13 must do things to crack GD-PI-WAT round of Top MBA Colleges

GD, PI and WAT are the main criteria to select a candidate for the full-time MBA programme. The main purpose of GD/PI and WAT is to assess a candidate's leadership skills, communication ability and problem-solving skills which are essential to succeed as a manager. Check out 13 must do things to crack GD, PI and WAT.

MBA admission is a long journey. It is beyond scoring 99 percentile in entrance exam. Group discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) are an integral part of the process. Personality assessment test is critical as it provides the institute to analyse the candidate’s management and leadership skills. The top B-Schools in India conduct WAT and PI as part of admission process. Earlier, Group Discussion was widely conducted by lately, institutes prefer WAT over it.

Whether you are targeting a Tier 1 college, a Tier 2 college or a Tier 3 college, you need to be well prepared for the WT-PI round. While WAT is the test of your written communication skill, PI is the test of your verbal communication.

Admission process of IIMs and top MBA colleges have begun for 2026 batch. Most of the B-Schools will conduct WAT-PI between February and April 2026, so aspirants must start preparing now. Shiksha brings to you 13 must-do things to crack GD-PI-WAT rounds of top MBA colleges in India.

13 Must-Do Things to Crack GD-PI-WAT 

MBA Personal Interview (PI)

1. Be Honest - It is okay to say ‘I don't know' in an MBA interview, instead of answering a question without any knowledge about the topic. Don't beat around the bush or try to invent an answer out of nothing. Be humble and state that you don't have much knowledge of the topic.

2. The interview is about you - Here’s the classic opening question in a PI,– ‘Tell me something about yourself’. Answer to this question usually leads to the next question. So, be careful about what all you say about yourself. Typically, one should talk very briefly about family, education, career goals, hobbies, and interests. Do not mention any interest or hobby that you're not actively pursuing or don't have complete/latest knowledge of. Briefly refer to education, life journey, and future plans.

3. Why MBA - Another common question is, ‘Why do you want to do an MBA?’ Answer such questions keeping in mind the holistic development you’ll get during MBA and acquisition of skills for life long success in personal and domestic space. Remember, post an MBA, one lands a job in corporate organisation where there are opportunities of rapid career growth along with high monetary returns. But at the same time, management as a career, is also a challenging profession. 

4. Future goals - One more common interview question is – ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’ While answering this, focus on skills development, increased responsibility while highlighting your goals as achievements. You can also mention overall growth as in today's era overall growth is being valued as much as professional growth. But do not say I want to become VP or General Manager or something similar.

Also Read: Top 32 questions asked in Personal Interview (PI)

MBA Group Discussion

5. Stay Updated - For preparation of GD rounds, read extensively on current affairs so that you don't fall short of knowledge. Gather information on political, economic, development, social and Science & Tech issues of the recent times. Read current affairs and business magazines. Watch documentaries on important events and occurrences in India and abroad.

6. Choose the right time - Enter the group discussion at the right point i.e. when others are taking a small pause or have completed their point which you can counter or elaborate upon. Be loud and assertive but be polite in explaining your points.

7. Do not force your opinion on others-  It is not necessary to arrive at a consensus during a GD. Candidates can have different opinions but what is important is concluding the discussion with convincing points put forth in a civil manner.

8. Don't dismiss others POV - Do not try to prove others wrong in a GD. Just remember it is not a debate but a group discussion and everyone has the right to their opinion.

9. 5 keys for GD - While participating in a GD, focus on the following:

• Content
• Team approach
• Leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Analytical & logical reasoning

10. Be a good competitor - Ensure participation by showing maturity and putting up relevant points. Build your arguments with facts, figures and situations. Keep a logical approach throughout the GD. It becomes easy to build on other's arguments and conclude.

Also Read: 200+ Trending GD Topics for MBA

Written Ability Test

11. Be Prepared for Surprises - WAT topics can be as abstract as ‘describe the colour blue and pink’ or more substantiative like 'hard work or smart work' to something more focused on current trends. So keep reading news, latest social trends and articles on India’s growth stories. Read philosophical books and articles. Do not forget to read editorial sections of newspapers daily. More importantly, think and make a opinion about whatever you read.

Also Read:

• XLRI GD topics: expected and previous years'
• How to prepare for SNAP GE-PI-WAT

12. Practice Essay Writing - This essay writing round tests the candidate’s written ability, knowledge of the topic, understanding of the topic and clarity of thoughts. So, practice writing short essays with a proper - beginning, middle and end. Practice how to put your thoughts in a words in logical and lucid manner.

13. Refer to recommended study material - While preparing for the WAT or the essay round, refer to available textbooks and guides. But the daily practice is the key here.

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