Infosys SP DSE Coding Questions 2026, Full Guide
Crack Infosys SP & DSE 2026 with real coding questions, topic-wise frequency data, exam pattern, and expert prep strategy for freshers.
- Total test time
- About 100 minutes for coding plus MCQ block
- Scoring
- Partial scoring; passing 60 percent of test cases beats zero
- Languages
- Java, Python 3, C++17, C (no JavaScript in most 2025 drives)
- Platform
- HackerEarth or proprietary Infosys platform, by drive
Infosys SP/DSE coding test pattern (candidate-reported)
| Layer | Section | Questions | Time (min) | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coding | Problem 1 | 1 | 60 | No |
| Coding | Problem 2 | 1 | 60 (shared) | No |
| MCQ | Programming Concepts | 5 to 8 | 20 | No |
| MCQ | Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 to 8 | 20 | No |
Topic-wise frequency analysis, 2022 to 2025 drives (candidate-reported)
| Topic | Frequency | Typical difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arrays and Strings | About 28 percent of coding problems | Medium |
| Dynamic Programming | About 20 percent of coding problems | Medium to Hard |
| Linked Lists | About 12 percent of coding problems | Medium |
| Trees and BST | About 10 percent of coding problems | Medium |
| Recursion and Backtracking | About 9 percent of coding problems | Medium to Hard |
| Sorting and Searching | About 8 percent of coding problems | Easy to Medium |
| Hashing and HashMaps | About 7 percent of coding problems | Easy to Medium |
| Graphs (BFS and DFS) | About 6 percent of coding problems | Hard |
Aggregated from candidate reports across 70-plus Infosys SP/DSE drives, campus and off-campus, between 2022 and 2025. Topic frequencies and difficulty are estimated ranges, not official Infosys data. Confirm the current pattern and package on the official Infosys careers portal.
Sourced from public job listings; aggregated by PapersAdda. Snapshot for editorial context, not an offer count. Parent: infosys.
Infosys runs InfyTQ → SE / Power Programmer / Specialist Programmer ladder.
| Role | CTC |
|---|---|
| Systems Engineer (SE)[1] Default post InfyTQ certification + interview clear. | ₹4 LPA–₹4.5 LPA |
| Digital Specialist Engineer[2] | ₹6.25 LPA |
| Power Programmer[3] HackWithInfy top finishers; 3-stage selection. | ₹8 LPA–₹9.5 LPA |
| Specialist Programmer[4] Top 1% Power Programmer pool. | ₹9 LPA–₹11 LPA |
Sources
- [1]Infosys SE JL 2026
- [2]Infosys DSE JL
- [3]HackWithInfy 2026 results
- [4]Infosys SP JL
Bands aggregated from publicly disclosed JLs + verified Reddit/LinkedIn offer threads. PapersAdda does not republish private offer letters; ranges are editorial estimates.
- 1
InfyTQ Certification
OAMedium- •Java + DBMS Foundation
- •Python + DSA
- •Final certification project
Pre-requisite for SE role; not a single sitting.
- 2
Aptitude + Reasoning
Aptitude60 minMedium- •Quant
- •Verbal
- •Logical
- •Pseudo-code
- 3
Technical Interview
Tech30 minMedium- •Project discussion
- •OOP / DSA basics
- •SQL
- 4
HackWithInfy (for Power Programmer)
Coding180 minHard- •3 stages
- •Stage-3 onsite hackathon
Separate selection track; only top finishers get PP role.
- 5
HR Interview
HR20 minEasy- •Bond clauses
- •Location preference
- •Why Infosys
Loop reconstructed from publicly shared candidate threads (r/developersIndia, LinkedIn). PapersAdda does not republish private question banks; rounds describe structure and difficulty, not specific problems.
What changed in 2026 drives
Infosys made InfyTQ certification a hard pre-requisite for SE role in 2024 - by 2026 nobody bypasses this. Power Programmer track via HackWithInfy now has 3 stages (was 2 in 2023), and Stage-3 is an onsite hackathon at Mysore DC. Specialist Programmer offers (₹9-11L) are now the realistic top-band for non-IIT/NIT candidates with strong HackWithInfy finishes.
What I'd actually study for Infosys
- 01InfyTQ Java + Python certifications - start in semester 5; certification is necessary AND insufficient (still need interview)
- 02DSA on InfyTQ platform - questions repeat across cycles; solve all listed problems before assuming you are ready
- 03HackWithInfy - register early, treat Stage-1 as a competitive programming contest, not a coding test
- 04DBMS - Infosys interviews ask schema design more than query optimisation; practice ER → relational mapping
Where most candidates trip up
Treating InfyTQ as a tutorial rather than a graded assessment. The certification carries weight in the interview itself - interviewers reference your Q-bank score. Skip the cert and you walk in with a deficit no amount of project work covers.
Editorial commentary by Aditya Sharma · written for PapersAdda · not generated, not aggregated. For the full source dataset behind these notes, see our methodology.
Quick answer (updated 2 June 2026): The Infosys SP (Specialist Programmer) and DSE (Digital Specialist Engineer) coding round is the biggest filter for both premium tracks. Based on candidate-reported 2024 to 2025 drives, the assessment has 2 coding problems (60 min, Medium to Medium-Hard) plus MCQ sets on programming concepts and data structures. Both tracks share the same higher-difficulty test; SP leans on core DSA while DSE adds cloud and data tooling in interviews. SP and DSE CTC was ₹9 LPA fixed for 2025 batches, with a ₹9 to 10 LPA projection for 2026. Confirm the current package and pattern on the official Infosys careers portal.
| Key | Value (candidate-reported, confirm on official Infosys careers portal) |
|---|---|
| Coding problems | 2, in 60 minutes |
| Difficulty | Medium to Medium-Hard |
| Plus | MCQ sets on programming concepts and data structures |
| Total test time | About 100 minutes (coding plus MCQ) |
| CTC (2025 batch) | ₹9 LPA fixed; ₹9 to 10 LPA projected for 2026 |
| Scoring | Partial; passing 60 percent of test cases beats zero |
If you are targeting the Infosys SP (Specialist Programmer) or DSE (Digital Specialist Engineer) role in 2026, the coding round is your biggest filter. This guide covers exact question patterns, topic-wise frequency analysis, a full practice set with solutions, and a week-by-week prep plan built on 2024–2025 drive data.
What Are the Infosys SP and DSE Roles?
Infosys runs two premium technical tracks above the standard SE role:
- SP (Specialist Programmer): Full-stack or backend product engineering. Offered to candidates with a strong DSA + system-level coding profile. CTC: ₹9 LPA (fixed) for 2025 batches, 2026 projection is ₹9–10 LPA based on verified offer-letter reports.
- DSE (Digital Specialist Engineer): Cloud, DevOps, data engineering, and digital stack roles. Offered via InfyTQ Power Programmer certification + campus/off-campus drives. CTC: ₹9 LPA (fixed, 2025); similar 2026 projection.
Both tracks share the same higher-difficulty coding assessment. The key difference is the tech stack in technical interviews (DSE emphasises cloud and data tools; SP emphasises core DSA and problem-solving).
Exam Pattern, Infosys SP/DSE Coding Test 2026
Based on verified candidate reports from 2024 and 2025 drives, the Infosys SP/DSE online assessment follows this structure:
| Section | Questions | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coding, Problem 1 | 1 | 60 min | Medium |
| Coding, Problem 2 | 1 | 60 min (shared) | Medium–Hard |
| MCQ, Programming Concepts | 5–8 | 20 min | Easy–Medium |
| MCQ, Data Structures & Algorithms | 5–8 | 20 min | Medium |
Total time: ~100 min for the full coding + MCQ block (exact split varies by drive).
Key structural points:
- The test is conducted on HackerEarth or a proprietary Infosys platform depending on the drive type.
- Partial scoring is available, a solution passing 60% of test cases scores more than a zero. Optimise for correctness before performance.
- Languages allowed: Java, Python 3, C++17, C. No JavaScript in most 2025 drives.
See the Infosys exam pattern 2026 breakdown for the full aptitude + reasoning section details.
Topic-Wise Frequency Analysis (2022–2025 Drives)
This analysis is based on candidate-reported questions from 70+ Infosys SP/DSE drives across campus and off-campus rounds between 2022 and 2025. Use it to prioritise your prep.
| Topic | Frequency (approx.) | Typical Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arrays & Strings | ~28% of coding problems | Medium |
| Dynamic Programming | ~20% of coding problems | Medium–Hard |
| Linked Lists | ~12% of coding problems | Medium |
| Trees & BST | ~10% of coding problems | Medium |
| Recursion & Backtracking | ~9% of coding problems | Medium–Hard |
| Sorting & Searching | ~8% of coding problems | Easy–Medium |
| Hashing / HashMaps | ~7% of coding problems | Easy–Medium |
| Graphs (BFS/DFS) | ~6% of coding problems | Hard |
Data: estimated range based on verified candidate reports, 2022–2025. Not official Infosys data.
Key takeaway: Arrays/Strings + DP together account for roughly half of all coding problems. These two topics must be airtight before your test date. See the coding interview patterns cheat sheet 2026 for a topic-map you can revise in one sitting.
Actual-Style Practice Questions With Solutions
These are representative questions modelled on verified SP/DSE patterns. Work through all five before your test.
Interactive Mock Test
Test your knowledge with 5 real placement questions. Get instant feedback and detailed solutions.
Preparation Strategy, 4-Week Plan
This schedule assumes 2–3 hours of focused study per day. Adjust if your test is sooner.
| Week | Focus | Daily Target |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Arrays, Strings, Hashing | 3 problems/day on LeetCode Easy–Medium |
| Week 2 | DP fundamentals (1D → 2D), Recursion | 2 DP problems/day; implement from scratch, no templates |
| Week 3 | Trees, BST, Linked Lists, Sorting | 2–3 problems/day; focus on in-order traversal and two-pointer patterns |
| Week 4 | Graphs (BFS/DFS/Topo), Full mocks | 1 graph problem + 1 full timed mock/day |
Platform strategy: Use LeetCode for problem variety, but take at least two full mocks on HackerEarth (Infosys's primary platform) so the IDE and partial scoring feel familiar.
For DSE candidates specifically, supplement with hands-on practice in Python coding challenges and Java coding challenges since Infosys DSE technical interviews frequently ask live coding in these languages.
For SP candidates targeting full-stack roles, brush up on JavaScript coding challenges, not for the coding test itself, but for the technical interview that follows.
CTC and Salary Data, Infosys SP/DSE 2026
| Role | CTC (Fixed) | Variable | In-Hand (est.) | Joining Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP (Specialist Programmer) | ₹9.0 LPA | ₹0–0.5 LPA | ₹62,000–68,000/month | ₹50,000 (one-time, est.) |
| DSE (Digital Specialist Engineer) | ₹9.0 LPA | ₹0–0.5 LPA | ₹62,000–68,000/month | ₹50,000 (one-time, est.) |
| SE (System Engineer, for reference) | ₹3.6–4.5 LPA | ₹0 | ₹25,000–32,000/month | , |
Figures: estimated range based on verified offer-letter reports from 2024–2025 batches. 2026 actual figures subject to change. See Infosys salary for freshers 2026 for a detailed in-hand breakdown including PF, gratuity, and Sodexo components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Submitting a brute-force without checking constraints.
Infosys SP problems often have n up to 10⁵ or 10⁶. An O(n²) solution will TLE even if logically correct. Read constraints before writing any code.
2. Ignoring partial scoring. If you cannot solve the problem fully, submit a solution that passes the base cases. Partial scores can be the difference between selection and rejection in close-cut drives.
3. Treating SP/DSE prep the same as SE prep. The standard SE InfyTQ test focuses on aptitude + beginner coding. SP/DSE requires genuine DSA depth, medium-to-hard LeetCode, not just HackerRank Easy.
4. Skipping the MCQ section. 5–8 MCQs on complexity analysis, data structure properties, and OS basics seem small but are fast marks. Candidates who nail coding but drop all MCQs still lose rank. See Infosys placement papers 2026 for full MCQ archives.
5. Not practising on timed, full mocks. Many candidates solve problems comfortably in an open environment, then freeze during the 60-minute clock. At least three full timed mocks before your actual test date is non-negotiable.
Related Resources
Before your test, work through these:
- Infosys SP/DSE Placement Papers 2026, full previous-year paper archives
- Infosys SP/DSE interview process 2026, what the post-coding interview rounds actually test and how they are scored
- Infosys Interview Questions 2026, technical + HR round prep
- Infosys Off-Campus 2026, registration dates, eligibility, apply link
- Python Coding Challenges, DSE-specific language drills
- Java Coding Challenges, SP-level OOP and DSA in Java
- Node.js Coding Challenges, DSE full-stack interview prep
- Coding Interview Patterns Cheat Sheet 2026, one-page topic map for last-day revision
- Infosys Exam Pattern 2026, complete section-wise breakdown including aptitude
Related: Infosys off-campus drive 2026 complete guide, for current eligibility, registration windows, and step-by-step apply flow.
Related: Infosys salary progression and promotions, to see year-by-year CTC growth, hike patterns, and band-jump timelines.
Related: LeetCode questions asked in TCS 2026, for the verified question-frequency analysis and pattern-wise prep approach.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between Infosys SP and DSE coding tests in 2026?
Both SP and DSE share the same online assessment format, two coding problems and an MCQ block. The differentiation happens at the interview stage. SP interviews focus on core DSA, system design basics, and OOP principles. DSE interviews introduce cloud, DevOps, and data engineering scenarios. Prepare the coding test identically for both; then branch your interview prep based on your target role.
Q: Is the Infosys SP/DSE coding test the same as the InfyTQ Power Programmer test?
Not exactly. InfyTQ Power Programmer certification is a prerequisite for some DSE drives, especially off-campus. The SP test in campus drives is a separate Infosys-conducted assessment. However, the problem difficulty and topic coverage overlap significantly, Power Programmer preparation is valid for both.
Q: How many test cases are there in each coding problem?
Typically 10–15 test cases per problem, with the last 3–5 being stress tests on large inputs. Partial scoring counts visible + hidden test case passes. Target at least 70% test case coverage per problem before optimising.
Q: What programming language should I use, Python or Java?
Java for SP if you are comfortable with it, Infosys interviewers are largely Java-oriented and it demonstrates OOP depth. Python for DSE if your target is data/cloud roles. For the coding test itself, use whichever language you are fastest and most accurate in. Python 3 is perfectly valid and accepted.
Q: Can I use STL/standard library functions in C++?
Yes. Standard library usage is allowed and expected. Using std::sort, std::unordered_map, and STL containers does not penalise your score. The test evaluates problem-solving, not re-implementation of standard utilities.
Q: What is the cutoff score to clear the Infosys SP/DSE coding round?
Infosys does not publish official cutoffs. Based on 2024–2025 candidate reports, clearing both coding problems with full or near-full test cases passing, combined with a clean MCQ score, typically moves a candidate to interview. Partial solutions that pass 60–70% of test cases for both problems have also resulted in interview calls in lower-competition drives. There is no fixed public cutoff percentage.
Q: How soon after the coding test does Infosys announce results?
In 2024–2025 campus drives, result communication typically happened within 5–15 business days. Off-campus drives have shown longer timelines, 3 to 6 weeks in some cohorts. Check your registered email and the Infosys iApply portal for status updates.
Methodology applied to this articlelast verified 9 Jun 2026
- No fabricated salary numbers or success rates. If we quote a range, it's sourced.
- No noun-substituted templates. This article was not generated by swapping company names in a stock prompt.
- No paid placements, sponsored coaching links, or affiliate-shilled course pushes.
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