SQL Server Interview Questions

Check out 30 of the most common SQL Server interview questions and take an AI-powered practice interview

T-SQLSSMSSSISSSRSAzure SQL
30+
Questions
12
Basic
13
Intermediate
5
Advanced
Q1

What is SQL Server and when should you use it?

BasicFundamentals
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Q2

How do you connect to SQL Server?

BasicConnections
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Q3

What are the basic data types in SQL Server?

BasicData Types
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Q4

How do you create and manage databases in SQL Server?

BasicDatabase Management
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Q5

What are tables/collections in SQL Server?

BasicTables & Schema
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Q6

How do you perform CRUD operations in SQL Server?

BasicCRUD Operations
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Q7

What are primary keys and foreign keys in SQL Server?

BasicKeys & Relationships
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Q8

How do you write basic queries in SQL Server?

BasicQueries
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Q9

What are joins/lookups in SQL Server?

BasicJoins & Relationships
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Q10

How do you handle NULL values in SQL Server?

BasicNULL Handling
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Q11

What are constraints in SQL Server?

BasicConstraints
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Q12

How do you import/export data in SQL Server?

BasicData Migration
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Q13

How do you optimize queries in SQL Server?

IntermediateQuery Optimization
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Q14

What is indexing in SQL Server?

IntermediateIndexing
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Q15

How do you handle transactions in SQL Server?

IntermediateTransactions
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Q16

What are stored procedures/functions in SQL Server?

IntermediateStored Procedures
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Q17

How do you implement data validation in SQL Server?

IntermediateValidation
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Q18

What is normalization/denormalization in SQL Server?

IntermediateNormalization
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Q19

How do you handle concurrent access in SQL Server?

IntermediateConcurrency
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Q20

What are triggers in SQL Server?

IntermediateTriggers
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Q21

How do you implement full-text search in SQL Server?

IntermediateSearch
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Q22

What is query execution plan in SQL Server?

IntermediateExecution Plans
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Q23

How do you handle large datasets in SQL Server?

IntermediateBig Data
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Q24

What are views in SQL Server?

IntermediateViews & Templates
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Q25

How do you monitor performance in SQL Server?

IntermediateMonitoring
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Q26

How do you implement sharding in SQL Server?

AdvancedSharding
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Q27

What is replication strategy in SQL Server?

AdvancedReplication
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Q28

How do you handle distributed SQL Server?

AdvancedDistributed Systems
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Q29

What are advanced optimization techniques in SQL Server?

AdvancedAdvanced Topics
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Q30

How do you implement high availability in SQL Server?

AdvancedHigh Availability
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Companies Hiring SQL Server

Google
Amazon
Microsoft
Meta
Netflix
Uber
PayPal
LinkedIn
Spotify
Airbnb

Salary Insights

Average in India
₹6-22 LPA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SQL Server used for?

SQL Server is widely used for storing, managing, and retrieving data efficiently. It's valued for its performance, reliability, and extensive ecosystem.

How long does it take to learn SQL Server?

Learning SQL Server basics typically takes 1-3 months of dedicated study. Achieving proficiency requires 6-12 months of practice and real-world projects. Mastery comes with years of experience and continuous learning.

What are the job prospects for SQL Server developers?

SQL Server developers are in high demand across industries. With strong SQL Server skills, you can pursue roles in database administration, data engineering, with competitive salaries ranging from ₹6-22 LPA.

What prerequisites are needed for learning SQL Server?

Understanding of data structures and basic SQL are helpful prerequisites for learning SQL Server.

Which companies use SQL Server?

Major companies using SQL Server include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Netflix, and many more. SQL Server is adopted across startups to enterprise organizations.

Introduction

Preparing for database interviews with SQL Server expertise? Database knowledge is fundamental for any developer working with data-driven applications.

SQL Server is widely used for data storage, retrieval, and management. Understanding its architecture, query optimization, and best practices is essential.

This guide covers SQL Server interview questions ranging from basic CRUD operations to advanced topics like indexing, replication, and performance tuning.

Whether you're a backend developer or data engineer, these questions will help you demonstrate strong database expertise.