Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India’s largest IT services and consulting organizations, is conducting its major recruitment drive for 2026. While TCS is widely known for hiring engineering graduates, there are also opportunities for 10th and 12th pass candidates, particularly through its Business Process Services (BPS) and support staff roles .
Overview of TCS Recruitment 2026
TCS has announced its National Qualifier Test (NQT) hiring drive for 2026, targeting candidates from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 batches. The registration process began on February 18, 2026, and will continue until March 20, 2026 . The selection process is conducted through the TCS NextStep Portal, the official platform for all TCS recruitment activities.
The company is offering two primary categories for freshers: Prime and Digital roles, with competitive salary packages that can go up to ₹12.26 LPA for postgraduate candidates .
Opportunities for 10th & 12th Pass Candidates
While most IT roles at TCS require graduation, the company does offer entry-level opportunities for candidates with 10th and 12th qualifications through its BPS (Business Process Services) division and certain administrative support roles. These positions typically involve:
- Data entry and back-office operations
- Customer support and voice processes
- Administrative and clerical support
- Facility management roles
Important Note: For 10th and 12th pass candidates, the salary typically ranges from ₹2.4 LPA to ₹3.6 LPA depending on the role and location . These roles are primarily available through TCS BPS hiring drives, which have separate eligibility criteria from the main NQT IT hiring.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for TCS recruitment drives in 2026, candidates must meet specific academic requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | 10th and 12th pass with minimum 50-60% aggregate (varies by role) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 28 years |
| Education Gap | Maximum 24 months allowed overall; must be declared |
| Course Type | Only full-time courses accepted |
| Backlogs | No pending backlogs at the time of selection (up to 1 backlog allowed during application for some roles) |
For candidates applying through the main NQT IT hiring, a graduate degree (B.Tech/B.E., MCA, M.Sc., etc.) is mandatory .
Salary Structure for 10th & 12th Pass Candidates
The salary structure varies based on the role, experience, and location. Below is a detailed table for entry-level opportunities suitable for 10th and 12th pass candidates.
Salary Table: TCS Jobs for 10th & 12th Pass Candidates (2026)
| Job Role | Minimum Qualification | Experience Level | Annual Salary (CTC) | Monthly Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPS Associate (Non-Voice) | 10th / 12th Pass | 0-1 Year | ₹2.4 LPA – ₹2.8 LPA | ₹18,000 – ₹23,000 |
| BPS Associate (Voice Process) | 12th Pass | 0-1 Year | ₹2.6 LPA – ₹3.2 LPA | ₹20,000 – ₹26,000 |
| Data Entry Operator | 10th / 12th Pass | 0-2 Years | ₹2.4 LPA – ₹3.0 LPA | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Back Office Support | 12th Pass | 0-2 Years | ₹2.5 LPA – ₹3.2 LPA | ₹20,000 – ₹26,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | 12th Pass | 1-3 Years | ₹2.8 LPA – ₹3.6 LPA | ₹23,000 – ₹30,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate and may vary based on location, performance in interviews, and specific business unit requirements.
Salary Comparison: Higher Education Roles
For context, here is the salary structure for graduate-level roles that 12th pass candidates can target after completing higher education:
| Role Category | Experience: 0-1 Year (UG) | Experience: 0-1 Year (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | ₹9.09 LPA – ₹9.30 LPA | ₹11.59 LPA – ₹11.80 LPA |
| Digital | ₹7.09 LPA – ₹7.30 LPA | ₹7.39 LPA – ₹7.60 LPA |
Source: TCS NQT 2026 Official Hiring Notification
Benefits and Perks
TCS offers a comprehensive benefits package even for entry-level roles:
- Health Insurance: Family medical coverage up to ₹5 lakhs hospitalization
- Financial Benefits: Provident Fund (PF), gratuity, and performance-linked variable pay
- Learning Opportunities: Access to TCS iON, Xplore, and global training platforms
- Work-Life Balance: 22+ paid leaves, parental leave, and mental health programs
- Transportation: Office cab/shuttle facilities at many locations
- Additional Perks: Meal subsidies, gym memberships, and relocation assistance
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the TCS NextStep Portal: Go to
nextstep.tcsapps.com - Register or Log In: Create a new account if you are a first-time user
- Select Category: Choose the appropriate category (for BPS roles, select accordingly)
- Complete Application Form: Fill in all academic and personal details accurately
- Apply for Drive: Click on “Apply for Drive” after completing the form
- Track Application: Ensure your status shows “Applied for Drive”
Important Dates for 2026:
- Registration Start: February 18, 2026
- Registration End: March 20, 2026
- Test Dates: Starting March 10, 2026 (ongoing basis)
Important Tips for Applicants
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum percentage requirements (50-60% in 10th and 12th)
- Declare Gaps Honestly: Any education gaps must be declared with supporting documents
- Use Official Channels: TCS does not charge any money for job applications or offers
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your mark sheets, Aadhaar card, and other documents handy
- Prepare for Assessments: For BPS roles, focus on verbal ability, numerical ability, and reasoning skills
Conclusion
While TCS primarily recruits graduates for its IT workforce, there are genuine opportunities for 10th and 12th pass candidates through its BPS division and support functions. The salary packages for these roles typically range from ₹2.4 LPA to ₹3.6 LPA, with comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities. For candidates willing to start their careers and pursue further education alongside work, TCS provides a stable and respected platform.
For those currently in 12th standard, consider pursuing graduation to qualify for the Prime and Digital roles offering significantly higher compensation packages of up to ₹12.26 LPA
Disclaimer
- This article is for informational purposes only.
- Job availability, salary, and eligibility may vary depending on the employer, recruitment policy, and location.
- Readers are strongly advised to always verify all details through official recruitment channels before applying.