GD and WAT Preparation 2024

A Group Discussion (GD): What Is It?

Not only do top MBA schools favor the GD round as part of the final selection process, but other recruitment processes such as bank officer recruitment services, SSB, class 1 and 2 services, and others also use it. It has a significant impact on the admissions and selection process as a whole. You can listen to others and talk clearly when you follow the guidelines for group discussions. Using the Group Discussion skills is one of the main strategies for winning the GD round. Being well-versed, paying close attention to what others are saying, and seizing the chance to deliver a powerful statement are all essential components in winning group discussions.

How are Discussions in Groups Assessed?

A crucial component of group communication that reflects the leadership abilities and mental processes of the participants is the fundamental rationale for holding Group Discussion (GD) rounds during the final admissions process for MBA/PGDM programs in B-schools.

Types of GD topics

 Topics on Business & Economy: These cover the most recent business developments, their effects on the national and international stage, significant policy measures, and current business and economic trends.

 Subjects for Current Events: GD topics on current affairs stem from national or international political developments, policies, and issues that are hotly debated in the media.

 Themes on Social Issues: Creating socially conscious MBAs is a priority for top MBA schools. Therefore, topics like gender sensitivity, environmental sensitivity, ethics, etc. are given more attention.

 Subjects for Abstract Subjects: What exactly are abstract GD themes, you might wonder? Candidates can display their originality and astute reasoning on these subjects, which lend themselves to several interpretations.

How to prepare for a GD

There are three parts to preparing for a group discussion. Here are three preparatory ideas for group discussions:

• Visit GD Topics to read and learn more.
• Gain the ability to listen well.
• Learn and practice using facts and numbers to support your points when speaking.

Your CAT/XAT preparation should start concurrently with your GD preparation.Immediately after the written exam, focus on preparing for the Group Discussion round, as it significantly impacts the final selection.

1. Read up on global events in order to be ready for a group discussion.
2. Knowledge of events, issues, and current affairs, even those indirectly impacting our lives, reflects a well-rounded personality. The GD assesses your teamwork and leadership abilities. To gain broader perspectives, read English newspapers and magazines, and watch thought-provoking documentaries and television programs.
3. Topics for group discussions can cover a broad spectrum of subjects. It could be about sports, business news, current affairs, or anything extremely broad. Your reading interests will determine how well-prepared you are for the group discussion.
4. You should prepare on a wide range of subjects because the GD round will need for in-depth subject knowledge. It is expected of you to possess subject-matter expertise and to be well-informed about the latest events not only in India but globally. Ensure that you possess extensive information on the issue in order to put yourself in a better position. When you are getting ready for a group discussion, having subject knowledge is essential since it will allow you to influence the discourse in the way you desire. It will be even more beneficial if you can commit some pertinent information to memory.
5. Being a proficient reader who explores a wide range of subjects will benefit you during group discussions. It is not necessary to prepare in the final minute. Reading should be done gradually. Reading improves your vocabulary and expands your information base simultaneously.
6. Always select periodicals that are heavy on content rather than just ads. Magazines frequently have pieces endorsing specific organizations, etc. Steer clear of these periodicals, do your homework, and get the best one that will benefit you.
7. Get the issues that are discussed again ready. Certain subjects come up again with very slight modifications. Know about these subjects well in advance so that you have enough time to get ready for them. For instance, GD subjects frequently include concerns about terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, liberalization and privatization, and reservations in educational institutions. Make sure you are well-versed in these subjects and able to provide some original, perceptive arguments supported by facts.
8. Boost your ability to communicate. You ought to be proficient in using communication techniques. You ought to speak English reasonably well and have a solid vocabulary. Practice carefully before the actual group discussion. You can select a topic and have a cordial GD while sitting with your buddies. When it comes time for your GD, not only will this broaden your knowledge but it will also improve your speaking skills.
9. Learn how to use body language to communicate. Throughout the conversation, the panelists watch how you sit and respond. Your body language conveys a lot about you, so body language is really significant. Sit up upright during a GD; do not lean back against the chair or tap the table with your fingers or a pen. Don’t be easily sidetracked either.
10. Develop your ability to listen. For the GD round, listening skills are crucial, so pay close attention to what other people are saying. It doesn’t improve you to only talk during the conversation. You ought to get better at letting other people speak. Make an effort to pay attention to people. Remind yourself to nod your head in acknowledgment when the speaker makes eye contact with you. This will let him know that you are listening and paying close attention. Additionally, it will demonstrate your alertness and your active participation in the conversation.

Top Topics for Group Discussions

1. Global Climate Emergency: India’s Leadership in the Gati Shakti Master Plan and the Third Wave of COVID-19
2. 2022 Economic Survey
3. India’s Coal Crisis
4. India’s Public Sector Privatization
5. Selling family silver or preserving tax payer money: the BJP government’s disinvestment in Air India and the TATAs’ acquisition of the airline
6. Will the 2024 Budget Drive Economic Growth?
7. Taking Farm Bills Down
8. Are the economy and stock market unrelated?
9. Crucial Details of India’s Semiconductor Mission
10. MSP and Farmers’ Protest
11. Facebook Rebrands as Meta: Explaining Augmented Reality & Metaverse NFTs and Cryptocurrencies: Genuine Revolution or Just Bubble?
12. National Startup Day and India’s Startup Boom: Paper Tigers or Real Unicorns? Made in India: This plan will turn India into a major center for manufacturing.

 PI Preparation for IIM

WAT

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is a crucial component of the MBA programs’ final admission process at IIMs and other prestigious MBA universities. The essential information regarding the WAT round conducted by IIMs is detailed below. What are the most important subjects to study for, how to do well on the WAT, and more

WAT stands for what?

IIMs and other top business schools administer a 15-30 minute, pen-and-paper based Writing Ability Test (WAT) as the final admission stage, right before the in-person interview. WAT has largely replaced the Group Discussion (GD) round in the final selection process at most IIMs. WAT allows candidates to express their opinions and ideas logically without interruptions.

The evaluation process for the Written Abilities Test is currently under revision.

We will update information on How to Prepare for the Written Abilities Test soon.

Top Topics for the Written Abilities Test (WAT)

IIMs and other business schools design Writing Ability Tests (WATs) to assess candidates’ ability to articulate well-reasoned opinions supported by relevant data. WAT topics often revolve around current events, business, economics, finance, social or political issues, sports, or abstract concepts. Due to recent changes in the tax code, economy, and other societal aspects, WAT themes for 2021 expanded to include topics like the Farm Bills 2020 and subsequent protests, the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact and vaccination efforts, the 2021 budget, the National Education Policy, the US elections, the gig economy, demonetization, GST, the ‘Make in India’ initiative, bank recapitalization, and more.

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