MBB Case Bank: Your Essential Consulting Casebook Resource

If you're preparing for a consulting interview, you’ve probably heard about MBA consulting casebooks. These casebooks, compiled by top business school consulting clubs, contain real interview cases, structured frameworks, and problem-solving techniques that can give you a strong edge in the case interview process.

But where do you find them? How do you make the most of them? And what are the common mistakes to avoid when using them?

This guide will walk you through where to download MBA consulting casebooks, how to use them effectively, and how to avoid common pitfalls so you can confidently tackle your consulting interviews.

Where Can You Download MBA Consulting Casebooks?

MBA casebooks are typically created by consulting clubs at leading business schools and are often shared publicly to help aspiring consultants like you prepare. Below is a curated collection of casebooks that you can download and use right away. These casebooks offer more than 800 practice cases to help you prepare for your case interview.

If you're looking for a step-by-step shortcut to master case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview prep course. We've broken down the case interview process into structured modules tested by McKinsey, BCG, and Bain interviewers, teaching you how to integrate them effectively. This course simplifies your preparation and saves you valuable time, making it easier for you to land an MBB offer.

Duke Fuqua Case Book 2018-2019.pdf

Darden Case Book - 2018-2019.pdf

Harvard Business School Case Book.pdf

Wharton Case Book - 2017.pdf

London Business School Case Book - 2007-2008.pdf

London_Business_School_2013.pdf

Kellogg Case Book -2012.pdf

NYU Stern Case Book - 2015-2016.pdf

Ross_2010.pdf

Ross Case Book - 2019.pdf

Berkeley Case Book - 2006.pdf

Columbia Business School Case Book - 2006.pdf

Columbia_2007.pdf

Illinois Case Book - 2015-2016.pdf

Tuck Case Book - 2009-2010.pdf

Australian_Graduate_School_of_Management_2002.pdf

Tip: Even older casebooks can be incredibly useful. While some schools update theirs yearly, others reuse versions from past years, but the case-solving techniques remain the same.

What Are MBA Consulting Casebooks?

MBA consulting casebooks are comprehensive resources designed to help candidates prepare for consulting interviews, specifically the case interview. These casebooks are typically compiled by business school consulting clubs and contain a mix of real interview cases, problem-solving frameworks, and tips from past candidates who have successfully navigated the process.

Each casebook varies in format and depth, but most include the following components.

Breakdown of a Typical Consulting Casebook

Casebooks generally contain several sections that help candidates develop their problem-solving skills and case interview techniques.

Practice Cases: These are real or simulated consulting case studies that mimic what firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain ask in interviews. They cover a wide range of industries, business problems, and case types, such as profitability analysis, market entry, and mergers and acquisitions.
Case Frameworks: Structured approaches to solving cases, including profitability frameworks, market-sizing techniques, and competitive analysis models. These frameworks help candidates develop a structured approach to tackling business problems.
Case Interview Tips: Insights from former consulting candidates and industry professionals on how to think like a consultant, communicate effectively, and handle challenging case questions.
Math Drills and Market Sizing Questions: Many casebooks include practice problems to improve mental math speed and estimation techniques, both of which are critical in a case interview.
Industry Overviews: Some casebooks provide insights into different industries, helping candidates familiarize themselves with key trends, business models, and common case themes.

How MBA Casebooks Differ from Other Prep Resources

Unlike general consulting prep books or online courses, MBA consulting casebooks are often written by students who have gone through the interview process themselves. This means they provide insights that are practical, up to date, and directly relevant to the consulting recruitment process.

Consulting casebooks are also structured for self-study or peer-to-peer practice, making them an ideal resource for candidates working with case partners.

How to Effectively Use Casebooks for Practice

Downloading MBA consulting casebooks is just the first step. The real challenge is using them effectively to improve your problem-solving skills and case interview performance. A structured approach can help you get the most out of these resources and ensure you're fully prepared for interviews.

Start with the Basics

Before diving into full-length cases, take time to build a solid foundation in case interview fundamentals. This includes understanding how case interviews work, familiarizing yourself with common case types, and practicing the problem-solving frameworks used by consultants.

If you're new to case interviews, start by reading the introductory sections of a casebook. Many casebooks include an overview of consulting interviews, how they are structured, and key skills required to succeed. Pay special attention to the recommended problem-solving approaches and communication strategies.

Practice Cases Step by Step

Once you're familiar with the basics, begin working through practice cases in a structured manner. Start with easier cases and gradually move on to more complex ones.

Read the case prompt carefully and identify the key problem.
Break down the problem using a structured framework.
Think aloud as you analyze the case, just as you would in an actual interview.
Perform quick mental math when required, ensuring your calculations are clear and logical.
Always conclude with a strong and well-supported recommendation.

Many candidates make the mistake of passively reading case solutions without actually practicing how to solve them. Instead, try solving each case on your own before looking at the answer. This will help you develop critical thinking and improve your ability to tackle unfamiliar problems in real time.

Work with a Case Partner

Practicing with a partner simulates the real interview experience and helps improve communication skills. A case partner can challenge your thinking, ask follow-up questions, and provide feedback on your performance.

Look for a case partner who is also preparing for consulting interviews, preferably someone at a similar skill level. Rotate between the roles of interviewer and interviewee to get a feel for both perspectives. If possible, record your sessions and review them to identify areas for improvement.

Track Your Progress

Keeping a record of the cases you’ve practiced can help you identify strengths and areas that need improvement. Maintain a case journal where you track:

The cases you’ve completed
The frameworks you used
Areas where you struggled
Feedback from case partners

Over time, this will help you recognize patterns and refine your approach to solving cases.

Simulate Real Interview Conditions

As your skills improve, begin simulating real interview conditions. Time yourself during practice sessions, limit the use of notes, and practice responding to unexpected questions. This will help you build confidence and prepare for the pressure of an actual interview.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using MBA Consulting Casebooks

Many candidates rely heavily on casebooks for their consulting interview preparation, but improper use can lead to bad habits that hurt performance. Avoiding common mistakes will help you get the most value from your practice and ensure you're developing the right skills for case interviews.

Memorizing Frameworks Without Understanding Them

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is trying to memorize generic case frameworks without truly understanding how to apply them. Consulting firms value structured thinking, but they also expect flexibility.

Instead of forcing a pre-built framework onto every problem, focus on understanding why certain frameworks work for different types of cases. Adapt them based on the specific details of each case rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Skipping Mental Math Practice

Case interviews often involve market-sizing questions, revenue breakdowns, and profitability calculations. While casebooks provide practice cases, many candidates overlook the importance of refining their mental math skills.

Failing to practice quick calculations can slow you down in an interview. Make sure you’re comfortable with basic arithmetic, percentages, and estimations. Some casebooks include dedicated sections for math drills—use them regularly to sharpen your numerical skills.

Practicing Alone Without a Case Partner

Reading through cases and solutions by yourself can be helpful in the early stages, but case interviews are interactive. Practicing alone won’t prepare you for the back-and-forth dialogue required in an actual interview.

Find a case partner and practice giving structured answers out loud. This improves communication skills, clarity of thought, and your ability to handle unexpected follow-up questions from an interviewer.

Relying Too Much on Solutions

Casebooks provide detailed case solutions, but relying on them too much can be counterproductive. If you review the solution before attempting the case, you won’t develop problem-solving skills effectively.

Try solving each case from scratch before reading the solution. If you get stuck, focus on breaking the problem down into logical steps rather than jumping straight to the answer.

Neglecting the Final Recommendation

Many candidates focus so much on analyzing the case that they forget to deliver a structured final recommendation. Consulting firms expect you to synthesize your insights and present a clear, actionable conclusion.

Your recommendation should be:

Concise – Avoid unnecessary details and go straight to your main point.
Data-driven – Use key numbers and facts from your case analysis to support your conclusion.
Practical – Offer a realistic and implementable solution based on the client’s situation.

Ignoring Behavioral and Fit Questions

Casebooks focus on case studies, but consulting interviews also include behavioral and fit questions that assess leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Candidates who prepare only for case interviews and neglect behavioral questions risk underperforming in the overall assessment.

Balance your preparation by practicing personal fit questions alongside case problems. Consulting firms look for well-rounded candidates who can think analytically and communicate their experiences effectively.

MBB Case Bank: Consulting Casebooks for Interview Success