Hi everyone,

The wait for TCS onboarding seems to be so stressful, especially when updates for JRS (Job Readiness Survey), DV (Document Verification), OL (Offer Letter), and JL (Joining Letter) seem to roll out in unpredictable batches.

To help us all stay on top of real-time updates and clear any doubts regarding the different phases, I’m starting a WhatsApp group specifically for those currently in the "waiting" phase, or got there JL, or recently joined.

To keep the group helpful and avoid spam, everyone must share their timeline immediately upon joining. This helps everyone understand where you are in the process.

Timeline Format to Share:

Batch: (e.g., 2024/2025/2026) please mention "rehiring" or "priority" if applicable

Role: [Ninja/Digital/Prime]

NQT Assesment Date: [Appearing Date]

Region: [e.g., Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, etc.]

DV Mail : [Expecting / Received Date]

OL : [Expecting / Received Date]

JRS: [Expecting / Received Date]

JL : [Expecting / Received Date]

Click the link below to join the group. Please remember to post your timeline as soon as you enter!

https://chat.whatsapp.com/EEiziuESyS25r0WzniOnM7

Let’s help each other get through this onboarding phase smoothly!

​

Hi everyone,

I'm a 2025 engineering grad currently holding two offers and I'm trying to decide which path sets me up better for the long term (3-5 years down the line).

TCS Prime: Systems Engineer role, (Grade C1).

IBM: Associate System Engineer.

I've already accepted the TCS offer, but I have a confirmed joining for IBM next week. I'm trying to weigh the "Brand Tag" of IBM against the high starting "Baseline" of the TCS Prime

I have a few specific questions for those with experience in the industry:

For my first switch after 2 years, which carries more weight: having the IBM tag on my resume or having a 9 LPA starting base? Will product-based companies or top-tier MNCs care more about the brand I came from or the salary I've already achieved?

For TCS Prime (Grade C1) hires, do you actually get assigned to higher-end projects (Al/ML, Cloud, specialized R&D), or is it the same pool as Ninja/Digital with just better pay? How does the project quality at IBM ASE compare for freshers?

Is it true that starting at 9 LPA makes it significantly easier to jump to 15-20 LPA for the next job, whereas starting at 4.5 LPA might keep me in a lower bracket for longer?

Should I join IBM for now, as there's no certainty of TCS releasing the JL.

KEEPING IN MIND:

1) THERE IS A 3 MONTHS NOTICE PERIOD IN IBM AND SOME PAYOUT AMOUNT

2) I HAVE FILLED THE TCS APPLICATION FORM AS AN FRESHER, AND THE EMPLOYMENT ENGAGEMENT WITH IBM CAN LEAVE DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS ON MY PF, SHOWING ME AS AN EXPERIENCED.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has worked in either role or from senior devs who interview candidates from these companies, and help me decide how to move further.

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,

This post is exclusively for those who have got there JL or have joined TCS recently.

I'm part of the recent TCS NQT 2026 hiring cycle and wanted to compare timelines for the final step. My process has moved pretty fast so far, but I'm now waiting on the actual Joining Letter.

My Timeline:

NOT Exam: March 26

Interview: April 10

Offer Letter (OL): April 14

Joining Readiness Survey: April 17

I have a few questions for those who have already received their Joining Letter (JL):

How many days after the Survey did the JL arrive, (when you choose, "Ready to join immediately" on the survey?

After how many days of realising the JL, did you get your DOJ?

Which location(base/other) were you assigned?

Any input would be great to help me (and others) figure out if we should start resigning or if there's still a long wait ahead.

Thanks in Advance!

Hey everyone,

This post is exclusively for those who have got there JL or have joined TCS recently.

I'm part of the recent TCS NQT 2026 hiring cycle and wanted to compare timelines for the final step. My process has moved pretty fast so far, but I'm now waiting on the actual Joining Letter.

My Timeline:

NOT Exam: March 26

Interview: April 10

Offer Letter (OL): April 14

Joining Readiness Survey: April 17

I have a few questions for those who have already received their Joining Letter (JL):

How many days after the Survey did the JL arrive, (when you choose, "Ready to join immediately" on the survey?

After how many days of realising the JL, did you get your DOJ?

Which location(base/other) were you assigned?

Any input would be great to help me (and others) figure out if we should start resigning or if there's still a long wait ahead.

Thanks in Advance!

Hey everyone,

This post is exclusively for those who have got there JL or have joined TCS recently.

I'm part of the recent TCS NQT 2026 hiring cycle and wanted to compare timelines for the final step. My process has moved pretty fast so far, but I'm now waiting on the actual Joining Letter.

My Timeline:

NOT Exam: March 26

Interview: April 10

Offer Letter (OL): April 14

Joining Readiness Survey: April 17

I have a few questions for those who have already received their Joining Letter (JL):

How many days after the Survey did the JL arrive, (when you choose, "Ready to join immediately" on the survey?

After how many days of realising the JL, did you get your DOJ?

Which location(base/other) were you assigned?

Any input would be great to help me (and others) figure out if we should start resigning or if there's still a long wait ahead.

Thanks in Advance !

Hey everyone,

This post is exclusively for those who have got there JL or have joined TCS recently.

I'm part of the recent TCS NQT 2026 hiring cycle and wanted to compare timelines for the final step. My process has moved pretty fast so far, but I'm now waiting on the actual Joining Letter.

My Timeline:

NQT Exam: March 26

Interview: April 10

Offer Letter (OL): April 14

Joining Readiness Survey: April 17

I have a few questions for those who have already received their Joining Letter (JL):

How many days after the Survey did the JL arrive, (when you choose, "Ready to join immediately" on the survey ?

After how many days of realising the JL, did you get your DOJ?

Which location(base/other) were you assigned?

Any input would be great to help me (and others) figure out if we should start resigning or if there's still a long wait ahead.

Thanks in Advance !