Most Asked PwC Interview Questions in CA Articleship & Jobs (2025 Guide)

1. Tell me about yourself.

This seems simple, but it’s a deal-breaker. PwC expects a crisp, confident summary - education, strengths, interests, and what drives you toward auditing or consulting. Avoid generic lines like “I’m a hardworking and punctual person.” Instead, say something like:

“I’m currently pursuing CA, and I’m deeply interested in how audit adds value beyond compliance. I’ve worked on mock audit projects and explored analytical tools like Excel and Tally, which helped me understand business data practically.”

2. Why PwC?

The interviewer wants to see if you’ve done your research. Talk about PwC’s culture, learning curve, and focus on technology-driven audits. You can mention PwC’s Digital Assurance & Transparency division or its ESG consulting expansion - both show awareness.

3. Explain the difference between Statutory Audit and Internal Audit.

Technical answer:

• Statutory Audit is a legal requirement under the Companies Act to ensure the financial statements show a true and fair view.
• Internal Audit focuses on internal controls, operational efficiency, and compliance.

PwC expects examples - maybe from a mock project or internship.

4. Walk me through an audit process.

You can break it into:

1. Understanding the client’s business and internal controls.
2. Planning audit procedures.
3. Performing substantive and control testing.
4. Preparing working papers and audit reports.

Add something real, like:

“In my last internship, I assisted in vouching expenses and verifying bank statements using Excel pivot tables for variance analysis.”

5. What is Materiality in Audit?

Materiality in audit refers to the significance of an amount, transaction, or error that could influence users’ decisions. For instance, a ₹10,000 error might be immaterial for Reliance Industries but material for a small private company.

6. Explain Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities.

PwC technical interview questions often go deep here.
State that Deferred Tax arises due to timing differences between accounting income and taxable income.Give an example using depreciation differences.

7. What is the difference between Provision and Contingent Liability?

• Provision – present obligation with probable outflow, measurable.
• Contingent Liability – possible obligation, not recognized but disclosed.

You can refer to AS 29 / Ind AS 37 for added accuracy.

8. How do you verify Cash and Bank Balances during an audit?

Mention:

• Physical cash verification.
• Bank reconciliation statement.
• Confirmation from the bank (external).

Adding that you “cross-verify with bank statements and vouchers” shows application sense.

9. What do you understand by Vouching and Verification?

Vouching = examining supporting documents.
Verification = checking ownership, valuation, and existence of assets/liabilities.

A practical example wins points:

“During my college project, I vouched for purchase invoices and cross-checked supplier details to test internal control reliability.”

10. How do you keep yourself updated with accounting and auditing changes?

This checks curiosity. Mention:

• ICAI announcements
• PwC newsletters
• YouTube channels or LinkedIn articles

Don’t just say “Internet”. Show structured learning.

1. What are the key differences between Ind AS and AS?

Highlight that:

• Ind AS aligns with IFRS principles.
• Emphasizes fair value measurement.
• More disclosure and presentation requirements.

Cite one example: Ind AS 115 vs AS 9 for revenue recognition.

2. Explain the Revenue Recognition principle under Ind AS 115.

Use the 5-step model:

1. Identify contract
2. Identify performance obligations
3. Determine transaction price
4. Allocate price
5. Recognize revenue when control transfers

3. What is the concept of Fair Value?

Answer in simple terms:

“Fair Value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.”

Mention Level 1, 2, and 3 inputs - shows technical depth.

4. What are Deferred Revenue Expenditures?

Expenditure incurred in one period but benefiting future periods - e.g., heavy advertising cost.
Such questions test understanding, not definitions.

5. Explain CARO 2020’s key clauses.

One of the most frequent interview questions asked at PwC. Focus on:

• Fixed Assets
• Inventory Management
• Loans & Advances
• Statutory Dues
• Fraud Reporting

Highlight changes vs older versions.

6. Explain Internal Financial Controls (IFC).

Say that IFC ensures the reliability of financial reporting and the prevention of fraud. Give an example, like segregation of duties or authorization controls.

7. What are Substantive and Control Tests?

• Control tests verify the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Substantive tests check the correctness of figures via sampling and vouching.

8. Explain the GST Input Credit mechanism.

Tell how ITC works under Section 16 of the CGST Act - claim on inputs, input services, and capital goods, subject to conditions.

9. How do you handle a situation where the client disagrees with your audit observation?

This tests maturity.

“I’d listen carefully, review supporting documents, discuss with my senior, and ensure our view aligns with audit standards - not assumptions.”

10. What are the latest amendments in Income Tax affecting companies or audits?

Mention anything recent - e.g., updated depreciation rates, new TDS provisions, or presumptive income thresholds. PwC interviewers often test awareness, not memorization.

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Answer honestly but strategically.

Example:

“I’m good at analyzing details and presenting them clearly. I sometimes over-verify information, but I’m learning to manage time better.”

2. How do you handle pressure during deadlines?

Show that you stay calm and structured:

“I prioritize tasks, break them into smaller targets, and communicate early if I need help.”

3. Describe a situation where you made a mistake and how you fixed it.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

PwC values accountability - admit the mistake but highlight how you improved.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Avoid saying “In PwC” blindly. Instead:

“In a role where I can handle audit assignments independently, lead small teams, and contribute to digital transformation initiatives.”

5. What makes you suitable for PwC over others?

This is a common HR interview question PwC asks.
Talk about:

• Consistency in academics
• Curiosity toward business
• Integrity and teamwork mindset

6. Do you prefer working individually or in a team?

Always say “teamwork,” but add logic:

“I enjoy working in teams because audit and finance assignments depend on collaboration, though I’m equally comfortable taking individual responsibility.”

7. Tell me about a time when you handled conflict in a group project.

When you get this question, the goal is to show maturity - not drama. Keep your answer practical and outcome-driven. Start by explaining that the best way to handle conflict is to listen first. Most group issues come from misunderstanding, so hearing everyone out helps you understand the root cause.

Next, highlight patience - rushing or reacting emotionally usually makes the conflict worse. Show that you stay calm, let people express their concerns, and don’t interrupt.

Finally, bring in outcome orientation. This means you don’t get stuck on who’s right or wrong; instead, you guide the group back to “What do we need to achieve?” and divide tasks or responsibilities accordingly.

This shows interviewers that you can manage disagreements professionally, stay stable under pressure, and still push the team toward results - without sounding emotional or taking sides.

8. What are PwC’s core values, and which one resonates most with you?

List them:

• Act with integrity
• Make a difference
• Care
• Work together
• Reimagine the possible

Pick one - e.g., “Act with integrity” - and give a real example of how you live it.

9. How do you stay motivated during monotonous work like vouching or reconciliations?

Answer:

“I see even repetitive work as a foundation for understanding patterns - every voucher tells a story about the business.”

That shows maturity and engagement.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Always ask one!
For example:

“How does PwC integrate technology like Power BI or data analytics in audit training for new interns?”

Shows genuine curiosity.

1. Tell us about your most challenging audit assignment.

When answering this, focus on three things: the type of client, the scope you handled, and what made the assignment difficult. For example, say you worked on a manufacturing client where you were responsible for auditing inventory and revenue. Maybe the deadline was extremely tight or half the supporting documents were missing. Then explain how you handled it - by prioritising high-risk areas first, asking for alternate evidence like GRNs or delivery challans, coordinating daily with the client team, and keeping seniors updated. The point is to show that despite the messy situation, you stayed calm, took logical steps, and closed the audit properly.

2. How do you ensure audit quality under time pressure?

Here, just highlight that good planning saves quality. Explain that you start by identifying what needs attention first - the risky areas - and break the work into smaller tasks. You delegate tasks according to the team’s strengths and keep reviewing work regularly instead of waiting till the last minute. This approach helps catch errors early and prevents chaos, even when timelines are insane.

3. Explain your experience with automation tools in audit.

Make this answer simple: say you use automation to make audits faster and cleaner. CaseWare helps you organise working papers, Alteryx helps clean and process raw client data, Power BI helps visualise trends and spot unusual patterns, and Excel macros reduce repetitive manual work. These tools cut down time, improve accuracy, and help you focus on more important audit areas.

4. What steps would you take if you find fraud indicators?

Explain that the first step is always proper documentation. You note down the suspicious item and gather evidence. Then you escalate it internally - you inform your senior or manager instead of confronting the client directly. After that, you keep the audit partner updated because they decide how deep the investigation needs to go. Your role is to follow the process professionally, maintain clean records, and communicate clearly.

5. How do you maintain client relationships while ensuring audit independence?

Say that you maintain a balance - you’re polite, clear, and cooperative, but you don’t get overly friendly. When issues come up, you stay factual and professional. This way, you build a good working equation without letting it affect your judgement. “Friendly, not friends” is the mindset that keeps both relationship and independence intact.

6. Describe how you train or mentor new interns.

Explain that you mentor by keeping things simple and structured. You walk interns through checklists, show them how sampling works, and demonstrate one example before letting them try on their own. You also teach them soft skills like writing proper emails or asking clear questions. PwC values people who can guide calmly, build confidence in juniors, and keep the team functioning smoothly - so highlight that.

1. Understand, don’t cram.

PwC interviewers can spot rote learning instantly. Always connect theory with examples.

2. Stay updated.

Go through the ICAI, PwC India website, and the Budget changes a day before your interview.

3. Improve your communication.

You’re joining a client-facing firm. Clarity and confidence matter as much as accuracy.

4. Reflect PwC’s values.

PwC repeatedly checks if you align with their ethics and teamwork-driven culture.

5. Rehearse in front of a mirror.

Especially answers like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why PwC?”

1. How many rounds are there in a PwC interview for a CA Articleship?

Usually two - one technical and one HR round. Some offices conduct an aptitude test first.

2. Are PwC interviews tough?

They’re conceptually challenging but fair. If you understand your basics and stay calm, you’ll do well.

3. What are the most asked PwC interview questions for freshers?

Expect:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why PwC?
• The difference between a statutory and an internal audit
• What is depreciation?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

4. Can I get PwC interview questions before the interview?

Yes, many educational portals and LinkedIn pages share compiled PDFs. But ensure they’re updated for 2025 standards - older ones may skip Ind AS or GST amendments.

5. How should I prepare for PwC HR interview questions?

Practice behavioral questions aloud. Frame answers around ethics, teamwork, and learning attitude - PwC values humility and adaptability.

6. What topics are most important for PwC technical interview questions?

• Ind AS 2, 16, 18, 115
• Audit procedures
• CARO 2020
• GST basics
• Deferred tax and provisions

7. Are interview questions asked in PwC the same across cities?

Broadly, yes, but the depth varies. Tier-1 city offices like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru emphasize technology and IFRS more.