McKinsey Makes AI Fluency Part of Consultant Hiring

McKinsey & Company has long relied on case interviews to test candidates’ quantitative reasoning and business judgment, spawning a coaching market that charges about $200 to $500 an hour. As generative AI reshapes consulting work, the firm is broadening that benchmark: applicants must show they can question an AI system effectively, challenge its output and turn the resulting analysis into advice relevant to a client.

In April 2026, McKinsey launched a free AI practice tool for entry-level Business Analyst and Associate applicants worldwide, offering unlimited attempts at quantitative case exercises similar to those used in interviews. Separately, since January 2026, the firm has piloted Lilli in final-round interviews for business-school graduates, assessing how candidates prompt the assistant, scrutinize its responses and apply its findings to a specific client scenario.