Introduction: Growing Hiring Demand for Freshers in Software Testing
Software testing has become one of the most popular entry-level IT careers for freshers. As companies rapidly release web applications, mobile apps, and APIs, the need for quality assurance (QA) professionals has increased significantly.
Many organizations actively hire fresh graduates for manual testing and junior QA roles because:
- Testing requires logical thinking more than coding
- Freshers can be trained quickly
- Manual testing forms the foundation of automation testing
If you are preparing for your first QA job, this article on testing basic interview questions for freshers is designed especially for you—using simple language, step-by-step explanations, examples, test cases, and bug reports.
What Is Software Testing? (Very Simple Explanation)
Software testing is the process of checking whether a software application works correctly and meets user expectations.
In easy words:
Testing makes sure the software works as expected and has no mistakes (bugs).
Why software testing is important:
- Finds bugs before users face them
- Improves product quality
- Saves time and cost
- Builds customer trust
What Is Manual Testing?
Manual testing means testing the software manually without using any automation tools.
Simple example:
- Open a website
- Enter username and password
- Click the Login button
- Check whether login is successful
This is manual testing.
Why manual testing is best for freshers:
- Easy to understand
- No programming knowledge required
- Helps learn application behavior
- Strong base for automation testing
What Is Automation Testing?
Automation testing uses tools and scripts to execute test cases automatically.
Simple example:
Instead of manually testing login 100 times, a script logs in automatically with different data.
Manual vs Automation Testing (Easy Comparison)
| Manual Testing | Automation Testing |
| Performed by humans | Performed by tools |
| Slower | Faster |
| No coding needed | Basic coding required |
| Best for freshers | Best after basics |
Testing Basic Interview Questions for Freshers (Basic Level)
1. What is software testing?
Software testing is the process of checking whether an application works correctly.
2. Why is testing required?
To find defects, improve quality, and ensure customer satisfaction.
3. What is a bug?
A bug is an error or mistake in the software.
4. What is a defect?
Defect is another name for a bug.
5. What is a test case?
A test case is a document that contains steps to test a feature.
6. What is a test scenario?
A test scenario describes what to test, not detailed steps.
7. What is SDLC?
SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle.
8. What is STLC?
STLC stands for Software Testing Life Cycle.
9. What is verification?
Checking documents without executing the code.
10. What is validation?
Testing the actual application.
11. What is black box testing?
Testing without knowing internal code.
12. What is white box testing?
Testing with knowledge of code.
13. What is functional testing?
Testing software features based on requirements.
14. What is non-functional testing?
Testing performance, security, usability, etc.
15. What is regression testing?
Re-testing after changes to ensure existing features work.
Slightly Advanced Fresher QA Interview Q&A
16. What is smoke testing?
Basic testing to check whether the build is stable.
17. What is sanity testing?
Quick testing of specific functionality after minor changes.
18. What is exploratory testing?
Testing without predefined test cases.
19. What is positive testing?
Testing with valid inputs.
20. What is negative testing?
Testing with invalid inputs.
21. What is severity?
Severity shows how serious a bug is.
22. What is priority?
Priority shows how urgently a bug should be fixed.
23. Difference between severity and priority?
Severity = impact, Priority = urgency.
24. What is UAT?
User Acceptance Testing done by end users.
25. What is test environment?
The setup where testing is performed.
26. What is retesting?
Testing the same bug after it is fixed.
27. What is defect life cycle?
The journey of a bug from creation to closure.
28. What is boundary value analysis?
Testing values at minimum and maximum limits.
29. What is equivalence partitioning?
Dividing inputs into valid and invalid groups.
30. What is release testing?
Final testing before production release.
Scenario-Based QA Interview Questions for Beginners
31. How will you test a login page?
- Valid username and password
- Invalid username or password
- Blank fields
- Password masking
- Error message validation
32. What will you do if a developer rejects your bug?
- Recheck the issue
- Share clear steps
- Attach screenshots
- Explain expected vs actual result
33. How do you test a mobile application?
- App installation
- App launch
- Screen rotation
- Network changes
- App background and foreground
34. What if requirements are unclear?
- Ask questions
- Discuss with seniors
- Document assumptions
Sample Test Cases for Freshers
Login Test Case Example
| Test Case ID | Description | Steps | Expected Result |
| TC_01 | Valid login | Enter valid credentials | Login successful |
| TC_02 | Invalid login | Enter wrong password | Error message |
| TC_03 | Blank fields | Click login without input | Validation message |
Mobile App Test Case Example
| Scenario | Expected Result |
| Install app | App installs successfully |
| Launch app | App opens without crash |
| Rotate screen | UI adjusts properly |
API Test Case (Beginner Level)
| Scenario | Expected Result |
| Valid request | Status code 200 |
| Invalid request | Status code 400 |
| Unauthorized | Status code 401 |
UI Test Case Example
| Scenario | Expected Result |
| Button click | Correct action performed |
| Text alignment | Proper alignment |
| Responsive design | Works on all screen sizes |
Bug Report Writing Example for Freshers
Sample Bug Report Format
- Bug ID: BUG_201
- Title: Login button not working
- Module: Login
- Environment: Chrome / Windows
- Severity: High
- Priority: High
Steps to Reproduce:
- Open login page
- Enter valid credentials
- Click Login
Expected Result: User should login successfully
Actual Result: Page does not respond
Tips to Answer Confidently in Testing Interviews
- Understand basics clearly
- Answer in simple language
- Give real-life examples
- Be honest if you don’t know
- Revise definitions before interview
Quick Revision Sheet (Last-Minute Preparation)
- Testing ensures quality
- Manual testing is best for freshers
- Test case = steps + expected result
- Bug = expected result ≠ actual result
- Severity = impact
- Priority = urgency
- Regression = re-testing after changes
FAQs – Testing Basic Interview Questions for Freshers
Q1. Is software testing good for freshers?
Yes, it is one of the easiest IT careers to start.
Q2. Do freshers need coding for testing?
No, manual testing does not require coding.
Q3. Can freshers learn automation testing?
Yes, after learning manual testing basics.
Q4. Is testing a long-term career?
Yes, with growth into automation, lead, and QA manager roles.