How to Crack Barclays Interview in ICAI Campus Placement

Barclays is one of the most sought-after employers for Chartered Accountants (CAs) during ICAI campus placements. Being a global banking giant headquartered in London, landing a job at Barclays is a dream for many CA aspirants. But with rising competition and challenging interview rounds, candidates often struggle to perform at their best.

If you want to confidently face the Barclays interview and increase your chances of selection, this ultimate guide is for you. It covers everything from the interview process, key questions, preparation tips, and the mindset you must carry. Let’s dive in!

Barclays Interview in ICAI Campus Placement: What to Expect?

In the past, Barclays heavily focused on testing technical knowledge during ICAI campus placements. However, the trend has shifted significantly. Today, the interviewers pay more attention to your personality, behavioural skills, and problem-solving attitude.

Why? Because as a CA, your technical expertise is already proven by your exams. Barclays wants to see if you can fit into their work culture, manage real-world challenges, and demonstrate confidence under pressure.

Main Job Profiles for CA at Barclays

• Product Control
• Financial Control

Understanding the job role you are applying for and its challenges will help you answer interview questions more effectively.

Key Areas Covered in Barclays Interview

The interview generally tests you across the following areas:

1. Behavioural & Situational Questions
2. Basic & Technical Knowledge
3. Company Knowledge & Current Affairs
4. Communication Skills and Confidence

1. Behavioural and Situational Questions: What Are They?

Barclays interviewers present you with various real-life work situations to understand how you react and solve problems. These questions test your critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership qualities.

Sample questions include:

• What are some major challenges facing the banking industry today?
• How would you manage a team if given a new project?
• Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to agree with your idea.
• Tell us about a situation where you adapted your communication style for someone to understand you better.
• How did you handle conflict in a team?

When answering these, be honest and use real examples from your experiences. Highlight your role, the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

2. Basic and Technical Questions: Brush Up Your Concepts

Although technical questions have reduced, you cannot ignore them completely. They often cover accounting, finance, and valuation concepts relevant to your role.

Some technical questions you might face:

• How do you show a 10% upward or downward movement in shares of a company like Reliance on financial statements?
• Explain basic concepts of lease accounting or revenue recognition.
• What is the Black-Scholes model?
• How do you value derivatives or shares?
• Explain International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) basics.

Prepare to explain your answers clearly and confidently. Interviewers appreciate precise and well-structured responses.

3. Company Knowledge and Current Affairs: Show You Are Well-Informed

Barclays expects candidates to have a deep understanding of the company, its operations, and the global financial environment.

Important areas to cover:

• Who is the CEO of Barclays?
• What are Barclays’ current and future plans, especially their investment in India (₹3000 crore)?
• Who are Barclays’ major competitors?
• What problems do Barclays’ clients currently face?
• What is Barclays’ tagline?
• How does Barclays impact the Indian economy?

Along with company knowledge, keep yourself updated on important current affairs that affect the banking and finance sectors.

Potential current affairs questions:

• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the stock market and economy?
• How can India boost its GDP?
• Why is the pandemic seen as a boon for certain industries?
• What is the economic impact of the Evergrande Group’s collapse in China?
• What’s your opinion on Covaxin versus Covishield?

If you don’t know an answer, it’s better to admit honestly rather than guess. Barclays values honesty.

4. Communication, Confidence, and Presentation Matter

Your behaviour and communication style play a big role during the interview. Barclays recruiters observe your body language, tone, and overall confidence.

Tips for presenting yourself well:

• Dress professionally in formal attire with polished shoes.
• Keep your hair neat and avoid heavy cologne or flashy accessories.
• Maintain positive body language—no shaking legs, nodding unnecessarily, or fidgeting.
• Speak clearly and avoid filler words.
• Be confident, even if the question is difficult. Take a moment to think before answering.
• Smile and maintain eye contact.

Remember, confidence often makes a stronger impression than having the perfect answer.

Common Basic Interview Questions from Barclays

Here are some commonly asked basic questions you must prepare for:

• Why do you want to join this division?
• What do you think you can add to this role?
• Why Barclays?
• What research did you do about this position?
• Who are Barclays’ competitors?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What obstacles do you think your division faces?

Pro Tip: When talking about weaknesses, avoid outright negatives. Instead, mention areas you are actively improving or weaknesses that can be turned into strengths.

How to Prepare for Barclays ICAI Campus Placement Interview?

1. Eliminate Interview Fear

Feeling nervous before an interview is natural. But don’t let fear overwhelm you. Remember, you have cleared one of the toughest exams—CA! The interview is just another stage.

Focus on preparation, and practice to boost your confidence. A calm mind performs best.

2. Practice Mock Interviews

Mock interviews are like practice tests. They help identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your overall performance.

Look for mentors who have cleared interviews at top companies like Barclays, EY, KPMG, ICICI Bank, etc. Mock sessions will give you real-time feedback and prepare you for tricky questions.

3. Be a Solution-Oriented Candidate

Companies want employees who solve problems rather than create them. In your answers, show how you would help the organisation overcome challenges and contribute positively.

Highlight your problem-solving skills and willingness to take ownership.

4. Know Your Resume Inside Out

Your resume speaks for you before you even start talking. Make sure you are ready to explain every point with clarity. This helps create trust and shows you are genuine.

5. Keep Yourself Updated with Current Affairs

Make it a habit to read financial news daily—business magazines, newspapers, and trusted websites. This keeps you prepared for any current affairs questions during the interview.

Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer

Towards the end of the interview, you will get a chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity wisely.

Sample questions:

• Why did Barclays invest ₹3000 crore in India recently?
• How do you see Barclays growing in the Indian market?
• What are the biggest challenges the company foresees in the next few years?

Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and enthusiasm.

Final Checklist for Barclays ICAI Interview Preparation

Conclusion

Cracking the Barclays interview in ICAI campus placements requires a smart blend of technical knowledge, behavioural skills, and company awareness. Remember, the interview is not just about what you know but how you present yourself and respond to real-life scenarios.

Focus on eliminating fear, practising mock interviews, and being a confident problem solver. Keep your knowledge updated about Barclays and the financial world around you.

With dedicated preparation and a positive mindset, you can definitely secure your dream job at Barclays. All the best!