Introduction: Why Candidates Search for Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions
If you are a fresher, student, or beginner preparing for a QA or software testing interview, the first thing you usually search online is basic manual testing interview questions.
Why?
Because almost every QA interview starts with basics.
Companies hiring freshers or junior testers want to check:
- Whether you understand fundamental testing concepts
- Whether you can think logically
- Whether you can explain answers in simple language
- Whether you can handle basic real-time scenarios
That’s why basic manual testing interview questions are extremely important. If your basics are strong, you can confidently answer top manual testing questions, interview questions for QA, and even real-time manual testing questions.
This article is a complete, SEO-optimised, job-preparation guide that includes:
- Basic manual testing interview questions with answers
- Scenario-based questions explained simply
- Real company interview round questions
- Easy frameworks to answer confidently
What is Manual Testing? (Simple Definition with Example)
Manual Testing is the process of testing software manually without using automation tools to find defects and verify that the application works as expected.
Simple Example
Imagine you are testing a login page:
- Enter valid username and password → Login successful
- Enter wrong password → Error message shown
- Leave fields empty → Validation message displayed
You perform all these actions manually and compare actual results with expected results. This process is called manual testing.
Why Companies Ask Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions
Companies ask basic manual testing interview questions because real projects depend heavily on human thinking and observation, especially at the beginning of a tester’s career.
Real Workplace Angle
In real projects:
- Users behave unexpectedly
- Requirements may not be perfect
- Bugs are found by thinking like an end user
Interviewers want testers who:
- Understand the basics clearly
- Can learn new things quickly
- Can communicate issues clearly
That’s why even experienced interviewers start with basic manual testing interview questions before moving to advanced topics.
Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions with Sample Answers
Below are the most commonly asked basic manual testing interview questions, especially for freshers and beginners, with easy-to-understand answers.
1. What is Software Testing?
Answer:
Software testing is the process of finding defects in software and ensuring it meets user and business requirements.
2. What is Manual Testing?
Manual testing is testing software manually without using any automation tools.
3. Why is Software Testing Important?
- To find bugs
- To improve software quality
- To avoid failures in production
- To satisfy customers
4. What is a Bug or Defect?
A bug is a difference between expected result and actual result.
5. What is a Test Case?
A test case is a documented set of steps with input and expected result to verify a feature.
Example:
Test Case: Verify login with valid credentials
Expected Result: User should log in successfully
6. What is the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)?
Answer:
STLC includes:
- Requirement Analysis
- Test Planning
- Test Case Design
- Test Execution
- Defect Reporting
- Test Closure
7. What is Verification and Validation?
- Verification: Checking documents and requirements
- Validation: Checking the actual application
8. What is Smoke Testing?
Smoke testing checks basic critical functionality of an application.
9. What is Regression Testing?
Regression testing ensures existing functionality works after changes or bug fixes.
10. What is Sanity Testing?
Sanity testing checks specific functionality after a small change.
11. Difference Between Severity and Priority
- Severity: Impact of defect on application
- Priority: Urgency to fix the defect
12. What is Black Box Testing?
Testing software without knowing the internal code.
13. What is White Box Testing?
Testing software with knowledge of internal code.
14. What is Retesting?
Retesting means testing a specific bug fix again.
15. What is a Test Scenario?
A test scenario is a high-level idea of what to test, covering multiple test cases.
Real-Time Manual Testing Questions for Beginners
These real-time manual testing questions are simple but very common in interviews.
16. How will you test a login page?
- Valid login
- Invalid login
- Empty fields
- Password masking
- Forgot password link
17. How do you report a bug?
- Write steps to reproduce
- Mention expected result
- Mention actual result
- Attach screenshots
18. What will you do if you don’t understand requirements?
- Ask questions
- Discuss with senior tester or BA
- Refer to similar features
19. How do you prioritize test cases?
- Business critical features
- High-risk areas
- Frequently used features
20. What documents are prepared in manual testing?
- Test Plan
- Test Cases
- Bug Reports
- Test Summary Report
Scenario-Based Manual Testing Interview Questions (15 Easy Examples)
Scenario-based questions check logical thinking, even for beginners.
1. Login button is not working
Check:
- Button click
- Browser console
- Network connection
2. Application crashes after clicking Submit
Actions:
- Reproduce the issue
- Note steps
- Report defect
3. Password is visible instead of masked
This is a security defect.
4. Page loads very slowly
Check:
- Internet speed
- Page size
5. Data not saved after refresh
Verify:
- Save button
- Database update
6. Mobile number field accepts alphabets
This is a validation defect.
7. Forgot password email not received
Check:
- Email trigger
- Spam folder
8. Logout not working
Check:
- Session handling
9. Application works in Chrome but not Firefox
This is a browser compatibility issue.
10. Dropdown values are incorrect
Check:
- Requirement
- Backend data
11–15. More Scenario-Based Questions
- Broken links
- UI alignment issues
- Duplicate data submission
- Incorrect error message
- Session timeout issues
Real Company Interview Round Format + Preparation Tips
Typical QA Interview Rounds
- HR round
- Basic manual testing interview questions
- Scenario-based questions
- Attitude and communication check
Preparation Tips
- Revise basics daily
- Practice explaining answers aloud
- Use simple language
- Be honest if you don’t know something
How to Answer Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions Like a Pro
Simple Answer Framework
- Definition
- Example
- Practical usage
Example:
“Regression testing means checking existing features after changes. For example, after fixing a login bug, I test signup and dashboard.”
Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Interviews
- Memorizing answers without understanding
- Not giving examples
- Using complex technical words
- Being afraid to say “I don’t know”
- Low confidence
Final Revision Sheet – Quick Preparation
Must-Revise Topics
- Manual testing basics
- STLC
- Test cases and defects
- Smoke vs regression testing
- Scenario-based questions
One Day Before Interview
- Read definitions
- Practice scenarios
- Stay calm
FAQs – Basic Manual Testing Interview Questions
Q1. Are basic manual testing interview questions asked for freshers?
Yes, almost all fresher interviews start with basics.
Q2. Do I need coding for manual testing?
No, coding is not mandatory.
Q3. How many questions are usually asked?
Around 20–30 basic manual testing interview questions.
Q4. What is the best way to prepare?
Understand concepts and practice scenario-based questions.
Q5. Can I get a job with only basic manual testing knowledge?
Yes, many companies hire freshers with strong basics.