Contents
Pseudo code tests candidates’ logical thinking and problem-solving by expressing algorithms in plain English without language syntax.
Focus on tracking variable values, applying correct operation precedence, and carefully analyzing loops and conditionals to avoid common mistakes.
Practice step-by-step execution, avoid off-by-one errors, and understand recursion for advanced problem-solving scenarios.
Companies like Accenture and Infosys use pseudo code questions to evaluate coding readiness beyond memorized answers.
Early use of pseudo code questions in hiring helps filter candidates who think critically and can translate requirements into effective solutions.
What is Pseudo Code?
Pseudo code questions in technical interviews usually ask candidates to write sorting algorithms or traverse binary trees. They produce textbook solutions that look perfect on whiteboards.
But when your production system needs custom logic for business rules, those memorized patterns don't help. You need developers who can break down complex problems into clear steps, not regurgitate algorithms they studied last week.
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:
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 = 5means "set x to 5"x == 5means "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.
Did you know?
Companies vary in pseudo code difficulty from simple arithmetic to complex nested loops and functions.
Why pseudocodes?
Add pseudo code assessments early in your technical screening to reveal real coding aptitude. Evaluate candidates based on reasoning and clarity rather than memorized syntax.
Beginner Pseudo Code Questions with Answers
These questions test basic understanding of variables, simple math, and basic if statements.
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:
Iteration | i | factorial before | factorial after |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 * 1 = 1 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 1 * 2 = 2 |
3 | 3 | 2 | 2 * 3 = 6 |
4 | 4 | 6 | 6 * 4 = 24 |
5 | 5 | 24 | 24 * 5 = 120 |
Pseudo code is language-agnostic and bridges human thinking and programming logic.
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.
It’s widely used in interviews at top Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and HCL
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
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 = 5means "set x to 5"x == 5means "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.
Tests frequently include searching, sorting, string manipulation, and basic math sequences.
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.
The bottom line:
Pseudo code questions seem simple, but they're one of the best ways to test real thinking ability. Whether you're preparing for interviews or improving your hiring process, mastering pseudo code gives you a clear advantage.
Start with easy questions, practice daily, and focus on understanding the logic behind each step. With consistent practice, these questions become straightforward - and you'll build better problem-solving skills for actual programming work.
How should one approach it?
Build confidence by practicing varied pseudo code problems under time constraints. Focus on explaining your thinking clearly and verifying calculations thoroughly.
Want to hire
the best talent
with proof
of skill?
Shortlist candidates with
strong proof of skill
in just 48 hours
Co-founder, Utkrusht AI
