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S23E22: Case Interviews Got Harder at MBB in 2026 – Here's What Changed

Management Consulted Season 23 Episode 22

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0:00 | 7:06

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Every McKinsey interviewee last year got at least 1 non-traditional case. Most candidates are still only prepping for standard business cases.

Namaan breaks down what's actually different about case interviews in 2026, and it's not just the case types.

McKinsey is piloting an AI-enabled interview round. Bain's also adding one this summer. 

The bar on communication and presence just went up too, because AI raised the floor on sounding prepared – but sounding ready isn't the same as being ready anymore.

Resources:

  • If you've only drilled business cases, Case Foundations will get you ready for the case types firms are actually giving in 2026
  • Want a coach who is up to date on 2026 cases? Black Belt builds your prep around what firms are testing for right now, not two years ago

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