Goldman Sachs Interview Experience 2026

Based on experiences shared by recent candidates, the Goldman Sachs interview process for engineering freshers in 2026 includes multiple rigorous rounds to evaluate coding ability, analytical aptitude, and communication skills, with Goldman Sachs assessment questions covering numerical reasoning, data structures, algorithms, and computer science fundamentals.

Round 1: Aptitude Test

The first round of the Goldman Sachs hiring process is an aptitude test conducted online on the HackerRank platform. This is the primary screening round and a major elimination stage in terms of candidate percentage. The test consists of 66 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 90 minutes. Negative marking applies with a scheme of +5 for each correct answer and -2 for each incorrect answer. The cutoff to advance is approximately 75% (around 50 correct answers out of 66). Candidates reported that an attempt of 50-55 correct answers is a good indicator to move to the next round. Time management is the main challenge in this round, as the questions are doable but the time limit is strict.

Note: This round is common for both on-campus and off-campus candidates.

Sections Included

Section Name	No. of Questions	Topics Covered
Numerical Computation	8	Probability, Permutations, Combinations, Basic Arithmetic
Numerical Reasoning	12	Data Interpretation, Puzzle-type Questions
Logical Reasoning	12	Pattern Recognition, Coding-Decoding, Logic Gates
Abstract Reasoning	12	Next Figure in Series, Shape Pattern Identification
Diagrammatic Reasoning	12	Finding Missing Values in Diagram Patterns
Verbal Reasoning	10	Reading Comprehension, Passage-based Questions

Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty of the aptitude test is rated moderate to hard. Numerical Computation, Numerical Reasoning, Diagrammatic Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning sections are reported as Hard. Logical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning are rated Medium. The Abstract Reasoning section is generally considered the most accessible. Candidates with good reading speed have an edge in the Verbal section.

Sample Questions for Aptitude Test

Below are sample questions reflecting the types of problems encountered in the aptitude round.

Numerical Computation Sample Questions

If 5 workers can complete a task in 12 days, how many days will it take 8 workers to complete the same task? (Answer: B - 7.5 days)
A bag contains 4 red balls, 6 blue balls, and 5 green balls. What is the probability of drawing a blue ball? (Answer: A - 2/5)
In how many ways can 5 people be seated in a row of 5 chairs? (Answer: C - 120)

Logical Reasoning Sample Questions

In a certain code, if COMPUTER is coded as DPNQVUFS, how is PROGRAM coded? (Answer: A - QSPHSBN)
Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ? (Answer: C - 42)
What is the output of a circuit with inputs A=1, B=0 passing through an OR gate? (Answer: B - 1)

Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions

A passage is provided covering a general topic (business, science, or society). Candidates are asked to answer 4-5 questions based on the content, focusing on main idea identification, inference, tone analysis, and logical conclusions.
Sentence correction questions where candidates must identify the grammatically correct or improved version of a given sentence.

Round 2: Technical Test (Off-Campus Primarily)

The technical test is the second online round, conducted approximately two weeks after clearing the aptitude test. This round includes 2-3 coding problems and 8-11 technical MCQs. The coding section duration is approximately 60-120 minutes. The coding problems are of medium to hard difficulty, comparable to LeetCode Medium-Hard. The technical MCQs cover CS basics, primarily program output prediction, data structure concepts, and DBMS fundamentals. Negative marking applies for incorrect MCQ answers.

Note: In on-campus drives, this round may be combined with the aptitude test or skipped, with candidates proceeding directly to interviews.

Sections Included

Coding Problems (2-3 questions) - DSA-based, medium to hard difficulty
Technical MCQs (8-11 questions) - CS fundamentals, output prediction, DBMS, OS, OOP

Difficulty Level

The coding problems are rated medium to hard. Topics frequently reported include dynamic programming, graph algorithms, arrays, strings, and tree-based problems. The technical MCQs are rated medium, focusing on output prediction for C/C++/Java programs and fundamental CS concepts.

Sample Coding Problems

Find the maximum sum path in a matrix from one corner to the opposite corner.
Detect a cycle in a directed graph.
Solve a string manipulation problem involving removing consecutive duplicate characters.
Implement a sorting or searching algorithm with specific constraints.

Sample Technical MCQ Topics

Output prediction for code snippets in C/C++/Java
Data structure operations and their time complexities
SQL queries and normalization concepts
OOP concepts - inheritance, polymorphism, exception handling
Operating system concepts - process management, threading

Practice Now

Round 3: Technical Interview 1

The first technical interview is a 45-60 minute round conducted on CoderPad (live coding environment). Two interviewers are typically present. The round begins with introductions, followed by resume-based project discussion, and then 1-2 DSA problems to solve live. Candidates are expected to explain their approach from brute force to optimized solution while discussing time and space complexity at each step.

Common areas covered in Technical Interview 1

DSA Problems: Medium-level problems on arrays, strings, hash maps, and tree traversals
Resume Projects: In-depth discussion of tech stack, architecture, challenges, and your specific contribution
CS Fundamentals: Basic questions on data structures (arrays vs linked lists, hash map implementation), OOP, and DBMS
Follow-up Questions: Optimization of initial solutions, edge case handling, and complexity analysis

Round 4: Technical Interview 2

The second technical interview is another 45-60 minute round on CoderPad, with higher difficulty than Round 3. This round focuses on harder DSA problems, often involving dynamic programming, binary search variations, and graph algorithms. Basic system design questions may also be introduced.

Common areas covered in Technical Interview 2

DSA Problems: Medium-Hard level problems on DP, graphs, trees, sliding window, and bit manipulation
System Design (Basic): Questions on scalability, load balancing, and architecture patterns
Language-specific Questions: Java collections, multithreading, lambda functions, exception handling
Puzzles: Mathematical or logical puzzles testing analytical thinking

Practice Now

Round 5: Managerial / HR Interview

The final round is a managerial and HR interview lasting 30-45 minutes. This round evaluates cultural fit, communication skills, and alignment with Goldman Sachs' values. Some behavioral coding questions may also appear in this round.

Common themes covered in the Managerial / HR Interview

Self-Introduction: Concise overview of background and career interests
Motivation: Why Goldman Sachs specifically, and why the Engineering Analyst role
Behavioral Questions: STAR-format questions on teamwork, conflict resolution, and handling pressure
Career Goals: Long-term aspirations and alignment with the company
Company Knowledge: Awareness of Goldman Sachs' business and values
Relocation: Willingness to work in Bengaluru or Hyderabad
Coding/Behavioral Hybrid: String reduction or logic problems combined with behavioral discussion

Overall Interview Experience Summary

The Goldman Sachs Engineering Analyst recruitment process for freshers consists of 5-6 eliminatory rounds: Aptitude Test (66 MCQs, 90 minutes), Technical Test (2-3 coding problems + MCQs, off-campus), 2-3 Technical Interviews on CoderPad (45-60 minutes each), and a Managerial/HR Interview (30-45 minutes). The overall difficulty is high, with the aptitude test requiring 75% accuracy and the technical interviews focusing on LeetCode Medium-Hard problems. The entire process from first assessment to offer typically takes 3 weeks to 3 months. The selection ratio is highly competitive, with acceptance rates reported between 1-3%.