Most Asked HCL Interview Questions and Answers – For Freshers and Experienced

Formerly Hindustan Computers Limited, HCL is a renowned IT consultancy company. A progressive company, it helps other businesses align with the growing digitization in this digital era. Getting a job at HCL will greatly impact your CV. It is a smart step to have prior knowledge about HCL company for interview preparation as it will help impress the recruiter present there to test you.

HCL is an employee-centric company where the complete personal development of the employees is given priority in addition to their professional growth. This and its presence in the Forbes Global 2000 list is why professionals prefer to work at HCL. 

Important HCL Interview Questions

Check out these HCL interview questions and answers that might come in handy while preparing for an HCL interview:

1. What are the fundamental pillars of Java?

The four pillars of Java are as follows:

• Inheritance: This property in Java allows one object to inherit or attract some or all of the attributes of any other object.
• Abstraction: It is the process of collecting immense amounts of data from other sources and displaying only the required information.
• Encapsulation: Encapsulation state in Java is obtained when each object in a class retains its private state and attributes.
• Polymorphism: It aids in avoiding the confusion of type by using a similar class exactly like its parent class.

 2. What are the aggregate functions in SQL?

A unit of code extensively used to reuse a particular part of a program is known as a function. The aggregate function in SQL is the function that calculates multiple values in a set to return one single value. The aggregate function must turn off the value, which cannot be null. 

The most popular SQL aggregate functions are enumerated as follows:

• AVG()– It returns the average of all the values in a set.
• COUNT()– It calculates a set’s total number of items.
• MAX()– It identifies and returns the maximum value within a set.
• MIN()– It returns the minimum value within a set.
• SUM()– It calculates the sum of all or particularly chosen values within a set.

 3. What is cloud computing, and why is it important?

Cloud computing is a means of storing, processing, and managing data among a network of remote servers with the help of the Internet. This secured data storage method is well distributed among a shared network. Cloud computing is essential because it offers flexible resources, fast sharing of data, is more economical and scalable, and doesn’t require the presence of people at the same place at the same time for data sharing. Data can be easily shared over the internet.

 4. What is big data, and what are its features?

Big data simply means a large amount of data. The huge and complex data available today cannot be processed using traditional methods. With the aid of big data, multiple business issues can be resolved, such as customer experience, machine learning, predictive maintenance, etc. 

The features of big data consist of 8Vs— velocity, volume, value, variety, veracity, validity, volatility, and visualisation. 

HCL deals with various technologies such as automation, digital analytics, cloud computing, cyber security infrastructure management, etc. For acing the HCL interview questions, check out the Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU by upGrad. 

Frequently Asked HCL Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers

Below are some questions freshers must deeply understand to appear for the HCL interview

1. What are the distinctions between the primary and unique keys?

2. What are the various aggregate functions in Java?

A function is a part of a program that allows the reusing of a code. The aggregate function helps to derive a single value out of a group of data. The major aggregate functions are:

• AVG()
• MAX()
• MIN()
• COUNT()
• SUM()

3. What is the use of the finalize() method in Java?

The finalize() is a specific method in Java comparable to the main method. It is the last and final opportunity for an object to perform a clean-up action before the garbage collector reclaims the particular object. This entails releasing resources in a fixed order, opening and closing connections, etc.

Code example:

protected void finalize throws Throwable{}

4. What are nested classes?

Nested classes are a function of object-oriented programming. The function of a nested class can be used to define a class within another class. A nested class has the same permissions and accessibility as the outer class and performs similar functions.

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HCL Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced

Listed below are some questions professionals with experience must know to appear for the HCL interview.

1. Why is polymorphism used in Java, and how can it be coded?

Polymorphism is an essential aspect of Java because it can build many different shapes while using a single function, which is a unique function. Thus, it is a great source for implementing inheritance. Even if an object has a different internal structure, it can still exist in the same external interface with the help of polymorphism.

Code example:

class Plant{  

  void run(){System.out.println("sunflower");}  

}  

class Lotus extends Plant{  

  void run(){System.out.println("sunflower is yellow in color");}  

  public static void main(String args[]){  

    Vehicle b = new Lotus();

    b.run();  

  }  

}

2. Name some commonly used software analysis and design tools.

Some of the most popular software analysis and design tools in the industry are:

• Data dictionary
• Structured English
• Data flow diagrams 
• Structure charts
• Entity relationship diagrams and decision tables

3. What is a perfect number in Java? Explain with a code.

A perfect number is one whose sum of factors, excluding the number itself, equals the said number. It means that the number is completely divisible, and the sum of the positive divisors of the number is equal to that number.

Code example:

public class Main { static boolean isPerfectSquare(int x) { if (x >= 0) { int sr = (int)Math.sqrt(x); return ((sr * sr) == x); } return false; } public static void main(String[] args) { int x = 84; if (isPerfectSquare(x)) System.out.print(“True”); else System.out.print(“False”); } }
 

4. What are the major differences between the two programming languages, C and C++?

HCL Interview Process

Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) is an active recruiter who hires numerous employees annually. They have designed a multi-layer interview process to select new and talented employees for various career roles. The company’s hiring procedure includes the following rounds:

• Written assessment or aptitude test round
• Group discussion
• Technical interview round
• HR round

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Interview Rounds in HCL

The HCL interview comprises four rounds explained as follows:

Round 1: Written assessment/ aptitude round

The first round consists of questions related to quantitative ability and logical reasoning. This test is conducted offline (in a written manner) or online. The questions are in MCQ format. Generally, this round is conducted for freshers and not for candidates with fair experience.

Round 2: Group discussion

Considered one of the most important rounds in an interview, here a panel of recruiters ascertains whether a particular candidate has the personality traits to lead or manage a team effectively. 

Multiple teams of candidates are formed in this round, and they are given a common topic of discussion or debate. Candidates can choose whether they want to speak for or against the topic. If not in a debate, this round can be conducted in a usual form of discussion about a popular topic or current affairs. In this round, the recruiters look for abilities in the candidates, like prompt answers, knowledge of current affairs, ability to resolve conflicts, etc. 

Round 3: Technical interview round

The candidates qualifying in the previous round are tested on their knowledge of the programming languages. The HCL technical interview questions are based on various programming languages like Java, C, C++, Linux, etc. For experienced candidates, the questions will mostly be based on their previous projects and expertise in any programming language.

Round 4: HR round

This is the final round of the interview process. The HCL HR interview questions include general questions about the candidate through which the recruiters assess the candidate’s interest in joining the company. They ask questions regarding personal interests and why they want to join their organisation.

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How Should I Prepare for HCL Interview Questions?

Following the given suggestions can help you sail through the interview:

• Go through the job description and analyse it properly to understand the needs and requirements of the company. 
• Accordingly, make a clear and concise resume covering all the points that highlight your achievements and make you a better candidate.
• Be well prepared to face the HCL aptitude questions. To do so, you can take up online tests to be familiar with the type of questions.
• Acquire fair knowledge in the job field and basic general knowledge for the group discussion round. Be confident and stick to the topic while you speak. 
• Develop good communication skills to ace any interview.
• Inculcate a fair amount of knowledge of the topics asked in the technical round. You can find materials online for practice.
• Try to be prompt in your answers and develop your problem-solving skills.

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Conclusion

Brushing up on your fundamentals and getting a sense of what the interviewer could be looking for will aid you during practice interviews. For acing the HCL interview process, check out upGrad’s Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication from MICA to understand the tech industry’s needs and get insights into machine learning and artificial intelligence. The course offers career assistance and sets your CV apart from your contemporaries.