Spring MVC is a popular web framework built on top of the Spring Framework. It was created by Rod Johnson in 2002 to make Java development simpler and more flexible. Spring MVC follows the Model-View-Controller pattern and is widely used for building web applications in Java. Today, it is used in many enterprise projects and is a must-know for roles like Java developer, backend engineer, and full-stack developer. If you are preparing for a job that involves Java, these Spring MVC interview questions and answers will help you get ready.
Fun Fact: Spring MVC was part of the larger Spring Framework, which was originally created to simplify Java EE development. The name “Spring” symbolized a fresh start for Java developers tired of the heavy and complex J2EE stack.
Spring MVC Interview Questions for Freshers
Here are some commonly asked Spring MVC framework interview questions to help freshers understand the basics and prepare better.
- What is MVC and how does Spring MVC implement it?
MVC stands for Model-View-Controller. It is a design pattern that separates an application’s logic, UI, and data. Spring MVC follows this structure. The controller handles user input, the model carries data, and the view displays results. It keeps everything clean and easy to manage.
- What is DispatcherServlet and what role does it play?
DispatcherServlet is the front controller in Spring MVC. It catches all incoming requests. It then routes them to the correct controller using handler mappings. It also selects the right view to return. It’s basically the main gatekeeper of the app.
- How do you define controllers using annotations (e.g., @Controller, @RequestMapping)?
To define a controller, I use the @Controller annotation on the class. Then I use @RequestMapping or @GetMapping on methods to handle different URLs.
For example:
@Controller
public class MyController {
@GetMapping(“/hello”)
public String sayHello() {
return “hello”;
}
}
- What is ViewResolver and how does it work in Spring MVC?
A ViewResolver maps the view name returned by a controller to the actual view file. For example, if the controller returns “home”, ViewResolver might map it to /WEB-INF/views/home.jsp.
- How do you capture request parameters using @RequestParam and @PathVariable?
@RequestParam reads query parameters like ?id=1. @PathVariable reads parts of the URL like /user/1. Both are simple and used often in controllers.
- How do you bind form data to objects using @ModelAttribute?
Use @ModelAttribute to automatically bind form fields to a Java object. It works well with forms:
@PostMapping(“/submit”)
public String submitForm(@ModelAttribute User user) {
// user object is filled with form data
return “result”;
}
- How is validation handled in Spring MVC?
You can validate inputs using annotations like @NotNull, @Size, or @Email from the Bean Validation API. Add @Valid to the method parameter, and Spring will check constraints. You can also write custom validators if needed.
Also Read - Top 30+ MVC Interview Questions and Answers
Spring MVC Interview Questions for Experienced
These Spring MVC questions are often asked in senior-level interviews to test deeper understanding.
- Describe the complete request flow in Spring MVC from request to response.
When a request comes in, it hits the DispatcherServlet. This servlet looks up a matching HandlerMapping to find the controller method. The controller processes the request and returns a ModelAndView.
The view name is passed to a ViewResolver, which finds the correct view file (like JSP or Thymeleaf). Finally, the view gets rendered with the model data and sent back as a response.
- What are Model, ModelMap, and ModelAndView and how do they differ?
Model is an interface. It holds data that goes to the view.
ModelMap is an implementation of the Map interface. It works like a key-value store for model data.
ModelAndView combines both model and view in one object. It is useful when you want to return both things together from a controller.
- What is a HandlerInterceptor and how is it used?
A HandlerInterceptor is like a filter that runs before or after controller methods. It helps with things like logging, authentication, or changing requests. You can override methods like preHandle, postHandle, and afterCompletion to control the request flow.
- How is the root application context loaded and what is ContextLoaderListener?
ContextLoaderListener is used to create the root application context. It loads configuration files and initializes beans before the servlet starts. It usually loads services and repositories, while servlet-specific stuff goes in the dispatcher servlet context.
- How do you perform exception handling in Spring MVC?
I use @ExceptionHandler inside a controller or with @ControllerAdvice for global handling. You can also implement HandlerExceptionResolver if you need full control over error resolution. Spring will route the exception to the right handler based on the exception class.
- How do you configure CSRF protection in Spring MVC with Spring Security?
Spring Security turns CSRF protection on by default from version 4+. You don’t need to manually enable it unless you are customizing. Just include the CSRF token in your form using ${_csrf.token} and it will be verified automatically.
- How would you integrate a database (e.g. using JDBC or Spring Data JPA) with a Spring MVC project?
I use Spring Data JPA for most cases. First, I set up application.properties with database details. Then I add a JPA entity, a repository interface, and a service class. Spring handles the rest. If using JDBC, I define JdbcTemplate as a bean and write SQL manually.
Also Read - Top 20 Java JPA Interview Questions and Answers
Spring Boot MVC Interview Questions
These questions focus on how Spring Boot simplifies Spring MVC development and are useful for roles requiring hands-on project experience.
- How does Spring Boot simplify configuration of Spring MVC applications?
Spring Boot removes the need for boilerplate XML config. It uses auto-configuration to detect classes and libraries and set defaults. With spring-boot-starter-web, you get everything to run a Spring MVC app – Tomcat, Jackson, DispatcherServlet – all preconfigured.
- What is the purpose of @SpringBootApplication and what annotations does it combine?
@SpringBootApplication is a shortcut. It combines @Configuration, @EnableAutoConfiguration, and @ComponentScan. You put it on your main class to mark it as the app’s entry point. It saves time and keeps the code clean.
- What does the spring-boot-starter-web starter provide?
It gives you everything to build REST APIs or MVC apps. That includes Spring MVC, embedded Tomcat, Jackson for JSON, and validation libraries. You just add the dependency, and you’re ready to go.
- What are Spring Boot Actuator endpoints and why are they useful in MVC apps?
Actuator adds endpoints to monitor and manage your app. For example, /actuator/health checks if the app is running. /metrics shows memory or request data. These are helpful in real projects to track usage, uptime, or performance.
- How would you manage environment-specific settings using Spring Boot Profiles?
I create separate files like application-dev.yml or application-prod.yml. I activate profiles using spring.profiles.active=dev in the main file or with a command-line flag. This helps me switch settings without touching the core code.
Also Read - Top 100+ Spring Boot Interview Questions
Spring MVC MCQs
Test your knowledge with these multiple-choice questions on Spring MVC, often seen in written tests and online assessments.
- What component acts as the front controller in Spring MVC?
A. ApplicationContext
B. DispatcherServlet
C. ViewResolver
D. ContextLoaderListener
Answer: B. DispatcherServlet
- Which annotation is used to read query parameters into method arguments?
A. @PathVariable
B. @ModelAttribute
C. @RequestParam
D. @RequestBody
Answer: C. @RequestParam
- Which interface or class allows binding of form fields to a Java bean?
A. ModelAndView
B. Model
C. BindingResult
D. @ModelAttribute
Answer: D. @ModelAttribute
- Which annotation handles JSON request bodies in RESTful endpoints?
A. @ResponseBody
B. @RequestMapping
C. @RequestBody
D. @RestController
Answer: C. @RequestBody
- Which annotation ensures return values are written directly as HTTP response body?
A. @ResponseStatus
B. @ResponseBody
C. @PathVariable
D. @RestController
Answer: B. @ResponseBody
- Which resolution mechanism maps logical view names to actual view files?
A. ViewResolver
B. HandlerMapping
C. DispatcherServlet
D. ModelAndView
Answer: A. ViewResolver
- Which interface can be used to intercept requests before and after controller execution?
A. HandlerMapping
B. WebDataBinder
C. HandlerInterceptor
D. LocaleResolver
Answer: C. HandlerInterceptor
- How is CSRF protection handled in Spring Security?
A. @EnableWebSecurity
B. @CsrfIgnore
C. @Secured
D. CSRF is enabled by default in Spring Security 4+
Answer: D. CSRF is enabled by default in Spring Security 4+
- What object is returned by controllers to include both view and model data?
A. ModelMap
B. Model
C. ModelAndView
D. ViewResolver
Answer: C. ModelAndView
- Which Spring MVC annotation indicates a controller exception handling method?
A. @ExceptionAdvice
B. @ExceptionMapping
C. @ExceptionHandler
D. @ResponseStatus
Answer: C. @ExceptionHandler
Also Read - Top 25+ Spring Framework Interview Questions and Answers
How to Prepare for Spring MVC Interview?
Spring MVC is asked in many Java developer interviews across product and service companies. So, here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Revise core concepts like DispatcherServlet, annotations, and MVC flow
- Practice writing small controllers and binding form data
- Learn the differences between Model, ModelMap, and ModelAndView
- Understand exception handling using @ExceptionHandler and @ControllerAdvice
- Review how Spring Security works with CSRF in MVC apps
- Be ready to explain request mappings and path variables
- Build a small app using Spring Boot MVC to apply your knowledge practically
- Read updated interview questions from trusted tech blogs and developer forums
Wrapping Up
With these 25+ Spring MVC interview questions and answers, you are now prepared to face real interviews. Focus on core concepts, practice building small apps, and stay updated.
Looking to grow your career in Spring MVC? Browse top IT job openings on Hirist and apply to roles that match your skills today.
FAQs
Most Spring MVC interviews have 3 to 5 rounds. These usually include a technical screening, coding test, system design (for senior roles), a project discussion, and an HR round.
Java Spring MVC interview questions can feel tough if you are new to the framework or haven’t practiced. But if you understand the basics – like how DispatcherServlet works, common annotations, and the request flow – they become much easier. With some hands-on coding and regular revision, most people find them manageable. So no, they are not too hard if you are prepared.
Here are some common basic-level Spring MVC interview questions that help test your understanding of the core framework:
What is Spring MVC and how does it work?
What does the DispatcherServlet do in Spring MVC?
What is the role of @Controller annotation?
What is the purpose of ViewResolver in Spring MVC?
How do you handle form submissions in Spring MVC?
What does @ModelAttribute do in Spring MVC?
What is the default scope of a Spring bean?
Here are some advanced-level Spring MVC framework interview questions often asked to assess deeper project experience and problem-solving skills:
How does Spring MVC integrate with Spring Security for authentication and authorization?
What is the difference between HandlerInterceptor and Filter in Spring MVC?
How can you handle exceptions globally using @ControllerAdvice?
How would you create a custom validator in Spring MVC?
What are the common causes of memory leaks in Spring MVC applications?
How do you configure multipart file uploads in Spring MVC?
What is the lifecycle of a Spring MVC request and where can you plug in custom logic?
As per AmbitionBox, Java Spring developers with 0–6 years of experience earn between ₹1.8 LPA to ₹15.6 LPA, with an average salary of around ₹6.5 LPA. The average monthly in-hand salary is approximately ₹50,000–₹51,000, depending on skills, company, and role.
Java Spring Developer Salary Overview (India, 2025)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual salary range | ₹1.8 Lakh – ₹15.6 Lakhs |
| Avg. annual salary | ₹6.5 Lakhs |
| Monthly in-hand salary | ₹50,000 – ₹51,000 |
| Experience range in data | 0 – 6 years |
Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, Capgemini, Oracle, HCL, and product firms like Zoho, Freshworks, and Razorpay actively hire Spring MVC developers for backend or full-stack roles.
In most cases, yes. Many companies use Spring Boot along with Spring MVC to speed up development. Knowing both gives you an edge in interviews and real projects.
Build a small web app using Spring Boot MVC. Try features like form handling, validation, exception handling, and database integration. Also, explore GitHub projects and online coding platforms for practice
