The competition for jobs in 2025 has increased tremendously. Earlier, jobs were easier to find, but today, the same roles have become much more difficult to secure. Everyone is aiming for high-paying positions.

However, most people remain confused about how to unlock a high-paying job. During interviews, there are often hundreds of candidates competing for just one or two positions. This low selection ratio makes the competition even more intense.

Only those candidates succeed who are well-prepared with knowledge of market-relevant, trending interview questions and their correct answers. The most challenging part of any interview is how you respond to the interviewer’s questions. Your qualifications alone aren’t enough—skills, practical knowledge, and confidence are what truly matter.

To land a high-paying job, having a degree is not sufficient. You must also stay updated with current industry trends. Keeping this in mind, today we’ve compiled the 20 most frequently asked interview questions on a very hot topic in the IT sector: GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance).

GRC is a trending domain that can lead you to a high-paying job, even one with a six-figure salary. It’s also an excellent long-term career option.

If you’re someone looking for a strong career path, GRC can be a great choice. And if you’ve already studied GRC but are still struggling to crack job interviews, this blog is for you. We’ve brought together 20 of the most commonly asked GRC interview questions that will significantly help you during your interview process.

Additionally, if you’re looking for interview questions on other trending subjects like Splunk, AWS, or Cybersecurity, you’ll find plenty of such helpful blogs on our website—each written based on market demand and interview trends.

So let’s begin today’s blog on “20 Most Asked GRC Interview Questions.”

Ques-1) What are the key differences between corporate governance and IT governance?
Answer- Both Corporate Governance and IT Governance are important, but their focus is different. Here are the simple differences:

  • Focus Area:
    Corporate Governance- focuses on the overall management and control of the entire company.
    IT Governance- focuses only on the proper use of IT systems, processes, and technology.
  • Main Goal:
    The goal of Corporate Governance- is to ensure that the company runs ethically, legally, and efficiently.
    The goal of IT Governance- is to ensure that IT investments support business goals and risks are managed.
  • Involved People:
    Corporate Governance- involves the board of directors, shareholders, and top management.
    IT Governance- involves CIOs, IT managers, and sometimes business heads.
  • Scope:
    The scope of Corporate Governance- has become broader – finance, HR, compliance, strategy, everything is included.
    The scope of IT Governance- is limited only to IT-related policies, security, performance and compliance.
  • Decisions:
    Corporate Governance- takes business-level decisions.
    IT Governance- takes decisions related to IT projects, data security, and IT risk.

Ques-2) Have you worked with any GRC software (e.g., RSA Archer, ServiceNow GRC, MetricStream)? What was your experience?
Answer- Yes, I have worked with GRC tools like RSA Archer, ServiceNow GRC.
My experience has been quite good. These tools are mainly used for risk management, compliance tracking, and audit planning.

  • In RSA Archer, I created a risk register, tracked issues, and generated reports.
  • I used ServiceNow GRC for automated workflows and policy management.
  • I used MetricStream to manage compliance activities.

All these tools helped me follow a proper GRC framework and reduced manual work considerably.

Ques-3) How do you ensure alignment between GRC strategy and business objectives?
Answer-It is very important to match the GRC strategy with the business goals. First, the main objectives of the business need to be clearly understood – such as growth, customer trust, cost saving, or compliance. Then, a GRC plan is developed to support these goals. For example, if the business goal is to improve data security, the focus of GRC is on cyber risk and data protection. Regular meetings and communications ensure that the GRC team and business leaders are on the same page. Reporting and dashboards also help track progress. In this way, the GRC strategy supports the business, not runs separate from it.

Ques-4) How do you ensure employees adhere to compliance policies?
Answer- I ensure that employees follow compliance policies by taking these steps:

  • I give clear training – I explain policies to all employees in easy and simple language and conduct regular training sessions.
  • I send regular reminders – I remind them of policies and rules through email or meetings.
  • I do monitoring – I regularly check whether the policies are being followed or not. If there is any issue, I take immediate action.
  • I create a supportive environment – I encourage employees to report without fear if they have any confusion or compliance issue.
  • I also take strict action – If someone violates the policy by risking life, then I take appropriate disciplinary action so that the seriousness is maintained.

Ques-5) Can you explain the difference between mandatory compliance and voluntary compliance frameworks?
Answer- The basic difference between mandatory compliance and voluntary compliance frameworks is this:
Mandatory compliance is what is necessary to follow as per the law or government rules. If the company does not follow, then it can face fine or legal action.
Example: GDPR (Europe), HIPAA (USA), SOX (US companies)

Voluntary compliance is what the company follows on its own will so that best practices are adopted and their reputation is strong. There is no pressure of law in this, but following it increases trust and efficiency.
Example: ISO standards, CSR guidelines.

Ques-6) What is inherent risk vs. control risk?
Answer- Inherent Risk:
This is the risk that is naturally present in a process, system, or activity—even before any controls are applied.
Meaning, if we look at a process without controls, how much risk can be there in it—that’s inherent risk.
Example: There is always a risk of fraud or error in the cash handling process, whether controls are in place or not.

Control Risk:
This is the risk that remains even after the company has put controls in place. Meaning, if there is any risk even after controls are in place, then that is called control risk.
Example: If the company has put in place an approval process, still someone bypasses it and makes a wrong entry, then that would be a control risk.

Ques-7) What is the role of a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in an organization?
Answer- Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is a senior level person in the company, whose main job is to identify and handle the possible risks of the company. These risks can be anything-like loss of money, problems in daily operations, legal issues, failure of technology, or damage to the company’s reputation.

Chief Risk Officer

The job of CRO is to identify these risks on time and do proper planning to avoid them. He also guides other departments to follow the right rules so that the company remains safe.

In simple words, CRO protects the company from difficult situations and ensures that the business runs smoothly.

Ques-8) How do you prioritize risks in a risk assessment?
Answer- In risk assessment, when we identify multiple risks, it is important to decide the importance of each risk. This process is called risk prioritization. These steps are followed:

  • Look at the impact of the risk (how much loss can occur)
    First, we see how big a loss the business will suffer if this risk occurs—small, medium or major loss.
  • Look at the chances of the risk occurring (Likelihood)
    Then we check how likely it is that the risk will occur—rare, possible or very likely.
  • We calculate risk score
    We combine impact and likelihood to form a risk score (e.g., low, medium, high risk).
  • We handle high risk first
    Risks that have a high score (high impact + high chance) are dealt with first. Low risk can be managed later.

Ques-9) How do you stay updated with changing compliance regulations?

Answer- I follow these steps to stay updated with changes in compliance regulations:

  • I regularly check official websites –
    Like government portals, websites of regulatory bodies for the latest updates.
  • I read compliance newsletters and blogs –
    I subscribe to newsletters from trusted sources that provide regular updates on new rules and changes.
  • I attend webinars and training sessions –
    By attending webinars of compliance experts or industry events, I get to understand the new rules and their impact on the business.
  • I am part of online communities and forums –
    Professionals discuss at places like LinkedIn groups, compliance forums, which helps in staying updated.
  • I stay in touch with the company’s legal team –
    If the company has a compliance or legal team, then we also get updates by having regular discussions with them.

Ques-10) What are some common challenges in maintaining regulatory compliance?
Answer- Some common problems or challenges occur while maintaining regulatory compliance:

  • Rules change frequently
    Regulations are updated frequently, and it is difficult to stay updated with them.
  • Complex laws are difficult to understand
    Sometimes rules are very technical or confusing, especially if laws of multiple countries are being applied.
  • Pressure of proper documentation
    For compliance, proof or evidence of every work has to be maintained, which is time-consuming.
  • Lack of training
    If employees do not get proper compliance training, they can break the rules by mistake.
  • Communication gap between teams
    Sometimes there is no clear communication between the compliance team and other departments, due to which issues are created.
  • Technology-related risks
    If outdated systems or tools are being used, then maintaining data security and compliance becomes tough.

Ques-11) What is a Key Risk Indicator (KRI), and how is it different from a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)?
Answer- KRI (Key Risk Indicator)
KRI is a warning sign that tells that a risk is increasing or the company is going into the danger zone.
It helps to identify the risk on time and take action.
Example:
If “late loan payments” start increasing in a bank, then this is a KRI that credit risk is increasing.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
KPI is a success measuring tool that shows whether the company or employee is achieving its goal or not.
Example:
If the target of the sales team is ₹ 1 crore and it achieves 90 lakhs, then this KPI will measure the performance level.

Ques-12) How would you handle a situation where a business unit is resistant to implementing risk controls?
Answer- If a business unit is resistant to implementing risk controls, I will first talk to them calmly. I will explain to them that risk controls are not meant to stop their work, but to make their business secure and compliant.

Then I will listen to their concerns – perhaps they feel that these controls will slow down work or require extra effort. I will try to understand their point of view.

After that, I will show them simple examples or real-life incidents to explain what could be lost without risk controls – such as a data breach or a legal penalty.

If possible I would suggest a slightly flexible or phased approach for them – so that they can easily adapt.

Ques-13) What are the critical success factors for implementing a GRC program?
Answer- There are some important things to successfully implement a GRC program:

  • Top boss support: If the senior people of the company support GRC, then everyone takes it seriously.
  • Clear goal: We should know beforehand what we want to achieve through GRC – like reducing risk or following rules.
  • Proper rules and process: There should be clear rules and process for everything so that everyone works in the same way
  • Right tools/software: Good tools or software makes GRC work easy and fast.
  • Training the staff: It is important to explain and teach all employees about GRC.
  • Regular checking: GRC system should be checked from time to time and improvements should be made.
  • Teamwork: Different departments have to work together. GRC is not the work of just one team.

Ques-14) Explain the risk management lifecycle.
Answer- Risk Management Lifecycle means a step-by-step process in which a company understands, manages and controls its business risks. This process takes place in a few basic steps:

Risk management lifecycle

  • Identifying Risk
    First of all, we see what can go wrong in the business or what can be the risk. Like data loss, fraud, breaking of rules, etc.
  • Analyzing Ris
    Now we think how serious this risk is and what are the chances of it happening.
  • Dealing with Risk (Finding Solution)
    Then we decide how to handle the risk –
  • Avoid it, reduce it, transfer it to someone else (like insurance), or accept it if it is a small risk.
    Keeping an eye on the risk (Monitoring)
  • We check every risk from time to time to see if everything is going right or not. New risks are not coming.
    Making and sharing the risk report
  • In the last step, a detailed report of the risk is made and shared with the managers or team members so that everyone remains alert.

Ques-15) What are some common challenges in implementing a governance framework, and how would you address them?
Answer- It is not easy to implement governance framework. Some common problems are as follows:

  • People do not have knowledge: Many people do not even know about governance rules.
    Solution: Give them simple training and explain why it is important.
  • They do not accept change: People are in the habit of doing work in the old way.
    Solution: Bring changes slowly and involve them in the decision.
  • Communication is weak: If you do not explain clearly then people get confused.
    Solution: Explain all the policies in simple words and write it down.
  • Senior people do not support: When the leadership is not serious then the rest of the team also does not take it seriously.
    Solution: It is important to take support from top management.
  • Rules are very complicated: If the system is difficult, no one will follow it.
    Solution: Make governance simple and clear.

The governance framework works properly only after solving all these problems.

Ques-16) How do you measure the effectiveness of a governance framework?
Answer- To check whether the governance framework is working or not, we have to check some basic things. First of all, we check whether the rules and policies of the company are being followed properly or not. If the problems are reducing in the audits (internal or external), it means the governance is working properly. Secondly, if the risks are reducing with time – like compliance or security issues – then this is also a good sign. We also check whether the employees are clear about their roles and responsibilities or not. If the decisions are being taken on time and clearly and the feedback system is also working properly, then the governance framework is considered to be strong.

Ques-17) How would you handle a situation where senior management does not see the value in GRC investments?
Answer- If senior management is not understanding the value of GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) investments, they first need to be explained through simple examples and real-life cases. I show them how GRC helps identify risks early, avoid legal penalties, and keep a strong business reputation. I show them actual cases of financial losses, data breaches, and audit failures and explain what problems can occur without GRC. I also share simple numbers of return on investment (ROI) – like how a small GRC tool or policy saved a company from crores of losses. When the management realizes that GRC is not just a cost but a tool for protection and growth, then their mindset changes.

Ques-18) What is the role of automation in GRC, and can you give examples?
Answer- Automation helps in making work fast and easy in GRC. Manual work is slow and mistakes can also happen, but with automation everything happens automatically. For example, if a system is used to automate risk check or preparation of compliance report, then time will be saved and the result will also be correct. Another example – if any employee has not completed his training, then the system will automatically send a reminder or alert. The system also maintains the audit logs by itself, so nothing is missed. Overall, automation makes GRC work easy, fast and accurate.

Ques-19) How do you integrate GRC processes with other business functions like IT, finance, and operations?
Answer- It is important to connect GRC with different functions of the business such as IT, finance, and operations, so that everyone works in one direction. First, those departments are met and their risks and compliance needs are understood. Then a common GRC framework is created that works for everyone. Cyber risks and data protection are managed with the IT team, fraud or audit risks are looked at with the finance team, and process-related risks are handled with operations. All departments are brought on the same platform using tools and dashboards. This integration improves communication, reduces duplication, and makes better decisions.

Ques-20) What steps would you take to prepare for a compliance audit?
Answer- To prepare for a compliance audit, I take the following steps:

  • I prepare documents – I gather all important policies, procedures, reports, and records in one place so that the auditor can easily find them.
  • I check whether all rules are being followed or not – I review the company’s processes and see if we are following the rules and standards properly.

How to prepare for a compliance audit

  • I do internal review – I do a small internal check myself before the audit so that any mistake or gap is identified.
  • I prepare the team – I give clear instructions to the team that is to be involved in the audit and clear their doubts.
  • I review previous audits – I check the findings of the last audit to see if the issues have been resolved or not.
  • I am prepared for the auditor’s questions – I prepare a list of common questions and required answers so that they can be responded to smoothly.

Conclusion

It is not easy to get high paying jobs today, especially when the competition has become so tough. But if you have acquired the right knowledge of GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) and have properly prepared for the trending GRC Interview Questions, then you can get ahead of others.

GRC is such a field which can give you not just a stable career but also a long-term high paying job. All you need to do is prepare in the right direction. The 20 most asked GRC Interview Questions given in this blog will really help you in cracking the interview.

So don’t delay—start preparing, update your skills, and achieve your dream job through GRC!