If you’re someone with little or no experience or you’re an experienced professional looking to join Zoho as a Software Development Engineer (SDE), this article will break down the entire interview process step-by-step, covering everything you need to know.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different rounds in Zoho’s SDE interview process, what to expect, and how to prepare. Whether you’re a fresher or have years of experience, this guide will give you the full picture.
Round 1: Aptitude & Coding
The first round of Zoho’s interview process usually involves both aptitude and coding questions. Freshers and candidates with 1–3 years of experience are most likely to encounter this round. Here’s how it goes:
- Total Questions: 20 (1 mark each)
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
Types of Questions:
- Aptitude (10 Questions): These include topics like train crossing problems, distance, speed, time, work and time, probability, profit and loss, percentage, ratio, and average. The questions are mainly focused on basic mathematical concepts and logical reasoning.
- Coding (10 Questions): These are generally focused on using iterators, finding combinations of variables (like i, j, k), and other programming-related problems. These questions are mainly asked in Java(sometimes in C language), with pointers being frequently used.
Preparation Tips:
- For aptitude, channels like Logic.io can be very helpful.
- For coding, follow playlists of Algo Tamizha that focus on one-mark questions, especially those covering basic programming concepts.
If you manage to score well (around 12–13 marks), you should be able to move on to the next round. Even if you’re not strong in aptitude, focusing on coding can help you clear this round.
Round 2: DSA Coding
The second round focuses more on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), and you get 1–1.5 hours to complete the tasks. Here’s what to expect:
- Languages Allowed: You can use any programming language you’re comfortable with, such as Java, C, C++, or Python.
- Environment: While you can use any editor, it’s recommended to use VS Code, IntelliJ, or PyCharm as these IDEs make debugging easier.
- Types of Questions: You’ll generally be asked to solve problems based on:
- Arrays
- Strings
- Binary Search
- Dynamic Programming
- Greedy Algorithms
- Recursion
- Graphs
Zoho may provide a HackerRank link for a contest with a set of 4–6 problems, categorized as easy, medium, and hard. If you’re among the top 8–10 scorers, you’ll move to the next round.
Sometimes what happens is that in a paper, they give you two questions, and you have to code and show your solution within half an hour to one hour. If you’re able to successfully complete those, they will give you the next set of two questions. Even if you solve just one question, you can still move to the next round.”
But after you write the code, you will be asked to explain the logic behind your code to the invigilator. This is a critical part of the process as it helps them understand your approach.”
Preparation Tips:
- Practice problems on LeetCode, especially those in the “Blind 75” list.
- Focus on understanding concepts like arrays, dynamic programming, and recursion.
- Platforms like Nick White, Algo Tamiza, Code.io and Pseudocode Type follow TakeUForward on YouTube are excellent resources for coding practice.
DSA preparation takes time, so give yourself a month or more to get comfortable with solving problems before applying.
Round 3: Advanced Programming Round
In this round, you’re asked to build a small application or solve a real-world problem. Examples of tasks include:
- Flight ticket booking system
- Taxi booking system
- Railway ticket reservation system
These are usually command-line-based applications with multiple subtasks. You’ll be expected to solve at least 4 sub-tasks to pass this round.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice solving problems that involve real-world systems, such as booking systems, reservation systems, etc.
- If you’ve solved similar problems before, you’ll have an advantage.
