Introduction: Why Candidates Search for Top Manual Testing Interview Questions
If you are preparing for a software testing or QA interview, one of the most common searches you will make is top manual testing interview questions.
The reason is simple.
Manual testing interviews are not limited to theory. Interviewers ask:
- Concept-based questions
- Real-time manual testing questions
- Scenario-based questions
- Project-based discussion questions
Whether you are a fresher, have 2–3 years of experience, or are a senior tester, manual testing fundamentals are always tested.
This article is a fully SEO-optimised, job-preparation guide that covers:
- Top manual testing questions
- Interview questions for QA roles
- Real-time manual testing questions
- Scenario-based questions with easy answers
- Real company interview round format
The content is written in simple English, with short paragraphs, clear explanations, and practical examples to help you prepare confidently.
What is Manual Testing? (Simple Definition with Example)
Manual Testing is the process of testing software manually without using automation tools to verify that it works according to requirements and user expectations.
Simple Example
Testing a login page manually:
- Enter valid username and password → Login successful
- Enter invalid credentials → Error message shown
- Leave fields empty → Validation message displayed
You perform these actions manually and compare the expected result with the actual result. This is manual testing.
Why Companies Ask Manual Testing Interview Questions
Companies ask top manual testing interview questions because manual testing is the foundation of software quality assurance.
Real Workplace Perspective
In real projects:
- Requirements change frequently
- Automation does not cover everything
- Human thinking is required to find usability, logic, and edge-case issues
Interviewers want testers who can:
- Understand requirements clearly
- Think like an end user
- Find real-world defects
- Communicate issues effectively
That’s why interviews focus on real-time manual testing questions and scenario-based questions, not just definitions.
Top Manual Testing Interview Questions and Answers
Below is a carefully curated list of top manual testing interview questions, grouped for easy understanding.
Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions
1. What is software testing?
Software testing is the process of identifying defects and verifying that the application meets requirements.
2. What is manual testing?
Manual testing is testing software manually without using automation tools.
3. Why is software testing important?
Testing ensures quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
4. What is a defect or bug?
A defect is a difference between expected and actual results.
5. What is a test case?
A test case is a documented set of steps, test data, and expected results.
6. What is a test scenario?
A test scenario is a high-level description of what needs to be tested.
7. What is STLC?
STLC stands for Software Testing Life Cycle.
8. Explain STLC phases
- Requirement analysis
- Test planning
- Test case design
- Test execution
- Defect reporting
- Test closure
9. What is smoke testing?
Smoke testing checks basic functionality of a new build.
10. What is sanity testing?
Sanity testing verifies specific functionality after a small change.
11. What is regression testing?
Regression testing ensures existing functionality works after changes.
12. What is retesting?
Retesting is testing a fixed defect again.
13. What is black box testing?
Testing without knowledge of internal code.
14. What is white box testing?
Testing with knowledge of internal code.
15. What is exploratory testing?
Testing based on experience without predefined test cases.
Test Case and Defect-Related Questions
16. What makes a good test case?
Clear steps, valid test data, and expected results.
17. What details are included in a test case?
Test ID, description, steps, expected result, actual result, status.
18. What is a defect report?
A document describing a bug with steps to reproduce.
19. What is defect lifecycle?
New → Assigned → Open → Fixed → Retest → Closed.
20. What is severity?
Severity shows the impact of a defect.
21. What is priority?
Priority shows how urgently a defect should be fixed.
22. Difference between severity and priority?
Severity = impact, Priority = urgency.
23. What is a rejected defect?
A defect not accepted by the developer.
24. What is a duplicate defect?
A defect already reported.
25. What is defect leakage?
A defect found in production but missed in testing.
Real-Time Manual Testing Interview Questions
26. How do you test a login page?
Test valid, invalid, empty inputs, password masking, and error messages.
27. What will you do if requirements are unclear?
Discuss with BA or product owner.
28. How do you prioritize test cases?
Based on business impact and risk.
29. How do you handle tight deadlines?
Focus on critical features and communicate risks.
30. How do you ensure test coverage?
Cover positive, negative, and boundary scenarios.
31. How do you test without test cases?
Perform exploratory testing.
32. How do you handle production bugs?
Analyze severity, reproduce issue, and validate fix.
33. What is UAT?
User Acceptance Testing performed by business users.
34. What is your role in UAT?
Support users, reproduce issues, and retest fixes.
35. What is environment?
Setup where testing is performed.
Scenario-Based Manual Testing Interview Questions (15 Examples)
Scenario-based questions are very important in top manual testing interview questions.
1. Login button not working
Check UI click, browser console, and network calls.
2. Application crashes after submit
Reproduce issue and log defect.
3. Data not saved after refresh
Check save functionality and backend update.
4. Password visible instead of masked
Security defect.
5. App works in Chrome but not Firefox
Browser compatibility issue.
6. Duplicate records created
Check double submission logic.
7. Forgot password email not received
Check email trigger and spam folder.
8. Session expires suddenly
Check session timeout settings.
9. Cart items disappear after refresh
Check session handling.
10. Incorrect error message displayed
Compare expected vs actual message.
11–15. More Scenarios
Broken links, UI misalignment, file upload failure, slow page load, incorrect validation.
Real Company Interview Round Format + Preparation Tips
Typical Interview Rounds
- HR round
- Manual testing fundamentals
- Real-time manual testing questions
- Scenario-based discussion
Preparation Tips
- Revise basics
- Practice real-time scenarios
- Explain answers clearly
- Stay calm and confident
How to Answer Manual Testing Interview Questions Like a Pro
Simple Answer Framework
- Define the concept
- Give a real example
- Explain practical usage
Example:
“Regression testing ensures existing features work after changes. For example, after fixing login, I test signup and dashboard.”
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
- Memorizing answers
- Ignoring scenario-based questions
- Not giving examples
- Poor communication
- Overconfidence
Final Revision Sheet – Quick Preparation
Revise These Topics
- Manual testing basics
- STLC and defect lifecycle
- Regression, smoke, sanity testing
- Scenario-based questions
One Day Before Interview
- Revise notes
- Practice answers aloud
- Stay relaxed
FAQs – Top Manual Testing Interview Questions
Q1. Are these questions enough to crack interviews?
Yes, if practiced properly.
Q2. Are scenario-based questions mandatory?
Yes, almost always.
Q3. Are these suitable for freshers?
Yes, absolutely.
Q4. Is automation required?
Not mandatory for manual testing roles.
Q5. How long should I prepare?
7–10 days of focused preparation.