |
45-60 Minutes |
Round 4 |
Technical Interview 2 |
N/A |
45-60 Minutes |
Round 5 |
Managerial / HR Interview |
N/A |
30-45 Minutes |
Goldman Sachs Syllabus - Section Wise
The Goldman Sachs assessment is conducted in online mode on the HackerRank platform. Round 1 (Aptitude Test) consists of 66 MCQ questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Round 2 (Technical Test) includes 2-3 coding problems along with technical MCQs. Both online rounds are eliminatory with sectional cutoffs. Negative marking applies in the aptitude round with a marking scheme of +5 for correct and -2 for incorrect answers.
Round 1: Aptitude Test (Online)
The aptitude test is the first and primary screening round in the Goldman Sachs hiring process. It is conducted online on the HackerRank platform. Candidates must answer 66 multiple-choice questions within 90 minutes. This is an elimination round with a cutoff of approximately 75% (around 50 correct answers out of 66). Negative marking applies with +5 for each correct answer and -2 for each incorrect answer.
Section 1: Numerical Computation
The numerical computation section tests a candidate's ability to perform basic arithmetic operations quickly and accurately. It focuses on mathematical calculations including probability, permutations, combinations, percentages, averages, and fundamental arithmetic.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Basic Arithmetic (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division) |
2-3 |
Hard |
Percentages, Ratios, and Proportions |
2-3 |
Hard |
Probability, Permutations, and Combinations |
2-3 |
Hard |
Averages, Speeds, and Distances |
1-2 |
Hard |
Section 2: Numerical Reasoning
The numerical reasoning section evaluates a candidate's ability to interpret data from graphs, tables, and charts, and to draw logical conclusions based on numerical data. These are puzzle-type questions with a mathematical approach.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables) |
4-5 |
Hard |
Number Series and Patterns |
3-4 |
Hard |
Mathematical Puzzles and Data-based Reasoning |
3-4 |
Hard |
Section 3: Logical Reasoning
The logical reasoning section gauges a candidate's ability to think logically, identify patterns, and solve problems using structured reasoning. This section also includes questions on basic computer architecture (logic gates).
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Pattern Recognition |
4-5 |
Medium |
Logical Sequences and Series |
3-4 |
Medium |
Coding and Decoding |
2-3 |
Medium |
Computer Architecture (AND, NOT, OR Gates) |
2 |
Medium |
Section 4: Abstract Reasoning
The abstract reasoning section assesses a candidate's ability to identify patterns in shapes and figures and determine the next figure in a series. This is generally reported as the most accessible section of the aptitude test.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Figure Series (Next in Sequence) |
5-6 |
Medium |
Shape Patterns and Transformations |
3-4 |
Medium |
Visual Pattern Recognition |
2-3 |
Medium |
Section 5: Diagrammatic Reasoning
The diagrammatic reasoning section tests a candidate's ability to understand how shapes and diagrams transform according to rules and to find missing values in diagram-based patterns.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Diagram-based Patterns (Finding Missing Values) |
5-6 |
Hard |
Input-Output Diagrams |
3-4 |
Hard |
Flowchart-based Reasoning |
2-3 |
Hard |
Section 6: Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section evaluates a candidate's ability to comprehend, analyse, and interpret written information through reading comprehension passages and related questions.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension (Passage-based) |
5-6 |
Hard |
Sentence Correction and Improvement |
2-3 |
Hard |
Vocabulary and Fill in the Blanks |
1-2 |
Hard |
Round 2: Technical Test (Online - Off-Campus Only)
The technical test is the second online round, primarily conducted for off-campus candidates. In on-campus drives, candidates may proceed directly from the aptitude test to interviews. This round includes 2-3 coding problems and 8-11 technical MCQs covering computer science fundamentals. The total duration is approximately 60-120 minutes depending on the drive.
Section 7: Coding Problems
The coding section assesses a candidate's programming skills, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving ability. The difficulty level ranges from medium to hard, with problems frequently covering data structures, dynamic programming, and graph-based algorithms.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Arrays and Strings |
Frequently tested |
Medium to Hard |
Dynamic Programming |
Frequently tested |
Medium to Hard |
Graph Algorithms (BFS, DFS, Cycle Detection) |
Frequently tested |
Hard |
Trees and Binary Search Trees |
Occasionally tested |
Medium to Hard |
Sorting and Searching |
Occasionally tested |
Medium |
Greedy Algorithms |
Occasionally tested |
Medium |
Stack and Queue-based Problems |
Occasionally tested |
Medium |
Section 8: Technical MCQs (CS Fundamentals)
The technical MCQ section tests fundamental computer science knowledge through questions on programming concepts, data structures, algorithms, DBMS, operating systems, and output prediction.
| Syllabus Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Data Structures and Algorithms |
3-4 |
Medium to Hard |
Programming Output Prediction (C/C++/Java) |
2-3 |
Medium |
DBMS (SQL, Normalization) |
1-2 |
Medium |
Operating Systems (Process Management) |
1-2 |
Medium |
OOP Concepts |
1-2 |
Medium |
Key Details:
- Negative marking: Yes (-2 for incorrect answers)
- Duration: Included within the overall Round 2 time
Section 9: Technical Interviews (Rounds 3-4)
Goldman Sachs conducts 2-3 technical interview rounds, each lasting 45-60 minutes. Interviews are conducted on CoderPad or similar platforms with live coding. The emphasis across all technical rounds is approximately 70% DSA, 20% puzzles, and 10% language-specific and framework questions.
| Syllabus | Format | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
Technical Interview 1 (DSA + Resume) |
Live Coding on CoderPad |
45-60 Minutes |
Technical Interview 2 (DSA + System Design) |
Live Coding on CoderPad |
45-60 Minutes |
Technical Interview 3 (if applicable) |
Live Coding on CoderPad |
45-90 Minutes |
Technical Topics Covered:
- Data Structures: Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees (BST, traversals), Graphs, HashMaps, Stacks, Queues
- Algorithms: Dynamic Programming, Binary Search, Sorting, BFS/DFS, Greedy, Sliding Window
- Problem-Solving: LeetCode Medium-Hard style problems with follow-up optimization questions
- Puzzles: Mathematical and logical puzzles (reported in approximately 20% of interview time)
- Resume Projects: In-depth discussion of tech stack, architecture decisions, and challenges
- CS Fundamentals: OOP concepts, DBMS (ACID properties, SQL queries), OS (mutex vs semaphore, process management)
- Language-specific: Java (collections framework, multithreading, exception handling), Python, C++
Section 10: Managerial / HR Interview (Round 5)
The final round combines managerial and HR evaluation. It assesses cultural fit, communication skills, motivation, and behavioral traits.
| Syllabus | Format | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
Managerial + HR Combined |
Interview |
30-45 Minutes |
HR / Behavioral Topics Covered:
- Self-introduction
- Why Goldman Sachs?
- Career goals and long-term aspirations
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Teamwork and conflict resolution experiences
- Willingness to relocate (Bengaluru / Hyderabad)
- Knowledge of Goldman Sachs' business, values, and principles
- Situational and behavioral questions (STAR method)
Goldman Sachs Selection Process 2026
The complete Goldman Sachs hiring process for engineering freshers consists of the following stages in order:
Application / Registration: Through Goldman Sachs Careers portal or college TPO for campus drives
Resume Shortlisting: Based on academic background, CGPA, and profile
Aptitude Test (Round 1): 66 MCQs in 90 minutes on HackerRank (Elimination Round)
Technical Test (Round 2): 2-3 coding problems + technical MCQs (Elimination Round, primarily off-campus)
Technical Interview 1: DSA + Resume discussion, 45-60 minutes (Elimination Round)
Technical Interview 2: DSA + System Design, 45-60 minutes (Elimination Round)
Managerial / HR Interview: Behavioral + cultural fit, 30-45 minutes (Elimination Round)
Final Selection and Offer: Background verification followed by offer letter
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What should I study for the Goldman Sachs exam?
For the aptitude round, focus on numerical computation (probability, permutations, combinations), numerical reasoning (data interpretation, number series), logical reasoning (pattern recognition), abstract reasoning (figure series), diagrammatic reasoning, and verbal reasoning (reading comprehension). For the technical round, study data structures, algorithms, dynamic programming, graphs, and CS fundamentals.
How many rounds are there in the Goldman Sachs hiring process?
The Goldman Sachs hiring process typically consists of 5-6 rounds: Aptitude Test, Technical Test (off-campus), 2-3 Technical Interviews, and a Managerial/HR Interview. Every round is eliminatory.
Is there negative marking in the Goldman Sachs exam?
Yes, negative marking applies in the aptitude test (Round 1) with a marking scheme of +5 for each correct answer and -2 for each incorrect answer. Negative marking also applies in the technical MCQ section of Round 2. There is no negative marking for coding problems.
Is the coding round mandatory?
Yes, for off-campus drives, the technical test (Round 2) with coding problems is mandatory. In on-campus drives, candidates may sometimes proceed directly from the aptitude test to interviews, but coding is extensively tested during the interview rounds on CoderPad.
What is the total duration of the Goldman Sachs exam?
The aptitude test (Round 1) is 90 minutes for 66 questions. The technical test (Round 2) is approximately 60-120 minutes for coding problems and MCQs. The total online assessment duration is approximately 150-210 minutes across both rounds.
What is the section-wise distribution of the Goldman Sachs aptitude test?
The aptitude test consists of 66 questions across 6 sections: Numerical Computation (8), Numerical Reasoning (12), Logical Reasoning (12), Abstract Reasoning (12), Diagrammatic Reasoning (12), and Verbal Reasoning (10). All sections share a total time of 90 minutes.
How often does Goldman Sachs conduct hiring drives?
Goldman Sachs conducts campus hiring annually, typically opening applications around August-September for engineering roles. Off-campus hiring occurs throughout the year based on business requirements. The Engineering Campus Hiring Program is the primary hiring channel for freshers.
What is the cutoff for the Goldman Sachs aptitude test?
Candidates must score at least 75% in the aptitude test (approximately 50 correct answers out of 66) to advance to the next round. Due to negative marking, accuracy is critical - unanswered questions do not deduct marks, but incorrect answers deduct 2 marks each.
Where can I find practice materials for the Goldman Sachs exam?
You can use placement preparation platforms that offer mock tests, sample questions, and Goldman Sachs-specific practice material to prepare for the exam.