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 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 a widely accepted candidate assessment method for MBA programmes. A winning performance at the GD stage is critical for making it to the final admission list. GDs for MBA admission are based on a variety of topics ranging from economics, business, politics, science, society to current affairs. So, it is important to stay updated with the issues that affect all the aspects of our lives. This can be done by developing the habit of watching 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.

However, the main hurdle in performing well at a GD, in not getting a chance to speak. Even though you have the subject knowledge and possess good communication skill, what if you don't get a chance to speak in a GD for MBA admission? How would you make yourself heard in a group discussion where everyone is trying to dominate the space? We know that on the list of GD etiquettes maintaining a polite tone ranks highest even as you proceed to oppose a point raised by another team member. But how do you do that when the GD turns into a fish-market scene? Don’t get caught up in the chaos, because that’s where your leadership skill, team spirit and critical thinking will be tested by way of how you manage to perform even amid a chaotic environment.

Also Read: Top 20 MBA Entrance Exams You Can Take in 2025

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 making the first impression and determining one’s personality – so do not take it casually. Dress smartly in a formal outfit for the GD and PI round. It will add to your confidence and keep you comfortable while speaking in a group. Positive gestures and body language will make your work easier. 

2) Don’t Rush Into the GD

Initiating the GD is a big plus. 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 then 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 keep eye contact with every team member of the group discussion while speaking. 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 mental 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 GD-WAT topics for MBA admission 2025

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, so express your thoughts calmly and politely. Ensure a positive body language. Show interest in the group discussion 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 simply take the initiative to bring the discussion back on track. Uphold and emphasize the 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.

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