Read inside:

• Tips and Tricks

• Previous years’
WAT and GD topics,
expected topics
• PI experiences

How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?

AN EXCLUSIVE GUIDE BY
 CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Tips and tricks to crack GD-WAT
• Tips and tricks to crack PI
• GD and WAT topics to expect this year
• Know past years’ WAT/GD topics at top B-Schools
• 8 personas you encounter in a GD
• Group Discussion Evaluation parameters
• Personal Interview evaluation parameters
• Commonly asked questions in Personal Interview
• GD/PI/WAT experiences from students of top B-schools

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GD–PI–WAT ?
2
 INTRODUCTION
CAT is one of the biggest exams for MBA aspirants. With
the hope of getting an enrolment in a top B-school,
every year lakhs of students undergo coaching and
prepare for the entrance test. A good coaching institute
and an experienced mentor can help in winning half of
the battle (this is when you secure a good percentile).
The remaining half of the battle is a little tough – yes,
we are talking about Group Discussion (GD) and Written
Ability Test (WAT).

A few B-Schools have started conducting only Written

Ability Test followed by Personal Interview while some
still focus on GD, WAT and PI. Marking your presence in a
Group Discussion or impressing the interrogator through
your written ability is of utmost importance – only then
will you make it to the next round of Personal Interview.
It is at this point of time that a candidate experiences
nervousness, confusion and anxiety. Shiksha brings to you
tips and tricks to crack GD-WAT-PI, GD-WAT topics one
can expect this year, a list of past years’ GD-WAT topics,
and 8 personas you encounter in a GD.

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GD–PI–WAT ?
3
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR GD – WAT – PI
FOR GD-WAT
Once CAT exam is over, the next focus of
every aspirant is on cracking GD-WAT-PI.
Doing so can get you an enrollment in a
top B-school, which is the dream of every
MBA aspirant.
Some management schools shortlist the
candidates on the basis of GD, while
some do the same on the basis of WAT.
By conducting GD-WAT-PI, candidates are
judged on the following parameters:
• Communication skills
• Writing ability
• Subject knowledge
• Listening power
• Attitude
• Confidence
• Leadership skills
• Way of presenting views
• Interaction skills
• Decision making ability
• Problem solving ability
• Critical thinking ability
• Analytical thinking
• Open-mindedness
Making a good impression during GD/
WAT is the first step to success. Clearing
this will land you into the next round,
which is the Personal Interview. Here once
again you get to make your impression
and fulfill your dream of studying in a top
B-school. Here are some tips and tricks
that can help you crack GD/WAT.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
4
1. Know the subject topic carefully
To participate in a GD/WAT, it is
important to first know the subject
topic completely. Make sure that you
pay utmost attention to the topic
that is being given. If you do not
understand the topic properly you will
not be able to participate in the GD
nor will you be able to write on the
given topic.
2. In case of GD, try to initiate the
discussion only if you know the
subject too well
While participating in a GD make
sure that you initiate a discussion
only if you know the topic too well.
If you are not very clear on the topic,
it will be a wise decision to wait till
the discussion catches up, so that you
get a fair idea of the topic. If you are
not well-versed with the topic, but
still start off the discussion, people
would know that you are presenting
irrelevant points and in no time you
would be out of the discussion.
3. Use facts, figures and examples to
support your point
While in a GD/WAT, support your
point using facts, figures and
examples. This will let the evaluator
know that you have a pretty good
idea about the topic, and whatever
points you are presenting forth are
no guess work, but your knowledge
about the topic.
4. Give others a chance to speak
when participating in a GD
Being in the limelight is certainly
great, but in the meanwhile, you
should also give others a chance to
speak. This can help you pick more
idea to put forth your point.
5. Speak politely/ write correctly
When participating in a GD, make
it a point to speak politely. Many
students fails to understand the
difference between being loud and
being rude. To put your point across
accurately, all you need to do is be a
little loud – remember that you do
not shout or sound rude.
Also, while appearing for
WAT, make sure you do not
make grammatical, spelling or
punctuation errors, and write things
to the point so that the examiner
does not have to hunt for valid
points.
6. Agree to people who are right,
and when needed disagree
politely
During a GD, there might be several
instances when you might or might
not agree with other’s point of view.
If you feel the person in front of
you is right, make it a point to put
forward your agreement on the
point. Also, if you disagree with
someone, do so, but politely.
7. Summarise
If the GD comes to a conclusion,
there can be nothing better than
5
that, but if it doesn’t, summarise
the discussion. The same applies
for WAT – after putting forth your
points, summarise the same in a
concluding paragraph.
8. Speak clearly/ write readable
text
When participating in a GD, it is
not important only to put forward
your point, but also to make sure
that what you are saying is being
understood by others – for the
same, it is important that you speak
clearly.
In case of WAT, it must be ensured
that the handwriting is readable.
If you write relevant points, but
in a handwriting that cannot be
understood, you are sure to lose a
brownie point.
9. Be sensible
Do not just write or speak only
because you have to. Every word
you say or write must make sense
and must relevant to the given
topic. Speaking or writing just to
increase your speaking time/ article
length does not make any sense.
10. Create a thought flow; follow
the same
Whether participating in a GD or
appearing for WAT, it is important
that you firstly create a thought
flow, and secondly remain intact to
the flow. Deviating from the topic
will do nothing, but land you in
trouble.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
TIPS AND TRICKS TO CRACK PI
Talking about Personal Interview (PI), it is
essentially a two-way discussion between
the panel and the aspirant. The objective
of PI is to engage the MBA aspirant in a
discussion and evaluate his/her analytical
skills, clarity of thoughts, future goals
and communication skills. Some of the
commonly asked questions in PI are ‘Why
MBA?’ or ‘Why do you want to join this
institute?’ and so on. Here are some tips to
prepare for PI:
• Know yourself and your CV well. Don’t
make unnecessary claims that you
cannot substantiate in the interview
later
• Read up the latest current affairs and
popular essay topics; develop your own
opinion
• Be confident about what you say in
front of the panelists
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GD–PI–WAT ?
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Here are some more aspects that one must
always keep in mind:
• Introduce yourself in a very brief and
formal way
• Limit your introduction to yourself. DO
NOT speak about parents, siblings and
family, unless asked by the interviewer
• Give straight and simple answers to the
questions asked by the interviewer
• To the point and precise answers are
far better than beating around the
bush
• Don’t try to be aggressive or
overconfident. And definitely, DO NOT
try to impress the panel by using some
cheesy mugged up lines. It won’t work
• Dress formally
CAT 2020:
GD & WAT TOPICS TO EXPECT THIS YEAR

Based on the happenings in 2020, here is a list of topics one can expect for GD/ WAT this year:
• Did India handle crisis arising from coronavirus pandemic well
• Lessons to be learnt from coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus: Impact on Global Economy
• COVID 19: How India fared in fighting coronavirus compared to developed countries
• Is social distancing the new world order?
• COVID 19: Importance on spending on Public Health
• Online education, work from home: Have we arrived in virtual world
• Coronavirus and lockdown has exposed social inequality in modern India
• Nationwide lockdown to flatten the COVID 19 curve: Dent on Economy
• Should there be a limit to Media Freedom?
• Why Individual Data Privacy is important?
• Farm Laws 2020 – How will the laws reform farming sector in India
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Giant strides India has taken in self-reliance
• How and what has India gained through COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy
• Will fake news kill Social Fiber of India if unchecked?
• Doklam Standoff – What is India doing about China’s aggressive behaviour
• Free Speech an excuse to polarize
• National Recruitment Agency – Pros & Challenges
• Is Work From Home going to be the new social order in future
• Censorship of web series – pros and cons
• Does nepotism exists only in Hindi film industry?
• Union Budget 2021- Is it middle class friendly?
• Digital payment proved to be a boon during lockdown
Citizenship Amendment Act - What and Why
• How will Abrogation of Article 370 improve situation in Kashmir
• Why Individual Data Privacy is important?
• Will companies benefit from the Companies Amendment Bill?
• Is preponing the presentation date of General Budget a good decision?
• Should there be a limit to Media Freedom?
• Is Trump creating World Trade War?
• Will De-Nuclearisation Instill World Peace?
• Will fake news kill Social Fiber of India if unchecked?
• Can India afford spending a fortune on projects like Mission to MARS?

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• Modicare: Will it be an affordable healthcare
project?
• Slowdown in India Economy: Temporary or
Structural?
• Delhi air pollution
• US China Trade
• Banning Single Use Plastic
• Ethics or Profit?
• Can failures teach you important lessons in life?
• Freedom: A Myth?
• Innovation Vs Invention
• How important is it to be patient in Business
and Management?
• Blockchain Technology-Pros and Cons
• Can India become a $5 trillion economy by
2024?
• Minimum Support Price: Is it a Political gimmick?
• How can we control banking frauds to reduce
NPAs?
Is Globalization an Opportunity or a Threat?
• How will the deal between Walmart and Flipkart
impact the Indian Economy?
• Is ‘Startup India’ Boosting Entrepreneurship
• India V/s China: Will India remain way behind
China?
• Statue of Unity - Symbol of Pride or Wastage of
Public Money?
• Will Automation and Artificial Intelligence
reduce or increase Jobs?
• Surcharge on Income Tax (IT) for the Super-Rich
• Social Media: A boon or bane for the society
• Union Budget 2019
• Leader Vs Follower
•
• Building strategies vs execution
• Change is the only constant
• Thoughts on Me Too campaign
• Work-life balance myth
• Smart City Project – How useful will they be?
• Will Beti Bachao Beti Padhao abolish the
orthodox mindset?
• Jet Airways Crisis
• New India 2022
• Industrial Revolution- Pros and Cons
• For or against Modi government?
• Is merging the public sector banks beneficial?
• Indian economic slowdown
• India- Upcoming superpower?
• Controversy as marketing strategy
• Is technology making us less human
• Retirement Homes-Pros and Cons
• NYAY-Can it eliminate poverty?’
• Is India ready for 5G?
• Merits and demerits of plastic money
• Is MBA a rat race?

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 KNOW PAST YEARS’ WAT & GD TOPICS AT
TOP B-SCHOOLS
Preparing for WAT/GD is the first thing on the minds of candidates who plan to pursue MBA from a
reputed B-School. For admission to any MBA college, the candidates have to appear in GD/WAT. Many
students face the trouble of selecting which topics they should prepare. Here is a list of past years’ WAT/
GD topics that can help you prepare better:

IIM AHMEDABAD
2019-2020 (WAT)
• Millennials don’t want to get married or get committed and continue to enjoy the
independence that they have had since their childhood. In the current situation, conversations
are just a click away at social media platforms. Hence, just like ‘Honesty is the best policy’,
Singlehood should be the best policy.
• Gujarat State education board mandated that all the students respond to the attendance call
by saying ‘Jai Hind’. This was done in order to inculcate the value of patriotism since
childhood.” To what extent do you agree or disagree? Write down the stated and unstated
assumptions. What will strengthen or weaken the argument?
• An argumentative paragraph on the topic that villages are the only area to focus for the
development of India instead of cities.
• An argument on the ban of additional homework given to students from school to be done at
home, as it is stressful, ineffective and of no benefit. It is mythical and most teachers and
schools do not see when and how to give homework.
• Whether the encounter of Hyderabad rapists was justified or not and. Analyze the argument
and write our views.

2018-19 (WAT)
• Development in metro cities is resulting
in broken families and making people insensitive towards one another.
• School uniforms should not be made compulsory as school cannot decide what to wear? Also,
it restricts the individual thinking so at the first place uniforms in schools should be removed.
• A person agrees with Ramachandra Guha’s statement that awarding the Bharat
Ratna to MM Malviya posthumously was
a mistake. He then goes on to make his own assertions and argues that giving it
to anyone posthumously is wrong, firstly since even his descendants cannot ‘cash in’ on the
popularity post receipt of the award, and secondly that many groups would raise demand for
awarding it even to 17th century heroes. Is the argument correct?
• “I like smoking. No one can make me quit smoking because someone says so or advertises
about its harmful effects. Anyway the woman’s desires are not valued much in the society.
Every activity a woman makes is put under close magnifying glasses. I want to smoke till my
body gives up. The pungent smell and taste of the cigarette have become my favourites.”
Analyse the argument. What do you think was the line of reasoning used that made the writer
arrive at the statement one is making? Identify the assumptions and supplement with facts.”

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 • Teacher Training Programme in India has not been effective. No effective teachers are being
produced through the training programme. It is better to stop all these Training Programmes
and save public money to build toilets and infrastructures in Schools. Analyse and argue.

• An extract from a memorandum is asking foreign nationals not to invest in India as the land is
being taken away from poor people. Analyse the argument. Explain the reasons stated. What
are the assumptions on which it is based? Why is the argument weak? What other facts can further
support the claim?

2017-2018 (WAT)

• Case study on self-driving cars.

• A case where Firm A has laid off some employees and recruiter at competing Firm B suggests
to hire those employees to extract trade secrets.

2016-17 (Essay Writing)

• A big data company has come up with a model that links the number of flu searches on its
search engine to the number of people suffering from it... The parameters chosen by it are
location from where searched and timing of searches... Give 3 assumptions that strengthen
their model and arguments that weaken its plausibility.
• Case study on freedom of expression. Should there be limits or not?
• An argument of an anonymous author was presented in the problem sheets. It stated
that 24*7 channels do not possess quality content, they are responsible for distracting the
children and we should revert to the old practice of having just a couple of channels. We were
asked to analyse the argument.
• I saw my father retire after 35 years of service from the same company. This reflects the loyalty
and dedication of an employee towards his/her employer. However, in present day, job
burnout is widely seen. Employees should be loyal to their company and value their current
jobs. (Author’s view). What assumptions have the author made in putting up his argument?
What further evidence would strengthen his argument?What factors can weaken the author’s
argument? Write a coherent analysis of the argument in around 250-300 words.

How to Crack
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 2015-2016 (Essay Writing/ Case Study)

• Case study on freedom of expression. Should there be limits or not?

• Should airports in India be named after cities or after the famous personalities?
• Case study on the views of an employee in the firm regarding a research. Find out the
assumptions, and arguments to support and oppose the statement.
• Direct cash transfer will reduce the problem of leakage in subsidy
• Organic food, good for individuals, bad for society
• Imagination is more important that knowledge
• Of all the inventions and discoveries in the world, which one would you have liked to do/ make
and why?
• Topic: How social are social networks?

2014-2015 (Essay Writing/Case Study)

• “Many Bollywood movies crossed more than 100 crores in 2014.

• 2014 was a golden year for Bollywood.” Analyse the statements.
• Discuss the problems faced by illiterate people. What steps should be taken by Indian
government to increase literacy
in adults?
• The telecom and communications
sector is planning to levy a toll charge
for Voice-over-Internet and messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, etc. Their
argument is there’s a
huge investment and infrastructure cost which these apps don’t have to bear. Analyse this and
present two arguments
– one in favour and another against the telecom company.
• ‘Car for All’ is a company that sells
entry level cars. It is now thinking
about acquiring a luxury brand. Though exciting, the company fears that their association with
low-cost car may turn down customers. Analyse.
• Ancient Indian scientists haven’t
received due recognition. According
to ancient scriptures, Indian scientists
had developed aviation technology
long ago. But the Wright Brothers are unduly credited with the invention of
the airplane. Analyse.
• Human achievements can be measured
in two ways – intrinsic excellence and via assessing the impact on life. Without the likes of
Beethoven, Bach and Shakespeare, etc., life today wouldn’t be very different. However, without
Galileo, Newton and Faraday, life today would be very different. Analyse.
• There are mainly two kinds of human work –one requires physical labour, while the other one is to
ask someone else to do it. The first one is unpleasant and underpaid while the second one is
comfortable and well-paid. The

How to Crack
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 second one has the privilege of becoming
an advice or order. For perfect happiness
as human beings, one should aim for the
second type of work. Discuss the robustness
of the author’s view.
• Students’ union should not be affiliated to
any political party. Affiliation to political
parties is the root cause of violence, unrest
and disruption in academic ambience.
Analyse.
2013-2014 (Essay Writing/Case Study)
• Case Study: Entrepreneurship in India.
• A college event which has changed you as a
person.
• Case Study based GD: Village has all amenities,
crop failure, loan on cash, minister help. What
as farmers could be done?
• Case Study: remote village – community
farming – involving. Discuss.
• Case Study: RBI initiative to pull out of
circulation the old currency.
• Essay Topic: Historical monument which made
you thinks out of the mundane.
• Write an essay on a mathematician/historian
that has inspired you.
• Case Study: GPS System – Boon or Bane –
Should it be moderated or allowed freely in the
market.
• Case Study based on egalization of marijuana
in India.
• Which cartoon character has inspired you the
most (100 words).
• RBI has asked to return old notes. Underlying
reasons? What can make it more effective in
getting this exercise? Historical monument that
has inspired you.
2012-2013 (Essay Writing)
• Mankind should end war before war ends
mankind.
• Religion, a curse for society.
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
• How would you control farmer suicides?
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
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2011-2012 (Essay Writing)
• Sensationalism in media should be
censored.
• Everything should be as simple as can be
but not simpler.
• Indian agriculture sector.
• Profit is the only business of business.
• Direct democracy instead of
representative democracy can solve the
problem of corruption.
2010-2011 (Essay Writing)
• India v/s Bharat- a divided nation.
• Layoffs can give a new direction.
• Asian Union- is it possible?
• Concerns over child labor is a mischievous
ploy by western economic interests.
2009-2010 (Essay Writing)
• FDIs in Educational Institutes.
• India needs US in the present times.
• Red vs. Blue
2008-2009 (Essay Writing)
• The educational system is quelling
creativity in Indian children.
• Obama will bring change, but only to
USA.
• Professional management is a mere
rhetoric in family run businesses.
• Should Nehru’s temples of learning
remain elitist?
• Indian women should take up their
husbands’ surname after marriage.
• Reading pure science is a waste of time.
• NGOs are yet to get their due in Indian
society.
2007-2008 (GD)
• Worsening female to male ration in India.
• Financial viability of IPL.
• You would not like to be the Prime
Minister of India because…
• CAT should go online
• the details.
 2015- 2016 (WAT)
• Allowing limited usage of performance-enhancing
IIM CALCUTTA
2019-2020 (WAT)
• Everyday 368 people die in road accidents in India.
• Environmental doomsday is a hoax and
environmental scientists are exaggerating the
problem.
• Academic pressure, expectations pushing kids
to the brink. How can you tackle this issue?
• Analyse the reasons why youth no longer
wish to join the public sector and suggest a
few measures to increase their participation in
the same.
• What is your opinion on the recent
developments in the legal system towards
awarding death penalty for heinous crimes
like rape and murder.
2018-19 (WAT)
• TV Serials have started showing Indian
Mythology. Are they an effective way to spread
awareness about Indian Mythology?
2017-2018 (WAT)
• Global warming has adverse effects on all
species on the planet. Should we migrate to
another planet? If no, suggest measures to
mitigate the disaster.
• TV Serials have started showing Indian
Mythology. Are they an effective way to spread
awareness about Indian Mythology?
2016-2017 (Essay Writing)
• Global warming and depletion of ozone
layer is a big threat. Should moving to
another planet mitigate it, or do you
suggest some other measures?
• Corruption and Poverty go hand in hand.
• Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘Anger
and intolerance are enemies of correct
understanding’. In the light of recent
events, do you agree or disagree with the
statement and why?
• Euthanasia should be legalized in India or
not?
13
drugs in sports – pros and cons
What are the measures you will take to improve
upon this situation?
• Education scenario in India, and how to improve
it?
• Easy availability of loans has increased the
consumerism of materialistic society. This is
affecting the morale of the youth, in longer
terms. What are your views on this?
2014-2015 (WAT)
• Young people are spending lesser time reading
books. Examine the reasons behind this trend.
What can be the negative consequences arising
out of this?
• Reasons for disproportionately low number of
women in top managerial positions, and how this
issue can be solved.
• Very few women are at Top Management in
Companies,
your views. Reasons and suggestions.
2013-2014 (WAT)
• Reservation – Why? Has it achieved its objects?
• Corporate social responsibilities- Just spending
the money or finding out where it is spent.
• Privacy Intrusion Vs Surveillance
• A lot of bureaucrats and govt. employees are
joining politics – Do you think that good trend?
• What was the objective behind reservation in
India? Has it been achieved?
2012-2013 (WAT)
• Give your views on book launches, social
hype around books and bestselling
novels.
• Unhappy is the country which has no leaders.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
• Has the definition of heroes changed? How about
heroes in India. Give your opinion.
• Suicides in colleges are on an increase. Analyze
and give comments regarding this trend. How
would you act to counteract this?
• People are not taking care of their old. Suggest
how we can save our old.
2011-2012 (WAT)
• Politicization and Commercialization of sports –
reality or fake?
• Modern life has corruption, how will an honest
man go up as businessman or as a civil servant?
• Case studies suggest that enrollment in
increasing in Indian schools & that India ranks 2nd
from bottom in reading and math abilities. How
would you explain the contribution of B-schools?
• Is reading no more a leisure thing? How has the
advancement of technology affected the concept
of leisure?
• Do women in the 21st century still face a lot of
barriers to rise to senior management positions?
2010-2011 (GD)
• Affection leads to infection.
• Devil is in the details.
• Small is beautiful.
• Bharat vs. India.
• BPO is primarily profit driven.
• It’s the time for Underdogs.
2009-2010 (GD)
• Monopoly leads to constraint of freedom.
• There is always a tomorrow.
• Gandhi v/s. Gandhi.
• Only poor people are responsible for their
poverty.
• Should there be international men’s day?
• 33% Reservation for woman in jobs. Should it be
there or not?
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
14
2008-2009 (GD)
• Should Indian politicians be evaluated for their
political skills before nomination? If yes, how?
• Year 2025.
• Artists must know mathematics.
• Go Ahead. Don’t wait for me.
• MBAs do not make good business leaders.
• We are corrupt because we are poor.
• Only poor people are responsible for their
poverty.
• 33% Reservation for women in jobs, should
it be there or not?
• Should students recruit the faculty?
• There should be an international men’s day.
• Social Networking is a menace.
• Life is a chair.
• No man is an island.
2007-2008 (GD)
• There were case discussions on issues related
to rates of attrition in companies recruiting
students from B Schools because of multiple
offers.
IIM LUCKNOW
2019-20 (WAT)
• Truth at all costs or lying for a better cause
• Good old village life is obsolete Utopian
Concept
2018-2019 (WAT)
• If there is censorship in movies then why not in
advertisements?
• Are women capable of taking more stress than
men?
• Social media is leading to loneliness
• Artificial Intelligence is the future. Comment
2017-2018 (WAT)
• Is social inclusion necessary for economic
inclusion?
• Is women empowerment a hyped issue?
2016-2017 (WAT)
• The government has no business in running
businesses.
• Corruption and poverty goes hand in hand
• Cultural diversity hinders democratic
governance.
• Everybody loves a good drought.
• Building monuments on the names of great
leader is a waste of public money
• Should national anthem be played in cinema
halls?
• Advertisement is all glitter but no truth
2015- 2016 (WAT)
• Entrepreneurs can learn some things only from
other entrepreneurs.
• Higher pay- is it a solution to corruption?
• It is possible to mark the thin line that divides
the right and the wrong?
• Be patient with friends and enemies.
• advertisements?
2014-2015 (WAT)
• Should the budget for space program in India
be invested into poverty alleviation?
• Nothing is right, nothing is wrong, everybody
has a different opinion.
• Is privatization the only way to bring down the
real prices in the power & electricity industry?
• Higher education in India should be free.
• What do I want to do in life?
•
2013-2014 (WAT /GD)
• Private Hospitals are traders to human misery.
• Competition leads to cooperation.
• Alternative medicines.
• Do means justify any end?
• Experience is the name we give to our mistakes.
• We earn a living by money, we live by giving.
• The best forms of victory are by subduing the
enemy without physical violence.
• • Women’s quota will increase gender
• 2012-2013 (WAT)
• What good the moon can be of if it cannot be
bought or sold.
• The things appear large from the valley, but
15
small from the top of the mountain.
• The more you study the more you realize how
ignorant you are.
• Not only who earns is rich but also the one who
gives is also rich.
2011-2012 (GD/WAT)
• The bad news in time flies the good news &
you are the pilot!
• Intuition is the loss of scientific Knowledge.
• Glory is transitory but obscurity is forever.
• There have been discussions to abolish the
death penalty. What are the pros and cons of
abolishing capital punishment?
2010-2011 (GD/WAT)
• If there is censorship in movies than why not in
• Role learning is burdensome but indispensable.
• Arab world will definitely have an impact on
India.
• Are women capable of taking more stress
as compared to men?
• A person is better in a good environment
and a troubled family than in good family
and troubled environment.
• Inflation vs. growth
2009-2010 (GD/WAT)
• Legalizing doping in sports in modern
times.
• Essential services like water, electricity
should not be privatized.
• In India, Should minorities be given the
first right to resource?
• Unpleasant prison terms can lead to
faster reformation against criminals.
disparity.
• In a socialist Country such as India, should
salaries of executives be regulated?
• Right to Education.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
• The nuclear liability bill.
• GE and GM Crops (The Bt Brinjal case).
• IPL: Sports and Glamour?
• Unique Identification Numbers will be
panacea to India’s problems.
2008-2009 (GD)
• Great spirits have always encountered
violent opposition by mediocre minds.
• Helping hands are better than praying
lips.
• Necessity is the mother of all inventions.
• Habit and routine can waste and destroy.
• Thinking about the worst always prepares
you for the worst.
• Education is the progressive discovery of our
ignorance.
• He who knows being poor knows everything.
• A fool can ask more questions in an hour than a
wise man can answer in 7 years.
2007-2008 (GD)
• Education is what remains after one forgets
what one has learnt in school.
• Hope for ill gains is the beginning of loss.
• Happiness is a mystery like religion, and it
should not be rationalized.
• Law is the creation of the strong to rule the
weak.
IIM KOZHIKODE
2018-19 (WAT/Essay Writing)
• Freedom of opinion can only exist when the
government itself feels secure
• “If you cannot die for something, you do not
deserve to live.”-Martin Luther King
• An eye for an eye makes the entire world go
blind. Our obsession with growth is slowly
leading us to extinction
• Age old practice of farming should not be help
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
16
responsible for Delhi pollution
• India’s population- asset or liability?
• When it comes to business, greed is good?
• Threat to secularism is overrated.
• Investing in self driving cars will increase
unemployment in India?
2017-2018 (WAT)
• Longevity due to medical advancements has
adverse effects on the demography.
• Ancient war strategies from ancient epics are
relevant in modern business
2016-2017 (Essay Writing)
• Future wars will not fought on health and
prosperity but on water and air
• Is India ready for cashless economy?
• Marketing with a social cause gives the brand a
human face?
• Is India ready for cashless economy?
• Private sector promotes employability whereas
public sector promotes employment.
2015-16 (WAT)
• Management Education – For too many and
too cheap
• Mass Media, a boon or a curse?
• Should there be age discrimination in hiring for
coveted jobs?
• Bureaucrats should not be allowed to join
political parties after retirement.
• The formulation of the problem is more
important than finding its solution.
• B-School, an impediment or booster to
entrepreneurship.
2014-2015 (GD/WAT)
• Politicians should be asked to go to business
 school.
• Negative effects of Animal Conservation
Practices.
• Politicians should attend a business school.
• Package shouldn’t be the sole criteria while
deciding a job.
2013-2014 (GD/WAT)
• Presidential form of election should be held in
India or not.
• What should be the priority of India in the 21st
century – employment or entrepreneurship?
• Poverty is just a state of mind.
• Are the efforts of political parties and youth
empowerment?
• Should medical profession be included under
the consumer protection act?
• MNC’s are colonizing the Indian market.
2012-2013 (WAT)
• Objectivity is the summation of subjectivity.
• Equality may perhaps be your right but it is not
practically required.
• If everybody is thinking alike it means someone
is not thinking.
• A true friend stabs you from the front.
• Friendship is unnecessary; it is not required for
our survival but adds value to our survival.
• “The true essence of democracy can be judged
by a ten minute conversation with a voter” –
Winston Churchill.
2011-2012 (WAT)
• To disbelieve is easy, to scoff is simple but to
have faith is hard.
• Adventure is very easy to write about but
very hard for one who is doing it.
• Sometimes we put walls not to keep
people out but to see who cares enough
to break in.
17
• A child can be forgiven when he is afraid of
dark, but the real tragedy of life is when men
are afraid of light.
2010-2011 (WAT)
• What is the measure of success for a man
or for that matter for a woman?
• Intuition is the most valuable thing.
• Reality is an illusion, but a persistent one.
• Technological progress is like an axe in
the hands of a pathological Criminal.
• Not everything that can be counted
counts, and not everything that counts
can be counted.
• Life has no meaning. Rather, it has a
meaning which we don’t understand.
2009-2010 (WAT)
• An eye for an eye makes the whole world
go blind.
• Man is born ignorant; not stupid, but is
education making him stupid?
• Genetically modified plants can improve
food security for a country like India
which has an ever growing population.
• Freedom of opinion can only exist when
the govt. itself feels secure.
• ‘Man is a credulous animal; he needs
something to believe in. If he doesn’t find
anything good to believe in, he’ll believe
in something bad’.
• Opinion formation is encouraged only
when government is secure about its
existence.
• Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for
every opinion now accepted was once
eccentric.
• History is always the story of the victor
and not the vanquished.
• Martin Luther King’s quote – ‘If you
cannot die for something, you do not
deserve to live’.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
 2008-2009 (GD)
• Discussion on a person who is a perfectionist.
It was about his pursuit for perfection
because of which he was not even able to
deliver something which was good. How
does this affect his career?
• Janaki is working in some BPO or IT company.
She is now called Jane. For her, 4th July is the
Indian Independence Day. She works when
people are sleeping. She has no social life, no
identity, etc. So, do you think this industry is
killing the current generation of India?’
• A discussion on the changing Indian society
and its values. How kissing has taken the
place of the traditional Indian Namaste.
• A discussion in which the following article
was given. “In the year 2006, TIME magazine
voted “YOU” as the man of the year. Social
technologies have given power back to the
people. E.g. Wikipedia, YouTube and social
networking sites. During the aftermath of
terror attacks
in Mumbai, power of people was again seen.
Government seems to losing power. You are
the power now”.
2007-2008 (GD)
• What should be done to uplift status of
Muslims?
• Should PSUs be privatized?
• SEZs- Impact on farmers.
• Poaching of tigers: decreasing numbers in
the state of Madhya Pradesh.
IIM TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
2018-19 (WAT)
• Tourism is harmful in ecologically sensitive
areas. Comment
2015-16 (WAT)
• Weddings and restaurants have different
varieties of food and most of the time a large
amount goes waste. In a country like India, we
cannot afford that. What are your thoughts
about the same?’
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
18
IIM BANGALORE
2019-20 (WAT/Essay Writing)
• Deep discounting practices employed by e-
commerce platforms are beneficial or harmful?
• Innovation, Risk Taking and Pro-activeness are the
necessary entrepreneurial skills for developing a
vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Do you agree
with this proposition?
• Supporters of animal rights believe that animals
have inherent value - worth more than usefulness by
a human. Do you believe that animals should have
right? How would the rights be protected in a world
dominated by humans?
2018-2019 (WAT)
• The ratio of male and female in colleges are good.
Then why is it not the same in corporate life. Mention
the causes and solutions.
2017-2018 (WAT)
• Lack of good male and female ratio in corporate
world
• GoI mission of 2022 on vocational training
2016-2017 (WAT)
• Who do you think is the most successful leader of
the year?
• The Internet is influencing everything
in our lives like consumption and
travel choices and even ideologies.
Do you think this has implications for
“social engineering” or “psychological manipulation”
of individuals?
2015-16 (WAT)
• Artworks often lead to social unrest. How
to strike a balance so that rule of law can be
maintained?
• Who do you think is the most successful leader of
2015?
• Essay on Imagination is more important that
knowledge.
• Poor condition of health care in India.
• Essay on the most inspirational person you
have ever met.
2014-2015 (WAT)
• Recently in India, the closing time of Bars
from 11 PM to 1 AM. Reasons behind this and
consequences/ramifications?
• International/ IB schools in India required by
the society?
• Do celebrities have a responsibility towards
consuming and believing in the products and
causes they endorse?
2013-2014 (WAT)
• Importance of language.
• Khap Panchyat – Land system their role? Do
you criticize the method?
• Is animal testing ethical in the name of
scientific advancement?
• Indian of the year.
2012-2013 (WAT)
• Globalization is helping a lot of third
world countries. Does it really help the
underprivileged people who actually need it?
• Is education being diluted by increasing
number of seats and decreasing the course
load?
• Renewable sources of energy.
• Are shortages artificially created in India?
Surplus production and still people starve! Lot
of graduates but a lot of workforce shortage!
IIM INDORE
(WAT/Essay Writing)
• Is India ready for smart cities?
19
• What will be the effect of liquor ban on the
economy?
• Youngsters are facing more challenges on life
due to social media?
• Artificial Intelligence is a necessity. Give your
views
• Indian education system focuses on academic
excellence not social, emotional and
psychological development.
2017-2018 (WAT)
• India’s performance in sports seems very
poor. Should government give the authority
to cooperate companies to train the athletes?
Would it help?
2016- 2017 (WAT)
• Cause of terrorism and ways to control them.
• With changing times, paper based books
are being replaced by online study books.
Comment.
• Humanities is important with science. Recent
survey suggests that companies look for
individuals with broad skill base. Hence
suggest measures that companies should
deploy to make students more employable
• How will the growing migrant crisis affect the
domestic and foreign policies of the countries
in the long run?
• Companies prefer students with a broad-
based education. How can universities reduce
the gap between curriculum and requirement
of the industries?
2015-16 (WAT)
• How can small companies survive and
compete against large companies? Suggest
some policies to safeguard them.
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
2014-2015 (WAT)
• Our PM has taken the initiative for skill building
and vocational training. What steps will you
follow to achieve this idea?
• Make for India vs Make in India, give your views.
• Reluctance of foreign companies in
establishing their offices in India despite
assurances by Govt. of India. Reasons?
Suggestions for improvement.
• It asked out suggestions about the education
reforms and the skill-set development that our
PM has planned and how can our thoughts
contribute towards its success.
• Businesses cannot be run on undemocratic
principles. Give your opinion.
2013-2014 (WAT)
• Is the concept of paid news a threat to the
integrity and honesty of print media?
• Recently, govt. has announced dwellers in
forest should be relocated so that endangered
species don’t bam extinct.
• Are management and leadership both
important for the success of the organization.
• Management is doing right thing but
leadership is doing things right.
IIM SHILLONG
2018-19 (WAT/Case Study)
• Electricity grid failure
• Polio vaccine
• Case study: A company planning to venture
into a different sector
2016-2017 (WAT)
• A family of 4 persons want to buy a car, three
models are available and their pros and cons
mentioned. All family members preferred
a different model. Which one should they
choose?
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
20
• Is sedition law being outdated?
• Case study related to ethical dilemma.
• Case- You are the marketing manager of a
chocolate producing company. Price of raw
materials has gone down. Statistics were given
for that. Rival companies have not reduced the
price of the product. How will you price your
products?
• Case - This case was about silk handloom
manufacturers in Assam and the problems
they have with the middlemen. They asked to
design a program that makes both the weavers
and the traders happy.
• Case - About a vendor who had under quoted
his price by mistake and was asking for a
hike. But the firm was not in a condition to
match that additional price, as it itself was not
performing well. So how should the manager
proceed in such a case?
2015- 2016 (WAT)
• Business of a business is Business.
• It’s smart to be a little dumb.
• Short prayers reach heaven
• Deal gently with the bird, if you want to catch.
2014-2015 (WAT/GD)
• Is FDI in defense really necessary for India?
What are positives and negatives?
• Inflation and its social effects.
• Work experience is a prerequisite for MBA
education.
2012-2013 (WAT/GD)
• Students were asked to evaluate the case of a
successful bakery shop, which received a big
order from an international bakery company,
‘The Cake International’. Data on the bakery
shop’s profit and losses along with other
information was provided. Students were
 asked to give their advice on whether the
bakery shop should go ahead with the Cake
International’s proposal or not.
• A company wanted to reduce its labor cost,
so it moved to a new place where it acquired
cheap fresh talent. In this process the
company’s supplier lost 18% of its employees
to this company. What should the company
do, move back and incur losses, or stay there
with new employees and suffer supply
shortage because of migration.
• Which is more important: experience or talent
of the youth?
2011-2012 (GD)
• Arabic Prison system vs. Indian Prison system.
• Being agriculture minister of India what will
you do to regulate onion prices?
• Recently MPss were given 50k Rupees to buy
tabs and digitize work. Is the hard earned
money of Indian taxpayers being misused?
• Subsidy on LPG should be removed.
2010-2011 (Case Study)
• A case about a civil officer in a north eastern
state who is very honest and is known for his
integrity. He has more enemies than friends.
Son–in-law wants him to use his position to
win him a tender of 2 lack computers for state
government or else he will commit suicide
touse his position to win him a tender of 2 lacs
computers for state government or else he
will commit suicide. Students had to discuss
the case and suggest a solution.
• A manager of a company producing toxic
material has received a notice from nearby
people that the company is polluting
environment. So either they should shift
there company or should adopt eco-friendly
21
methods.
2009-2010 (Case Study)
• A person working with a consulting firm gets
an opportunity to sell some very important
data to another major competitor in the
market for a big amount. His own company
is not ethical in its practices. What should the
person do?
• An advertisement agency is known for
originality of work. It has been given a
deadline for a huge contract. The design
team of the agency finds the deadline too
short. Someone in the design team suggests
picking up the idea of another ad firm in a
foreign country. Should they steal the idea
and complete work within the deadline or be
original and risk losing the contract?
• A guy is unemployed. Decides to start a BPO.
He almost clears all the hurdles but struck
with OS installation in computers. He doesn’t
have any capital left. The Bank is unwilling to
give loans. What should he do?
• The Tribals at Andaman are facing certain
problems. The authorities are to decide
between losing revenue and protecting the
tribals.
• Case related to Student Council starting a
Stationery store within campus to benefit the
students. They purchase at wholesale prices
and sell at rates cheaper than outside market.
They gain handsome 10% profit margin. They
plan to take up loan and expand their services
to people staying in the nearby area too.
However, few days later they face opposition
from a group of students, claiming that the
council have greater interests and are corrupt.
What should the student council do?
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
2008-2009 (Case Study)
• Mr. Vinod Joshi of Neon Engineering is in a
dilemma whether to increase payment to Sinha
Industries after the bidding process has been
completed. Sinha Industries had increased
the quality of their products and wants arise
in payment per product. Sinha Industries has
over 65% of their revenue coming from Neon
Engineering. What should Mr. Joshi do?
• There is an employee, Narain in a software
company who had earlier worked in a
hardware company. He’s been recruited here
because of his previous experience. He along
with 2 other fresher was recruited for the job
but put on provisional basis for 1 yr. After
some months, Siva Dasia, the head of Deptt.
Of Computer Sciences in the company makes
it clear to Narain and the other heads to whom
Narain report, that Narain’s work has not been
up to the mark. So, Siva Dasia helps Narain
to get another job by giving him letters of
Recommendation. Narian files a court case that
he’s been asked to leave the company despite
good performance and also misuses the LORs
that Siva Dasia has given him to prove his case
in the court. The court puts a stay on Narain’s
removal from the company. Now what should
Siva Dasia do?
• A case study involving the director of some
agricultural dept. and the impact of the
proposals by Non-EU and EU groups about
subsidies in agricultural sector.
• There is a farming community called Beris. They
have been cultivating groundnuts in some
region for a long time. 30 years ago a herder
community came into the area and they were
grazing animals on some unused land. There
was some water hole also. Some people of the
herder community settled there and started
growing vegetables. Things were fine b/w
herders and the farmers. Now government
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
22
is planning an irrigation project which will
provide irrigation to the unused land. So both
the communities want to claim the unused/
unregistered land. The Beris (farmers) think
that they can grow cash crops. The herders also
want the land since they have been using it
for more than 30 years. To settle land disputes
like this/to give unregistered land away to
villagers govt. has established rural councils.
Rural councils have a reputation of being unfair
and favoring vested interests. What should the
herders do?
IIT MUMBAI
2018-2019 (WAT)
• Sustainable Development
• #MeToo movement
• Impact of social media in today’s world
2014-2015 (WAT)
• Planning is not required for the growth of India.
Is it true?
• Government should ban CBFC?
• Is FDI in defense really necessary for India?
What are positives and negatives?
• Technology is a double edge sword. It should
be managed carefully.
• Planning is not required for the growth of India.
Is it true?
• Scenario – KFC Food joint, why do you think it is
not successful. (50 words)
• Government should ban CBFC?
2013-2014 (WAT)
• Knowledge based economy is imp to achieve
the economic boom of India.
• Comprehension – summarize it.
• Is pollution because of manufacturing
industries? Environment impact?
• Crony capitalism in India.
• Many countries worry about environmental
issues does India need to worry?
• Scenario – KFC Food joint, why do you think it
is not successful. (50 words)
• Precis Writing – A business case study of
approximately 200 words was given and one
had to conclude it in 50 words.
• The current Indian economy general scenario.
2012-2013 (Case Study)
• Your boss has asked you to indulge yourself
in an unethical practice which would help
your company reap big profit. How will you
deny his order without landing your job in any
danger?
• Can a congestion tax help in decongesting
our cities?
• Discuss the ways to boost the GDP.
• What is the way ahead for self sufficiency in
electricity in the country?
2011-2012 (Case Study)
• A young diploma graduate is employed with
a team of old time employees. He is perturbed
by their casual approach to work. How should
he resolve this difference in attitude?
• No. of working hours increased in an
organization and people are not happy about
it. What should be done?
• A person joins a company as a manager based
on his interview. Company has a discouraging
work culture with younger people arguing
with the older lot.
• The manager adopts a strategy where he
punishes his employees. Is he right or wrong?
• Is it right to argue with old people?
• For promotion an employee is trained and
after 4 months of training he wants to switch.
• What should the company H.R. do? Discuss
23
the key issues and challenges.
2010-2011 (Case Study)
• General case about a guy who started his
music company long back and was worried
about communication gap due to expansion.
• Mr. Sharma owner of multimillion dollar
enterprise feeling a communication gap in
staff due to which problems are occurring and
the work is not done properly.
• A person has started a new business in music
cassette industry and acquired large business
share. His competitors ask him to stop
quoting the prices so low. What should he do?
• The case was about a supervisor Suresh
Kumar for a distribution firm who had
appointed a new young technical graduate,
Sameer, for managing the workers in the
offload process as he was facing problems
as workers were not motivated and were
not doing their work properly. Also they
were taking frequent breaks. Sameer tried
to motivate them but they didn’t listen and
the end result was that he was boycotted
from their social activities. There was a senior
worker named Shankar Dada, who spoke
to Sameer and Sameer told him that he was
happy that he was leaving the job as he did
not want to become like one of them. To this
Shankar retaliated that if you would have
been here for long, you would have become
one of us. It was followed by two questions:
Q1. Was the supervisor encouraging or
discouraging the workers at their job? Q2. Was
Shankar Dada’s statement right or wrong?
2009-2010 (Case Study)
• The case was about a FMCG company which
gives very expensive training to 9 of its
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
 executives. One of the executives later leaves
the company since he doesn’t get a good
position in the organization and gets a lucrative
offer from a rival. Q1. What should his manager
do in this case? Q2. What should the company
do to avoid such problems?
• The case study was about a couple of guys
who are good friends, of whom one gets
promoted to become a supervisor. Now the
other guy has been coming late recently and
the supervisor doesn’t say anything for the first
couple of times but on the third time gives him
a written notice. The question was how would
you handle such a situation and what is more
important - “to be tough and nice” or “to be nice
and tough?”
• The case was about a supervisor Suresh Kumar
for a distribution firm who had appointed a
new young technical graduate, Sameer, for
managing the workers in the offload process
as he was facing problems as workers were
not motivated and were not doing their work
properly. Also they were taking frequent
breaks. Sameer tried to motivate them but they
didn’t listen and the end result was that he was
boycotted from their social activities. There was
a senior worker named Shankar Dada, who
spoke to Sameer and Sameer told him that he
was happy that he was leaving the job as he did
not want to become like one of them. To this
Shankar retaliated that if you would have been
here for long, you would have become one of
us. It was followed by two questions- Q1. Was
the supervisor encouraging or discouraging
the workers at their job? Q2. Was Shankar
Dada’s statement right or wrong?
2008-2009 (Case Study)
• The case was about a FMCG company which
gives very expensive training to 9 of its
How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
24
executives. One of the executives later leaves
the company since he doesn’t get a good
position in the organization and gets a lucrative
offer from a rival. Q1. What should his manager
do in this case? Q2. What should the company
do to avoid such problems?
• The case study was about a couple of guys
who are good friends, of whom one gets
promoted to become a supervisor. Now the
other guy has been coming late recently and
the supervisor doesn’t say anything for the first
couple of times but on the third time gives him
a written notice. The question was how would
you handle such a situation and what is more
important - “to be tough and nice” or “to be nice
and tough?”
• The case was about a supervisor Suresh Kumar
for a distribution firm who had appointed a
new young technical graduate, Sameer, for
managing the workers in the offload process
as he was facing problems as workers were
not motivated and were not doing their work
properly. Also they were taking frequent
breaks. Sameer tried to motivate them but they
didn’t listen and the end result was that he was
boycotted from their social activities.
• There was a senior worker named Shankar
Dada, who spoke to Sameer and Sameer told
him that he was happy that he was leaving
the job as he did not want to become like one
of them. To this Shankar retaliated that if you
would have been here for long, you would
have become one of us. It was followed by two
questions: 1.) Was the supervisor encouraging
or discouraging the workers at their job 2.) Was
Shankar Dada’s statement right or wrong?
 8 PERSONAS YOU ENCOUNTER IN A GD
Immediately after CAT and other MBA exam
results are out, candidates have to appear
for Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability
Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) round.
Admissions to these institutes are on the
basis of performance in written test and GD/
PI rounds. It is still easier to showcase one’s
talent in PI as compared to GD. PI is a one-on-
one conversation with the interview panel.
But in a GD, candidates have to present
their opinion with six-eight other candidates
trying to enforce their opinion alongside.
Your performance in GD is affected by
people around you. So we decided to list
out the types of characters / personalities
who participate in a GD. Here are eight
personalities you may encounter during a GD:

1. Leaders
When a GD commences, no particular role or
character is defined. Characters automatically
comes out during the discussion. Often, one
person stands out and emerges to be the leader
of the group. Leaders are those who direct the
discussion. It is not necessary that they’ll speak
much but they take care that the discussion
must go well. They try to give a chance to all
the GD members to share views. They tend to
be generous but quick with observations.

2. Discussion Hogs
You will definitely see one or more persons of this
category during a GD. Hogs are people, who has
something to say more or less for almost anything
and everything. These characters have a tendency
to dominate the discussion. They can be harmful to
you as well as the entire group as they do not allow
others to speak or share their thoughts.

How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
25
 3. Introverts
If you see a person in your GD who is shy and speaks
less, you may categorise him/her as introvert. The reason
behind their shyness could vary from lack of confidence
or feeling over-powered by other strong contenders.
The introverts may or may not present their point in the
whole discussion. And if they state their point, chances
of cutting their point is higher and easier. However, if
encouraged by the leader of the group, these people
could state their points of view well.

4. Challengers
The one who has a question for every comment
made during the discussion are the challengers.
These people try to target mostly on the
statement made by the strong contenders.
Challengers’ questions can be right or wrong.
They play an important role in a discussion as they
help in bringing out the real facts. But sometimes,
the situation can be uncomfortable, as they might
ask something embarrassing or personal.

5. Devil’s Advocates
Devil’s advocates, also known as butchers, are people
in a group who are in search of an opportunity to cut
others’ point. They are those who do not let others
complete their sentence. They just state their point of
views without letting others speak or complete their
sentences. They are impatient and tend to speak their
mind. They believe in getting things without giving
it a second thought. The group members need to be
cautious of such characters.

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GD–PI–WAT ?
26
 6. Protectors
Protectors are those people in a group who take
care of keeping the conversation on track. If they
see that the conversation is diverting from the
subject, they ask others to get back to the subject.
These people are quietly forceful, talk straight and
to the point. They are different from leaders as
they do not tend to lead the conversation, but talk
straight and stick to subject.

7. Observers
These people are hard to understand. Initially, they
are quite and rarely speak. In the early stages of the
discussion, anyone can confuse them with introverts.
But the USP of these characters are that they come
out to be intelligent and well organised. They first
observe everyone around them and the conversation
going on. They understand the concepts first and
later give valid points with logical solutions. They are
sharp and resourceful.

8. Aggressive/ Loud
You might see people with loud body language or who
are very aggressive. They tend to disturb the statements
with loudness such as speaking in high voice or loud
actions like banging desk or stomping foot. While they
speak, others cannot speak. Sometimes, it can become a
little messy to deal with them.

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GROUP DISCUSSION EVALUATION
PARAMETERS
Following are the parameters on which a candidate is judged
during a Group Discussion:
• Value of the point presented: This includes presenting a new
point, rephrasing an existing point, quality of example provided
• Body language: This includes sitting posture, eye contact, had
movement, style of listening
• Communication skills: Language command, voice clarity

PERSONAL INTERVIEW EVALUATION

PARAMETERS
When appearing for the Personal Interview, the candidates are judged on the
following parameters:
• Personality: Walking style, mannerism, temperament, body language
• Communication skills: Ability to express views, language command
• Knowledge on the subject: Clarity of concepts, ability to present examples
• General Awareness: Knowledge on current affairs

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN

PERSONAL INTERVIEW
• Your introduction • Your strengths
• Academic/job details • Your weaknesses
• Skills possessed by you • Hobbies
• Family background • Work experience
• Achievements • Reason for choosing MBA
• Your objective in life • Your goal 5-10 years from now

How to Crack
GD–PI–WAT ?
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 GD/PI/WAT EXPERIENCES FROM
STUDENTS OF TOP B-SCHOOLS
Learn from WAT-GD-PI experiences of students who made it to top B-Schools. Click on the
links to know the GD PI tips by students

• Know how Ananya Mishra cleared the WAT-GD-PI at IIM Ahmedabad

• My interview experience at IIM Calcutta: Pratham Mani
• Omkar Pk Mukherjee: How I converted my IIM Calcutta call
• Know how Aditya Chandrayan converted his MDI call
• Biswanath Chakraborty shares his interview experience at IIM Bangalore
• Achintya Bhattacharya’s WAT-PI experience at IIM Bangalore
• How I converted my IIM Lucknow call
• Nishant Shah’s journey of making it to IIM Ahmedabad
• Gursimran Ahuja’s IIM Ahmedabad WAT-PI recall
• My journey of converting 9/9 calls: Wasim Khan Pathan
• How Dhiraj Bedi converted his IIM Calcutta call
• Shubham Varshney shares his WAT-PI experience at IIM-A
• Shubham Ranka shares his interview experience at IIM Calcutta
• Students’ Speak: 10 CAT GDPI topics you could prepare for
• Students’ Speak: Tips to ace 10 common GDPI topics
• Students’ Speak: Top 10 most frequently asked GD topics you could prepare for
• Students’ Speak: Ace these 10 common CAT GDPI topics with ease
• Students’ Speak: Top 10 GDPI topics for 2019-2020 you must prepare for
• Students’ Speak: Top 10 questions to prepare for CAT 2019 GDPI
• Students’ Speak: Conducting mock GDs with peers will allow you to gain confidence
• Students’ Speak: Prepare for these CAT Group Discussion topics to make a mark
• Students’ Speak: Prepare for these topics to excel in Group Discussion

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