Tally Interview Questions and Answers
The most common Tally interview questions cover voucher types, the difference between a ledger and a group, passing a GST sales entry, bank reconciliation (BRS), and reading the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss. Interviewers want to know you've actually done entries, not just watched videos. Below are short, correct answers you can say aloud, each with a note on what the interviewer is really checking.
How to prepare
Back every answer with a real action. Instead of "Tally is accounting software", say "I use TallyPrime to pass sales, purchase and payment entries and to generate GST and Balance Sheet reports." That signals hands-on experience.
Basic questions
1. What is TallyPrime? TallyPrime is accounting and business software used to record transactions and produce reports like the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss and GST returns. Checking: familiarity.
2. What is the difference between a group and a ledger? A ledger is an individual account (Cash, a customer, Rent); a group is its category (Cash-in-Hand, Sundry Debtors, Indirect Expenses). The group controls how the ledger appears in reports. Checking: the core Tally concept.
3. Name the main voucher types and their shortcuts. Contra (F4), Payment (F5), Receipt (F6), Journal (F7), Sales (F8), Purchase (F9). Checking: daily working knowledge.
4. Under which group does a customer go? Sundry Debtors. A supplier goes under Sundry Creditors. Checking: correct classification.
5. What is the shortcut to save a voucher? Ctrl + A. Checking: speed and real use.
Intermediate questions
6. How do you pass a payment entry? Open Payment (F5), choose Cash or Bank, select the expense or party, enter the amount, save. Cash is credited, the expense debited. Checking: entry logic.
7. How do you record a GST sales invoice in Tally? Enable GST, create GST ledgers (CGST, SGST/IGST), then in a Sales voucher select the party, the stock item and the GST ledgers; Tally calculates the tax. Checking: GST competence, the most in-demand skill.
8. What is bank reconciliation in Tally? Matching your Tally bank ledger with the bank statement, ticking off cleared entries so both balances agree. You do it from the Bank ledger ▸ Reconcile. Checking: month-end skills.
9. What is the difference between CGST, SGST and IGST? For a sale within the same state, GST splits into CGST + SGST. For an interstate sale, it's a single IGST. Checking: GST fundamentals.
10. Where do you see profit in Tally? In the Profit & Loss A/c report; the net profit also flows to the Balance Sheet under Capital. Checking: report reading.
Scenario questions
11. A customer paid part of their bill. How do you record it? Pass a Receipt (F6) for the amount received, debiting Bank/Cash and crediting the customer. Their outstanding reduces by that much. Checking: receivables handling.
12. You entered a voucher on the wrong date. How do you fix it? Open the voucher from Day Book or the ledger, press F2 to change the date (or edit and re-save). Checking: correction skills.
Quick reference
| Topic | One-line answer |
|---|---|
| Ledger vs group | account vs its category |
| Payment voucher | F5, money out |
| GST intra-state | CGST + SGST |
| GST inter-state | IGST |
| BRS | match Tally bank with statement |
| Save voucher | Ctrl + A |
Pro tips for the interview
- Mention shortcut keys naturally; it shows you actually work in Tally.
- If asked about GST, be specific about CGST/SGST vs IGST; it's the most tested topic.
- For a practical test, narrate your steps as you pass an entry.
Common mistakes candidates make
- Confusing ledger and group; this is the most-asked question, so be crisp.
- Saying you "know GST" but fumbling a simple intra-state vs inter-state answer.
- Only theory, no entries. Practise real vouchers before the interview.
Key takeaways
- Expect voucher types, ledger vs group, GST entries, BRS and reports.
- Answer with real actions, not definitions.
- GST (CGST/SGST/IGST) is the highest-value topic to nail.
Practice task
Answer questions 2, 3 and 9 out loud without notes. Then open Tally and actually pass a payment, a sales entry and a GST sales entry, so your hands know the steps for a practical round.
Get job-ready with real Tally practice and placement support in the ADFA program at HCI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Tally interview questions?
They cover voucher types and shortcuts, ledger vs group, GST sales entries, bank reconciliation, and reading the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss.
What is the difference between a ledger and a group in Tally?
A ledger is a single account like Cash or a customer; a group is its category like Cash-in-Hand or Sundry Debtors. The group decides how the ledger shows in reports.
How do I answer a GST question in a Tally interview?
Explain that intra-state sales use CGST + SGST and inter-state sales use IGST, then describe passing a GST sales voucher with the tax ledgers.
What level of Tally is needed for an accountant job?
Company setup, ledgers and groups, all voucher entries, GST entries and returns, bank reconciliation, and basic reports. GST and reports are the differentiators.
How do I prepare for a Tally practical test?
Practise real entries: payment, receipt, sales, purchase, a GST invoice and a reconciliation. Talk through your steps as you go.