ClearTax

Role: Software Development Engineer

College: VIT Chennai

Interview Date: February 2021

Interview Type: On-Campus

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Rounds: 3 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures (trees, graphs, heaps), Algorithms (Dynamic Programming, sorting, searching, backtracking), Core CS concepts (truth tables, DLD, SQL queries, DBMS, Operating Systems), Managerial/Behavioral skills.

Experience:

This candidate, Satwik Mohanty from VIT Chennai, shared their on-campus interview experience for ClearTax.

Round 1: Coding Test (1.5 hours)

This round consisted of a single coding problem based on Dynamic Programming, along with 10-15 MCQ questions. The MCQs covered various Data Structures concepts like trees, graphs, heaps, and algorithms such as sorting and searching, as well as Dynamic Programming. Additionally, Quants and Reasoning questions were included, which could be used for shortlisting if many candidates solved the coding problem. Results were declared promptly, with 25-30 candidates shortlisted for the interview process.

Round 2: Technical Interview 1 (1 hour)

This interview was primarily focused on Data Structures and Algorithms. Questions were asked regarding Dynamic Programming, sorting, searching, trees, and graphs. For each concept, the candidate was required to write code and screen share it. The interviewer was interested in the candidate's approach and expected an optimized solution, providing hints when the candidate encountered difficulties.

Round 3: Technical Interview 2 (1 hour)

The second technical interview delved into core CSE concepts. Questions covered truth tables, Digital Logic Design (DLD), Data Structures, and SQL queries. The latter part of this interview included managerial and behavioral questions, assessing the candidate's qualities as a team player. The final results were declared after two days.

Preparation Advice: The candidate emphasized the importance of having a strong command over problem-solving and coding skills, along with thorough knowledge of core Computer Science concepts like Data Structures and Algorithms, SQL, DBMS, and Operating Systems. Practicing soft skills and participating in mock interviews were also highlighted as beneficial for preparation.