Interview questions for Crisil Limited Financial Research
Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for Crisil Limited Financial Research
The Financial Research role at Crisil Limited involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Assessment Test Rounds:
Resume Shortlist (varies by drive)
Resume-based screening focused on relevant coursework, internships, and accuracy.
Aptitude Test
Coverage reported: quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and advanced finance MCQs.
Format can be highly time-pressured (e.g., very high question count in a few minutes) and/or medium-to-high difficulty.
Interview Rounds:
Technical Interview 1
Focus on core finance: financial statements, ratios, valuation methods, market understanding; may include case-based questions.
Technical Interview 2 (if applicable)
Deeper dive: financial modeling basics, risk assessment approaches, recent trends in the financial sector; often includes a hypothetical scenario/case.
HR Interview
Fit and motivation: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Crisil?”, “5-year plan,” and situational/cultural fit questions.
Technical/Finance/Valuation
Explain the components and linkages among the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
Walk me through a cash flow statement. How does cash flow differ from profit?
How do you calculate EBITDA, and what does it indicate about a company’s performance?
Which financial ratios would you use to analyze a company’s performance and why? Interpret what changes in these ratios might signal.
Perform a basic financial statement analysis for a company (profitability, liquidity, leverage, efficiency). What would you look for?
What valuation methods do you know, and when would you use each? How would you value a company (e.g., DCF, comparables)?
Outline the key steps and assumptions you would use to build a simple financial model for a company.
How would you approach risk assessment for a company or project? What factors and data would you consider?
What is your understanding of the financial markets? Discuss key drivers or mechanisms relevant to this role.
What recent trends in the financial sector do you find important, and what implications do they have for our clients or this role?
Case/Analytical
You are given a hypothetical company scenario: how would you structure your analysis and what frameworks (if any) would you use? What recommendations would you make?
Given a set of limited financials/ratios, assess the company’s health and whether you would recommend investing or lending to it.
Logical reasoning and pattern recognition questions.
Data interpretation from tables, charts, and graphs under strict time limits.
HR/Resume/Behavioral
Tell me about yourself.
Why Crisil and why Financial Research?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Walk me through your resume. Can you explain the most relevant projects or achievements?
Describe your previous internship experience(s). What were your key contributions and learnings?
Situational/Cultural Fit
Situational questions to assess cultural fit and collaboration style (e.g., handling tight deadlines, cross-functional teamwork, or ambiguous tasks). How would you approach such situations?
Practice practical, real-world applications: analyze sample financial statements and interpret ratio changes.
Prepare for cases/hypotheticals: structure your approach; frameworks like SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces can help, but keep your analysis data-driven.
Aptitude strategy: manage time aggressively—solve easy questions first, then return to tougher ones; double-check calculations when possible.
Know the markets and recent sector trends; be ready to discuss implications.
HR readiness: align your “Why Crisil” and career goals with the firm’s work; be concise and authentic.
Resume hygiene: ensure accuracy; be ready to deep-dive into anything you list (internships, projects, tools).
Communication: structure answers, use examples, and keep responses clear and outcome-oriented.
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)
Application Process: I applied via a walk-in interview in October 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The test covered advanced-level finance questions.
Your Approach: I focused on revising core finance concepts and practiced solving similar problems beforehand.
Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Practical implementation of finance concepts.
Explanation of cash flow, financial statements, EBITDA calculation, and financial ratios for company analysis.
Your Approach: I structured my answers by breaking down each concept into its fundamental components and provided real-world examples where applicable.
Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses, and I felt confident about my performance.
Preparation Tips:
Topics to focus on: Income statement, balance sheet analysis, financial ratios, and cash flow.
Practice solving practical finance problems and understanding their real-world applications.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of finance concepts. I would advise future candidates to focus on mastering the basics and applying them to real-world scenarios. Practicing financial statement analysis and ratio calculations can be particularly helpful.
Application Process: The interview process was organized and well-arranged. Everything took place on the same date, starting with an Excel test followed by an in-person interview. The entire process lasted about 4 hours, and I received the result in a month’s time.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Excel Test:
Questions Asked: The test involved tasks to assess my proficiency in Excel, likely focusing on financial modeling or data analysis.
Your Approach: I ensured I was familiar with basic to intermediate Excel functions, especially those relevant to financial research, such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and basic formulas.
Outcome: I passed this round and proceeded to the in-person interview.
Round 2 - In-Person Interview:
Questions Asked: The interviewer grilled me on topics like financial management, financial accounting, and behavioral questions. The interview lasted for an hour.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining concepts clearly and providing practical examples where applicable. For behavioral questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and I was informed of the result after a month.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on core financial concepts, especially financial management and accounting.
Practice Excel skills, particularly functions used in financial analysis.
Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method to articulate your experiences effectively.
Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical aspects but could have practiced more behavioral questions to feel even more confident. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Crisil values a well-rounded approach.
Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in June 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Outcome: Resume was shortlisted for further rounds.
Round 2 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Word problems, logical reasoning, math questions, and grammar-related questions (basic to mid-level).
Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.
Round 3 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Why do you want to join the company?
Accounting and investment banking-related questions (e.g., What is PE/IB?).
Explain the flow of transactions in the books of accounts.
What do you know about the company?
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 4 - Technical Round (VP Round):
Questions Asked:
Questions related to GAAP, investment banking, and accounting.
Prepare a [specific task related to accounting].
Outcome: Final round with the VP.
Preparation Tips:
Revise accounting and finance concepts up to the college level.
Focus on aptitude-solving skills.
Understand the workings of Investment Banking, PE/VC, and basic GAAP knowledge.
Stay calm and confident during the interview; avoid appearing desperate for the role.
Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough, covering both aptitude and technical aspects. Being well-prepared with accounting and finance concepts helped me navigate the technical rounds. Confidence and clarity in responses are key. All the best to future candidates!
Application Process: I applied via a walk-in interview in March 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Why should we hire you?
Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant skills, enthusiasm for the role, and how my background aligns with the company’s goals.
Outcome: I passed this round.
Round 2 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Tell us about the company and why you want to join.
Your Approach: I researched Crisil Limited beforehand and discussed its reputation in financial research, my interest in the field, and how I could contribute to the company.
Outcome: I passed this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
For MBA freshers, focus on understanding the basics of financial analysis and the company’s role in the industry.
Brush up on common HR questions like “Why should we hire you?” and “Why do you want to join this company?”
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with both rounds being HR-focused. Researching the company and preparing for common HR questions helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation about the company and clarity on your career goals.
Application Process: Applied via a job fair before October 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Group Discussion:
Topic: GDP
Your Approach: Participated actively in the discussion, shared relevant insights, and listened to others’ viewpoints.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on current economic topics, especially GDP-related discussions.
Practice active listening and articulation in group settings.
Review financial research basics to stay prepared for related questions.
Conclusion:
The experience was insightful, and the group discussion round was engaging. Being well-prepared on economic topics and staying confident during the discussion helped. Future candidates should focus on clarity of thought and effective communication in group settings.
Application Process: Applied via campus placement before August 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:
Questions Asked: Resume-based screening.
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was error-free and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - Aptitude Test Round:
Questions Asked: Quantitative test with 72 questions to be completed in 4 minutes.
Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and speed, prioritizing questions I was confident about.
Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.
Round 3 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked: Questions about previous internship experiences and resume details.
Your Approach: Discussed my internship experiences confidently, emphasizing key learnings and contributions.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Be confident during the interview.
Highlight your strong points and relevant experiences clearly.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. Ensuring my resume was polished and practicing for the aptitude test were key to my success. For future candidates, confidence and clarity about your experiences will go a long way.
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in October 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:
Questions Asked: N/A (This round was primarily about reviewing my resume.)
Your Approach: I ensured my resume was professional and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: I passed this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Share split, past experience.
Share capital formula.
Your Approach: I answered most questions confidently but admitted honestly when I didn’t know the answer to the share capital formula.
Outcome: Unfortunately, I was rejected after this round, despite performing well overall.
Preparation Tips:
Be honest about what you know and don’t know, but ensure you’re well-prepared for common questions.
Focus on understanding key financial concepts thoroughly.
Conclusion:
This was my first experience getting rejected after performing well in most aspects of the interview. It taught me the importance of being prepared for all possible questions, even those I might not expect. For future candidates, I’d advise thorough preparation and not underestimating the importance of any question, no matter how minor it seems.
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: Resume was reviewed for alignment and formatting.
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-structured and clearly highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
What is a cash flow statement, budgeting, and forecasting?
Examples of cash flow statements.
Your Approach: Explained the concepts clearly with practical examples and linked them to my academic projects.
Outcome: Advanced to the HR round.
Round 3 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Salary expectations.
Your Approach: Researched industry standards and provided a reasonable range based on my qualifications.
Outcome: Awaiting final results.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding financial statements, especially cash flow statements, budgeting, and forecasting.
Practice explaining concepts with real-world examples.
Ensure your resume is well-formatted and highlights relevant skills.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. I could have prepared more examples for the technical round. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation of financial concepts and clear communication during interviews.
Your Approach: Answered with definitions and examples, focusing on clarity and accuracy.
Outcome: Cleared the technical round.
Round 3 - Aptitude Test Round 1:
Questions Asked: Interest rate and bond price relationship.
Your Approach: Applied financial concepts to explain the inverse relationship.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Round 4 - Aptitude Test Round 2:
Questions Asked: Identifying terms unrelated to stock exchange.
Your Approach: Eliminated incorrect options by recalling stock exchange terminology.
Outcome: Cleared the final round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on MBA Finance and Chartered Accountant-level concepts.
Brush up on Tally Prime, GST (especially GSTR3B filing), and financial markets.
Practice explaining financial terms clearly and concisely.
Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but manageable with proper preparation. I could have practiced more on bond-related questions. My advice to future candidates is to ensure a strong grasp of financial markets and accounting tools like Tally Prime.
Application Process: I applied through my college’s campus placement program. The process included an aptitude test followed by technical and HR interviews. Each round was an elimination round, so only the top candidates moved forward.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The test was time-based and covered quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. The difficulty level was medium to high.
Your Approach: I focused on solving the easier questions first to save time for the tougher ones. I also practiced similar tests beforehand to improve my speed and accuracy.
Outcome: I cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Interview (Face-to-Face):
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about financial concepts like ratio analysis, valuation methods, and market trends. There were also case-study-based questions to test analytical skills.
Your Approach: I structured my answers by first defining the concept and then applying it to the given scenario. I also used real-world examples to support my points.
Outcome: I passed this round and advanced to the next technical interview.
Round 3 - Technical Interview (Face-to-Face):
Questions Asked: This round was more in-depth, with questions on financial modeling, risk assessment, and recent developments in the financial sector. The interviewer also gave a hypothetical problem to solve on the spot.
Your Approach: I took a systematic approach to solve the problem, breaking it down into smaller parts. I also made sure to clarify any doubts before jumping to conclusions.
Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved to the final HR round.
Round 4 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: The HR round focused on my motivation for joining Crisil, my career goals, and how I handle teamwork and pressure. There were also situational questions to assess my soft skills.
Your Approach: I answered honestly and aligned my responses with the company’s values. I also highlighted my ability to work in a team and adapt to challenges.
Outcome: I received positive feedback and was selected for the role.
Preparation Tips:
Practice aptitude tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
Brush up on core financial concepts and stay updated with market trends.
Work on case studies to enhance analytical and problem-solving skills.
Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on your experiences and career goals.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but well-structured. The key to success was thorough preparation and staying calm under pressure. I would advise future candidates to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Crisil values a well-rounded candidate. Good luck!
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before April 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - HR Round:
Questions Asked: The HR round focused on soft skills, adaptability to company culture, and compensation discussions.
Your Approach: I emphasized my ability to work in a team, adapt to new environments, and discussed my salary expectations transparently.
Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: This round tested my technical knowledge related to the Financial Research role, including questions about my past experience and domain-specific knowledge.
Your Approach: I prepared thoroughly by revising key financial concepts and related my past experiences to the role’s requirements.
Outcome: I successfully cleared this round as well.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on financial research fundamentals and industry trends.
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail and how they align with the role.
Practice answering HR questions about adaptability and compensation confidently.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have researched more about Crisil’s recent projects to tailor my answers better. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as both are equally important for this role.
Application Process: I applied through my college’s campus placement program. The process was streamlined, and the company conducted an aptitude test followed by technical and HR interviews.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The test was time-based and included quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and data interpretation questions. The difficulty level was medium to high.
Your Approach: I focused on solving the easier questions first to save time for the tougher ones. I also double-checked my calculations to avoid silly mistakes.
Outcome: I cleared this round and moved on to the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Interview 1:
Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about financial ratios, valuation methods, and my understanding of the financial markets. There were also case-based questions to test analytical skills.
Your Approach: I structured my answers logically, using examples from my coursework and internships to demonstrate my knowledge. For case questions, I broke them down step by step.
Outcome: I performed well and advanced to the next technical round.
Round 3 - Technical Interview 2:
Questions Asked: This round was more in-depth, with questions on financial modeling, risk assessment, and recent trends in the financial sector. The interviewer also gave a hypothetical scenario to analyze.
Your Approach: I stayed calm and took my time to think before answering. I used frameworks like SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces where applicable.
Outcome: I cleared this round and proceeded to the HR interview.
Round 4 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Typical HR questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Crisil?” and “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” There were also situational questions to assess cultural fit.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values. I also asked thoughtful questions about the company culture and growth opportunities.
Outcome: The HR round went smoothly, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on financial concepts, especially ratios, valuation methods, and market trends.
Practice case studies and hypothetical scenarios to improve analytical thinking.
Work on time management for aptitude tests to ensure you complete all sections.
Prepare for HR questions by researching the company and reflecting on your career goals.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was challenging but well-structured. The technical rounds tested both knowledge and application, while the HR round was more about fit and motivation. I could have prepared better for the case-based questions by practicing more real-world scenarios. My advice to future candidates is to stay confident, be thorough with financial concepts, and communicate clearly during interviews.