The GD-PI WAT rounds are essential to the MBA admissions process for top business schools, including the IIMs. These rounds take place after the announcement of MBA entrance exam results and are used to shortlist applicants based on the schools’ admission criteria. The Personal Assessment Round includes a Personal Interview, Group Discussion, and Written Abilities Test. It is important to note that while CAT/XAT scores are used for initial shortlisting, the final selection is made through the GD PI WAT round. As competition is typically fierce, with only 10 candidates invited for every admission seat, it is crucial to be well-prepared.
To help you ace your GDPI round, Satvik Bajpai, a student at XLRI, and a CAT topper of 90+ percentile, shared his tips and insights on how to prepare for the GD-PI WAT rounds.
‘During my interview process for B-schools last year, there were no group discussions (with the exception of SPJIMR, for which I did not make the shortlist). However, this year, group discussions have returned as a part of the selection process for many colleges, including, GDPI were a part of my summer internship selection process. I have a fair amount of experience with group discussions from that process, and through the grace of God, I performed well in most of them.’
TOP rules of GD
1. A topic will be assigned and a moderator will be present to facilitate the discussion. The group discussion will last for 15-20 minutes and involve a group of 6-10 members.
2. If you have any issues with speaking or any other difficulties, please inform the moderator prior to the start of the group discussion.
3. The group discussion will begin with an opening statement, the objective is to keep the conversation on the assigned topic throughout the allocated time, and will conclude with a closing statement.
GD points to remember/not do in any GD
1. This is not a debate, so do not counter any point provided by any member during the GD- on doing so you will receive negative marks.
2. Let others speak, and try to make only 2-3 valid and good entries. If you speak too much or dissuade others from speaking, then there will be negative marks.
3. If the GD turns into a chaotic market, then the whole panel of 6-10 members will be cancelled and effectively get “0”. I know it may seem like you have a great point to make, but patience becomes the key here.
4. Do not try to use vernacular vocabulary or show off some superiority while making your GD point.
5. Do not go on for a long duration during your GD point.
6. If you do not know about the topic, then never speak at first, have a look at what others want to talk about the topic and then add on.
7. Do not counter-cut anyone who may disagree with you, it is they who are landing in trouble by doing so, and you should keep your composure.
8. There is a brownie point for those who start and end the GD. Although only take this risk if you have a great starting or concluding point.
9. The moderator will ensure that everyone gets to speak, so please wait for your turn. On the other hand, do not relax too much and try to jump in, if possible with minimal convulsion.
10. Speak slowly, softly and in a crisp manner. Remember- an important remark is more important than 1000 non-important words that you speak
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