Novartis Healthcare

Role: Associate for Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT

College: KIIT University

Interview Date: Not Specified (Recruitment drive in 2020)

Interview Type: On-Campus, Full-Time

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Rounds: 4 rounds

Topics Asked: Quantitative Aptitude, English, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Networks (CN), Operating Systems (OS), Database Management System (DBMS), Linux Commands, Java, OOPs, Deep Learning Algorithms, Projects, Research Papers, HR Questions

Experience:

Novartis conducted a recruitment drive at KIIT University for the role of Associate for Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and IoT. The process consisted of four virtual rounds.

Round 1 (Online Written Test): This round saw 650 students from CSE and IT branches. It comprised two sections: Quantitative Aptitude and English. Aptitude questions covered topics like Average, Time & Work, Probability, and Profit & Loss, generally of medium difficulty. The tip provided was to remain calm and not spend too much time on any single question, aiming to complete 40 questions in 60 minutes.

Round 2 (Online Coding Test): Out of 650 students, 280 progressed to this round. It consisted of three coding questions, ranging from medium to hard difficulty, along with 25 technical MCQs, all to be completed within an hour. The MCQs were primarily from core CSE subjects such as Computer Networks, Data Structures & Algorithms, Operating Systems, Database Management System, and some Linux Commands, considered medium difficulty. A specific coding question mentioned (from a similar experience, likely the same candidate or very similar role/year) was "Maximum Size Rectangle Sub-matrix With All 1's".

Round 3 (Technical Interview Round): Around 40 students were shortlisted for this round. This virtual interview lasted an hour with two interviewers. The discussion began with an introduction, followed by in-depth questions about the candidate's projects and any research papers mentioned in their resume. The candidate had a research paper on Deep Learning, which garnered significant attention, leading to a 20-25 minute detailed explanation of the project and questions on Deep Learning Algorithms (Why, How, etc.). Interviewers also asked questions from Java, OOPs (e.g., "How is Java different from other programming languages?", "Explain the properties of OOPs"), and DBMS. The candidate was asked to rate their Java proficiency and to prove a mathematical formula by drawing a geometrical shape on a graph, which they successfully did.

Round 4 (HR Round): This round lasted 20 minutes and was described as natural and genuine. Questions included: "Tell me something about yourself.", "What is the meaning of your name?", "Apart from your academics and technical background tell me something about which you are most proud of?", "What is that one thing that makes you different from others?", "Why did you choose KIIT University for your undergraduate?", "Why did you choose to be an engineer?", "What are your three best qualities and strengths?", "Tell me about your internship experiences.", and "Would you be comfortable in relocating to Hyderabad?". The candidate also asked a question about the new challenges as a fresher at Novartis.