Top EXL Service Interview Questions

About EXL Service

EXL Service is a global analytics and technology company providing data-driven solutions and business process outsourcing (BPO) services. Founded in 1999, EXL works with clients in various sectors (healthcare, finance, etc.). They specialize in areas like digital intelligence, analytics, operations management, and technology platforms. EXL has a significant global presence.

EXL's Academic Requirements

• Minimum 60% marks in 10th, 12th, and B.Tech (CS/IT/ECE).
• No backlogs.

EXL's Selection Process

EXL's recruitment typically involves four rounds:

1. Written Test
2. Puzzle and Guesstimate Round
3. Technical Interview
4. HR Interview

Written Test

The written test assesses aptitude, typically including sections on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. The test usually involves multiple-choice questions.

Aptitude Questions

1. Question 1: A horse runs 1500 meters in 1 minute 20 seconds. What's its speed in km/hr?
   

   Answer:

   67.5 km/hr

   Explanation: Convert the time to hours, and use speed = distance / time.

2. Question 2: A train moving at 80 km/hr crosses a pole in 7 seconds. What's the train's length?
   

   Answer:

   175 meters

   Explanation: Convert speed to meters per second, then use distance = speed * time.

3. Question 3: A clock set at 4 am loses 16 minutes in 24 hours. What time will it show at 9 pm on the 4th day?
   

   Answer:

   10 pm

   Explanation: Calculate the total time elapsed, accounting for the time lost.

4. Question 4: A jogger runs at 15 km/hr. How long does it take to run 400 meters?
   

   Answer:

   96 seconds

   Explanation: Convert speed to m/s; use time = distance / speed.

5. Question 5: The average of three consecutive even numbers is 34. What's the largest number?
   

   Answer:

   36

   Explanation: Let the numbers be x, x+2, x+4. Solve (3x + 6)/3 = 34.

6. Question 6: Suresh borrows Rs. 36000 at 6% simple interest for 6 years. What's the total amount repaid?
   

   Answer:

   Rs. 43,920

   Explanation: Calculate the simple interest (principal * rate * time / 100) and add it to the principal.

7. Question 7: A bag has 2 red, 3 green, and 2 blue balls. What's the probability of drawing two non-blue balls?
   

   Answer:

   10/21

   Explanation: Calculate the probability using combinations (5C2 / 7C2).

8. Question 8: Two dice are tossed. What's the probability that the sum is a prime number?
   

   Answer:

   5/12

9. Question 9: Find the compound interest on Rs. 2500 for 2 years at 4% per annum.
   

   Answer:

   Rs. 204

   Explanation: Use the compound interest formula: A = P (1 + r/n)^(nt).

Verbal Ability Questions

1. Find the correct option: Some patients _______ to physician assistants in recent years.
   

   Answer:

   have been going

2. Correct the sentence: One more developed model of this bike ... in the showroom.
   

   Answer:

   will be shown

3. Fill in the blank: I am ____ to have him ____ here.
   

   Answer:

   pleased, arrive

4. Correct the sentence: The owner dispensed ... the services of his servant.
   

   Answer:

   with

5. Correct the sentence: The two friends have fallen ....
   

   Answer:

   out

6. Antonym of QUIESCENT:
   

   Answer:

   Active

7. Correct Spelling:
   

   Answer:

   Fratricide

8. Correct Spelling:
   

   Answer:

   Abscess

9. Correct Spelling:
   

   Answer:

   Hypocrisy

10. Synonym/Antonym Pair: (1) Tranquility (2) Loyalty (3) Calamity (4) Uproar
    

    Answer:

    1-4 (Tranquility and Uproar are antonyms)

11. Synonym/Antonym Pair: (1) Opaque (2) Translucent (3) Transverse (4) Transvestite
    

    Answer:

    2-1 (Translucent and Opaque are antonyms)

12. Synonym/Antonym Pair: (1) Vilification (2) Nullification (3) Denigration (4) Falsification
    

    Answer:

    1-3 (Vilification and Denigration are synonyms)

Logical Reasoning Questions

1. Next number in series: 14, 28, 20, 40, 32, 64...?
   

   Answer:

   56

2. Odd one out: Dodge, Duck, Avoid, Flee
   

   Answer:

   Flee

3. Next term: 8, 6, 9, 23, 87...?
   

   Answer:

   429

4. Next term: 3, 7, 13, 27, 53...?
   

   Answer:

   107

5. Fill the blank: CMN, EOP, GQR, ___, KUV
   

   Answer:

   IST

6. Statement: Some onions are tomatoes. All tomatoes are peanuts. All peanuts are candy. Conclusion: A. Some onions are peanuts. B. Some peanuts are onions. C. All tomatoes are candy.
   

   Answer:

   All follow.

7. Pointing to a girl, Ajay says, “She is my father’s son’s daughter.” How is Ajay related?
   

   Answer:

   Uncle

8. Arrange: 1. Job 2. Independence 3. Study 4. Income 5. Exam
   

   Answer:

   3, 5, 1, 4, 2

9. If BLACK is coded as 145, RED as 81, GRAY as 204, how is GREEN coded?
   

   Answer:

   245

10. Statement: Some plastics are bowls. Some bowls are plates. Some plates are flowers. Conclusions: I. Some flowers are plastics. II. Some flowers are bowls. III. No plastics are flowers.
    

    Answer:

    Neither I, II, nor III follows.

More on Inheritance and Relationships

The `super` Keyword (Continued)

The super keyword is used within a subclass to refer to the superclass. Its main uses are:

• Calling the superclass constructor: super(); (must be the first statement in a subclass constructor).
• Accessing a superclass member (field or method) that has been hidden (overridden) in the subclass: super.methodName();

Constructor Chaining with `super()`

Constructor chaining using super() allows a subclass constructor to invoke the superclass constructor. This efficiently handles initialization of inherited members.

class Person {
    String name;
    public Person(String name) { this.name = name; }
}

class Employee extends Person {
    float salary;
    public Employee(String name, float salary) {
        super(name); //Calls the Person constructor
        this.salary = salary;
    }
}
        

Uses of the super Keyword

• To call the parent class constructor.
• To access hidden parent class members (fields or methods).

`this` vs. `super` Keywords

Using `this()` and `super()` Together

You cannot use both this() and super() in the same constructor; only one can be the first statement.

Aggregation and Association in UML

Aggregation and association are types of relationships in UML class diagrams that represent how objects interact:

• Aggregation: Represents a "has-a" relationship where one class contains instances of another class, but the contained class can exist independently.
• Association: A more general relationship between classes indicating some connection or interaction.

Composition

Composition is a strong form of aggregation where the contained object cannot exist without the container. It indicates a "part-of" relationship.

Aggregation vs. Composition

Why Java Doesn't Use Pointers Directly (Reiterated)

Java avoids explicit pointers to improve memory safety and reduce the risk of common programming errors (like segmentation faults and memory leaks).

The super Keyword (Continued)

The super keyword allows access to the parent class's members from within a subclass. It's essential for extending and customizing functionality from superclasses.

Top Data Structures and Algorithms (DAA) Interview Questions (Part 4)

More on Data Structures and Algorithms

Aggregation vs. Association in UML

Constructors and Destructors in C++

C Preprocessor

The C preprocessor processes source code *before* compilation. It handles directives (lines beginning with #), such as #include (for including header files) and #define (for defining macros).

Types of Header Files in C

• System header files: Provided with the compiler (e.g., stdio.h, stdlib.h).
• User-defined header files: Created by programmers to organize code.

Oracle DBMS Packages

Oracle provides pre-built packages (collections of related procedures and functions) that simplify database tasks. Examples include DBMS_ALERT, DBMS_CRYPTO, and others.

Compiler vs. Interpreter

Stack and Queue Operations

Stacks and queues are linear data structures:

• Stack: LIFO (Last-In, First-Out); uses push() and pop() operations.
• Queue: FIFO (First-In, First-Out); uses enqueue() and dequeue() operations.

fprintf() and fscanf() in C

These functions handle file input and output:

• fprintf(): Writes formatted data to a file.
• fscanf(): Reads formatted data from a file.

fprintf(fp, "%d %s\n", age, name); // Writes an integer and a string to file 'fp'
        

Linked Lists and Their Applications

A linked list is a linear data structure where elements are linked together. It's dynamic, making insertions and deletions efficient compared to arrays.

Advantages of Linked Lists over Arrays

• Dynamic size.
• Efficient insertion and deletion.
• No need for contiguous memory allocation.

Heterogeneous Linked Lists in C

Use void* pointers to store different data types in a linked list node.

Doubly Linked Lists

A doubly linked list allows traversal in both directions because each node points to both the next and previous nodes.

C Code for Circular Linked List Insertion (Beginning)

// ... (C code for inserting a node at the beginning of a circular linked list would go here) ...
        

C++ Advantages over C

Smallest Package in Java API

The java.applet package is relatively small.

Searching Techniques: Linear Search

A linear search checks each element sequentially; simple but inefficient for large datasets (O(n) time complexity).

Binary Search

Binary search efficiently finds an element in a *sorted* list (O(log n) time complexity). It works by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.

Advantages of Selection Sort

• Simple implementation.
• Efficient for small datasets.

Applications of Multi-linked Structures

• Sparse matrices.
• Indexing.

NULL vs. VOID in C

Top iGATE Interview Questions

About iGATE (Now Part of Capgemini)

iGATE was a leading global technology and IT services company. Acquired by Capgemini in 2015, iGATE offered consulting, technology, and outsourcing services across various industries. Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, iGATE had a large global workforce.

iGATE Recruitment Process

iGATE's recruitment process typically included three rounds:

1. Written Test
2. Technical Interview
3. HR Interview

First Round: Written Test

The written test consisted of general aptitude and English proficiency sections. There was negative marking for incorrect answers.

Aptitude Questions

1. Question 1: The average age of Mansi and her grandfather is 40, with their ages in a 1:3 ratio. What's Mansi's age?
   

   Answer:

   20

   Explanation: Let Mansi's age be x. Her grandfather's age is 3x. Solve (x + 3x)/2 = 40.

2. Question 2: 25% of 350 + 35% of 250 = x. Find x.
   

   Answer:

   175

3. Question 3: A bag has 2 blue, 3 yellow, and 2 green balls. Two balls are randomly drawn. What's the probability that neither is green?
   

   Answer:

   10/21

   Explanation: Probability = (Favorable outcomes) / (Total possible outcomes).

4. Question 4: A salary is decreased by 40% and then increased by 40%. What's the net percentage change?
   

   Answer:

   16% decrease

5. Question 5: A class average increased by 0.5 due to a wrongly entered mark (93 instead of 73). How many students are there?
   

   Answer:

   40

6. Question 6: A person walks at 4 km/h and takes 3 hours 45 minutes. How long will it take at 12.5 km/h?
   

   Answer:

   72 minutes

7. Question 7: A rectangular park's length:breadth ratio is 2:1. A person runs around it at 10 km/h, taking 9 minutes. What's the area?
   

   Answer:

   405,000 sq. m

8. Question 8: A and B do a job in 30 days. They worked for 20 days, then B left. A finished in 20 more days. How long would B take alone?
   

   Answer:

   60 days

9. Question 9: Aman and Rahul's ages are in a 3:4 ratio. In 6 years, Aman will be 27. What's Rahul's current age?
   

   Answer:

   28 years

Verbal Ability Questions

1. Fill in the blank: If Riya ____ ready ____ in the house, I will rent it.
   

   Answer:

   is, to stay

2. Correct the sentence: John _______ along the road.
   

   Answer:

   ran

3. Fill in the blank: _______ a match to light the candle.
   

   Answer:

   Strike

4. Correct the sentence: These instructions must be followed by every student _______ the semester _______ exception.
   

   Answer:

   throughout, without

5. Correct the sentence: In Rohan's family, when they sit at _______ dining table __________ family likes to do all____________ chitchatting.
   

   Answer:

   the, the, their

6. Correct the sentence: I miss ________ the today's news.
   

   Answer:

   watching

7. Antonym of QUIESCENT:
   

   Answer:

   Active

8. Arrange: for the rest of the year; to buy anything else; if we use up the money; I think; we wouldn't be able
   

   Answer:

   4, 3, 5, 2, 1

9. Correct the sentence: Priya was laughing so hard _______ Ravi's joke that she fell _______ her chair ________ the floor.
   

   Answer:

   at, off, onto

10. Correct the sentence: Success in the IAS examination depends ....... hard work only.
    

    Answer:

    on

Group Discussion (GD) Round

The group discussion round assesses communication skills, teamwork, and ability to express ideas clearly and confidently. Be a good listener, contribute constructively, and respect other participants' opinions.

Technical Interview Round

This round assesses your technical skills (C, C++, Java, etc.). Be prepared to answer questions based on your resume and projects.

Abstract Class vs. Interface in Java

Static Variables and Blocks in Java

A static variable is a class variable; it's shared among all objects of the class. A static block is a block of code that is executed when the class is loaded, often used for initializing static variables.

Restrictions on Static Methods

• Cannot directly access instance variables or instance methods.
• Cannot use this or super keywords.

Why is main() Static?

The main() method is static because it is invoked by the JVM before any objects are created.

Overriding Static Methods

Static methods cannot be overridden because they belong to the class itself and not to any specific instance of the class.

Singleton Class

A singleton class restricts instantiation to a single object. It is a design pattern that is useful for situations where only one instance of a class is needed.

Overriding the main() Method

The main() method cannot be overridden.

ClassCastException

A ClassCastException is thrown when you attempt to cast an object to an incompatible type.

Polymorphism in Java

Polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common type. It's achieved through method overriding and interface implementation.

Abstract Classes in Java

An abstract class cannot be instantiated; it serves as a base class for other classes. It can contain both abstract (no implementation) and concrete (with implementation) methods.

Private Constructor in Abstract Class

An abstract class can have a private constructor, preventing instantiation but allowing it to be used as a base class for other classes (often used with static inner classes).

Normalization

Normalization is a database design technique that reduces data redundancy and improves data integrity.

Types of Normalization

• First Normal Form (1NF)
• Second Normal Form (2NF)
• Third Normal Form (3NF)
• Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)

Checking for Circular Linked Lists

You can check for circular linked lists by using two pointers, one moving one node at a time, the other moving two nodes at a time. If they meet, the list is circular.

itoa() Function in C

The itoa() function converts an integer to a string (character array).

Calculating Class Size in C++

The size of a class depends on its member variables, including padding. The parent class size also needs to be considered.

Aggregation vs. Association

Common HR Interview Questions and How to Answer

This section covers frequently asked HR interview questions and provides guidance on how to craft effective and positive responses. Remember to tailor your answers to your specific experiences and the job requirements.

Company Knowledge

Interviewers often assess your interest and preparation by asking about the company. Research the company's mission, products, services, recent news, and culture before your interview.

Relocation

When asked about relocation, express willingness and enthusiasm. Avoid directly discussing relocation packages until offered the position. A positive response demonstrates flexibility and commitment.

Example Response:

"Relocation for the right opportunity is something I would welcome. I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and believe this role presents a significant career advancement opportunity."

Other Job Applications

Be honest and straightforward. If you have applied for other jobs, briefly mention it without sounding overly eager or implying a lack of commitment to this opportunity. If you haven't applied elsewhere, state that, emphasizing your focus on this role.

Teamwork

Emphasize your teamwork skills and experience. Share a positive example of how you've collaborated effectively with others. Avoid expressing negative experiences with previous teams.

Example Response:

"I thrive in team environments. In my previous role, I was part of a team that successfully [mention a project or achievement], and I believe my collaborative skills are a significant asset in achieving collective goals."

Asking Questions

Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and engagement. Prepare a few questions in advance that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Focus on clarifying aspects of the role or company that are not clearly stated in the job description.

Knowing Someone at the Company

If you know someone at the company, consider these points:

• Check the company's policy on hiring relatives or acquaintances.
• Only mention the person if they are well-regarded within the company.
• If you know someone who is not well-regarded, avoid mentioning them or address the situation with a positive approach.

Example Introduction (Tell Me About Yourself)

Craft a concise, engaging introduction that showcases your key skills and experiences relevant to the position. Include your background, education, relevant skills, and career goals.

Example Response:

"I'm [Your Name], a recent graduate in [Your Major] with a strong interest in [Area of interest]. My academic projects focused on [Relevant projects], and I have further developed my skills through [Additional experience or training]. I'm eager to apply my abilities to contribute to [Company Name] and grow my career in [Desired field]."

Why Should We Hire You?

Clearly articulate your unique value proposition, emphasizing how your skills and experience meet the company's requirements and how you can contribute to their success. Highlight accomplishments and quantifiable results.

Career Goals (Five Years From Now)

Discuss your career path and how this role fits into it. Show ambition and a realistic plan for growth, connecting it with the company's potential and opportunities.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Be honest and self-aware. Choose strengths directly relevant to the position, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate them. For weaknesses, identify something you're actively working to improve, focusing on the positive steps you are taking.

Preferred Work Style (Team or Individual)

Demonstrate your flexibility and ability to work in both team and independent settings. Highlight your strengths in collaboration and independent work.