Just appearing for the entrance exam does not increase your chances of getting shortlisted in the leading B-schools in India. Along with scoring high marks, you have to qualify for the GD-PI WAT round, conducted for MBA admissions in top B-schools and IIMs, after the release of the MBA entrance exam result.
It is important to understand what to speak and what not to speak during group discussions and personal interview rounds, and the same is the case with WAT in which one should know how and what to write in 250 to 300 words in a given time period. Worth mentioning, almost every business school has a common admission process: shortlisting applicants based on their admission criteria and conducting individual assessment rounds, which include GD PI and WAT.
These three tests are designed to evaluate an applicant’s communication ability, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills, which are required to thrive as a manager. We’ll discuss some tips to crack the GD PI WAT rounds to secure your seat in India’s sought-after B-schools.
The aim of a GD in an MBA is to assess an applicant’s ability to critically evaluate given information and jointly work in a group to form a perspective and reach a solution. In the group discussion round, applicants are evaluated on the basis of criteria, including thought process, group dynamics, ability to analyze circumstances, decision-making & leadership skills, and presentation style.
GD topics for MBA majorly revolve around three categories, including the following:
Based on Issues (MeToo Movement in India, Can India go beyond China in terms of GDP, etc.)
Based on Policy (Uniform Civil Code, Adhar, etc.)
Based on Lateral-Abstract (Space, etc.)
There are three elements in GD preparation that include being a good listener, learning and reading more GD topics, and practicing and learning to speak effectively sustained by figures and facts. The applicant should develop the habit of reading newspapers daily, especially to become well acquainted with the business section. Read Mint, Economics Times, and Business Standards on a regular basis, and do not forget the editorial pieces of newspapers as it will be helpful for all GMAT rounds.
Do the research that is vital and collect information on current GK and current affairs. Keep in mind that the GD round comprises the topics typically associated with current affairs. You must possess information on social, economic, political, science, and tech issues of recent years.
Try to communicate in English to improve your conversation skills.
Take GD mocks so that you can prepare effectively for the GD round.
Watch informative profiles and documentaries as much as you can
In India, most business schools have a similar pattern of selection process. Therefore all the students should go through online forums to understand the specific pattern of the college for the selection process in the MBA program and start preparing accordingly.
An aspirant should pay special attention to the latest news and events around the world.
Reading English newspapers, articles, and popular books is useful as it provides material and ideas for writing and speaking in group discussions.
If attempting a theoretical subject, think with a creative mind and mention as many explanations as possible because many examiners like innovative responses and look for different perspectives.
The applicant is advised to listen very well in group discussions and don’t interrupt.
Make sure not to get into arguments or arguments in the group discussion.
If you are provided with a factual topic, be smart, outline the GD, consider advantages and disadvantages, stay smart and focused, and apply the PESTLE structure.
If one is not sure about the topic then it is always advised not to take the first step for GD. Instead, wait for someone to start to understand the topic more and get your point across better. Instead, wait for someone to start to understand the topic more and get your point across better.
Be sure to speak clearly and loudly to make your words stand out to GD. To do this, practice speaking clearly.
If you are going to summarize the topic, focus on all the essential points discussed in this round and finally end it with a common goal.
Learn to deliver your words with body gestures. The selection panel observes the way you react and sit in the period of discussion.
When involved in a GD round, focus on the content, leadership skills, team approach, analytical & logical reasoning, and communication skills.
PI or Personal Interview is considered to be the most important to stand out. Whether or not the applicant will be selected for the MBA course depends on this round. This round is organized to evaluate the presence of mind, the verbal communication skills, and how you showcase your knowledge and view to make an impact on others. The aim of the PI with an aspirant is to assess if they have the skills and capability acquired to successfully develop and pursue a career in management.
During the PI, one will be assessed based on personal introduction, body language, interruptions, verbal communication, content, and eye contact. Keep in mind that the questions asked in a personal interview are not the most difficult but it is essential to pay attention to attitude in order to answer them in a positive, subtle, and positive manner.
Aspirants could come across the following questions during the PI round:
What is the reason for doing an MBA?
Tell us about yourself: Your past education, plans, and life journey
Why only this college?
Why choose this particular specialization?
Why should we choose you?
What are your skill sets?
Tell us about your hobbies
What if we don’t choose you?
Where do you want to see yourself after completing your MBA degree? (If this question is asked, focus on increased responsibility, and skill development, and display your goals as an accomplishment).
Explain your weaknesses and strengths and give an example for each. (Prepare at least 2 to 3 weaknesses and strengths)
How would you utilize skills obtained in an MBA to help society?
In which subject are you interested the most and questions on them?
Prepare topics on current affairs
What topics interest you the most and are other relevant questions?
How would you utilize the knowledge and skills you attained as a UG student in an MBA?
How does society distinguish your family, friends, responsible person, etc?
Prepare for some case study-related questions.
Prepare about your short-term and long-term aims (in our opinion, short-term can be described as where you stand soon or in five years and long-term can be described as where you stand in the distant future or ten years).
You will need to be extra careful while working on the statement of purpose as this is something where panelists will ask questions in the PI round.Therefore, you should prepare your answer on the points that you have filled in the objective statement.
Keep yourself updated, and to do so, watch the news, read newspapers, and other aspects that you find important. You just need to collect information as much as you can.
Candidates will have education certificates, grades obtained in extra-curriculars, and certifications to show their skills. Evaluate and practice your strengths and weaknesses. To highlight strengths effectively, you must prepare well.
Pay special attention to your academics and revise subjects and topics, especially in your specialization area.
Note that there is no shortcut to crack the PI round, better improvement can be done through continuous practice.
Highlight the most important events currently happening around the world. You should also list events that happened in the past.
It is important to contact the alumni and seniors of the college to know the nature of the interview.
Know and read your native location well. You must be well familiar with geography, history, and all the vital aspects like personalities, specialties, and places where you were born.
Those who have work experience should be well aware of their role and the overall range of systems to which they contribute to your team.
Interests and hobbies will also be asked by authorities so answer them well.
Even if you have a lot of negative thoughts about a move, respond to them in a positive and balanced manner. Don’t say anything negative about corporate bodies, government, or anything else. Instead, if necessary, you can give your suggestion for their betterment.
WAT or Written Abilities Test is conducted by 20 running IIMs of India and other top-notch colleges to assess one’s writing skills after they are shortlisted for the final admission round. It is a pen-paper-based writing test that takes 15 to 20 minutes period of time. Note that WAT occurs just before the PI session. Many IIMs consider WAT as the final selection round, which is why the GD round has been replaced. The purpose of WAT is to encourage students to put their thoughts and ideas on paper freely without fear of being interrupted. Moreover, it tests the student’s knowledge of the topic, written ability, clarity of thoughts, and understanding of the topic.
Try to improve your writing skills, and also practice short essay writing with a good kick start.
Work on essay outline.
Try to deliver your thoughts lucidly and logically.
Don’t use abbreviations and use punctuation marks if required.
Make sure you’re correct with your grammar.
Be sure to begin with a solid start and a definite end.
Never leave your essay open-ended.
Refer to a wide variety of guides and textbooks for better preparation.
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Focus on the most important topics, such as Commonwealth games, National sports awards, political aspects, banking terms, business news, and a lot more.
Topics that revolve around trends and current affairs are usually asked in the MBA WAT round. You should also be well aware of the economics, business, trends, etc.
Try to focus on your leadership skills and communication skills for the GD round. Also, be a good listener and stay updated with figures and facts.
It’s good to say I don’t know rather than giving a wrong answer.
Questions related to events and current happening worldwide are generally asked in the GD round.
