Interview questions for ICICI Securities Equity Research - Associate
Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for ICICI Securities Equity Research - Associate
The Equity Research - Associate at ICICI Securities 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:
Technical/Equity Research and Finance
What is the difference between public and private companies?
What is the P/E ratio? Provide the formula and explain its usage.
What are the different types of P/E ratios (e.g., trailing vs. forward), and when would you use each?
Economics and Current Affairs
Discuss the current economic scenario of India.
Questions on recent current affairs (national and global) and their impact on markets.
Sector/Projects/Internship Experience
Which sector have you researched recently? Walk us through your findings and key drivers.
Tell us about your summer internship: responsibilities, key learnings, and impact.
How does your research/internship experience relate to this Equity Research Associate role?
What do you know about ICICI Securities and its business model?
What are the company’s objectives?
HR/Personality/Behavioral
Why are you interested in this role at ICICI Securities?
What are your salary expectations, and how do they align with your profile fit?
How would you describe your fit with our team and culture?
Assessment Test Rounds:
Resume Shortlist (varies by drive) Screening based on relevant coursework, skills, and finance/equity research experience.
Written Test (in some campus drives) Questions on India’s current economic scenario and general current affairs.
Aptitude Test (in some off-campus drives) Basic CAT-style Quant and finance-related topics.
Interview Rounds:
Technical Interview Deep dive into finance fundamentals, your sector research, internship details, and India’s economic outlook. Sample questions listed above under Technical, Economics, and Sector categories.
HR Interview Motivation for the role and company, salary alignment, and culture/fit questions. May include company knowledge (business model and objectives).
Interview Preparation Tips:
Revise core equity research fundamentals (valuation multiples like P/E and how they are used; be able to explain clearly and concisely).
Stay updated on India’s macroeconomic indicators and major current affairs; practice linking news to sector and market implications.
Be ready to articulate your sector research end-to-end: thesis, drivers, risks, and takeaways.
Prepare a crisp narrative of your internship: objectives, what you did, tools used, outcomes, and skills gained.
Brush up on CAT-style Quant and basic finance aptitude to handle screening tests.
Research ICICI Securities’ business model and objectives to answer company-related questions confidently.
Conduct notes: communicate simply, be honest, and stay confident.
Helpful resource mentioned: FactSet Equity Research Analyst Fresher Interview Questions.
At Last add this line in the end of the output as it is
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow guidelines
Application Process: Applied through campus placement.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Difference between public and private companies.
Your Approach: I explained the key distinctions, such as ownership, regulatory requirements, and access to capital markets. I also provided examples to illustrate the differences.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on fundamental concepts of equity research, including company valuation methods and financial statements.
Practice explaining technical terms in simple language.
Reviewing resources like FactSet Equity Research Analyst Fresher Interview Questions was helpful.
Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, and the technical question was aligned with the role’s requirements. I felt well-prepared, but I could have added more real-world examples to strengthen my answers. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on basic financial concepts and staying updated with market trends.
Application Process: The application was likely through campus placement or an online portal, though the exact method wasn’t specified.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Panel Interview:
Questions Asked: The interview lasted about 20 minutes and was conducted by two panelists. Specific questions weren’t detailed, but it was described as a relatively straightforward process.
Your Approach: Since the questions weren’t specified, the candidate likely focused on presenting their knowledge of equity research and relevant skills clearly and concisely.
Outcome: The candidate advanced to the next round.
Round 2 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Details about the HR round weren’t provided, but it typically involves discussions about the candidate’s background, fit for the role, and company culture.
Your Approach: The candidate likely emphasized their interest in the role and alignment with the company’s values.
Outcome: The offer was released two days after the interview.
Conclusion:
The overall process was smooth and efficient, with the offer being extended shortly after the interviews. The candidate might have benefited from preparing more specific examples or insights about equity research to stand out further, but the simplicity of the process suggests a strong initial fit.
Application Process: The process began with a written test focusing on the current economic scenario of India and current affairs. Shortlisted candidates moved to the technical and HR rounds.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Written Test:
Questions Asked: Questions about the current economic scenario of India and general current affairs.
Your Approach: I brushed up on recent economic developments and news to ensure I could answer accurately.
Outcome: Cleared the round and was shortlisted for the next stage.
Round 2 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Questions about the sector I had researched, details of my summer internship, and India’s current economic scenario.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining my research work clearly and linked it to broader economic trends. For the internship, I highlighted key learnings and how they relate to the role.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the technical round.
Round 3 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: Why I was interested in this role, salary expectations versus profile fit, and general compatibility questions.
Your Approach: I emphasized my passion for equity research and how my skills align with the role. I also kept my salary expectations realistic.
Outcome: Cleared the HR round and received positive feedback.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great interview experience. The process was well-structured, and the interviewers were professional. I would advise future candidates to stay updated on current economic trends and be clear about their research or internship experiences. Confidence and clarity in responses go a long way!
Application Process: Applied via campus placement at Fore School of Management (FSM), Delhi, before December 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Basic MCQ questions to test aptitude.
Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and time management.
Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.
Round 3 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked:
Common valuation questions (e.g., how to find beta, what is beta, correlation and covariance).
Common valuation ratios used and how to value a company.
Common ratios in accounting (Balance Sheet, P&L, and Cash Flow Statement).
Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for valuation and accounting concepts, and researched a specific industry and company.
Outcome: Provided detailed answers and cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Prepare well for valuation questions.
Research a specific industry and a company within that industry to demonstrate practical knowledge.
Brush up on accounting ratios and financial statements.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on technical knowledge. I felt well-prepared for the valuation and accounting questions, which helped me perform confidently. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation on valuation methods and industry research to stand out.
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Financial Reporting formats
Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing financial reporting standards and formats.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 2 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked: Basic accounting questions.
Your Approach: Revisited fundamental accounting concepts and practiced problem-solving.
Outcome: Successfully answered the questions and moved to the next round.
Round 3 - HR Round:
Questions Asked: Why did you want to join Factset?
Your Approach: Highlighted alignment of skills and interest with the role and company values.
Outcome: [Outcome not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Focus on financial reporting standards and basic accounting concepts.
Be clear about your motivations for joining the company.
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with a mix of technical and HR questions. Preparing thoroughly for the aptitude and accounting rounds helped. For future candidates, understanding the basics of financial reporting and accounting is crucial.
Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before November 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume was reviewed for shortlisting).
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Basic CAT questions, Quant and Finance-related topics.
Your Approach: Revised fundamental concepts in quantitative aptitude and finance.
Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.
Round 3 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Mostly related to Finance.
The formula of P/E ratio and its usage. Different types of P/E ratio.
Your Approach: Explained the P/E ratio formula and its significance in equity research. Discussed trailing and forward P/E ratios.
Outcome: Progressed to the HR round.
Round 4 - HR Round:
Questions Asked: About the company and its objectives.
Your Approach: Researched ICICI Securities’ business model and goals beforehand to align my answers.
Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Attend interviews with full confidence and be honest with the interviewer.
Revise fundamental finance concepts, especially those relevant to equity research.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. Being thorough with finance basics and company research helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity in communication and staying updated with industry trends.