On-campus · Jun 2026
Data Analyst (Commercial Excellence) at Bain & Company
I’m Daksh, a 4th year COE student at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology. I recently interviewed with Bain & Co. and want to share my insights with you to help you in your recruitment journey.
- Outcome
- Selected
- Rounds
- 3
- Format
- Virtual
- Panel
- Technical panel
What was the procedure of the placement that took place? (Shortlisting criteria, coding or aptitude test, number of interviews)
The application process for Bain & Co. was inclusive and didn\’t have a strict CGPA requirement. The initial phase involved CV shortlisting, where they assessed our academic records and extracurricular involvement. The applicants that pass the CV shortlisting were required to sit for an online aptitude test. The further shortlisted students had to appear for two rounds of interviews, both of them being elimination rounds.
What was the difficulty level of the interview? (1- very easy, 10-very difficult)
The difficulty level of the interview was around 7-8 out of 10. It included a mix of technical and HR questions, and the interviewers paid close attention to my responses, building on my answers throughout the interview.
Tell us about the written/online test. (Aptitude, Coding, Test Platform, etc)
The online test was tailored to test our problem solving capabilities through case studies. There were two different types of cases to put our skills to use. The first type was to evaluate our decision-making capabilities, while the other delved into data interpretation. Some of the questions involved complex calculations, so it is advised to acquaint oneself with the format of the test beforehand.
Tell us about the interview round 1 including the questions that were asked.
The interview was very much dependent on the COE(Centre of Excellence) you applied for. I personally applied for Commercial Excellence because it catered to my skills and will also benefit me in the future. The interview was more inclined towards the technical skills that I acquired through the course of time. The first interview also consisted of a few basic aptitude questions and a guesstimate that was supposed to be solved on the case. The second interview however had a case study and questions based on my CV.
Tell us about the HR interviews, if any, specifying the number of rounds and questions asked.
The interview process did not have a separate HR round as such but the two rounds of interviews consisted of some basic HR questions. The interviews touched both technical and HR aspects. The interviewer initiated a conversation about my extracurricular involvement, with a focus on evaluating my problem-solving skills and real-world adaptability. We conversed about various societies that I was a part of and my roles in them.
What were the key factors of your selection?
I feel like my confidence and in-depth knowledge of my field played a very important role in my selection. Talking about the case study and guesstimates, one can easily attempt them through rigorous practice and following a specific path. Attempting a question in multiple ways can be quite challenging. Commercial Excellence, specifically, is more focused towards using Machine Learning Algorithms to get to conclusions. My knowledge of ML and the projects that I had worked on helped me a lot. Apart from technical expertise, active participation in university extracurricular pursuits highlights a versatile skill set that underscores collaboration, building connections, leadership, and the ability to adjust to different situations.
What are the things students should focus on, in order of priority?
In order of priority, students should first focus on developing robust coding skills, particularly if they aspire to secure Software Development (SDE) roles, given the competitive nature of these positions. Next, for those aiming for Analyst roles, practicing guesstimates and case studies is crucial, and partnering with a friend to work on cases can enhance problem-solving abilities. Lastly, highlighting previous internships and research publications, if any, should not be underestimated, as they can significantly bolster one\’s profile and make a strong impression on interviewers.
What would you like to advise juniors for cracking the technical round of this company?
Depending on the COE(Centre of Excellence) you apply for, make sure you have the relevant skills required and also projects or research publications to back them up. The interviews are majorly focused on testing your problem solving skills and real-world knowledge. I would also advise you to practice a good number of Case Studies and Guesstimates to get a strong grip on these concepts.
According to you, what role do extracurricular activities as well as participation in societies play?
Participation in societies and extracurricular activities is a vital avenue for personal growth. These experiences help develop skills like people management, teamwork, communication, networking, and event organization. Such skills are valuable in both personal and professional development. Interviewers often inquire about various roles you played in these organizations, underscoring their importance.
What message would you like to give to your juniors regarding the stress they go through during placement season?
I understand that the placement season can be a challenging and stressful time. It\’s important to remember that stress is a natural part of this process, and it\’s an opportunity for growth. Rejection is not failure but a stepping stone to success. The line “Whatever happens, happens for a reason”, helped me a lot to get through it. Keep a positive attitude, believe in your abilities, and don\’t be discouraged by setbacks. Support each other, share experiences, and seek guidance when needed.
