How Long is a Case Interview? A Complete Breakdown for 2025

When preparing for consulting interviews, understanding the timing is key— not just for managing nerves, but for knowing how to pace yourself through the different parts of the interview. In this article, we will explain how long case interviews are, breaking them down by format, by round, and by section- so that you can walk in fully prepared.

The Standard Duration of Case Interviews

Most case interviews last between 30 and 60 minutes in total. However, this time frame encompasses several distinct components:

• Introduction/Small Talk: 5 minutes
• Personal Fit Questions: 10-15 minutes
• Case Discussion: 20-40 minutes
• Candidate Q&A: 5 minutes

The core case portion— where you analyze and solve the business problem— typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the firm and interview round.

Duration by Interview Stage

Case interview length often varies by interview stage:

First-Round Interviews

• Duration: 30-45 minutes total
• Case Portion: 20-30 minutes
• Format: Usually includes 1-2 cases
• Complexity: Typically more straightforward cases focused on fundamental skills

Final-Round Interviews

• Duration: 45-60 minutes total
• Case Portion: 30-40 minutes
• Format: Often includes 2-3 more challenging cases
• Complexity: More nuanced business problems requiring deeper analysis

Case Duration by Firm

The top consulting firms have slightly different approaches to case interview timing:

McKinsey

• Standard Duration: 45-60 minutes per interview
• Case Portion: McKinsey tends to be more flexible with timing
• Format: Primarily interviewer-led cases with structured question progression
• Notes: McKinsey's Problem-Solving Test may add 60 minutes to the overall process

BCG

• Standard Duration: 40-45 minutes per interview
• Case Portion: 25-35 minutes
• Format: Candidate-led cases requiring more initiative in structuring
• Notes: May include written cases in final rounds (60+ minutes)

Bain

• Standard Duration: 30-45 minutes per interview
• Case Portion: 20-30 minutes
• Format: Mix of interviewer and candidate-led approaches
• Notes: Often includes market sizing components

Boutique Firms

• Standard Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Case Portion: Duration varies more widely
• Format: May be less standardized than MBB firms
• Notes: Often more industry-specific cases

Case Types and Their Timing

Different case formats can significantly impact duration:

Verbal Cases (Most Common)

• Duration: 20-40 minutes
• Structure: Real-time dialogue with the interviewer
• Timing Note: Requires on-the-spot analysis and calculation

Written Cases

• Preparation Time: 45-90 minutes
• Presentation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Follow-up Q&A: 10-15 minutes
• Timing Note: Usually reserved for final-round interviews

"Take-Home" or Overnight Cases

• Preparation Time: 24-72 hours before interview
• Presentation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Q&A Time: 15-20 minutes
• Timing Note: Less common but becoming more prevalent

The Mini-Case Exception

Some preliminary screenings or early-round interviews may feature "mini-cases":

• Duration: 10-15 minutes
• Focus: Often a single analytical question (e.g., market sizing)
• Purpose: Quick assessment of analytical abilities
• Example: "How many washing machines are sold each year in the UK?"

Time Management Within Your Case

Regardless of the total duration, effective time management within your case is crucial:

1. Problem Structuring: 3-5 minutes
2. Clarifying Questions: 2-3 minutes
3. Analysis/Calculations: 10-20 minutes
4. Synthesis/Recommendation: 3-5 minutes

Interviewers are assessing not just your solution, but how efficiently you navigate the problem within the allotted time.

Interview Day Timing Considerations

On interview day, especially for "superdays" when multiple interviews occur consecutively:

• Total Duration: 4-8 hours
• Number of Cases: 3-6 cases across multiple interviews
• Breaks: Typically short breaks between interviews
• Mental Stamina: Requires sustained focus across multiple case scenarios

Conclusion

While case interviews typically last 30-60 minutes overall with the core case portion taking 20-40 minutes, preparation should account for variations across firms, interview rounds, and case formats.

Successful candidates focus less on the exact minute count and more on developing efficient problem-solving approaches that can be applied regardless of time constraints. The ability to structure problems quickly, perform calculations accurately, and communicate recommendations clearly within the available time is far more important than memorizing precise timing guidelines.

Taking Your Practice to the Next Level

One of the challenges with traditional case practice is simulating realistic time pressure. This is where PrepPartner.ai is transforming case interview preparation:

• Timed Practice Sessions: Experience the exact timing of real interviews
• Natural Voice Interaction: Practice speaking through cases in real-time
• Immediate Time-Management Feedback: Learn where you're spending too much or too little time
• On-Demand Availability: Practice with realistic timing constraints whenever convenient

Whether your interview is weeks away or just days from now, incorporating tools like PrepPartner.ai into your preparation can help you develop the time management skills that top consulting firms require.

FAQs

Q: Will I be penalized if I don't finish the case in time?

A: Yes, time management is part of the assessment. Interviewers expect you to reach a recommendation within the allotted time.

Q: Should I wear a watch to keep track of time?

A: A professional wristwatch is recommended as it allows you to subtly monitor your pacing without interrupting your thought process.

Q: Do interviewers tell you when time is running out?

A: Some may provide gentle prompts, but many expect you to manage your own time. Don't count on warnings.

Q: How can I improve my case timing?

A: Regular practice with strict time limits, focusing on efficient structuring and calculations. Record your practice sessions to identify where you're spending too much time.

Q: Are digital or AI-based case interviews timed differently?

A: Pre-recorded or AI-based first-round interviews often have stricter time limits with automated cutoffs, making time management even more critical.