Students’ Speak: Things you must know about Group Discussion round
By: Ujjwala Gaur
Group Discussion (GD) is an integral part of any selection process whether it is for graduation or post-graduation entrance or for a job. GD is sometimes confused with debate.
However, the reason behind conducting a GD is to test the listening skills, leadership skills and at the same time oratory skills. What ideas a candidate comes up with, what stats he gives and if he is criticising something then what opinion does he carry.
It is important to take part in GD while being a part of the team, if one loses the chance, then it is hard to come back in the GD. Candidates need to be thorough with current topics and some general topics. The major focused topics are from current affairs. Some of the prominent topics are Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi; current economic turnout; Budget allocation for education according to you; Artificial Intelligence; sex education, etc. This year the new inclusions would be CAB and NRC, so candidates need to be thorough with this topic.
I was much of a GK/GA enthusiast so it was easy for me to prepare for GD. But during GD when the topic was allowed, it brings a different level of anxiety. Make a list of General Awareness topics that can come according to you. Take out some points from the Internet and reads the blogs of writers, journalists, etc. Read the newspaper daily, make it a daily habit like that of having your meals. Reading the editorial in the newspaper would be fine as it would contain the major key points of the news. Prefer The Hindu, Times of India, The Indian Express, Economic Times, etc. These newspapers have good editorials.
The strategy students can follow is that they can make a group with their friends and sit for a GD with any topic. Make sure that each and everyone in the group must be having at least a small idea of what that topic is all about. As 5-6 people will prepare 10 different points each. Note down all the points of what the other is saying. Like this, all 5-6 of you can learn at the same time. T.I.M.E coaching is the one that mentored me. They have a different strategy with the students who actually are willing to shoot the bulls’ eye. Take one topic every day and give it a read. Prepare notes and do a GD in your coaching or with your friends. This process will definitely make a student learn ways to crack GD.
About the Author:
Ujjwala is an MBA Marketing graduate from Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad. She likes guiding people and wishes to have her own startup in the future. Her hobbies include basketball, writing and photography.
