KPMG is a network of member firms, and each one runs its own hiring. KPMG in India, KPMG UK and KPMG US all publish their processes, and they differ: India uses an online test, a group discussion, a case study and interviews; the UK graduate route adds a recorded video interview and an assessment day; the US early-career route centres on two live video interviews.
Everything below comes from KPMG's own careers pages, linked as we go. Where KPMG doesn't say something, we say so. The interview questions are ones to prepare for; KPMG doesn't publish its questions.
The KPMG hiring process at a glance
| Stage | KPMG in India | KPMG UK graduates | KPMG US early careers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | "Search and apply" on the KPMG in India careers site | Application form, after an unassessed job preview quiz | About 10 minutes, with a resume (and an unofficial transcript for students and recent graduates) |
| Online assessment | Proctored, by invite, typically 60 to 90 minutes | Skills assessment (untimed) and cognitive assessment (36 minutes) | None described |
| Group stage | Group discussion | Activities at the Launch Pad assessment day | None described |
| Case study | Written test or interactive discussion | Not described | Not described |
| Interviews | Recruiter, then technical panel | Recorded video interview (6 questions), then a final interview at Launch Pad | Two live video interviews with business leaders |
| Decision | Not published | Within 2 working days of Launch Pad if successful | Typically within two weeks of interviewing |
KPMG in India says its steps are "purely indicative" and change with the profile, position and role. Check the job advert and ask your recruiter which stages apply to you.
What is the KPMG hiring process?
It's an application, an online assessment and interviews, with a group stage in India and the UK. The details depend on the member firm.
- KPMG in India lists five stages on its How we recruit page: an online assessment, a group discussion, a case study round, an evaluation by a recruiter and an evaluation by a technical panel. Its careers FAQ says it hires many fresh graduates through its campus programme.
- KPMG UK sets out four stages for graduates on its application process page: explore and apply, online assessments, a video interview and Launch Pad.
- KPMG US describes its early-career process as choosing a practice and location, applying, interview selection, two video interviews and a decision.
Applying to KPMG
- India: apply through "Search and apply". KPMG recommends this over emailing a CV. Registering creates an ID that holds your resume for later applications, and an employee can refer you through the same system.
- UK: a short job preview quiz with everyday scenarios comes first. It isn't assessed; it helps you decide whether the role suits you. KPMG still encourages you to apply if you're slightly below an academic entry requirement, because it weighs your assessments too.
- US: the application takes about 10 minutes. KPMG recruits on a rolling basis and you can have at most two active applications.
KPMG UK and KPMG US both recruit on a rolling basis, so applying early helps.
Cohesyve
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What is the KPMG online assessment?
It depends on the country. KPMG in India uses one proctored test; KPMG UK uses two separate assessments; KPMG US doesn't describe one for early-career roles.
KPMG in India
The assessment is by invite only: shortlisted applicants get a link and take the proctored test on their own computer. KPMG says tests are typically 60 to 90 minutes and cover:
- comprehension and interpretation;
- logical and verbal reasoning;
- psychometric abilities;
- quantitative maths and data analytics, in some practices.
KPMG doesn't publish question counts or a pass mark. If the psychometric part is new to you, our guide to psychometric assessments explains how they work.
KPMG UK
Graduates are invited automatically to two assessments after applying, about 60 minutes in all:
| Assessment | What it is | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Work scenarios; you choose the response most like you | Untimed; KPMG suggests allowing 20 minutes |
| Cognitive assessment | Numerical and logical reasoning | Timed at 36 minutes |
KPMG UK links to SHL's practice tests for both kinds of test, though it doesn't say who runs the live versions. Our guides to SHL tests, SHL numerical reasoning and situational judgement tests explain these formats in general. KPMG sends you a personalised skills feedback report afterwards.
KPMG UK's tips: use a laptop or desktop (ideally Chrome) with a stable connection, complete each assessment in one sitting, and try the practice questions first. You must do the assessments yourself, without help from other people or AI tools. KPMG says it may re-test online assessment results and can withdraw applications for dishonest conduct.
What happens in the KPMG group discussion?
In India, KPMG uses an open group discussion to judge soft skills: oral communication, articulation and structured thinking. It also looks at attitude and traits such as proactiveness, presence of mind, teamwork and leadership.
Speak early with a clear point, build on what others say, and help the group reach a conclusion. Talking the most doesn't help if you aren't moving the discussion forward.
What is the KPMG case study round?
In India, the case study round tests subject knowledge, and it may also test communication, practical thinking, general knowledge and business sense. KPMG says it can be a written test or an interactive discussion. KPMG doesn't publish case topics.
Structure your answer: restate the problem, say what information you'd want, lay out options and recommend one with a reason. Read the business news for the sector you're applying to.
What is the KPMG video interview?
On the UK graduate route, successful candidates from the online assessments may be invited to a recorded video interview. You answer 6 pre-recorded questions asked by an AI avatar called Leah, with set preparation time before each answer. A member of the Student Recruitment team reviews and scores your answers. KPMG suggests allowing 40 minutes, at a time that suits you.
KPMG US runs two live video interviews with business leaders instead. Its tips: test your internet, audio and video, use a laptop or tablet, silence notifications, dress professionally, look into the camera, and keep your background and lighting professional.
What happens in the KPMG interviews?
The interviews test your fit for the role and the firm, and your technical skills for the job.
- India, recruiter: in person, by phone or virtually. It assesses fit for the role and firm, and behaviour: personality, business awareness, skills and ability, and resilience.
- India, technical panel: usually one-to-one, sometimes with two or three interviewers, and possibly several conversations from the hiring manager and team lead to a partner or function head. It assesses technical competence for the job.
- UK, Launch Pad: a half-day, in-person event of assessed and unassessed activities where you meet people from the business area and location you applied to, ending with a final interview. KPMG says most Launch Pads take place between October and December.
- US: the two live video interviews described above.
KPMG in India's FAQ says interview content isn't fixed. Topics include your interests, skills, academics, extracurricular activities, achievements, previous experience, behaviour, competencies, aptitude and agility.
What happens after the KPMG interview?
- India: KPMG contacts shortlisted applicants within 2 to 14 days, by phone, email, video call or in person. KPMG in India says there should ideally be a gap of at least six months before you reapply for the same role, and that you can look at roles in a different service line.
- UK: if you're successful at Launch Pad, KPMG says you'll have your offer within 2 working days. If not, you can ask for feedback. A rejected applicant can't apply again until the next intake year.
- US: decisions are typically made within two weeks of interviewing. You'll hear whether you're getting an offer or an invitation to visit an office.
KPMG in India warns that fraudsters pose as KPMG staff or vendors and ask for money. KPMG says on its careers page that it doesn't charge any money, fees or security deposit during selection, and hasn't authorised anyone to do so.
Common KPMG interview questions and how to answer them
KPMG's five values are Integrity (we do what is right), Excellence (we never stop learning and improving), Courage (we think and act boldly), Together (we respect each other and draw strength from our differences) and For Better (we do what matters). KPMG UK also lists 12 skills it assesses, including career motivation, learning and curiosity, resilience, relationship building, critical thinking and integrity. Use them to choose your examples.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Give a one-minute summary: your studies or experience, one achievement relevant to the role and why you're applying to this KPMG practice. End on the role so the interviewer has an easy follow-up.
2. Why KPMG, and why this practice?
Name the service line (audit, tax, advisory, consulting) and say what draws you to its work. KPMG UK assesses career motivation, so show you've researched what the role involves day to day.
3. Tell me about a time you did the right thing when it was difficult.
This is Integrity. Pick a real example where you spoke up, corrected a mistake or refused a shortcut. Use the STAR method and finish with what happened.
4. Tell me about a time you learnt something new quickly.
This maps to Excellence and to KPMG UK's learning and curiosity skill. Say what you learnt, how you learnt it and how you used it.
5. Describe a time you challenged the way something was done.
This is Courage. Explain what you noticed, how you raised it respectfully and what changed. A small, specific example beats a grand one.
6. Tell me about a time you worked with people who saw things differently.
This is Together. Show that you listened, used the different views and reached a shared result.
7. Tell me about a setback and how you handled it.
KPMG in India's recruiters assess resilience, and so does KPMG UK. Choose a real setback, say what you did next and what you'd keep doing.
8. How do you manage competing deadlines?
Client work means overlapping deadlines. Describe how you prioritise, when you flag a risk early and how you keep people informed. KPMG UK assesses planning and organisation.
9. Walk me through a business problem and how you'd approach it.
This is close to the India case study round. Structure your thinking out loud: the goal, the information you'd need, two or three options and a recommendation.
10. What's a business or industry story you've followed recently?
KPMG in India's recruiters look for business awareness. Pick one story from the sector you're applying to and explain what it means for a client.
11. Tell me about your final-year project or a piece of work you're proud of.
For technical panels, explain the problem, your part, the tools you used and the result. Mention only tools you can discuss in depth, because follow-ups are likely.
12. How would you explain a technical finding to a client who isn't technical?
KPMG UK assesses effective communication. Use plain words, lead with what the finding means for the client, and offer the detail if they want it.
13. Do you have any questions for us?
Ask about the first-year training, the kind of clients the team serves, or what good performance looks like in the first six months.
How to prepare for KPMG's hiring process
- Find your country's process on the local KPMG careers site and check which stages your role uses.
- Apply early. KPMG UK and KPMG US recruit on a rolling basis.
- Practise reasoning tests under time pressure. For KPMG UK the cognitive test is 36 minutes; for KPMG in India allow up to 90 minutes.
- Answer the skills and psychometric questions honestly. KPMG UK asks you to pick the response most like you.
- Prepare six STAR stories that cover integrity, learning, challenging the status quo, teamwork, a setback and a deadline. Our list of behavioural interview questions gives you more to practise on.
- Rehearse on camera if you have a video interview, and do a mock interview with someone who will give honest feedback.
- Practise a group discussion and a short case with friends if you're applying in India.
- Ignore anyone asking for money. KPMG says it doesn't charge fees.
Practising realistic work tasks
KPMG's case studies and assessments reward people who can think through a realistic problem under time pressure, and that improves with practice. Cohesyve, which publishes this guide, runs practice job simulations for your role, with a scored report on where you lost marks. It isn't affiliated with KPMG and doesn't use KPMG's tests or questions.
FAQs
How long is the KPMG online assessment?
In India, typically 60 to 90 minutes. In the UK, the cognitive assessment is timed at 36 minutes and the untimed skills assessment takes about 20 minutes.
Does KPMG use SHL tests?
KPMG UK links graduate applicants to SHL's practice tests for its online assessments. It doesn't say who runs the live assessments, and KPMG in India doesn't name a provider.
Can I use AI tools in KPMG's assessments?
No. KPMG UK says you must complete assessments without help from other people or AI tools, and it may re-test results.
How long does KPMG take to respond?
KPMG in India contacts shortlisted applicants within 2 to 14 days. KPMG US typically selects for interview within 2 weeks of applying and decides within two weeks of interviewing. KPMG UK gives successful Launch Pad candidates an offer within 2 working days.
Can I reapply to KPMG after a rejection?
KPMG in India says there should ideally be a gap of at least six months before you reapply for the same role, and that you can look at roles in a different service line. In the UK, you can't apply again until the next intake year.
Does KPMG charge a fee for interviews or offers?
No. KPMG in India says it doesn't charge any money, fees or security deposit during selection. Report anyone who asks.
Sources
KPMG's own pages, checked 27 October 2026:
- kpmg.com/in: How we recruit
- kpmg.com/in: Careers FAQ
- kpmg.com/in: Careers (fraud notice)
- kpmgcareers.co.uk: Our application process (graduates)
- kpmgcareers.co.uk: Applying to KPMG (graduates)
- kpmgcareers.co.uk: Application tips and advice
- kpmguscareers.com: Early career
- kpmg.com: Our values