HCL Interview Questions 2026
Preparing for HCLTech interviews is an essential part of the placement journey for fresh graduates. The interview process evaluates a candidate's technical strengths, problem-solving skills, communication ability, and behavioral fit for the organization.
To help you prepare effectively, we've compiled commonly asked HCL technical and HR interview questions based on recent recruitment trends. Scroll down to explore the complete guide.
HCL Interview Process - Quick Overview
The HCL interview process evaluates a candidate's technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and overall workplace readiness. In most cases, the interview stage consists of two major rounds.
- Technical Interview
- HR Interview
HCL Interview Questions - Technical Round
The Technical Round in the HCL interview process evaluates your understanding of programming concepts, core computer science fundamentals, backend development basics, and real-world problem-solving abilities. Expect questions related to OOPs, Java fundamentals, memory management, multithreading, exception handling, and system behavior under different scenarios.
Topic 1: Core Programming and OOP Concepts
What to Expect: Interviewers will assess your understanding of programming concepts, object-oriented principles, and how effectively you apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical coding problems.
Sample Questions
1. What are the four pillars of Object-Oriented Programming?
Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction.
2. Explain the difference between a compiler, interpreter, and assembler.
Compiler translates whole code; interpreter executes line-by-line; assembler converts assembly to machine code.
3. What is the significance of finalize() in Java?
It executes before garbage collection to release system resources.
4. Describe how polymorphism works in Java.
It allows a single interface to represent multiple implementations using method overriding or overloading.
5. What is input/output (I/O) in C++?
It refers to handling input and output using streams like cin and cout.
6. State the allocation difference between malloc and calloc.
malloc allocates uninitialized memory; calloc allocates and initializes to zero.
7. Explain class access modifiers in Java.
They define member visibility: public, private, protected, and default (package-private).
8. What is a deadlock? How would you avoid it?
Deadlock is a state where processes wait indefinitely; avoided by resource ordering or avoiding circular waits.
9. What is a thread? How is it implemented?
Thread is a lightweight subprocess; implemented by extending Thread or implementing Runnable.
10. Explain what happens after each system call in sockets.
Control switches to the kernel, executes the system routine, then returns to user space.
How to Approach
- Strengthen Programming Fundamentals: Be clear with core concepts in Java, C, and C++, focusing on syntax and basic problem-solving.
- Revise Key Concepts: Review OOP principles, process management, and exception handling to handle conceptual questions confidently.
- Prepare Project Explanations: Be ready to explain projects involving multithreading, synchronization, or system-level logic.
- Practice Coding Regularly: Solve simple coding problems on an IDE to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before the interview.
Topic 2: Data Structures and Algorithms
What to Expect: Interviewers will evaluate your ability to solve logical problems and design effective algorithms. They will focus on how you approach problem-solving and optimize code for better performance.
Sample Questions
1. Write a program to check if a number is prime.
Loop till √n; if divisible, not prime; else, prime.
2. Can all array elements be made equal using operations?
Yes, if equal adjustments are possible through defined operations.
3. Write a program to reverse a linked list.
Iteratively change each node's next pointer and update the head.
4. Insert an element at a specific position in an array.
Shift elements right and place the new value at the desired index.
5. Implement a sorting algorithm like bubble sort or quick sort.
Bubble sort swaps adjacent elements; quick sort partitions and sorts recursively.
How to Approach
- Practice Core DSA Topics: Work on common operations using arrays, strings, and linked lists to build strong fundamentals.
- Revise Key Algorithms: Review sorting and searching algorithms along with their time and space complexities.
- Write and Explain Clean Code: Focus on optimized solutions and practice explaining your logic clearly while coding.
Topic 3: Database and SQL
What to Expect: Interviewers will test your understanding of relational databases and core SQL concepts. Expect questions on normalization, query writing, and basic database optimization techniques.
Sample Questions
1. What is normalization in databases?
It reduces data redundancy by organizing data into structured tables (1NF to 3NF).
2. What are joins, indexes, triggers, and views in SQL?
Joins combine tables; indexes speed up access; triggers automate actions; views are virtual tables.
3. What are the ACID properties in databases?
Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability ensure reliable transactions.
4. Explain the difference between primary key and unique key.
Primary key uniquely identifies records; unique key prevents duplicate values.
5. Write a query to find the second-highest salary in a table.
SELECT MAX(salary) FROM employee WHERE salary < (SELECT MAX(salary) FROM employee);
How to Approach
- Revise SQL Core Concepts: Practice writing SQL joins, subqueries, and using indexes to improve query performance.
- Understand Database Design: Focus on data integrity, table relationships, and normalization basics.
- Practice Query Explanation: Be prepared to write SQL queries on paper or explain your query logic clearly during the interview.
Topic 4: Operating Systems and Networking
What to Expect: Interviewers will assess your understanding of operating system concepts and networking fundamentals. Questions typically focus on core OS mechanisms and basic network protocols.
Sample Questions
1. What is a process and a thread?
Process is an independent program; thread is a lightweight sub-process.
2. Explain thread synchronization.
It ensures orderly thread execution using locks or semaphores.
3. What is a context switch?
It's when the CPU switches from one process or thread to another.
4. What is the TCP handshake procedure?
Three-step process: SYN → SYN-ACK → ACK to establish a connection.
5. Explain paging and segmentation.
Paging divides memory into fixed-size pages; segmentation uses variable-sized logical divisions.
How to Approach
- Revise OS Fundamentals: Review process states, CPU scheduling, and memory management concepts thoroughly.
- Understand Networking Basics: Refresh your knowledge of TCP/IP, OSI models, and basic network communication.
- Learn Synchronization Concepts: Understand inter-process communication, deadlocks, and common prevention techniques.
HCL Interview Questions - HR Round
What to Expect: HR interviews focus on assessing your personality, motivation, and communication skills. Interviewers also evaluate how well your values and career goals align with HCL's work culture.
Sample HR Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself.
Give a concise overview of your education, strengths, and career interests.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Aiming for a technical lead or senior engineer role contributing to innovation.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strength: Problem-solving; Weakness: Overanalyzing-but actively improving time management.
4. How do you manage stress or pressure?
By prioritizing tasks and maintaining calm focus under deadlines.
5. Are you willing to relocate?
Yes, relocation aligns with my professional growth.
6. Why do you want to join HCL?
Because of its global presence, technology-driven culture, and strong learning opportunities.
7. Tell us about your project and challenges faced.
Briefly describe the project's goal, your role, key challenge, and how you solved it.
8. What motivates you in your work?
Learning new technologies and solving real-world problems.
9. Describe a time you resolved a team conflict.
Mediated differences through communication and task delegation.
10. Are you comfortable working in shifts or weekends?
Yes, I'm adaptable to business requirements.
How to Approach
- Research HCL Thoroughly: Understand HCL's values, vision, services, and work culture before attending the interview.
- Communicate with Confidence: Maintain clear, confident, and positive communication throughout the discussion.
- Prepare Behavioral Examples: Use structured, real-life examples to answer behavioral questions effectively.
- Show the Right Attitude: Demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, and a growth mindset in your responses.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What job roles are offered at HCL?
HCL typically offers job roles such as Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET), Software Engineer, Technical Analyst, and domain-specific roles across development, testing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data engineering, and application support.
Is the HCL interview tough?
The HCL interview is moderately challenging. Candidates who have strong fundamentals in programming, core computer science subjects, and good communication skills generally find the process manageable.
How many interview rounds are there in the HCL interview process?
HCL usually conducts two interview rounds after the online assessment:
- Technical Interview
- HR Interview
How long is the HCL interview?
Each HCL interview round typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the depth of technical discussion and the experience of the candidate.
What types of technical questions are frequently asked in HCL interviews?
Expect questions from OOPs, Java fundamentals, DSA, SQL, OS, CN, and scenario-based coding problems. Backend, mobile development, and system design concepts may also be asked based on your resume.
How should I prepare for my HCL interview?
Revise core CS subjects, practice common coding problems, review your projects, and prepare clear explanations for technical and behavioral questions. Strong communication and clarity of thought are important.
What will be my salary if I pass the HCL interview?
Freshers selected through the HCL hiring process typically receive ₹3.6-₹4.25 LPA during training and ₹4.5-₹5.5 LPA after being confirmed as Software Engineers or Technical Analysts.
When can I expect my HCL interview results?
HCL usually communicates interview results within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on internal evaluation and hiring timelines.
How many days does HCL take to give a joining letter?
After selection, HCL typically issues joining letters within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on project requirements, background verification, and training batch schedules.