Top 30 TCS Automation Testing Interview Questions and Answers

Automation testing is a key part of modern software development, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is leading the way in using this technology to deliver high-quality solutions. In the fast-paced IT industry, TCS values skilled automation testers who can ensure efficient and reliable software delivery. With the global automation testing market expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% by 2026, as reported by MarketsandMarkets, the demand for experts in this field continues to rise. In this blog, we’ll cover commonly asked TCS automation testing interview questions and answers to prepare you for success.

TCS Automation Testing Interview Questions and Answers For Freshers

For entry-level candidates, TCS automation testing interviews focus on the basics of automation tools, scripting languages, test case creation, and debugging techniques. The goal is to assess your foundational skills and problem-solving abilities. Below are 10 commonly asked TCS automation testing interview questions and answers for freshers to help you prepare effectively.

Q1. What is Automation Testing?

Sample Answer: Automation testing is a software testing method where the process of checking if the software works as expected is done automatically. It helps ensure the software meets its requirements before being released. This type of testing is essential for modern development practices like continuous testing, integration, and delivery. While it requires some manual work to create the initial test scripts, the rest of the process runs automatically, comparing actual results with expected ones.

Q2. What is a Test Environment?

Sample Answer: A test environment is the setup of hardware, software, and resources needed to execute test cases. It includes systems, applications, test data, databases, browsers, and network settings tailored to the requirements of the Application Under Test (AUT). This environment ensures testing closely resembles real-world conditions for accurate and effective results. 

Q3. Who should be responsible for Test Automation?

Sample Answer: The responsibility for test automation typically lies with an automation test engineer, also known as a test automation developer. Their main job is to design and create automated tests for both hardware and software systems during development. They focus on building tests that assess performance, functionality, and reliability. 

To do this well, they need strong skills in software development, programming, and testing methods. Their work is essential for improving testing efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining high-quality outcomes. Overall, automation test engineers help make the testing process smoother and more reliable.

Q4. When will you avoid Automation Testing?

Sample Answer: I will avoid automation testing in the following conditions:

1. Frequent Functionality Changes: Automated tests must be continuously updated to match evolving software functionality; outdated tests lose relevance.
2. Ineffective UI Bug Detection: Automation struggles with nuanced visual or behavioral UI issues, requiring manual testing or specialized tools.
3. Exploratory Testing Limitations: Automation lacks the adaptability needed for dynamic, intuition-driven exploratory testing.
4. Partial Automation Pitfalls: Automating only partially effective processes can waste resources.
5. Domain-Specific Randomization: Tests needing expertise or unpredictability often suit manual testing better.

Q5. What is Browser Automation?

Sample Answer: Browser automation is the use of tools and scripts to mimic human actions on a web browser for testing purposes. It automates tasks that would normally be done manually, making the testing process faster and more efficient. This method enables developers and testers to run tests, check if a web application is working properly, and spot issues quickly. 

By speeding up testing and ensuring consistent results, browser automation helps improve the development process, reduces the time to launch, and boosts the overall quality of the software.

Q6. What is a Test Automation Platform?

Sample Answer: A test automation platform is a system created to simplify and automate software testing. It works by using pre-written programs and scripts from developers or testers. This platform runs these scripts automatically, reducing the need for manual work. By doing so, it makes the testing process more efficient, accurate, and faster, ensuring more reliable results.

Q7. What is the average number of test cases that can be automated per day?

Sample Answer: The number of test cases that can be automated each day depends on the complexity and length of the test scenarios. For simpler test cases, a QA tester may automate around 2 to 4 scenarios per day. However, for more complex cases that require detailed work, the tester may only be able to automate 1 to 2 test cases daily. This difference arises from the time and effort needed to tackle the more complicated tasks, which can limit the number of scenarios automated in a given day.

Q8. What are the prerequisites of Automation Testing?

Sample Answer: The essential prerequisites for automation testing include the following:

• A Stable Build: Before starting automation, it’s important to ensure that the software build is stable, with all core features working correctly. A stable build reduces the chance of test failures due to issues in the software itself, allowing the focus to stay on testing its functionality.
• Functionalities to be Tested: Identifying and defining which functionalities need testing is crucial. These should be prioritized based on their importance and complexity. Clearly outlining the functionalities helps in deciding which tests to automate and ensures the testing process targets the most critical areas.
• Test Cases for Automated Testing: Test cases need to be well-defined and written for automation. These should cover various scenarios, inputs, and expected outcomes. It’s essential to create test cases that are robust, reusable, and maintainable, ensuring that the automation process remains efficient and effective over time.

Q9. Why use Automation Frameworks?

Sample Answer: Automation frameworks offer several key benefits, such as enabling code reusability across different test scenarios. This helps reduce redundancy and increases efficiency. They also support the creation of test scripts in a consistent, standardized format, promoting uniformity and better collaboration among team members. 

By using automation frameworks, teams can easily implement continuous testing throughout the development process, ensuring that the code and delivery are consistently evaluated. This approach not only enhances software quality but also speeds up the detection and resolution of issues.

Q10. What is an Automated Test Script?

Sample Answer: Automated test scripts are programs created to run specific tasks, like setting up, executing, and validating test cases, all without manual involvement. These scripts help streamline the testing process by performing tasks automatically, ensuring that tests are run consistently and accurately. 

By using automated test scripts, companies can save time, reduce human error, and improve overall efficiency. These scripts also serve as useful documentation, providing a clear record of the software’s functionality and how it meets its requirements.

TCS Automation Testing Interview Questions and Answers For Mid-level Candidates

If you’re a mid-level candidate preparing for a TCS automation testing interview, it’s important to focus on key concepts like Selenium frameworks, TestNG, and tools like JIRA. You should also be ready to discuss test scenarios, debugging techniques, and how you approach automation strategies in real-world projects. To help you get started, we’ve compiled commonly asked TCS automation testing interview questions and answers for mid-level candidates.

Q11. What is TestNG in Selenium?

Sample Answer: TestNG is a powerful testing framework used with Selenium to improve the testing process. It offers flexibility in configuring tests, grouping them efficiently, and supporting data-driven testing. TestNG automatically generates detailed reports, making it easier to analyze test results. 

It allows for parameterization, giving greater customization, and uses annotations for easy test management. Additionally, TestNG supports running tests in parallel, saving time, and providing comprehensive logging features, which help with debugging and improving test analysis.

Q12. Should one automate all testing?

Sample Answer: While automated testing can save time and effort, it cannot replace every type of testing. Some methods, like user interface (UI), accessibility, and usability testing, require human involvement due to their dependence on subjective evaluation, real-world context, and user experience insights. 

Human testers assess things like design, accessibility, and satisfaction—areas where automation is limited. These human perspectives ensure that the software is both functional and user-friendly, providing a more thorough and context-aware evaluation.

Q13. List some best practices in Test Automation.

Sample Answer: Here are some of the best practices for test automation:

• Develop an Automation Testing Plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines the strategy for selecting test cases suitable for automation and the approach to implementing them.
• Determine Automatable Test Cases: Evaluate which test cases should be automated, understanding that not all tests are suitable for automation.
• Start Testing Early and Test Often: Begin testing as early as possible in the development process and run tests frequently to catch defects early.
• Generate Robust Test Data: Carefully design test data that covers a wide range of scenarios, including edge cases and boundary conditions.
• Choose the Right Tools and Frameworks: Select automation tools and frameworks that are compatible with the technology stack of your application and are regularly updated to support the latest developments.

Q14. What is Cross-browser Testing?

Sample Answer: Cross-browser testing ensures that web applications work properly across different browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It checks that the functionality, layout, and performance remain consistent regardless of the browser type or version. This testing process helps identify and fix inconsistencies, ensuring a smooth and consistent user experience across various devices. 

Tools like Sauce Labs, Browsershots, Browsera, and Selenium Box make it easier to detect layout or scripting issues, improving the application’s reliability in different browsing environments.

Q15. What is the Test Automation Pyramid?

Sample Answer: The Test Automation Pyramid, or Testing Pyramid, is a structured approach for incorporating different types of tests into automated testing. It organizes and prioritizes tests to improve efficiency and reliability. The pyramid’s purpose is to provide quick feedback, helping teams quickly identify if recent code changes have affected existing features. 

By organizing tests effectively, this method reduces debugging time, speeds up issue detection during updates, and ensures high-quality code throughout development.

Q16. How do you verify the results of your automated tests? 

Sample Answer: These are the strategies that I follow to verify the results of the automated test:

• Assertions: Leverage assertions to validate expected results during script execution. They help confirm that the system behaves as anticipated under specific conditions.
• Verification Points: Use verification points strategically within scripts to evaluate key data points or system states. These checkpoints ensure critical functionality aligns with requirements.
• Manual Review: Conduct a thorough manual review of logs and reports to identify discrepancies and confirm precision. This step complements automated checks by providing a human perspective to catch subtle issues that might be overlooked.

Q17. What are the risks associated with Automated Testing?

Sample Answer: Here are some risks to consider with automated testing:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Automation tools cannot simplify complex testing problems. Expecting them to do so can lead to inefficiencies and unmet goals.
• Vendor Issues: Free tools might eventually require a paid license, making it difficult to keep automation tools up-to-date. This can cause compatibility and support issues as the software testing platform evolves.
• Maintainability of Test Scripts: It’s essential to design maintainable, modular, and robust frameworks. This ensures test scripts and data can be reused effectively, reducing the risk of poor maintainability.
• Underestimating the Need for Manual Testing: Not all tests can be automated. Over-reliance on automation can lead to the “Pesticide Paradox,” where repetitive automated tests miss new issues that require manual intervention.

Q18. Is automated testing making manual testing obsolete?

Sample Answer: Automated testing does not replace manual testing. While automation helps with tasks like regression testing and repetitive checks, areas like usability and accessibility testing still require human input. Automation can handle predictable tasks but cannot replicate the judgment, intuition, and subjective analysis needed in manual testing.

Q19. What is UI Testing?

Sample Answer: UI Testing, or User Interface Testing, ensures that an application’s interface is user-friendly, intuitive, and meets user needs. It checks UI elements like layout, colors, fonts, text size, and overall visual appeal for clarity, accessibility, and responsiveness. The goal is to simulate real-world interactions and verify that users can perform tasks easily, ensuring both technical accuracy and a seamless user experience.

Q20. What is Protractor?

Sample Answer: Protractor is an automation testing framework built with NodeJS, specifically designed for end-to-end testing of web applications, especially those using AngularJS. It supports both Angular and non-Angular apps and provides thorough testing across web platforms. 

Protractor is particularly useful for AngularJS applications but can also handle regression tests for standard web applications. A key feature is its ability to automatically proceed to the next test step once a webpage has completed pending tasks or asynchronous operations, ensuring smooth and efficient testing.

TCS Automation Testing Interview Questions and Answers For Experienced Candidates

For experienced candidates, TCS automation testing interviews often dive into advanced topics such as frameworks, scripting, and debugging. You should be prepared to tackle questions on real-world problem-solving, integration testing, and optimizing automation processes. Demonstrating your expertise and ability to handle complex scenarios is key. To help you prepare, here are commonly asked TCS automation testing interview questions and answers tailored for experienced professionals.

Q21. Is Automation Testing a Black box testing or White box Testing technique?

Sample Answer: Automation testing is primarily associated with black-box testing. In black-box testing, the focus is on evaluating the application’s functionality based on its external behavior without needing to understand the internal code or logic. 

Automation scripts are created to simulate user interactions and check the application’s behavior, ensuring that it performs as expected. It doesn’t require insight into the source code, making it a black-box technique focused on external outputs rather than internal structures.

Q22. What is Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery?

Sample Answer: Continuous Integration (CI) is the practice where developers frequently integrate their code changes into a shared repository multiple times a day. This process helps keep the codebase up-to-date and highlights integration issues quickly, promoting collaboration among team members.

Continuous Delivery (CD) takes CI a step further by automating the process of testing, building, and deploying code to non-production environments. It ensures that every change is thoroughly tested, meets quality standards, and is always ready to be deployed, making the application more reliable and efficient for updates.

Q23. Why do we need Cross-Browser testing?

Sample Answer: Cross-browser testing ensures that web applications perform consistently and deliver a seamless user experience across different browsers, devices, and operating systems. It verifies that the design, functionality, and usability remain the same on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. 

This testing process prevents issues such as glitches or layout inconsistencies, ensuring that users have a reliable and smooth experience, no matter their browser or device. It is essential for accessibility and user satisfaction.

Q24. List the main steps in the lifecycle of Automation Testing.

Sample Answer: The main steps in the automation testing lifecycle are:

• Define the scope of test automation: Determine which modules and test cases are suitable for automation and how the automation will be implemented.
• Select the appropriate automation tool: Choose the right testing tool based on the application’s needs. Common tools include Selenium, Appium, and Cucumber.
• Plan, design, and strategize: Develop a strategy for the automation process, including detailed planning and design of test cases.
• Set up the test environment: Configure the environment where the automation scripts will run, ensuring everything is ready for execution.
• Execute the test scripts: Run the automation scripts and monitor the execution to ensure that they work as expected.
• Analyze and maintain: Review the test results, address any issues, and maintain the test scripts as the application evolves.

Q25. What are some popular tools you would use for Automation Testing?

Sample Answer: Here are some popular tools for automation testing:

• Selenium: An open-source tool suite for web application automation, including Selenium WebDriver, Grid, and IDE.
• Katalon: A versatile platform supporting web, API, desktop, and mobile app testing. It offers both manual and automated test design options.
• Appium: An open-source tool for automating mobile apps, supporting both Android and iOS platforms.
• TestComplete: A functional UI testing tool that supports web, desktop, and mobile testing with multiple programming languages like Python and C++.
• Cypress: A JavaScript-based tool for end-to-end testing, that integrates directly with the browser and CI/CD tools.

Pro Tip: Boost your preparation for TCS automation testing interview questions by enrolling in a dedicated course. Check out Internshala’s ‘How to ace a coding interview course’ which is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in your job interview.

Q26. What is a Modular Testing Framework?

Sample Answer: A modular testing framework divides the application under test into smaller, self-contained units called modules. Each module has its specific test script to validate its functionality. These individual test scripts are then integrated into larger test scenarios for comprehensive testing. 

The modular approach promotes script reuse, as test scripts for one module can be reused in multiple scenarios. This framework reduces the effort in creating new test cases and simplifies maintenance since only the affected module and its associated scripts need to be updated when changes occur in the application.

Q27. What is Data-Driven Testing?

Sample Answer: Data-driven testing is a testing methodology where the test data is separated from the test scripts. The test data is stored in external sources, such as databases or tables, allowing the same test script to be executed with different inputs. This enables testers to create more efficient and reusable test cases. 

For each data input, the same test is executed, and the results are recorded. This approach makes it easier to run tests on various scenarios, ensuring broader coverage and improving the efficiency and scalability of the testing process.

Q28. What is a Keyword-Driven Testing Framework?

Sample Answer: In a keyword-driven testing framework, test cases are organized into components like test steps, objects, actions, and required data. A predefined set of keywords represents actions and inputs for each test case. These keywords are mapped to corresponding actions, making the test case design more structured and reusable. 

The framework is ideal for both technical and non-technical testers, as it allows for easy understanding and maintenance. The use of keywords makes the test case creation process more systematic and efficient, while also simplifying updates and reusability.

Q29. What is Hybrid Testing Framework?

Sample Answer: The hybrid testing framework combines the benefits of both data-driven and keyword-driven testing approaches, offering a more flexible and comprehensive solution. It is ideal for manual testers without programming expertise, as it allows them to use predefined keywords, test data, and an object repository. This simplifies the process, enabling testers to create and execute test cases easily without writing code, thus making testing more accessible while ensuring its efficiency and effectiveness.

Q30. What is Robot Framework?

Sample Answer: The Robot Framework is an open-source automation tool primarily used for acceptance testing and acceptance-test-driven development (ATDD). It supports various test approaches, such as data-driven, keyword-driven, and behavior-driven development (BDD), enabling users to create structured and flexible test cases. 

Its compatibility with external libraries and open-source tools enhances its automation capabilities. Test cases are written in a keyword-driven style and organized in a tabular format, making them easy to read. The Selenium Library is commonly integrated for web application testing.

Tips for Preparing for the TCS Automation Testing Interview

The TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) automation testing interview plays a critical role in hiring candidates for the Quality Assurance or Testing departments. Known for seeking professionals skilled in automation frameworks, programming, and testing tools, TCS has a high bar for technical proficiency. Whether you are a fresher or a seasoned professional, these tips will help you prepare effectively.  

1. Master Core Testing Concepts: Start with a strong foundation in manual testing concepts and methodologies. Be familiar with different types of testing (unit, integration, regression, etc.), along with SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) and STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle). Automation testing builds on these basics, so ensure you can articulate how testing integrates with software development.  
2. Get Hands-on with Automation Tools and Frameworks: Practice using industry-leading tools like Selenium, QTP, or Appium. Gain experience writing and executing scripts in languages like Java or Python. Dive into frameworks such as Data-Driven, Keyword-Driven, and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). Be prepared to explain how to integrate automation scripts with CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins or similar tools.  
3. Sharpen Programming Skills: Strong programming knowledge is essential for automation roles. TCS often seeks proficiency in Java, Python, or C++. Focus on clean coding practices, object-oriented programming (OOP), and problem-solving with data structures and algorithms. Demonstrating your ability to write efficient scripts and handle exceptions during the interview will make you stand out.  
4. Develop Automation Strategy Expertise: Automation testing involves designing efficient test strategies, not just executing scripts. Understand how to prioritize test cases, automate regression tests, and identify automation’s limitations. Be ready to discuss ROI (Return on Investment) in automation and propose strategies for specific testing scenarios.  
5. Prepare for Scenario-based and Technical Questions: Anticipate scenario-based questions, such as automating a dynamic web application or troubleshooting a failing script. Focus on error handling, debugging, and test reporting. TCS interviewers often assess how you would approach real-world testing challenges, so practice thinking on your feet.  
6. Stay Updated on Automation Trends: Keep up with recent advancements in automation testing, such as AI-driven testing, visual testing, and mobile test automation. Understanding how automation fits within agile and DevOps practices will demonstrate your industry awareness and adaptability.

Conclusion

To prepare for TCS automation testing interview questions, one requires a solid grasp of automation tools, scripting languages, and test frameworks. Focus on key concepts like test case design, debugging techniques, and problem-solving skills. Proper preparation will not only help you ace the interview but also enhance your overall testing skills, supporting long-term career growth in the field of automation testing. If you want to practice your coding skills, you can check our blog on the TCS coding interview questions to ace your interview.