10X Sale
kh logo
All Courses

Introduction

Deep learning is used to automatically learn hierarchical representations of data, allowing it to identify patterns and features that may be difficult or impossible to recognize with traditional machine learning techniques. Despite challenges, deep learning significantly impacts many fields and continues to be an active area of research and development. We have listed the top deep learning interview questions and answers for data science professionals with beginner, intermediate and expert proficiencies.

These Deep Learning interview questions and answers are based on real-time projects and will help you competently answer questions on popular topics like neural networks, advanced pattern recognition, machine learning algorithms and more. Prepare with the top Deep Learning interview questions listed here. Convert your next Deep Learning interview into a sure job offer in the field, as these questions have been curated by experts and will be your best guide to surviving the trickiest Deep Learning interviews.

Deep Learning Interview Questions and Answers
Beginner

1. What is Deep Learning and how is it different from Machine Learning and Representative Learning?


Deep Learning is a branch of machine learning based on a set of algorithms that attempt to model high level and hierarchical representation in data using deep graph with multiple processing layers, multiple linear and non-linear transformations.

In Machine Learning (ML), basic process flow is from “Input” to “hand designed features” to “mapping from features” to “output”. In Representation Learning (RL), basic process flow is from “Input” to “features” to “mapping from features” to “output”. In Deep Learning (DL), basic process flow is from “Input” to “ simple features” to “more layers of abstract features” to “mapping from features” to “output”. Below table provides a quick reference of this understanding.

Topic / Area

Basic Process Flow

Machine Learning

Input


2. What is a neural network? Explain with an example and diagram.

A neural network’s primary function is to receive a set of inputs, perform progressively complex computations, and then use the output to solve the problem. Neural networks are used for lot of different applications, one example would be classification. There are lots of classifiers available today such as logistic regression, support vector machine, decision trees, random forest and so on and of course neural networks.

For example, say we needed to predict if a person is healthy or sick. All you have are some input information such as height, weight, body temperature of each person, there is a need to classify / predict if a person is sick or healthy is a classification problem and it can be solved using approaches such as neural networks. The classifier would receive the data about the patient, process it and give a confidence score. A high score would indicate high confidence that patient is sick and a low score would suggest they are healthy. Score could be probability value of 0 to 1.

Neural network is highly structured and comes in layers. First layer is the input layer, last layer is the output layer and all layers in between are referred to as hidden layers. Hence a neural network can be viewed as the result of spinning classifiers together in a layered web.

What is a neural network

3. What enables a deep neural net to recognize complex pattern? Explain with an example. Connect Side A to Side B in below table. (Multiple techniques in Side B can be used for a Side A problem, please tag all those)

*RNTN – Recursive Neural Tensor Network, *MLP – Multi Layer Perceptron, *RELU – Rectifier Linear Unit

This is one of the most frequently asked deep learning interview questions for freshers in recent times.

The key is that deep neural nets are able to break complex patterns down into a series of simpler patterns. For example: let’s say a task is to determine whether or not an image contained a human face. A deep neural net would first use edges to detect different parts of the face – the nose, lips, ears, eyes etc. and would then combine the results together to form the whole face. This important feature using simpler patterns as building blocks to detect “complex patterns” is what gives deep neural nets their strength.

There is one key downside to all this – deep neural nets take much longer to train. However with the advancement in technology, now there are high performance GPUs available that can finish training a complex net in a relatively quicker time compared to those using CPUs.

There are different categories to be able to handle both scenarios where labelled data exist and where there is no labelled data. Different techniques / approaches can be used to hand such problems.

Below is correct mapping for the tabular data of Side A to Side B:

Side A
Side B
Unlabelled Data
Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM)Autoencoders
Text Processing
Recurrent Net (RNTN)
Unsupervised Learning
Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) Autoencoders
Image Recognition
Deep Belief Nets (DBN) Convolutional Neural Nets (CNN)
Object Recognition
Recurrent Net (RNTN) Convolutional Neural Nets (CNN)
Speech Recognition
Recurrent Net (RNTN)
Classification
MLP/RELU, Deep Belief Nets (DBN)

*RNTN – Recursive Neural Tensor Network, *MLP – Multi Layer Perceptron, *RELU – Rectifier Linear Unit

4. Please select that apply from below reason(s). Explain in brief why is vanishing gradient a problem?

a) Training is quick if the gradient is large and slow if it is small

b) With backpropagation, the gradient becomes smaller as it works back through the net 

c) The gradient is calculated multiplying two numbers between 0 and 1 

d) All of the above.

All of the above / Option d is correct option.

Now coming to second part of question for the explanation, below is described:

With a method called backpropagation, we run into a problem called vanishing gradient or sometimes the exploding gradient. When that happens, training takes too long and accuracy really suffers.

For example, when we are training a neural net, we are constantly calculating a cost value. The cost is typically difference between net’s predicted output and the actual output from a set of labelled training data. The cost is then lowered by making slight adjustments to the weights and biases over and over throughout the training process, until the lowest possible value is obtained. The training process utilizes a “gradient”, which measures the rate at which the cost will change w.r.t. a change in a weight or a bias.

Early layers of a network are slowest to train, early layers are also responsible for early detection of features and building blocks. If we consider the face detection, early layers are important to figure out edges to correctly identify the face and then pass on the details to later layers where it’s features are captured and consolidated to be able to provide final output.

5. What is a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)? Describe with a diagram about its architecture and typical layer components. Does it perform dimensionality reduction – if yes, which layer/component?

A convolutional neural network (CNN) is a type of artificial neural network used in image recognition and processing that is specifically designed to process pixel data. In deep learning, a CNN is a class of deep neural nets, most commonly applied to analysing visual imagery. CNNs use a variation of multilayer perceptrons designed to require minimal pre-processing. Convolution is the process of filtering through the image for a specific pattern.

CNNs typical has the following layers other than Input and Output layers –

  • Convolutional Layer (CONV)
  • Rectifier Linear Unit Layer (RELU)
  • Pooling Layer (POOLING)

There is also a fully connected layer (FC) at the end prior to output layer, in order to equip net with the ability to classify data samples.

A fundamental architecture comprising of all layers for a CNN can be described in the image below. This is an illustrative structure and layers can be used differently to solve a specific problem based on a context or situation.

What is a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)

Yes, CNN does perform dimensionality reduction. Pooling layer is used for this.

Want to Know More?
+91

By Signing up, you agree to ourTerms & Conditionsand ourPrivacy and Policy

Description

Deep Learning is a subfield of machine learning methods and is based on learning data representation. The learning process can be supervised, semi-supervised or unsupervised. Professionals can opt for positions like Machine Learning Engineer, Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, etc. once they go through a Deep Learning course and appear for an interview.

According to payscale.com, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineers ranges from $76,000 to $153,000 per year, with a base salary of approximately $111,453. Companies from around the world use Machine Learning in different yet amazing ways. A few of the companies that use Machine Learning are Yelp, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

There has been an increase in demand for Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers in the past few years. Yes, interviews for Deep Learning can be scary, but preparing with these Deep Learning interview questions will help you in pursuing your dream career. It’s important to be prepared to respond effectively to the questions that employers typically ask in an interview. Since these deep learning engineer interview questions are very common, your prospective recruiters will expect you to be able to answer. These current deep learning interview questions will increase your confidence that you need to ace the interview and motivation as well. You can also opt for a data scientist certification and benefit from the interview prep session in it.

Going through these interview questions for deep learning will help you land your dream job and will definitely prepare you to answer the toughest of questions in the best way possible. These deep learning interview questions and answers are suggested by experts and have proven to have great value.

Not only the job aspirants but also the recruiters can refer to these deep learning technical interview questions to know the right set of questions to assess a candidate.

Recommended Courses

Learners Enrolled For
CTA
Got more questions? We've got answers.
Book Your Free Counselling Session Today.