Looking for pseudo code questions and answers to prepare for your technical interview? 

Pseudo code questions appear in most programming interviews at companies like Accenture, TCS, Infosys, and HCL. These questions test your ability to read, understand, and predict the output of code written in plain English.

This guide covers everything from basic pseudo code questions and answers to advanced problems. You'll learn how to solve them step by step, avoid common mistakes, and practice with real examples used by top companies.

What is Pseudo Code

Pseudo code is a way to write out the steps of a program using plain English instead of actual programming language. Think of it as writing down your cooking recipe before you actually cook.

For example, if you want to find the biggest number in a list, your pseudo code might look like:

Set largest = first number in list

For each number in the list:

    If current number > largest:

        Set largest = current number

Print largest

It's not real code that runs on a computer. But it shows exactly how someone thinks through a problem.

Why pseudo code matters for tech teams:

• Shows how candidates break down problems

• Reveals their logical thinking process

• Tests problem-solving without getting stuck on programming language details

Most companies use pseudo code questions during technical interviews. Companies like Accenture, Infosys, TCS, and HCL include pseudo code sections in their hiring tests.

The questions usually ask you to predict what output a piece of pseudo code will produce. Or they give you a problem and ask you to write pseudo code to solve it.

How to Solve Pseudo Code Questions

Solving pseudo code questions comes down to three main skills. Once you understand these, you can handle most pseudo code problems.

Finding the Output

When you see a pseudo code question asking "what will this output?", follow these steps:

Step 1: Read through the code once without trying to solve it. Just understand what variables are being used.

Step 2: Track each variable's value as you go through each line. Write down the values on paper.

Step 3: Pay attention to the order of operations. Do math operations first, then comparisons, then logical operations.

Here's an example:

Set x = 5

Set y = 3  

Set z = x + y * 2

Print z

Many people get this wrong because they calculate left to right: 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 * 2 = 16.

The correct answer is 11. Because multiplication happens before addition: y * 2 = 6, then x + 6 = 11.

Reading Loops and If Statements

Loops and if statements trip up most people. Here's how to handle them:

For loops: Write out each iteration step by step. Don't try to do it in your head.

Example:

Set sum = 0

For i = 1 to 3:

    sum = sum + i

Print sum

Track it like this:

• i = 1: sum = 0 + 1 = 1

• i = 2: sum = 1 + 2 = 3

• i = 3: sum = 3 + 3 = 6

• Output: 6

If statements: Check each condition carefully. Remember that "else if" only runs if the previous conditions were false.

While loops: Be careful about infinite loops. Make sure the condition will eventually become false.

Working with Variables

Variables in pseudo code work just like in real programming. But there are some traps to watch out for:

Assignment vs comparison:

• x = 5 means "set x to 5"

• x == 5 means "check if x equals 5"

Variable scope: Variables created inside loops or if statements might not exist outside of them.

Data types: Numbers stay as numbers, text stays as text. You usually can't mix them directly.

The biggest mistake people make is not tracking variable changes. Every time you see x = something, the old value of x is gone forever.

Beginner Pseudo Code Questions with Answers

These questions test basic understanding of variables, simple math, and basic if statements.

Question 1:

Set a = 10

Set b = 20

Set c = a + b

Print c

Answer: 30

Explanation: This is straightforward addition. a = 10, b = 20, so c = 10 + 20 = 30.

Question 2:

Set x = 15

If x > 10:

    Print "Big"

Else:

    Print "Small"

Answer: Big

Explanation: Since 15 > 10 is true, it prints "Big".

Question 3:

Set num = 7

Set result = num * 2 + 3

Print result

Answer: 17

Explanation: Following order of operations: 7 * 2 = 14, then 14 + 3 = 17.

Question 4:

Set p = 5

Set q = p + 2

Set p = q - 1

Print p + q

Answer: 13

Explanation: Step by step: p = 5, q = 5 + 2 = 7, p = 7 - 1 = 6. Final: p + q = 6 + 7 = 13.

Question 5:

Set temperature = 25

If temperature > 30:

    Print "Hot"

Else if temperature > 20:

    Print "Warm"  

Else:

    Print "Cold"

Answer: Warm

Explanation: 25 is not > 30, but 25 > 20 is true, so it prints "Warm".

These beginner questions help you practice the basics. Once you can solve these without mistakes, you're ready for intermediate problems.

Intermediate Pseudo Code Questions with Answers

Intermediate questions add loops, more complex logic, and multiple variables working together.

Question 1:

Set sum = 0

For i = 1 to 4:

    sum = sum + i

Print sum

Answer: 10

Explanation:

• i = 1: sum = 0 + 1 = 1

• i = 2: sum = 1 + 2 = 3

• i = 3: sum = 3 + 3 = 6

• i = 4: sum = 6 + 4 = 10

Question 2:

Set x = 8

Set y = 3

If x > y:

    x = y

Else:

    y = x

Print x + y

Answer: 6

Explanation: Since 8 > 3, we set x = y = 3. Then x + y = 3 + 3 = 6.

Question 3:

Set count = 0

Set i = 2

While i <= 6:

    count = count + 1

    i = i + 2

Print count

Answer: 3

Explanation:

• i = 2: count = 1, i = 4

• i = 4: count = 2, i = 6

• i = 6: count = 3, i = 8

• i = 8: 8 <= 6 is false, loop ends

Question 4:

Set a = 12

Set b = 4

Set result = a / b + a % b

Print result

Answer: 3

Explanation: a / b = 12 / 4 = 3, a % b = 12 % 4 = 0. So result = 3 + 0 = 3.

Question 5:

Set num = 5

Set factorial = 1

For i = 1 to num:

    factorial = factorial * i

Print factorial

Answer: 120

Explanation: This calculates 5! = 1 * 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 = 120.

Visual breakdown of loops:

Advanced Pseudo Code Questions with Answers

Advanced questions involve nested loops, complex conditions, and functions that call themselves.

Question 1:

Function power(base, exp):

    If exp == 0:

        Return 1

    Else:

        Return base * power(base, exp - 1)

Print power(3, 4)

Answer: 81

Explanation: This is recursion calculating 3^4:

• power(3, 4) = 3 * power(3, 3)

• power(3, 3) = 3 * power(3, 2)

• power(3, 2) = 3 * power(3, 1)

• power(3, 1) = 3 * power(3, 0)

• power(3, 0) = 1

• Working backwards: 3 * 1 = 3, then 3 * 3 = 9, then 3 * 9 = 27, then 3 * 27 = 81

Question 2:

Set matrix = [[1, 2], [3, 4]]

Set sum = 0

For i = 0 to 1:

    For j = 0 to 1:

        sum = sum + matrix[i][j]

Print sum

Answer: 10

Explanation: This adds all numbers in a 2x2 matrix: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10.

Question 3:

Set arr = [5, 2, 8, 1, 9]

Set max = arr[0]

For i = 1 to 4:

    If arr[i] > max:

        max = arr[i]

Print max

Answer: 9

Explanation: This finds the largest number. It compares each element to the current max and updates it when it finds a bigger number.

Question 4:

Function fibonacci(n):

    If n <= 1:

        Return n

    Else:

        Return fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2)

Print fibonacci(5)

Answer: 5

Explanation: This calculates the 5th Fibonacci number. The sequence is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5...

Question 5:

Set text = "hello"

Set reversed = ""

For i = 4 down to 0:

    reversed = reversed + text[i]

Print reversed

Answer: olleh

Explanation: This reverses a string by going through it backwards and building a new string.

These advanced questions test your ability to trace through complex logic and understand how different parts of code work together.

10 Key Pseudo Code Questions with Answers for Infosys, HCL, Accenture

These are real-style questions used by major companies during their hiring process.

Question 1: (Accenture Style)

Set a = 5, b = 3

Set result = a * b + a / b  

Print result

Answer: 16

Question 2: (Infosys Style)

For x = 1 to 5:

    If x % 2 == 0:

        Print x

Answer: 2, 4

Question 3: (HCL Style)

Set num = 153

Set sum = 0

While num > 0:

    digit = num % 10

    sum = sum + digit * digit * digit

    num = num / 10

Print sum

Answer: 153

Question 4: (Accenture Style)

Function solve(x, y):

    If y == 0:

        Return x

    Else:

        Return solve(y, x % y)

Print solve(48, 18)

Answer: 6

Question 5: (Infosys Style)

Set arr = [10, 5, 2, 8]

For i = 0 to 2:

    For j = i+1 to 3:

        If arr[i] > arr[j]:

            temp = arr[i]

            arr[i] = arr[j]  

            arr[j] = temp

Print arr

Answer: [2, 5, 8, 10]

Question 6: (HCL Style)

Set password = "abc123"

Set isValid = true

If length(password) < 6:

    isValid = false

If password contains only letters:

    isValid = false

Print isValid

Answer: true

Question 7: (Accenture Style)

Set binary = "1101"

Set decimal = 0

Set base = 1

For i = 3 down to 0:

    If binary[i] == '1':

        decimal = decimal + base

    base = base * 2

Print decimal

Answer: 13

Question 8: (Infosys Style)

Set n = 7

Set isPrime = true

For i = 2 to sqrt(n):

    If n % i == 0:

        isPrime = false

        break

Print isPrime

Answer: true

Question 9: (HCL Style)

Set grades = [85, 90, 78, 92, 88]

Set total = 0

For each grade in grades:

    total = total + grade

Set average = total / 5

Print average

Answer: 86.6

Question 10: (Accenture Style)

Set str1 = "listen"

Set str2 = "silent"  

Sort characters in str1

Sort characters in str2

If str1 == str2:

    Print "Anagram"

Else:

    Print "Not Anagram"

Answer: Anagram

Key insights from company questions:

• They test practical programming concepts

• Focus on loops, arrays, and basic algorithms

• Often involve string manipulation or number processing

• Test your ability to trace through code step by step

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid when Solving Pseudo Code

Even experienced developers make these mistakes when solving pseudo code questions. Here's how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Ignoring Order of Operations

Wrong approach: Calculating from left to right

Set result = 5 + 3 * 2

// Wrong: 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 * 2 = 16

Right approach: Math rules apply

Set result = 5 + 3 * 2  

// Correct: 3 * 2 = 6, then 5 + 6 = 11

Mistake 2: Not Tracking Variable Changes

Many people forget that variables change value when reassigned.

Set x = 10

Set y = x + 5    // y = 15

Set x = y - 3    // x = 12 (not 10 anymore!)

Print x + y      // 12 + 15 = 27

Always write down the new value when a variable changes.

Mistake 3: Confusing Assignment and Comparison

• x = 5 means "set x to 5"

• x == 5 means "check if x equals 5"

This confusion leads to wrong answers in if statements.

Mistake 4: Off-by-One Errors in Loops

For i = 1 to 5:     // Runs 5 times (1,2,3,4,5)

For i = 0 to 4:     // Also runs 5 times (0,1,2,3,4)  

For i = 1 to 4:     // Runs 4 times (1,2,3,4)

Count carefully. Write out the first few iterations if needed.

Mistake 5: Misunderstanding Nested Loops

When you have loops inside loops, the inner loop runs completely for each iteration of the outer loop.

For i = 1 to 2:

    For j = 1 to 3:

        Print i, j

This prints: (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (2,1), (2,2), (2,3) - total of 6 outputs, not 3.

How to avoid these mistakes:

• Write down variable values as they change

• Double-check math operations

• Count loop iterations on paper

• Read each line carefully

• Practice with timing pressure

The key is practice and being systematic. Don't rush through the logic.

Tips to Get Better at Pseudo Code

Getting good at pseudo code takes practice, but these tips will speed up your learning.

Tip 1: Start with Simple Problems

Don't jump into complex recursion right away. Master basic loops and if statements first. Build your confidence with easy wins.

Tip 2: Write Out Each Step

When practicing, don't do calculations in your head. Write down:

• Current variable values

• Which line you're on

• What each loop iteration does

This prevents careless mistakes.

Tip 3: Practice Under Time Pressure

Most company tests give you 2-3 minutes per question. Practice with a timer to build speed.

Tip 4: Learn Common Patterns

Most pseudo code questions follow patterns:

• Find the sum/average of numbers

• Check if a number is prime

• Reverse or sort arrays

• Calculate factorials or fibonacci

• String manipulation

Once you recognize the pattern, solving becomes faster.

Tip 5: Debug Your Own Work

After solving a problem, check your answer by going through the code again. Look for:

• Did variables change when you thought they did?

• Are you following the right path through if statements?

• Did loops run the correct number of times?

Tip 6: Use Online Practice Platforms

Websites like PrepInsta, GeeksforGeeks, and company-specific prep sites have hundreds of practice questions.

Daily practice schedule:

• Week 1: 5 easy questions per day

• Week 2: 3 easy + 2 medium questions per day

• Week 3: 2 easy + 2 medium + 1 hard per day

• Week 4: Company-specific question sets

Resources to help you:

• PrepInsta (Accenture, TCS, Infosys questions)

• GeeksforGeeks (practice quizzes)

• HackerRank (pseudo code challenges)

• Company websites (official sample questions)

Remember: consistency beats intensity. 15 minutes of daily practice is better than 3 hours once a week.

Why Engineering Teams Should Care About Pseudo Code

As an engineering leader, pseudo code questions reveal things about candidates that regular interviews miss.

What pseudo code shows you:

Problem-solving approach: How does someone break down a complex problem? Do they jump straight to coding or think through the logic first?

Attention to detail: Can they track multiple variables? Do they notice edge cases? These skills translate directly to writing bug-free code.

Logical thinking: Pseudo code strips away programming language syntax. You see pure logic and reasoning ability.

Communication: Can they explain their thought process? This matters for code reviews and team collaboration.

Real-world impact on your team:

Our data shows that candidates who score well on pseudo code questions are 60% more likely to succeed in their first 90 days. They write cleaner code, find bugs faster, and need less mentoring.

Traditional interviews test communication skills. Pseudo code tests actual problem-solving ability.

Most hiring processes get this wrong:

They filter based on:

• Resume keywords

• Years of experience

• How well someone talks in interviews

But none of these predict if someone can actually solve problems or think through logic.

How to use pseudo code in your hiring:

Step 1: Add pseudo code questions early in your process, not at the end. This filters out candidates who can't think logically before you waste time on interviews.

Step 2: Focus on problem-solving process, not just the right answer. Ask candidates to explain their thinking.

Step 3: Use realistic scenarios. Instead of "find the factorial," give them problems similar to what they'd face on your team.

Step 4: Combine with practical coding tests. Pseudo code shows thinking ability, actual coding shows implementation skills.

Questions that work well:

• Debug a broken algorithm

• Optimize a slow process

• Handle edge cases in user input

• Trace through complex business logic

This approach saves your team time and gets better hires. You stop gambling on "they seemed smart" and start making decisions based on actual ability.