ALTEN interview questions

The HR initially called, asked a few questions including about my expected CTC, and then shared a test assignment. I spent five days, including sleepless nights, working hard to deliver the best possible submission. However, after I submitted it and followed up for feedback, I was told that they don’t have the budget. If there was no budget, why assign the task at all? This was through a referral, so I also know my submission wasn’t even reviewed.