Securing Big4 Jobs in India

November 10, 2025 | Uplift Team | Accounting Certifications, CMA US, CPA US, EA, Enrolled Agents
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Understanding Big 4 Jobs in India

The Big 4 firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—are global leaders in audit, tax, consulting, advisory, and technology services. In India, they employ over 200,000 people across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, offering roles in finance, accounting, risk advisory, and digital transformation. Big4 jobs are highly sought after for their brand value, global exposure, competitive salaries (starting at ₹6-12 LPA for freshers), and career growth, including fast-tracks to partnership.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for entry-level or internship roles:

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields (e.g. B.Com ,BBA, MBA) with at least 50-60% aggregate and no active backlogs.
  • Certifications: Though not mandatory, professional finance certifications are highly advantageous to get Big4 jobs. Having certifications of CA, CMA US, CPA US, ACCA, CFA , Enrolled Agent or technical skills on Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, etc, add a great value to your resume while applying for a Big4 job.
  • Skills: Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication (especially English), and teamwork. For experienced hires, 1-2 years in audit, finance, or consulting is ideal. Freshers from top colleges (IITs, IIMs, SRCC, NMIMS) have an edge via campus placements, but off-campus applications are open to all.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

  1. Build a Strong Foundation: Start in your 2nd/3rd year of college. Complete relevant certifications and gain initial experience through college projects, NGOs, or small-firm internships. For 2025 summer internships (April-July), apply from September-December; winter ones (December-February) from May-July.
  2. Tailor Your Profile: Create a 1-page CV highlighting academics, certifications, achievements (e.g., ranks, case studies), projects, and skills. Optimize LinkedIn with a professional summary, finance trend posts, and connections to Big 4 employees for referrals—referrals boost chances by 30-50%. Include a concise cover letter explaining your fit.
  3. Apply Actively:
    • Use official career portals: Deloitte (southasiacareers.deloitte.com), PwC (pwc.in/careers), EY (careers.ey.com), KPMG (kpmg.com/in/en/home/careers.html).
    • Set job alerts on LinkedIn, Naukri, or firm pages for roles like “Audit Associate” or “Consulting Analyst.”
    • Attend campus drives, webinars, or virtual events. For off-campus, email HR directly with your CV, even without postings.
    • Apply early and broadly—rolling basis hiring means first-movers win.
  4. Clear Screening and Tests: Expect resume shortlisting based on GPA and skills, followed by online aptitude tests (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning; 50% rejection rate here).
  5. Ace the Interviews (4-6 Rounds):
    • HR/Initial: Background, strengths/weaknesses, “Why Big 4?” (Show research on firm-specific initiatives like PwC’s ESG or EY’s AI focus).
    • Technical: Accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP), Excel functions, case studies (e.g., “Handle a revenue recognition scenario”).
    • Manager/Partner: Behavioral (e.g., teamwork challenges) and fit assessment.
    • Final HR: Salary negotiation and culture match. High performers in internships often get Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) for full-time roles.
  6. Onboard and Grow: Accept offers (stipends ₹15,000-35,000/month for interns; full-time ₹6-12 LPA). Focus on learning for quick promotions.

Preparation Tips for getting Big4 jobs

  • Skills Building: Master Excel/Power BI for data roles; read ET Markets or Mint for current affairs. Practice case studies and mocks via college cells or platforms like Pramp.
  • For Freshers: Prioritize internships for PPOs; highlight extracurriculars and certifications over marks.
  • For Experienced: Lateral hires (1-3 years) in mid-tier firms transition easily; emphasize quantifiable impacts (e.g., “Reduced costs by 15% via analysis”).
  • 2025 Trends: Increased focus on tech-integrated roles (AI, blockchain) and sustainability; apply for hybrid/remote options in GCCs. Demand for global certifications remains high amid MNC growth.

Common Challenges and Pro Tips to get Big4 jobs

  • Competition is fierce (thousands apply per role), so persistence pays—reapply after 6 months if rejected.
  • Network: Connect with alumni on LinkedIn; attend firm events.
  • Avoid: Generic applications; focus on one firm/service line initially.

For latest openings, check LinkedIn (1,000+ Big 4 jobs listed) or firm sites. Start today—clarity and consistent effort lead to success, even after rejections. Good luck!