Numerical reasoning
Approximately 15 questions · Calibrated to roughly 20 minutes (no hard per-question cut-off)
What it tests. Data interpretation, structural calculation, rapid estimation and error-checking under pressure.
Worked example. Company X revenue is EUR45m in 2024 (£1 = EUR1.15) and EUR52m in 2025 (£1 = EUR1.20). The percentage change in GBP is roughly +10.7% (£39.13m to £43.33m) - not the +15.5% you get if you stay in euros.
Common traps. Calculating the change in euros instead of GBP, multiplying by the exchange rate rather than dividing, or missing a Y-axis scaled in thousands when the question asks for millions.
How to handle it. Keep a gridded scratch sheet, write raw calculations clearly so you do not recompute, and use a fast physical calculator rather than the on-screen one.
Verbal reasoning
Approximately 15 questions · Targeted at around 20 minutes
What it tests. Logical deduction, textual analysis and filtering noise from core facts without external bias.
Worked example. If a passage states London's tech mandates grew 14% 'primarily driven by private equity clients', then 'non-PE clients were the main driver' is False, while 'London made more profit than any other office' is Cannot Say (no absolute profit data is given).
Common traps. Using outside knowledge of Bain or macroeconomics - candidates often pick 'True' for statements that are realistic in the real world but unsupported by the text.
How to handle it. Read the statements before scanning the passage, hunting for keywords and qualifiers (all, some, never, solely). If the text does not definitively prove it, choose 'Cannot Say'.
Logical / inductive reasoning
Approximately 15 questions · Targeted at 15-20 minutes
What it tests. Pattern recognition, spatial transformation tracking and abstract rule identification.
Worked example. In a 3x3 matrix where dots equal the base row number times the column position, a triangle row of 3, 6, [?] resolves to a triangle with 9 dots. Concurrent rules (e.g. a 90-degree clockwise rotation plus an alternating tail toggle) are common.
Common traps. Trying to decipher the whole pattern at once, which causes cognitive overload and time depletion.
How to handle it. Isolate variables sequentially (rotation first, then colour, then count). Once a rule eliminates three of four options, select the remaining answer immediately.
Behavioural preference & situational judgement
Around 50-80 behavioural items and 10-15 situational scenarios · Untimed but typically about 20 minutes
What it tests. Professional alignment with Bain's operating principles, corporate ethics and collaborative efficacy.
Worked example. When a client manager has missed three data deadlines before a critical steering-committee deck, the most effective option is a brief direct call offering to help filter the raw data yourself (collaborative ownership); the least effective is substituting unverified proxy benchmarks without authorisation.
Common traps. Positioning yourself as a hyper-aggressive, independent operator who steps over peers, or answering contradictory traits 'Most Like Me' so the consistency algorithm flags an invalid profile.
How to handle it. Align with Bain's values - One Team (low ego, collaborative), Passion for Results (pragmatic, action-biased) and Straight Talk (direct but empathetic) - and stay honest and consistent.