Mint Explainer | How B-school students can land a job by simply using the right AI prompts
India Inc. is recruiting differently from B-school campuses this year. Companies are allowing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in interview tests and case study analyses.
Ceat, for example, allows students to use AI tools to conduct secondary research, structure ideas, and improve the quality of their analysis and presentations. Tolls are designed to help sharpen thinking, not replace it.
Mint He explains how using AI to achieve solutions will be the key differentiating factor in the shortlisted candidates.
How have companies changed the way they recruit students?
Artificial intelligence is making its presence felt in B-school campus recruitment. In a move to keep up with the times, companies are allowing students to use artificial intelligence tools as part of the hiring process.
“We were surprised to see companies reporting that they allowed students to use AI tools during case study analysis. Even a few years ago, there was a strict protocol against any AI tools. But now, interviewers want to know how candidates came up with their answers and what tools were used,” said the placement head of one of India’s top Management Institutes.
Why did companies allow applicants to use AI tools?
This leeway comes as companies increasingly observe their employees using AI tools at work. Many companies have also begun offering training programs on how best to use these tools to increase productivity.
Over the past few weeks, B-schools have organized summer placements for the 2025-27 batch and consultancy firms have scoured college campuses; This suggests that more hands-on support is needed, as clients want strategists who can map business changes driven by AI.
“Companies recognize that when applied ethically, such tools can increase candidate preparation, improve communication and support more effective engagement during interviews,” said Deepa Mani, associate dean for academic programs at the Indian School of Business. “At the same time, they continue to underscore the importance of authenticity, authenticity, and human judgment in all hiring interactions.”
For now, AI tools are widely accepted in B-schools because case analysis forms an integral part of their recruitment process. Unlike engineering colleges where coding exams are held or students are asked to develop products, management students are required to develop business strategy plans.
How are AI referrals relevant to recruiting?
Management consultants point out the importance of evaluating candidates based on the guidance they use to arrive at solutions.
“In some cases, students have used AI to structure or extract data related to a problem statement. But equally important is understanding the thought process behind how you write your prompts,” said a partner at one of the leading consulting firms that recruits from B-schools. “For the same problem statement, the quality of the clue can determine whether you get an average answer or an answer that is 10 times better. Interestingly, the process of writing a good clue is quite similar to how you would approach and solve a case in real life.”
The quality of case study presentations also appears to have improved by allowing students to use AI tools for secondary research and idea building.
Ceat does not prohibit the use of Gen AI tools. However, to ensure originality, it emphasizes the originality of thought and experience.
“We expect students to demonstrate their ability to contextualize and apply insights, rather than simply reproducing AI-generated output. Allowing responsible use of AI tools has resulted in better quality submissions and more comprehensive business solutions,” said Somraj Roy, chief human resources officer at Ceat.
