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

GD, PI and WAT is a process through with MBA colleges are able to evaluate applicant's candidature. They check whether the individual has the required traits to be successful manager or not. Check out 13 must do things to crack GD, PI and WAT.

MBA admission is typically a two-tier test. The written exams like CAT/MAT/XAT are a test of candidate’s knowledge of English, Maths and Reasoning; Personal Interview (PI) is the test of candidate’s personality and interpersonal skills. Personality assessment test for MBA admission typically includes interview, Group Discussion (GD) and Writing Ability Test (WAT). While WAT is the test of your written communication skill, PI is the test of your verbal communication. GD is a test of candidate’s leadership skills. 

IIMs and top B-Schools conduct PI and WAT. A lot of other MBA colleges still conduct GD. 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-GD-PI round. 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. If you don't know the answer to a question 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 information you share 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 that an MBA programme provides, such as 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. 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
• Businees and Economy GD topics for MBA
• Current Affairs GD topics for MBA
• Abstract 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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