HCL Interview Experience 2025
Preparing for interviews at HCLTech can feel challenging, especially with multiple technical and behavioral rounds involved. To help you understand what to expect, we've compiled real interview experiences shared by candidates across various roles, including Java Developer, Android Developer, iOS Developer, and Backend Engineer. These experiences reflect the type of questions asked, the depth of technical evaluation, and the skills HCL typically looks for.
HCLTech follows a structured interview approach that may vary slightly depending on the role and experience level, but the overall pattern remains consistent. The process usually includes an online assessment, one or two technical interviews, and a final HR discussion. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown based on recent candidate feedback.
The process usually includes an online assessment, one or two technical interviews, and a final HR discussion. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown based on recent candidate feedback.
Round 1: Online Assessment
The first stage of the HCLTech recruitment process is the Online Assessment, conducted through a secure, AI-proctored platform. This round evaluates a candidate's numerical ability, logical reasoning, English proficiency, computer fundamentals, and coding skills. It acts as a major elimination round, and only those who meet the sectional cut-offs proceed to the technical interview.
The assessment pattern may vary depending on the role, but the question format and difficulty level remain mostly consistent across drives.
1. Quantitative Aptitude
This section evaluates arithmetic accuracy, numerical reasoning, and speed.
Topics Covered:
- Number System
- Time & Work
- Percentages
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Averages & Mixtures
- Data Interpretation (tables and graphs)
Sample Questions:
If the speed of a train increases by 20%, how much time will it save in covering the same distance?
A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 3:1. If 2 liters of water is added, what is the new ratio?
Based on a bar graph, identify which year shows the highest percentage growth.
2. Logical Reasoning
This section checks logical thinking, pattern recognition, analytical reasoning, and decision-making.
Topics Covered:
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Number and Letter Series
- Seating Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Syllogisms
- Directions
- Data Sufficiency
Sample Questions:
In a seating arrangement of eight people, who sits to the immediate left of A?
If CAT is coded as FDW, how is DOG coded?
Determine whether the statement "All roses are flowers" logically follows from the given premises.
3. Verbal Ability
This section evaluates grammar, comprehension, and communication skills.
Topics Covered:
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Error Spotting
- Vocabulary & Idioms
- Active-Passive Voice
Sample Questions:
- Identify the grammatically correct sentence from the given options.
- Rearrange the sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.
- Choose the correct synonym for the word diligent.
4. Computer Fundamentals
This section tests basic technical understanding required for IT roles.
Topics Covered:
- Programming Basics
- Data Structures
- Algorithms
- Database Fundamentals
- Operating System Basics
- Networking Concepts
- Software Engineering Basics
Sample Questions:
- Which data structure follows FIFO?
- What is the purpose of a foreign key in a database?
- Which layer of the OSI model deals with routing?
5. Coding Section
The coding part evaluates programming logic, problem-solving ability, and clarity of implementation. Difficulty ranges from basic to intermediate, depending on the role.
Sample Questions:
- Reverse a string in Kotlin without using built-in functions.
- Find the first non-repeating character in a string.
- Design an LRU Cache.
- Baton-passing simulation problem using Java.
- Find the maximum product of two columns in an SQL table.
Candidates who clear all sectional cut-offs proceed to the technical interview round.
Round 2: Technical Interview
The Technical Interview at HCLTech evaluates your depth of knowledge in programming, frameworks, system behavior, and real-world application development. The interview format varies by role, but generally includes conceptual questions, scenario-based discussions, and moderate coding challenges. Candidates with strong fundamentals and hands-on experience tend to perform better, as interviewers focus heavily on practical understanding rather than memorized definitions.
Commonly Asked Topics
- Core Java (OOPs, Collections, Concurrency, Java 8 Features)
- Spring Boot & REST API Development
- Microservices Architecture & API Design
- SQL Queries & Database Optimization
- Android (Kotlin, Jetpack, Coroutines)
- iOS (Swift, ARC, Objective-C Interoperability)
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- System Design (Chat systems, retries, storage, scalability)
- API Security & Performance Optimization
- Tools such as Postman, SOAP UI, Retrofit, FCM
Sample Technical Questions
- Provide a real-world example of OOPs concepts and explain each principle.
- Explain the internal working of a HashMap.
- How did you implement security in your Spring Boot application?
- Difference between LiveData and StateFlow in Android.
- What is ARC in Swift and how does it manage memory?
- Solve the Two Sum problem with optimal time complexity.
- Design a chat application - how would you handle messaging, notifications, and offline storage?
Round 3: HR Interview
The HR round at HCLTech focuses on understanding your personality, communication skills, workplace behavior, and alignment with the company's values. Interviewers often explore your motivation for joining HCL, your ability to work in teams, flexibility with projects and locations, and your long-term career aspirations. This round is generally conversational but plays a significant role in the final selection.
Key Themes in the HR Interview
- Motivation to join HCLTech
- Understanding of HCL's work culture and "Employee First" philosophy
- Willingness to relocate or work on client-facing projects
- Teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills
- Notice period, expected CTC, and project flexibility
- Handling pressure, deadlines, and workplace challenges
- Long-term career goals and learning mindset
Sample HR Interview Questions
- Why do you want to join HCLTech?
(Asked in multiple HR rounds across Java, Android, and iOS roles) - What do you know about HCLTech's values and culture?
- Are you comfortable working on client-facing or onsite projects?
- Tell me about a situation where you worked as part of a team to solve a technical problem.
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
- How do you handle project deadlines or unexpected pressure?
- Are you willing to relocate to Bangalore or Chennai if required?
(common question based on role availability)
Additional Notes
The HCL online assessment is AI-proctored, and candidates must clear the sectional cut-offs to qualify for technical rounds.
For backend roles, interviews focus heavily on Core Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, Microservices, and Java 8 features.
Mobile development roles (Android/iOS) include questions on lifecycle management, memory handling, architecture patterns, and system-level problem-solving.
Mid-level and senior candidates can expect a dedicated System Design round, often involving chat systems, retries, caching, notifications, and scalability.
Walk-in drives may include broad MCQ sections across HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and Java, along with coding tasks.
Practical knowledge of tools such as Postman, SOAP UI, Retrofit, and Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is considered a strong advantage.
Interview results are generally communicated within 1-2 weeks, though timelines may vary depending on project requirements.
Final offers often depend on notice period, project fit, and client approval for certain roles.
