Do's & Don'ts of Group Discussion Round of Top MBA Colleges

We know that on the list of GD etiquettes, the need to maintain a firm yet polite tone ranks higher than any other skill. What else? Check out the dos and don'ts of a group discussion for MBA admission.

Group Discussion (GD) is an important part of MBA admissions in India. It is a widely accepted process to evaluate and analyse an aspirants candidature for MBA, Executive MBA and other such programmes. MBA GD topics can be form any field or aspect of life. You need to be well prepared to be able to talk about it in a clear, coherent and concise manner.

So the most important is to be aware of what's happening in the world and around you. Specifically it the field of business/economy and technology. Watch infotainment programmes, documentaries, reading books, newspapers, business/science magazines. A good grip on general knowledge and current affairs will help you sail through any topic with facts and logic. MBA admission prcess for 2026 batch has started and it is time now to prepare for GD and other personality assessment tests of B-Schools. 

One challenge that most of the candidates face in GD, is not getting a chance to speak. It is often seen that the GD gets hijacked by two or three participants, and rest of them keep trying to make a point but do not succeed. 20-minutes feel too less for finding an opportunity to speak among 10-12 people, right? So, how would you make yourself heard? We know that on the list of GD etiquettes, polite tone ranks highest. But what do you do if the GD turns into a fish market? Don’t get caught up in the chaos, because that’s where your leadership skill, team spirit and critical thinking will be tested. Remember that leadership skills are essential for an MBA aspirant.

Also Read: Top 20 MBA Entrance Exams You Can Take in 2026

Do's & Don’ts of a Group Discussion

Shiksha café experts highlight important points on the Do's & Don’ts of a Group Discussion round of MBA admission. Take a look.

1) Dress Formally

Dressing sense of a person helps in making the first impression and determining one’s personality – so do not take it casually. Dress smartly in a formal outfit for GD/PI. Wear comfort fit clothes for a confident gait and body language.

2) Don’t Rush Into the GD

Initiating the GD is a big plus. Greet everyone and start the discussion. But it works in your favour only when you understand the GD topic. If you are not sure about the topic, take your time, listen to others, take a cue from them and then frame your argument. It will help you appear more measured when you speak and bring out your analytical opinion.

3) Keep Eye Contact While Speaking

Stay relaxed and look at you grouo members while talking to make them feel invovled. This will help them also to take a cue and make a related point. Do not look at the evaluators only.

4) Allow Others to Speak

Do not interrupt others during the GD. Even if you don’t agree with their points do not stop them from speaking. Instead make a note and state your points when it’s your turn. This will show that you are mindful of other people’s opinion and not desperate to prove a point.

Also Read: Top 200 GD-WAT topics for MBA admission 2026

5) Don’t be Aggressive

Speak politely and clearly. Use simple language to convey your thoughts without being irritable. Don’t be aggressive even if you disagree with someone. Express yourself calmly and politely.

6) Maintain Positive Attitude

GD is a team activity. Be confident but do not try to dominate anyone. Remember it’s a discussion and not a debate. Ensure a positive body language. Show interest when others are expressing their thoughts. This will make you appear as someone who is a team player.

7) Speak Sensibly

Do not speak just to hog the limelight. Don’t worry even if you speak less. It is always better to talk less but sensibly than talk more senselessly. Your thoughts should be sensible and relevant. Wasting the group’s time with your irrelevant speech or speaking without proper subject knowledge will only create a poor impression.

8) Listen Carefully to Others

Being a good listener is important to succeed in group discussions. Pay attention when others are speaking. This will help you form your argument better for a  coherent discussion and you will be able to get involved in the group positively. This way, others are also more likely to be receptive to your points.

9) Avoid Time-Consuming Details

A basic subject analysis is sufficient to put your point across. There’s no need to mention exact figures and statistics while making a reference. You get limited time in a GD, so be precise and convey your thoughts in a smart and crisp manner.

10) Keep the Discussion on Track

If you find the group is digressing from the GD topic, then take the initiative to bring the discussion back on track. Uphold group’s common objective to stick to the topic to arrive at some conclusion at the end of the group discussion. This will exhibit your leadership skills.

11) Select Your Vocabulary Carefully

Use words to express not impress. Incorrect usage of a word can change the whole meaning of your point. So, be careful with your vocabulary. Use a word in the correct context and only if you're sure of its meaning. Also, using slangs is a big NO. 

Read More:

• How you dress might affect your GDPI score
• Group Discussion Topics for MBA students
• 32 Common Questions Asked in Personal Interview