It doesnt look like I'm going to get promoted at the 2 year mark which means if i'll have been an analyst for 2 1/2 years before making consultant. Is this bad or normal? Should I try and get a job as a C1 elsewhere now so I've only done 2 yrs at analyst?

Your at Accenture. If you go somewhere else you will not join as a consultant. only 50% of analysts at ACN get promoted to C1 first time so you're not alone.My advice would be to stay put. Your progression to C1 will be quicker at ACN than going somewhere else and starting again with no track record or sponsorship.

Have to agree with anon 2. If you look at it from the eyes of wherever it is you want to go, why would they give you the 'promotion' that accenture hasnt? And yes all the big competitors know the timescales at level. 6 months is not that long, I am assuming that you are feeling that you will not make the September cut which means you have to wait till March. So yeah stay at least until March. The other thing don't leave because you will make C1 6 months later, that is not a very good reason to leave.

If you don't think you ARE going to be promoted consider leaving. If you are confident you WILL be then stay as the promotion, combined with a decent stay in your first employer will be better for the CV. Chris Sale, Prism executive recruitment

What are the tell-tell signs he should be looking out for to work out whether he is likely to be promoted or not?

No need for a crystal ball: need to have an adult conversation with your senior managers and career counsellor.Ask the question: What do I need to do to make it in March. Write down the answers as a list. Do those things and tick off the boxes. Approach them in 3 months time and say "I've ticked all these boxes, now promote me."Just manage it as you would do any delivery.