100+ Case Interview Examples for 2025: Master Consulting Case Practice

Case interviews are a critical part of the consulting job application process. They assess your problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, offering insight into how you tackle real-world business challenges. Whether you're preparing for an interview with a top consulting firm like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, or simply honing your skills, practicing with case interview examples can make a significant difference.

In this article, we will explore over 100 case interview examples across different industries and functions to help you prepare thoroughly for your next interview. We’ll break down case types, industry-specific scenarios, and offer key tips for effective preparation.

Understanding Case Interviews

Case interviews are designed to test how well you can structure a problem, analyze information, and provide a logical solution under pressure. Consulting firms use them as a measure of how well you would perform in real-world consulting engagements.

There are various types of case interviews, but they generally fall into a few core categories:

• Market sizing: These cases require you to estimate the size of a market for a product or service.
• Profitability analysis: These cases focus on diagnosing and fixing issues related to a company’s profitability.
• Business operations: These cases assess operational efficiency and often involve logistical or operational challenges.
• Market entry: These cases explore whether and how a company should enter a new market.
• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): These cases examine the strategic fit and value of potential business mergers or acquisitions.

Understanding these core types will help you approach each case in a structured manner and deliver well-reasoned answers.

Next, we’ll delve into specific case examples organized by industry, offering you a wealth of practice opportunities to sharpen your skills.

Case Interview Examples by Industry

When preparing for case interviews, practicing across a range of industries can help broaden your problem-solving skills and prepare you for the variety of challenges consulting firms present. Each industry brings its own set of considerations and dynamics, so familiarity with key trends and common case structures is crucial. Below are examples categorized by major industries to guide your practice.

Consulting Case Examples in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is known for its complexity, especially with the intertwining of regulation, patient care, and cost management. Case interviews in healthcare often focus on optimizing operational efficiency, cost containment, or improving patient outcomes. You might also be asked to analyze the launch of a new healthcare product or service.

Example: Your client is a hospital facing declining profitability despite increasing patient numbers. How would you approach analyzing the profitability issues and recommend solutions?

Consulting Case Examples in Retail

Retail cases frequently revolve around market entry, profitability, or customer behavior analysis. They may include factors such as supply chain efficiency, pricing strategy, or expanding into new markets.

Example: Your client is a global clothing retailer looking to expand into a new geographic market. What factors should the client consider, and how would you evaluate the market’s potential?

Consulting Case Examples in Technology

Technology cases often focus on innovation, digital transformation, and market disruption. You may be asked to evaluate the potential of a new technology or app or help a company assess its competitive position in a fast-changing market.

Example: A tech startup is considering launching a new AI-based product to automate customer service. What factors should the company consider, and how would you assess the market opportunity?

Consulting Case Examples in Financial Services

Financial services cases frequently involve issues related to mergers and acquisitions, cost-cutting, or improving efficiency. They may also focus on regulatory challenges or digital banking innovations.

Example: A major bank is considering acquiring a fintech company to enhance its digital offerings. How would you evaluate the strategic fit and potential synergies of this acquisition?

Consulting Case Examples in Energy

Energy cases typically focus on operational efficiency, cost management, or environmental regulations. With a growing focus on sustainability, you may also encounter cases related to renewable energy or reducing carbon emissions.

Example: Your client is an energy company looking to invest in renewable energy to diversify its portfolio. What factors should the client consider, and how would you evaluate the investment’s feasibility?

Consulting Case Examples in Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical cases can range from market access strategies for new drugs to R&D optimization and cost efficiency. You may be asked to analyze the potential of launching a new drug or improving the sales process for an existing product.

Example: A pharmaceutical company has developed a new cancer treatment drug. How would you help them determine the best market strategy and pricing for its launch?

By practicing case examples from different industries, you’ll become more versatile and capable of handling diverse case scenarios in real interviews. Each industry brings unique challenges, but the problem-solving frameworks remain largely the same, giving you a solid foundation to apply across all case types.

Common Types of Case Interview Questions

Case interviews are designed to test various skills, from logical reasoning and problem-solving to market knowledge and financial analysis. The types of questions you'll encounter can vary significantly depending on the firm's focus or the interviewer’s preference. However, many case interviews fall into several common categories. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked case types:

1. Profitability Analysis Cases

Profitability cases are among the most common in consulting interviews. These questions typically ask you to diagnose why a company is facing declining profits and provide recommendations on how to improve profitability. The key is to break down the problem into its core components, revenues and costs, and analyze each part systematically.

Example Question: Your client is a mid-sized retail chain that has seen profits decline over the past two years despite steady revenues. What factors would you investigate to understand the cause of the profit decline, and what solutions would you recommend?

2. Market Entry Cases

Market entry cases require you to analyze whether a company should enter a new market, and if so, how. You’ll need to consider factors such as the competitive landscape, market size, customer needs, and potential risks. These cases test your ability to think strategically and assess the long-term impact of business decisions.

Example Question: A beverage company is considering expanding into the Southeast Asian market. What factors should they evaluate, and how would you determine whether it’s a good idea to enter this market?

3. Market Sizing Cases

Market sizing cases assess your ability to estimate the size of a particular market using logical assumptions and basic math. These questions typically don’t require precise answers but instead test your ability to approach problems in a structured way.

Example Question: Estimate the total annual revenue of the U.S. smartphone market.

4. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Cases

M&A cases ask you to evaluate the strategic fit and potential value of merging two companies or acquiring another business. These cases often involve assessing synergies, financials, and the overall market environment.

Example Question: Your client, a large manufacturing company, is considering acquiring a competitor. How would you assess whether this acquisition is strategically sound, and what potential synergies should the client expect?

5. Pricing Strategy Cases

Pricing strategy cases test your ability to determine the optimal price for a product or service. You may need to analyze the competitive landscape, customer demand, production costs, and overall market dynamics to arrive at the best pricing strategy.

Example Question: A new software company is launching a cloud-based service for small businesses. What factors should they consider when pricing their service, and how would you recommend they set their initial price point?

6. Growth Strategy Cases

Growth strategy cases focus on helping a company expand its revenues, customer base, or market share. These questions often involve analyzing new product development, geographic expansion, or strategic partnerships.

Example Question: Your client is a mid-sized e-commerce business looking to grow its market share. What strategies would you suggest for driving growth, and how would you evaluate their feasibility?

7. Business Operations Cases

Business operations cases focus on improving efficiency and operational performance within a company. This could involve optimizing a supply chain, reducing costs, or streamlining processes. These cases require a strong understanding of operational frameworks and logical problem-solving.

Example Question: Your client is a global electronics manufacturer experiencing delays in its supply chain. How would you diagnose the root cause of these delays, and what solutions would you propose to improve the supply chain’s efficiency?

By understanding these common case types, you can approach your preparation in a more structured way. Each type tests specific skills, and mastering them will equip you with the versatility to tackle a wide range of consulting interview challenges. In the next section, we’ll look at the best tips and strategies to prepare effectively for these cases.

Tips for Preparing for Case Interviews

Preparation is the key to success when it comes to case interviews. While practicing with real examples is essential, it’s equally important to approach your preparation strategically to maximize your chances of success. Below are some proven tips that will help you prepare effectively for any case interview:

1. Master Problem-Solving Frameworks

Consulting case interviews require a structured approach to solving problems. One of the most important steps in your preparation is to familiarize yourself with popular problem-solving frameworks such as:

• Profitability Framework: Focuses on breaking down profits into revenue and cost components.
• Porter’s Five Forces: Analyzes the competitive environment, including threats from new entrants and bargaining power.
• SWOT Analysis: Examines a company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.
• 4Ps Marketing Framework: Used for pricing and product cases, looking at product, price, place, and promotion.

These frameworks provide a solid foundation for addressing various types of case questions. However, avoid using them rigidly, be flexible in adapting them based on the specific details of each case.

2. Practice with Real Case Examples

The more case interview examples you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the process. Use industry-specific cases as well as those that cover a range of business functions (such as market sizing, growth strategy, and profitability). Consider practicing with resources like:

• Case books from top business schools (e.g., Harvard, Wharton)
• Consulting firm websites that offer case interview prep tools (e.g., Bain & Company, McKinsey)

Practice both individually and with a partner to simulate the interview environment. This will help you develop quick thinking and clear communication skills.

3. Focus on Communication and Clarity

In addition to problem-solving skills, interviewers are looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their thoughts. Your ability to communicate your approach is just as important as arriving at the correct solution. Here are some tips for effective communication:

• Speak clearly and confidently: Take time to structure your answer before speaking to avoid rambling.
• Use clear headings and summaries: In your answers, break down your approach using structured headings or verbal signposts (e.g., "First, I would analyze...").
• Clarify assumptions: If you make any assumptions during the case, be sure to state them upfront so the interviewer knows your thought process.

4. Think Aloud and Engage the Interviewer

Interviewers want to understand your thought process, so make sure you verbalize how you’re approaching the problem. This not only demonstrates structured thinking but also allows the interviewer to offer guidance or hints if needed.

Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if the case details are unclear. Engaging the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions can also help you gather more information to guide your analysis.

5. Develop Mental Math Skills

Case interviews often require quick calculations, whether for market sizing, profitability, or cost analysis. Make sure you practice mental math so that you can handle these calculations confidently during an interview. Focus on:

• Estimating large numbers quickly (e.g., population size, revenue estimates)
• Performing percentage-based calculations (e.g., profit margins, growth rates)
• Breaking down complex numbers into more manageable figures

Having a calculator during the interview is rare, so honing your ability to perform basic arithmetic without assistance will be crucial.

6. Review Business News and Trends

Staying updated on business trends and economic news can provide you with valuable context for many case interview questions. Consulting firms expect candidates to have a broad understanding of the business environment, so regularly reading business publications like The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and The Financial Times will ensure you're informed about key trends.

7. Simulate the Interview Environment

Lastly, it’s important to simulate the real interview environment as much as possible. Try conducting mock interviews with friends, colleagues, or mentors. If possible, seek feedback from people with consulting or case interview experience. Practicing under realistic conditions will help you manage nerves, build confidence, and identify areas where you need improvement.

By incorporating these preparation tips into your study routine, you will develop a well-rounded skill set for tackling case interviews with confidence. Up next, we’ll provide a curated list of resources to further aid your case interview practice and success.

Top Resources for Case Interview Practice

To excel in case interviews, it’s essential to use high-quality resources that provide both practical examples and strategic insights. The following resources offer a combination of case practice materials, expert guidance, and tools to help you succeed in consulting interviews.

1. Case Interview Compilations from Leading Institutions

Many well-regarded academic programs offer comprehensive collections of real interview cases drawn from a variety of industries. These compilations are invaluable for practicing with genuine scenarios and mastering different question formats:

• Comprehensive Industry Collections: Includes a broad mix of cases, from market entry to profitability analyses, designed to expose you to diverse business challenges.
• Step-by-Step Solution Guides: Provides detailed walk-throughs and frameworks that illustrate how to structure your approach and develop logical recommendations.
• Tiered Difficulty Levels: Organizes cases into beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections, helping you build confidence before tackling more complex scenarios.
• Strategic Insight Commentary: Accompanies each case with expert tips on best practices, common pitfalls, and guidance on effective communication during interviews.

2. Consulting Firm Websites

Many consulting firms provide free resources and case examples on their websites to help candidates prepare for interviews. These resources often come directly from the firms’ recruitment teams, offering insider tips on what they look for in candidates.

• McKinsey & Company: McKinsey offers sample case studies and problem-solving tests that closely mimic their real interview process.
• Bain & Company: Bain provides interactive case studies and a detailed guide on how to approach case interviews, along with tips on what they value in successful candidates.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): BCG shares sample cases and provides frameworks to help you think through the problems you’ll encounter in their interviews.

3. Comprehensive Case Interview Guides

Several in-depth guides provide the essential frameworks, practice examples, and strategic advice you need to excel in case interviews:

• Framework-Focused Manuals: Walk you through core problem-solving structures, such as profitability, market entry, and growth strategies, showing how to adapt each framework to different scenarios.
• Step-by-Step Strategy Guides: Offer clear, actionable techniques for breaking down problems, formulating hypotheses, and communicating your conclusions with impact.
• Extensive Practice Collections: Include a wide array of case examples across industries and difficulty levels, with annotated solutions that highlight best practices and common pitfalls.
• Interview Skill Enhancers: Provide tips on effective communication, mental math drills, and approaches to handle unexpected questions or data challenges.
• Culture & Expectation Overviews: Explain the unspoken norms of consulting interviews, such as professionalism, adaptability, and the importance of structured thinking, to help you align with interviewer expectations.

4. Video Learning Resources

Video tutorials offer an interactive way to learn and practice for case interviews. Watching live case demonstrations and explanations helps you see how to tackle problems in real time.

• Expert Coach Channels: Well known consultants and interview coaches share detailed tutorials on case interview techniques and frameworks. Their channels often include mock case walk throughs and tips on structuring your answers.

• Industry Practice Channels: Various consulting firms and preparation platforms maintain video series that cover case interview basics. These often feature recruiter insights, sample interviews, and advice on what interviewers look for.

By leveraging these top resources, you can build a strong foundation for case interviews and improve your problem-solving and communication skills. Consistently practicing with real examples from reputable sources will enhance your chances of success in landing a consulting role. Next, we’ll provide some final thoughts on how to approach the case interview day with confidence.

How to Approach Case Interview Day with Confidence

When the day of your case interview arrives, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. However, by following the strategies we’ve covered and staying organized, you can approach your interview with confidence. Here are some final tips to help you succeed on the big day:

1. Stay Calm and Collected

One of the biggest challenges during a case interview is managing stress. It’s important to remain calm and composed so you can think clearly and logically through each problem. Practice deep breathing exercises beforehand to help reduce anxiety. Remember, the interviewers aren’t just evaluating your answer but also how you handle pressure and uncertainty.

2. Focus on Problem Solving, Not Perfection

Your goal during the case interview isn’t necessarily to arrive at the "perfect" answer but to demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems in a structured way. Break the problem down step by step, clarify any unclear details, and explain your approach to the interviewer. As long as your thought process is logical and methodical, interviewers will appreciate your problem-solving approach, even if your final answer isn't flawless.

3. Engage with the Interviewer

Remember that case interviews are intended to be interactive. Interviewers expect you to ask clarifying questions and seek additional information as you work through the problem. Don’t be afraid to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue with the interviewer. This shows that you’re comfortable communicating and collaborating, both of which are key traits for consultants.

4. Practice Active Listening

Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and instructions, as they might subtly guide you in the right direction. Active listening will help you pick up on key details and ensure that you fully understand the case’s scope before jumping into problem-solving. Don’t rush to answer, take your time to process the information and formulate a structured response.

5. Review Your Frameworks Before the Interview

Before heading into the interview, review the key problem-solving frameworks you’ve practiced. Whether it’s profitability analysis, market entry, or operations strategy, refreshing these concepts will help you feel more confident when tackling a case. Make sure you’re comfortable applying them flexibly, as cases may require you to adapt your framework to fit the situation.

6. Practice Mental Math and Quick Calculations

In case interviews, you’ll often be asked to perform quick calculations on the spot, especially during market sizing or profitability questions. Ensure that your mental math skills are sharp so that you can handle these calculations confidently without hesitation. Practicing mental math regularly will reduce the chances of stumbling during the interview.

7. Take Time to Structure Your Answer

Don’t feel pressured to answer immediately after hearing the case prompt. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a few moments to gather your thoughts and structure your approach. Many candidates find it helpful to briefly outline their plan before diving into the problem, which demonstrates that you’re thinking in an organized and logical manner.

8. Manage Time Effectively

Time management is crucial during case interviews. While you should take time to think through your response, be mindful of how long each step is taking. If the case is running long, make sure to prioritize key points and move through the analysis efficiently. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can balance thoroughness with an awareness of time constraints.

9. Be Honest if You’re Unsure

If you encounter a particularly challenging question or calculation, don’t be afraid to admit that you’re unsure. Interviewers value honesty, and attempting to bluff your way through a difficult section may work against you. Instead, express your thought process and explain how you would approach finding the right answer, even if you’re not certain of it.

10. Reflect After the Interview

Once the case interview is over, take time to reflect on how you performed. Consider what went well and what areas you could improve upon for future interviews. Interview performance improves with practice and reflection, so use each interview as a learning experience to refine your skills.

Approaching your case interview day with confidence and a clear mindset will help you showcase your abilities to the fullest. By following these final tips, you’ll be well-prepared to handle even the most challenging cases and make a strong impression on your interviewers. Best of luck on your consulting journey!

Conclusion

Mastering case interviews is a crucial step toward securing a role at top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain. By practicing with over 100 case interview examples spanning industries such as healthcare, retail, technology, and finance, you’ll build the confidence and skills needed to excel. Remember, effective case interview preparation combines understanding key frameworks, honing your problem-solving abilities, and sharpening communication skills. Use the industry-specific consulting case studies and common case interview questions provided here to deepen your practice and approach each case with a structured mindset. With consistent effort and strategic preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging consulting case interviews and stand out as a top candidate in 2025.

Start practicing today, and take a confident step closer to your consulting career goals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you pass a case study interview?
   A: To pass a case study interview, focus on structuring your approach clearly, applying consulting frameworks for case interviews, and practicing problem-solving with industry-specific case interview examples. Effective communication and logical reasoning are key to demonstrating your consulting skills.

Q: How to take notes for a case interview?
   A: Taking notes for a case interview involves capturing key data points, hypotheses, and calculations clearly and concisely. Use shorthand to track case interview questions and structure your notes to reflect the flow of the consulting case study methodology for easier reference during your analysis.

Q: What is the purpose of a case interview?
   A: The purpose of a case interview is to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work through real-world business challenges, such as market sizing cases or profitability analysis cases, which are common case interview questions in consulting.

Q: What not to do in a case interview?
   A: In a case interview, avoid rushing to conclusions without analysis, ignoring data provided, or failing to communicate your thought process clearly. Steering clear of assumptions without evidence and skipping important consulting case interview frameworks can reduce your chances of success.

Q: How are case interviews scored?
   A: Case interviews are scored based on your problem-solving ability, clarity in structuring answers, use of relevant consulting frameworks, quantitative analysis, and communication skills demonstrated through case interview practice and real consulting case studies.