FORESIGHT(2025) | Placement at Axxela | Devraj Das Adhikary

1. Brief introduction and description of offered role.

Hello everyone! I’m Devraj Das Adhikary, M.Tech Dual Degree in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture with a specialization in Financial Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, graduated in 2025. I’ve been passionate about the intersection of technology and finance throughout my academic journey. I have been offered the role of Derivatives Trading Analyst at Axxela Research & Analytics, a firm specializing in financial and commodity derivatives across international market.

About Axxela and the Role

Axxela represents a sophisticated financial institution with an established and formidable presence in Financials and Commodities Derivatives related operations across multiple International Financial Markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Europe, and South East Asia. Founded and meticulously managed by seasoned professionals who have consistently set exceptionally high standards around trust, integrity, and leadership in the highly competitive financial industry, Axxela operates as a dynamic and forward-thinking firm that remains unwaveringly committed to maintaining a highly focused, team-oriented entrepreneurial environment that fosters innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities of the Role:

• Trade Execution: Comprehensive involvement in the sophisticated process of executing complex trades in both commodities and fixed income securities across multiple international markets, requiring deep understanding of market mechanics, timing strategies, and cross-border regulatory compliance to ensure optimal execution outcomes.
• Risk Management: Strategic utilization of advanced risk management principles and methodologies to systematically identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks while simultaneously maximizing returns for the firm through careful position sizing, diversification strategies, and continuous monitoring of market exposures.
• Market Analysis: Developing comprehensive and nuanced understanding of intricate market structures across various asset classes including equities, fixed income, commodities, and derivatives, while maintaining awareness of how these markets interconnect and influence each other in the global financial ecosystem.
• Strategy Development: Proactively identifying emerging market opportunities, conducting thorough research on innovative trading approaches, and developing sophisticated new strategies, algorithms, and quantitative models that can provide competitive advantages and generate sustainable profits for the organization.
• Market Intelligence: Systematically analyzing vast amounts of financial data, economic events, geopolitical developments, and market information to accurately determine prevailing market sentiments, anticipate potential shifts in market dynamics, and make informed trading decisions based on comprehensive market intelligence.
• Technical Analysis: Expertly employing both technical analysis methodologies (including chart patterns, technical indicators, and quantitative models) and fundamental analysis principles (encompassing economic indicators, company financials, and macroeconomic trends) for executing well-informed trades in international capital markets.

2. How did you get into Axxela? What was the selection procedure?

The comprehensive selection process for Axxela was meticulously conducted through our campus placement cell (CDC) and consisted of four thoroughly designed and progressively challenging rounds, each specifically crafted to evaluate different critical aspects of a candidate’s comprehensive suitability for demanding trading roles in international financial markets.

Round 1: Computer-Based Examination

The initial and foundational hurdle in the selection process was an intensively challenging computer-based test that specifically focused on evaluating candidates’ speed mathematics capabilities and general aptitude under extreme time pressure, designed to simulate the high-stress, time-critical decision-making environment that characterizes real-world trading scenarios.

Section 1 — Speed Mathematics (6 minutes)

• Thirty meticulously crafted questions presented in a demanding fill-in-the-blanks format that required rapid mental calculation
• Complex 3x3 multiplications, challenging division problems, and fundamental mathematical operations, including intricate decimal calculations
• Extremely constrained time allocation designed to test not just mathematical competency but the ability to maintain accuracy while performing calculations at exceptionally high speeds under intense pressure

Section 2 — Aptitude (24 minutes)

• Twenty-three comprehensive aptitude questions covering diverse areas of logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and sophisticated problem-solving methodologies
• Relatively more generous time allocation compared to the mathematics section, allowing for deeper analytical thinking and comprehensive problem analysis
• Questions designed to assess cognitive flexibility, pattern recognition, and the ability to process complex information rapidly

Success Strategy: Based on my comprehensive experience and careful analysis of the testing methodology, successfully solving approximately fifteen questions from each section while maintaining consistently high accuracy levels is generally sufficient for progressing to subsequent rounds. The fundamental key to success lies in strategically balancing computational speed with mathematical precision, rather than frantically attempting to complete every single question at the expense of accuracy.

Round 2: Group Trading Simulation

This represented perhaps the most intellectually stimulating and uniquely innovative round in the entire selection process — an immersive group trading game that masterfully simulated authentic real-world market conditions and trading environments, providing candidates with a genuine taste of the psychological pressures and strategic thinking required in professional trading scenarios.

Game Mechanics:

• Participants were required to demonstrate their predictive abilities and trading acumen by making calculated predictions and executing strategic trades based on the sum of digits appearing on various currency notes
• The simulation comprised six distinct internal rounds, each building upon the previous round’s outcomes and creating increasingly complex trading scenarios
• Real-time decision making under simulated market pressure, requiring rapid analysis of changing conditions and immediate strategic adjustments
• Comprehensive evaluation based not only on final numerical scores but also on the sophisticated trading strategies employed, the logical reasoning behind each decision, and the ability to adapt strategies dynamically based on evolving market conditions

Selection Criteria: The competition was intensely competitive, with only two out of six participants from each group advancing to the subsequent round, making the selection process extremely rigorous and demanding. The evaluators were particularly interested in understanding the comprehensive logical reasoning processes behind our individual trading decisions, our ability to read market sentiment accurately, and our capacity to develop and adapt sophisticated strategies based on continuously changing market dynamics.

Key Success Factors:

• Demonstrating mastery of fundamental trading principles, particularly the classic “buy low, sell high” strategy, while understanding market timing and entry/exit points
• Developing sophisticated skills in reading other players’ emotions, behavioral patterns, and market sentiment to gain competitive advantages
• Maintaining disciplined focus on achieving small but consistently repetitive profits rather than pursuing high-risk, high-reward strategies that could lead to significant losses
• Demonstrating exceptional strategic thinking capabilities and remarkable adaptability when market conditions change unexpectedly

Round 3: Technical Interview with Industry Expert

This was an intensive one-on-one session with a professional trader having 5+ years of industry experience.

Areas Covered:

• Resume Deep-dive: Detailed discussion of relevant projects, particularly my hedging-related work using derivatives
• Technical Knowledge: Questions about portfolio management, risk assessment, and derivatives
• Problem-Solving: Speed math challenges and logical puzzles
• Stress Testing: Rapid-fire questions to test adaptability and quick thinking
• Memory Test: Recalling a sequence of digits and alphabets shown at the interview’s beginning
• Risk Assessment: Hypothetical scenarios testing risk appetite (like the memorable “jumping from roof” question!)

Interview Style: The interviewer deliberately created a high-pressure environment with quick, random questions to simulate trading floor conditions.

Round 4: HR Interview — The Final Gateway

The final round focused on personality assessment and cultural fit.

Key Focus Areas:

• Risk Tolerance: Understanding how I approach and handle calculated risks
• Loss Management: Ability to deal with negative results professionally
• Genuine Interest: Depth of interest in trading and financial markets
• Logical Decision Making: Rational approach to risk-taking decisions
• Speed Tests: Additional memory and mathematical challenges

Success Approach: Honesty was crucial here. I focused on demonstrating genuine interest in trading while showcasing my relevant background and calculated approach to risk-taking.

3. How to prepare for them?

General Preparation Approach

The beauty of preparing for Axxela lies in its straightforward nature — there’s no need for overly specialized preparation. Here’s what worked for me:

For Round 1 (Computer-based Test):

• Speed Mathematics: Regular practice with basic arithmetic operations, focusing on accuracy under time pressure
• Aptitude: Standard aptitude preparation covering logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and verbal ability
• Time Management: The key is developing the ability to quickly identify solvable questions and move on from difficult ones.

For Round 2 (Trading Simulation): Unfortunately, you cannot practice their specific interface as it’s proprietary to Axxela. However, you can prepare by:

• Understanding fundamental trading concepts and strategies
• Learning about market psychology and player behavior
• Practicing quick decision-making under pressure
• Studying basic trading principles: risk-reward ratios, market timing, and profit-taking strategies

For Round 3 & 4 (Interviews):

• Resume Mastery: Know every project and experience on your CV inside-out
• Puzzle Practice: Regular problem-solving and logical reasoning exercises
• Finance Projects: Having finance-related projects gives you significant talking points
• Stress Management: Practice answering questions quickly and coherently under pressure
• Structured Thinking: Develop the ability to provide well-thought, structured answers within short timeframes

Recommended Resources

Essential Reading:

• “Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives” by John C. Hull — The bible for derivatives understanding
• Derivatives and Risk Management course — Audit this course if possible

Key Focus Areas:

• Basic concepts of commodity derivatives
• Understanding risk management principles
• Market structure and trading mechanisms
• Financial mathematics and quantitative analysis

Time Allocation Strategy

Most preparation time should be dedicated to:

1. Understanding fundamental concepts (40%)
2. Resume preparation and project documentation (30%)
3. Speed math and aptitude practice (20%)
4. Interview and soft skills preparation (10%)

4. When did you start preparing for this role and according to you what is the ideal time for aspirants to begin their preparation?

My Personal Timeline

I commenced my focused and systematic preparation during the month of August, dedicating substantial time and energy to comprehensive concept revision, intensive puzzle practice, and thorough aptitude preparation across multiple domains. By November, I strategically shifted my primary focus toward meticulous CV refinement, comprehensive documentation of my experiences, and intensive preparation for HR rounds, ensuring that every aspect of my professional presentation was polished to perfection.

Recommended Timeline for Future Aspirants

For B.Tech Students:

• Start of 3rd Year: Begin the comprehensive process of building your finance profile through relevant coursework, practical projects, and systematic market knowledge acquisition, establishing a solid foundation for future career development
• 6 months before placements: Initiate the intensive preparation phase involving deep subject matter study, comprehensive skill development, and systematic practice across all relevant domains
• 3 months before placements: Focus intensively on CV finalization, ensuring every element tells a coherent story, and comprehensive interview preparation covering both technical knowledge and soft skills development

For Dual Degree Students:

• Start of 4th Year: Begin serious and systematic finance profile development through advanced coursework, research projects, internships, and practical market engagement
• 8 months before placements: Commence comprehensive preparation covering all aspects from fundamental knowledge building to advanced skill development and practical application

Essential Early Steps

By August (Pre-placement season):

• Your CV should be completely built and polished
• Core finance concepts should be well-understood
• Relevant projects should be completed and documented

Ongoing Development:

• Market Knowledge: Start following financial markets and understanding current trends
• Personal Trading: Try virtual or small-scale real trading to gain practical experience
• Portfolio Building: Create and manage a small investment portfolio to understand market dynamics

The key is starting early enough to build genuine knowledge and experience rather than just cramming for the selection process.

5. What difficulties did you face while preparing for this Company/Profile? How did you overcome them?

The Primary Challenge: Endless Learning Curve

The most significant and intellectually demanding difficulty I encountered throughout my preparation journey was the fundamentally open-ended nature of finance and trading knowledge. Unlike traditional engineering subjects that come with clearly defined syllabi, specific learning objectives, and measurable completion criteria, financial markets present an essentially infinite learning landscape where knowledge continuously evolves, market conditions constantly change, and new instruments, strategies, and regulations emerge regularly. This creates a unique challenge where you can never truly “complete” your preparation in any definitive sense because markets are dynamic, constantly evolving entities that require continuous learning and adaptation throughout one’s entire career.

How I Overcame This Challenge:

• Focused Intensively on Fundamental Concepts: Rather than attempting to learn every possible aspect of financial markets, which would have been overwhelming and ultimately counterproductive, I made the strategic decision to concentrate on mastering fundamental concepts thoroughly and comprehensively, ensuring that my foundational knowledge was rock-solid before attempting to build upon it
• Adopted Project-Centric Learning Approach: I strategically anchored my entire learning process around specific, well-defined projects and internship experiences, ensuring that every piece of theoretical knowledge I acquired had practical, real-world applications that I could demonstrate and articulate during interviews
• Emphasized Quality over Quantity: I made the conscious decision that developing deep, comprehensive understanding of core concepts was far more valuable than having superficial, surface-level knowledge across many different topics that I couldn’t discuss in depth or apply practically

The Speed Math Challenge

Building the Habit: Speed mathematics isn’t just about knowing formulas — it’s about developing mental agility and numerical fluency. This skill proves invaluable throughout the entire selection process, not just in the initial test.

Practical Solutions:

• Daily Practice: 15–20 minutes of speed math practice daily
• Mental Calculation: Avoid calculators for routine calculations
• Time-bound Exercises: Regular practice under strict time constraints
• Pattern Recognition: Learning to quickly identify mathematical patterns and shortcuts

Balancing Depth and Breadth

Given the vast scope of financial knowledge, it’s tempting to try learning everything. However, success comes from strategic focus.

My Approach:

• Stick to Your Strengths: I leveraged my existing projects and internship experiences
• Build Narrative Consistency: Every piece of knowledge should connect to your overall story
• Practice Articulation: Being able to explain complex concepts simply during interviews

6. Are there any specific requirements such as department, CGPA, or other criteria for this position? Additionally, do certain PORs or EAAs enhance one’s chances of securing this job?

Official Requirements

Basic Eligibility:

• Minimum CGPA: 5.0 (though competitive candidates typically have much higher)
• No Backlogs: Clean academic record required
• No specific department restriction: Open to all branches

What Really Matters: My Analysis

CGPA Reality Check: While the minimum is 5.0, having a CGPA above 8.0 provides a significant advantage. However, once you cross this threshold, your projects and practical experience become far more important than marginal CGPA differences.

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Department Considerations: Axxela doesn’t prefer specific departments, but having some quantitative background helps. My combination of Ocean Engineering with Financial Engineering was particularly relevant, but I’ve seen successful candidates from Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, and even Mechanical Engineering.

Profile Elements That Actually Help

High Impact (in order of importance):

1. Finlatics Internship: My financial market analysis internship with portfolio management and derivatives experience was the most valuable talking point
2. Ola Krutrim Strategy Role: Strategic analysis and market research experience demonstrated business acumen
3. Competition Wins: Hackathon victories, especially those involving quantitative analysis, showed problem-solving abilities under pressure

Moderate Impact:

• Leadership Positions (PORs): While they didn’t directly influence selection, they provided good conversation starters and demonstrated well-roundedness
• Extra Academic Activities: Similar to PORs — useful for interviews but not decisive factors

Key Insight: Axxela values relevant practical experience far more than generic achievements. A single quality finance internship is worth more than multiple prestigious but unrelated positions.

CV Strategy for This Profile

Your resume should clearly demonstrate three core elements:

1. Finance/Trading Inclination

• Relevant internships or projects
• Personal investment experience
• Academic coursework in finance/economics

2. Analytical Rigor and Problem-Solving Skills

• Quantitative projects with measurable outcomes
• Competition wins involving data analysis
• Technical skills in mathematics/statistics

3. Market Understanding

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial instruments
• Practical trading or investment experience
• Understanding of market dynamics and risk management

7. According to you, who should ideally apply for this job?

Perfect Fit Candidates

Axxela looks for graduates aspiring to leverage their analytical skills and emotional intelligence into quick thinking, adept at handling competitive situations professionally. More specifically, ideal candidates should have:

Essential Traits:

• Genuine Interest: Real passion for trading, derivatives, and financial markets
• Risk Appetite: Comfort with calculated risk-taking and ability to handle pressure
• Analytical Mindset: Strong quantitative skills and logical problem-solving approach
• Quick Decision Making: Ability to process information rapidly and make sound judgments
• Competitive Spirit: Thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Academic Background: While there’s no specific department requirement, candidates with exposure to:

• Mathematics, statistics, or quantitative methods
• Economics or finance coursework
• Data analysis or programming experience
• Risk management or derivatives knowledge have natural advantages.

Who Should Consider Carefully

This role might not suit candidates who:

• Prefer predictable, low-stress work environments
• Are uncomfortable with financial risk or uncertainty
• Lack genuine interest in financial markets
• Prefer individual work over team-based competitive environments
• Are not willing to continuously learn and adapt

Career Expectations

What to Expect:

• Steep Learning Curve: Rapid skill development in a challenging environment
• High-Pressure Environment: Fast-paced decision making with significant consequences
• Continuous Learning: Markets evolve constantly, requiring ongoing education
• Performance-Based Growth: Success directly tied to trading performance and market understanding
• International Exposure: Working with global markets and diverse asset classes

Long-term Prospects: This role offers excellent foundation for careers in:

• Proprietary trading and hedge funds
• Investment banking and asset management
• Risk management and quantitative analysis
• Financial technology and algorithmic trading
• Entrepreneurship in financial services

8. What are the key points in a CV/Resume?

Key Elements That Worked in My CV

Looking at my successful placement, several elements of my resume were particularly effective:

Academic Excellence with Relevant Specialization:

• Strong CGPA with consistent performance
• Dual degree combining technical knowledge with Financial Engineering
• Departmental ranking and academic awards demonstrating consistent high performance

Highly Relevant Professional Experience:

• Finlatics Internship: Direct experience with portfolio management, equity research, and derivatives hedging
• Ola Krutrim Strategy Role: Market analysis, pricing strategies, and business development experience
• Practical Market Knowledge: Real portfolio management with measurable returns

Quantitative Project Experience:

• Customer Lifetime Value forecasting with high R-squared results
• ARIMA modeling for demand forecasting
• Risk management and hedging strategies implementation

Resume Strategy for Axxela and Similar Roles

When targeting trading and finance positions, your CV should strategically highlight three critical areas:

1. Finance/Trading Inclination

• Internships: Any experience in financial services, trading firms, or investment companies
• Projects: Portfolio management, derivatives analysis, or financial modeling work
• Personal Investment: Mention any personal trading or investment experience
• Relevant Coursework: Finance, derivatives, risk management, or quantitative methods courses

2. Analytical Rigor and Problem-Solving Skills

• Quantitative Projects: Emphasize projects with measurable outcomes and statistical analysis
• Competition Success: Hackathons, case competitions, or analytical challenges
• Technical Skills: Programming languages (Python, R), statistical software, or financial modeling tools
• Academic Performance: Strong grades in mathematics, statistics, or quantitative subjects

3. Clear Market Understanding

• Market Analysis: Any work involving financial data analysis or market research
• Risk Management: Projects or experiences involving risk assessment and mitigation
• Derivatives Knowledge: Specific experience with options, futures, or other derivatives
• Economic Awareness: Demonstrated understanding of market dynamics and economic principles

What to Emphasize vs. What to De-emphasize

Prioritize:

• Quantifiable achievements (returns, accuracy percentages, cost savings)
• Direct finance experience over generic internships
• Leadership in competitive/high-pressure situations
• Problem-solving under constraints or tight deadlines

De-emphasize:

• Generic leadership roles without quantitative impact
• Non-finance internships (unless they demonstrate relevant skills)
• Academic projects without practical applications
• Soft skills without concrete demonstration

Formatting and Presentation Tips

Professional Structure:

• Lead with education and relevant specializations
• Prioritize internships and projects over positions of responsibility
• Use metrics and numbers wherever possible
• Keep descriptions concise but impactful
• Ensure consistency in formatting and language

Content Strategy:

• Each bullet point should demonstrate value creation or skill application
• Use action verbs that convey initiative and results
• Quantify achievements wherever possible
• Show progression and learning in your experiences

9. Lastly, what advice would you like to give to the students aiming to grab CDC placements this year?

As I reflect on my placement journey and the lessons learned, here are my key recommendations for students aiming for successful CDC placements this year:

Focus and Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Identify Your True Interests with Deep Self-Reflection: Rather than pursuing placements based solely on superficial factors such as compensation packages, company prestige, or peer pressure, it is absolutely crucial to invest significant time in deep self-reflection to focus intensively on roles that genuinely align with your authentic interests, core values, and carefully considered long-term career aspirations. My eventual success with Axxela was directly attributable to my authentic, long-standing interest in trading and derivatives that had developed naturally over several years, rather than from following popular trends or making decisions based on external pressures and expectations.

Build Deep, Not Wide Expertise: Rather than spreading your preparation efforts thinly across multiple domains in an attempt to cover all possible opportunities, which often results in superficial knowledge that doesn’t stand up to rigorous interview scrutiny, it is far more effective to develop genuinely deep, comprehensive expertise in specific areas that truly excite you intellectually and align with your career goals. Quality, in-depth preparation in your chosen field consistently beats scattered, unfocused efforts across multiple sectors that lack coherence and genuine passion.

The Power of Peer Support

Build Your Support Network Strategically: Creating and nurturing a strong, reliable peer group that will provide unwavering support throughout the entire placement season is absolutely essential for both academic success and emotional well-being. This support network should actively share valuable resources, engage in collaborative preparation activities, and provide crucial emotional support during the inevitably challenging and stressful periods. The placement process can be mentally and emotionally taxing over extended periods, and having dependable, understanding friends who are going through similar experiences makes an enormous difference in maintaining motivation and psychological resilience.

Collaborative Learning: Study groups for aptitude, case discussions, and mock interviews with peers often provide better preparation than solo efforts. Different perspectives and shared experiences accelerate learning.

Stress Management: Your Secret Weapon

Develop Coping Strategies: Learn effective stress management techniques early. The placement season involves intense pressure, multiple rejections, and constant uncertainty. Students who manage stress well consistently outperform those with better preparation but poor stress handling.
Maintain Perspective: Remember that placement is just one step in your career journey. A single rejection doesn’t define your worth or future success. Stay resilient and focused on the longer-term picture.

Tests Are as Important as Interviews

Don’t Underestimate Written Tests: Many students focus heavily on interview preparation while neglecting written tests. However, you can’t interview if you don’t pass the test. Give equal importance to both components.

Cast a Wide Net: Apply for and attempt as many relevant tests as possible. Each test is practice for the next, and you never know which opportunity might be the right fit. Don’t limit yourself to just your “dream companies.”

Advanced Preparation Strategy

Start Early with Fundamentals: Begin your aptitude and theoretical preparation well in advance. Last-minute cramming works poorly for placement tests that require quick thinking and pattern recognition.

Build Knowledge Gradually: Concepts learned over time stick better than information crammed quickly. Start building domain knowledge months before placement season begins.

The Senior Connection

Leverage Alumni Network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to seniors who’ve been through similar processes. Most are willing to help with guidance, resources, and moral support. I benefited tremendously from senior advice throughout my journey.

Ask Specific Questions: When contacting seniors, come prepared with specific questions rather than generic requests for help. This shows respect for their time and gets you more valuable insights.

Community and Collaboration

We’re All in This Together: The placement process can feel competitive, but remember that helping others often helps you too. Sharing resources, providing support, and maintaining positive relationships creates a better environment for everyone.

Pay It Forward: Once you succeed, be available to help juniors just as seniors helped you. This creates a positive cycle of support within the community.

Final Thoughts

Success in placements comes from a combination of preparation, persistence, and the right mindset. Focus on building genuine skills and knowledge rather than just trying to crack the system. Companies like Axxela are looking for candidates who can contribute value over the long term, not just those who can perform well in interviews.

Remember that every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” Stay focused on your goals, support your peers, manage your stress effectively, and trust in your preparation. The placement season is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to discover your strengths and launch your career in the direction you want.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. If you’ve made it to IIT Kharagpur, you already have the capability to succeed. The placement process is just about finding the right match between your skills, interests, and market opportunities.

Good luck to all aspiring placement candidates! Feel free to reach out if you need any specific guidance or support during your journey.

CV-Data-Devraj