IDFC First Bank Interview Experience for Application Engineer | On-Campus 2024 | VIT Vellore

Eligibility Criteria

• Percentage Criteria in X and XII: 60% or 6.0 CGPA
• Pursuing Degree: 60% or 6.0 CGPA
• No Standing Arrears

Out of 3,147 applicants, 595 students were shortlisted for the online assessment. The selection was based on multiple factors, including resumes and academic performance, with cutoffs often significantly higher than the stated minimum eligibility criteria. The process began with the Vellore campus candidates.

Round 1: Online Assessment

This was an MCQ-based test, concluding with two coding questions. Key highlights:

• No negative marking, allowing candidates to answer without penalty for wrong answers.
• The test emphasized speed, as quicker completion could improve the chances of being shortlisted for interviews.
• The MCQ questions were focused on the core CS (Computer Science) subjects such as OOPS, DBMS, OS, and Computer Networks along with some Aptitude questions as well.

The MCQs covered:

• Core Computer Science: OOPs, DBMS, OS, Computer Networks.
• Aptitude questions.
• SQL queries and pseudo-code/flowchart output predictions.
• Lastly, there were TWO coding questions:
  • Binary Tree: A "Maximum Level Sum of a Binary Tree" problem, classified as a medium-level question on LeetCode.
  • Array-Based Problem: Determining how many eggs remain in each tray after groups of kids pick a random number of eggs. The solution involved using a hash-map approach.

The test was conducted on the HirePro platform, and from 595 participants, 131 students were selected for the interviews. Among them, 62 were from the Vellore campus.

Round 2: Technical Interview 1

Time: 1-1H20Min

This was the first technical round, with significant variability depending on the interview panel. The panel, consisting of two interviewers, asked in-depth questions to assess knowledge of core computer science subjects, system design, cloud services, and data structures and algorithms (DSA).

For me, the interview focused heavily on AWS (as I had listed AWS Solutions Architect Associate on my resume), followed by other core areas such as:

• System Design: I was asked to design the architecture of a Hotel Management System.
• Cloud Services, DBMS, SQL, OS, Computer Networks, OOPs (e.g., polymorphism).
• DSA: Questions on non-linear data structures, doubly circular linked lists, and linked data structure applications.

Notably, some candidates were asked DSA-heavy questions or were questioned extensively on their resumes, underscoring the variability in the interview experience.

By the end of the day, 15 students out of the 62 were selected for the next round.

Round 3: Technical Interview 2

Time: 1-1.5H

This round focused primarily on resume-based questions, especially regarding projects, internships, and certifications. The interview was quite challenging, demanding a deep understanding of concepts.

For me, the focus was on Database Systems:

• I was given a car-engine problem statement and asked to design a schema.
• I had to explain why an SQL or NoSQL implementation would be more optimal in certain scenarios.
• I was asked to write queries for both SQL and NoSQL databases, particularly for large datasets.
• Additionally, I performed Normalization to convert the schema into 3rd Normal Form (3NF).

They also tested my problem-solving skills by asking me to optimize my previous project using available online resources and had me build an optimal solution for Fibonacci Numbers, explaining concepts like time complexity, overlapping subproblems, and dynamic programming.

Out of the 15 students, 8-10 candidates advanced to the final HR round.

Round 4: HR Interview

Time: 0.5-0.75H

This was a more relaxed, conversational round, focusing on personality and career aspirations. I highly recommend thoroughly researching the company's background, leadership, and values, as it helped me give well-informed and relevant answers.

The questions included:

• Personal Background: "Where are you from, and how did you reach this campus?"
• Future Ambitions: "What are your goals?"
• Opinions on Digitalization: "What is your take on Credit Cards/Debit Cards going digital?"
• Hobbies: Since I mentioned guitar as a hobby, I was asked how I could implement it into a website and what feature updates I might introduce.

The interview concluded with a discussion about location preferences. It felt more like a conversation than a formal interview.

The results were announced the following day, and out of 15 candidates, 7 were selected. I was fortunate to be among the selected candidates.

This experience was a comprehensive process, testing not only technical knowledge but also adaptability, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal abilities. Preparing thoroughly for both technical and non-technical aspects is key to succeeding in such interviews.