Group discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) are an integral part of the MBA/PGDM admission process. It is crucial to know what to say and what NOT to say during a GD and PI. The same goes for WAT. MBA aspirants should know what to write and how to write in 250-300 words within 20 minutes. Over the last few years, the top IIMs have done away with GD and WAT has gained prominence. However, the new IIMs conduct GD for selection of candidates.
Group Discussion is still an integral part of other top MBA colleges such as iIIFT, SIMB, MDI, IMT, etc. Most of the top B-schools conduct Essay Writing round as well to judge candidate's ability to communicate with a group of people in a lucid manner.
Currently admission rounds are underway at many MBA colleges and candidates need asistance in preparing for WAT/GD and PI. 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. It is okay to say ‘I don't know' in an MBA interview, instead of answering a question without any knowledge about the topic (read bluffing). Be humble and state that you don't have much knowledge of the topic.
2. Here’s the classic opening question in a PI – ‘Tell me something about yourself’. Answer to this question usually leads to the next question. Typically, one should talk very briefly about family, education, career goals, hobbies, and interests. Do not talk a lot about the past. Briefly refer to past education, life journey, and future plans.
3. 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. 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. But do not say I want to become VP or General Manager or something similar.
Also Read: Top questions asked in Personal Interview (PI)
MBA Group Discussion
5. For preparation of GD topics read newspapers regularly so that you don't fall short of knowledge on current affairs. You must have complete information on political, economic, social and Science & Tech issues of the recent times.
6. 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. 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 and with civility.
8. 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. While participating in a GD, focus on the following:
- Content
- Team approach
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Analytical & logical reasoning
10. 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: 80 Trending GD Topics for MBA
Written Ability Test
11. 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 the 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.
Also Read:
- WAT topics to expect this year
- XLRI GD topics: expected and previous years'
- IIFT essay and GD topics: expected and previous years'
- How to prepare for SNAP GE-PI-WAT
12. This essay writing round tests the candidate’s written ability, knowledge of the topic, understading 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. While preparing for the WAT or the essay round, refer to available textbooks and guides. But the daily practice is the key here.
Read More:
Planning to study MBA in India? Find useful insights & emerging trends on student preferences for MBA colleges, locations and more. |
Important FAQs Related to GD-PI-WAT
Q: What is WAT?
Q: What kind of questions are asked in the WAT round?
Q: How can I approach the WAT topic?
Q: How can I prepare for a GD?
Q: What kind of questions will be asked in a GD?
Q: How can I perform well in a GD?
Q: Is it important to give an opinion during GD?
Q: What should I carry to a Personal Interview?
Q: How to handle a tough question at a Personal Interview?
Q: Why do I need to have a resume to an MBA interview?
Q: How do I conclude the MBA interview?
Download this article as PDF to read offline
Download as PDF
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Aug '23 | XAT 2024 Exam registration |
Dec '23 | XAT 2024 admit card download |
Aug '23 | SNAP 20223 Registrations |
Dec '23 | SNAP 2023 admit card download... |
Aug '23 | NMAT 2023 Admit Card Issuance ... |
Aug '23 | NMAT 2023 Resceduling Window |
11 Feb '23 | IIFT 2023 Result |
9 Jan '23 | IIFT 2023 Answer Key Release |
19 Mar '23 - 4 May '23 | MAT 2023 IBT Exam 1 registrati... |
19 Mar '23 - 10 May '23 | MAT 2023 IBT Exam 2 registrati... |
Jul '23 | IBSAT 2023 Registration |
Aug '23 | IBSAT 2023 National Mock Test |
Comments
Xavier Aptitude Test and Common Admission Test both are tough in comparison to other Master of Business Administration entrance exams. The Logical Reasoning and Reading comprehension questions of both exams are tough and there is a sectional time limit in both exams. Xavier's Aptitude Test is hig...Xavier Aptitude Test and Common Admission Test both are tough in comparison to other Master of Business Administration entrance exams. The Logical Reasoning and Reading comprehension questions of both exams are tough and there is a sectional time limit in both exams. Xavier's Aptitude Test is highly scored in the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section and so is Common Admission Test. The Verbal Ability and Decision-Making questions of the Xavier Aptitude Test are difficult and similarly, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning questions of the Common Admission Test are tough. Thus, it is slightly more difficult to score in these sections of the Common Admission Test and Xavier Aptitude Test. However, the presence of the Decision Making and General Knowledge sections makes Xavier's Aptitude Test tougher than Common Admission Test. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha XAT and CAT page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/is-xat-tougher-than-cat-blogId-21467). I hope this will help you.
CAT Vs XATOne of the key differences between CAT and XAT syllabus is the varying topics and sections. CAT does not have Decision Making section and GK section but XAT exam has DM and GK as separate sections. Another key difference is the XAT Vs CAT difficulty level. XAT is considered a bit more d...CAT Vs XAT
One of the key differences between CAT and XAT syllabus is the varying topics and sections. CAT does not have Decision Making section and GK section but XAT exam has DM and GK as separate sections. Another key difference is the XAT Vs CAT difficulty level. XAT is considered a bit more difficult than CAT exam.
d
How much percentile is a good score in the CAT exam?
The worthiness of the Common Admission Test percentile depends on the Master of Business Administration college you want to take admitted into. For a Tier 1 Business-School, 95 plus percentile is a good score, whereas, for a Tier 2 Business-Institute, 80-90 percentile is a good score. Admission...The worthiness of the Common Admission Test percentile depends on the Master of Business Administration college you want to take admitted into. For a Tier 1 Business-School, 95 plus percentile is a good score, whereas, for a Tier 2 Business-Institute, 80-90 percentile is a good score. Admission cut-offs of the Indian Institute of Management are always 95 percentile and above. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
A good score in the CAT exam is usually above the 90th percentile. However, the percentile required for admission to top management institutes may vary depending on factors such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the specific admission criteria of the institute. Ca...A good score in the CAT exam is usually above the 90th percentile. However, the percentile required for admission to top management institutes may vary depending on factors such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the specific admission criteria of the institute. Candidates who score above the 99th percentile are generally considered to have an excellent score and have a high chance of being called for interviews by the top management institutes. It is important to note that the CAT score is only one of the criteria for admission to management institutes, and other factors such as academic performance, work experience, and performance in the selection rounds also play a crucial role in the admission process.
d
Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
The Common Admission Test exam is conducted in three slots. Each slot has a unique question paper, with unique questions at the Common Admission Test. The Common Admission Test examination authorities prepare the question paper keeping in mind that None of the slots is tougher or easier than anot...The Common Admission Test exam is conducted in three slots. Each slot has a unique question paper, with unique questions at the Common Admission Test. The Common Admission Test examination authorities prepare the question paper keeping in mind that None of the slots is tougher or easier than another. However, it may happen that one or two questions in a particular slot are tougher. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
d
Why is CAT considered a difficult MBA entrance exam?
The Common Admission Test is conducted as a difficult Master of Business Administration entrance exam because it is the main national-level test for Master of Business Administration admission in India. Over 2 Lacs students appear for it every year. Thus, the competition is very high for the Comm...The Common Admission Test is conducted as a difficult Master of Business Administration entrance exam because it is the main national-level test for Master of Business Administration admission in India. Over 2 Lacs students appear for it every year. Thus, the competition is very high for the Common Admission Test. The question paper is set by the Indian Institute of Management. Moreover, the sectional time limit with Multiple Choice Questions, as well as non-Multiple Choice Questions, makes Common Admission Test a tough exam to crack. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha CAT exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
CAT (Common Admission Test) is considered a difficult MBA entrance exam for several reasons:High competition: CAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India, with thousands of candidates appearing for the exam each year. The level of competition is very high, and only a small percenta...CAT (Common Admission Test) is considered a difficult MBA entrance exam for several reasons:
High competition: CAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India, with thousands of candidates appearing for the exam each year. The level of competition is very high, and only a small percentage of candidates are able to score high enough to secure admission to top MBA colleges. Complexity of questions: The CAT exam is known for its challenging and complex questions, which test candidates' analytical and logical reasoning skills. The questions are designed to assess candidates' ability to think critically and make decisions under pressure. Time pressure: CAT is a time-bound exam, and candidates have to answer a large number of questions in a limited amount of time. This puts a lot of pressure on candidates and requires them to be efficient and accurate in their responses. Negative marking: CAT has a penalty for wrong answers, with a deduction of one-third of a mark for each incorrect response. This means that candidates have to be careful in their answering strategy and cannot afford to make too many mistakes. Dynamic exam pattern: The CAT exam pattern is not fixed and changes every year, making it difficult for candidates to predict the type of questions and difficulty level they will face. In summary, CAT is considered a difficult MBA entrance exam due to high competition, complex questions, time pressure, negative marking, and a dynamic exam pattern. However, with proper preparation, time management skills, and a strategic approach, candidates can increase their chances of success in the exam.
d
What is the syllabus for the CAT exam 2023?
The Common Admission Test syllabus includes all the important topics of Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. Candidates can check the topic-wise Common Admission Test syllabus above on this page. To crack the Common Admission Tes...The Common Admission Test syllabus includes all the important topics of Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. Candidates can check the topic-wise Common Admission Test syllabus above on this page. To crack the Common Admission Test 2023, students will have to study all the topics included in the Common Admission Test syllabus as questions can be asked from any topic. Syllabus:
1- The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of the CAT exam syllabus for the MBA covers various topics of Verbal Reasoning, English Grammar, and Reading Comprehension.
2- The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Trigonometry Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra and Mensuration.
3- The Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning syllabus of the CAT exam includes topics that require analytical interpretation of data presented in the form of Tables, Puzzles, Pie Charts, and Bar Graphs. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
d
Who will conduct the CAT 2023 exam?
The top 6 Indian Institute of Management are given the responsibility to conduct the Common Admission Test exam. Each of the top Indian institutes of Management conducts the exam rotation-wise after a gap of five years. Common Admission Test 2022 was conducted by the Indian Institute of Managemen...The top 6 Indian Institute of Management are given the responsibility to conduct the Common Admission Test exam. Each of the top Indian institutes of Management conducts the exam rotation-wise after a gap of five years. Common Admission Test 2022 was conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. The Common Admission Test 2023 convening institute will be announced in July. CAT Conducting Indian Institute of Management Over the Years:
2022: IIM Bangalore
2021: IIM Ahmedabad
2020: IIM Indore
2019: IIM Kozhikode
2018: IIM Calcutta
2017: IIM Lucknow
2016: IIM Bangalore
2015: IIM Ahmedabad
2014: IIM Indore
2013: IIM Indore
2012: IIM Kozhikode
2011: IIM Calcutta
2010: IIM Lucknow
2009: IIM Ahmedabad
For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
d
What is the CAT cut-off for IIM Ahmedabad?
The qualifying Common Admission Test cut-off for the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad is 85 percentile for the 2023-25 batch. However, the final Common Admission Test cut-off for the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad will go up to the 99-100 percentile. The qualifying Common Admi...The qualifying Common Admission Test cut-off for the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad is 85 percentile for the 2023-25 batch. However, the final Common Admission Test cut-off for the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad will go up to the 99-100 percentile. The qualifying Common Admission Test cut-off is the minimum score required to be eligible for shortlisting in the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad Personal Interview round. The score on which a student is selected is called the final cut-off and is much higher than the qualifying cut-off. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
As per the latest guidelines fees for the general category is 2300 rupees and for reserved categories it's 1150 rupees. Also visit their official website regularly so that if there's a change you'll be notified early.
d
Where can I download CAT result from?
Common Admission Test result is announced on the official website of the Indian Institute of Management-Common Admission Test. Applicants who appear for the test can download their scorecards from the official website by using their Common Admission Test login credentials. The Common Admission Te...Common Admission Test result is announced on the official website of the Indian Institute of Management-Common Admission Test. Applicants who appear for the test can download their scorecards from the official website by using their Common Admission Test login credentials. The Common Admission Test 2022 result download link is currently live. Applicants can download their scorecards until December 31, 2023. Common Admission Test 2023 results will be released in the first week of January 2024. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
The CAT result 2023 is available only on the official website of IIMCAT for download. Test takers can check their result and download the scorecard by using their CAT login IDs. To check the CAT 2023 result, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps: Visit the official website (iimcat. ...The CAT result 2023 is available only on the official website of IIMCAT for download. Test takers can check their result and download the scorecard by using their CAT login IDs. To check the CAT 2023 result, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps: Visit the official website (iimcat. AC. In).
d
What is the CAT application fee for 2023?
The Common Admission Test application fee is INR 2300 for General, EWS, and Non-Creamy-Other Backward Classes candidates. For the Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe, and PWD students, the fee was INR 1150. Applicants have to pay the fee at the time of form filling at the official website of the Commo...The Common Admission Test application fee is INR 2300 for General, EWS, and Non-Creamy-Other Backward Classes candidates. For the Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe, and PWD students, the fee was INR 1150. Applicants have to pay the fee at the time of form filling at the official website of the Common Admission Test. The Common Admission Test application form is not accepted without the payment of fees. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
Candidates who wish to appear for CAT 2023 can fill the CAT form at the official website. While filling the form candidates will be required to pay the CAT registration fee of 2300 for general category and Rs 1150 for reserved category. The fees structure for the CAT application form is:1800/- fo...Candidates who wish to appear for CAT 2023 can fill the CAT form at the official website. While filling the form candidates will be required to pay the CAT registration fee of 2300 for general category and Rs 1150 for reserved category. The fees structure for the CAT application form is:
1800/- for General category and. Rs. 900/- for SC/ ST/ PWD category.
d
What are the IIM selection criteria through CAT?
Indian Institute of Management selection criteria includes shortlisting of students on the basis of Common Admission Test score, conducting of What (Written Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), PI Personal Interview and final selection based on Common Admission Test, academic record, work exper...Indian Institute of Management selection criteria includes shortlisting of students on the basis of Common Admission Test score, conducting of What (Written Ability Test), GD (Group Discussion), PI Personal Interview and final selection based on Common Admission Test, academic record, work experience as well as performance in Group Discussion-Written Ability Test-Personal Interview. For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
Candidates who meet the CAT cut off, are shortlisted for What and PI. Final selection for IIM admission is based on candidate's overall profile CAT score, academic score, work experience, category and What and PI score.
1574 Institutes accepting CAT
- |
- Total Fees: ₹ 24.61 Lakh
- |
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
- |
- Total Fees: ₹ 24.50 Lakh
- |
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
- |
- Total Fees: ₹ 23.20 Lakh
- |
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
- |
- Total Fees: ₹ 10.40 Lakh
- |
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
d
Is XAT tougher than CAT?
Reply to deepika