Getting past the group discussion
Clearing MBA entrance tests such as the CAT is a prestigious proposition with about 2.32 lakh people vying for the few thousands seats available in the top B-schools across the country. After the first stage of the selection process, students need to focus on preparing for the Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
While the written examination tests the knowledge and analytical skills of a candidate, WAT, GD and PI are for understanding the personality of the applicant. PI enables the interviewer to know about the candidate’s individual behaviour, attitude, and of course knowledge and information. WAT tests the language ability of the candidate besides general awareness. GDs bring out the various aspects of group dynamics where a candidate’s social behaviour, leadership skills, communication skills, decision making skills, etc. are put to close scrutiny.
As most of the IIMs have replaced group discussions with essay writing (WAT), WAT is being used as a tool to gauge an aspirant’s ability to display their communication, clarity in thought and expression, something that a GD might not be able to provide insights into. This seems to be the reason why most of the IIMs seem to have replaced GDs with WAT in their selection process.
Written Ability Test
A written ability test assess candidates on several parameters like clarity of thought, logical bent of mind and effective expression along with social and ethical values. The candidates need to understand the topic closely and fully before proceeding to express their thoughts on the topic.
Group Discussion
While participating in a GD is that it is a ‘discussion’ and not a ‘debate’. Ability to put forth one’s view effectively is no doubt an essential requirement but a disposition to carry other participants along is an equally important skill expected of a participant. Success in a GD is measured both by the performance of the individual and the group.
In general, the topic of discussion is given to the participants just before they start the GD. Before the GD starts five to ten minutes time is given to the candidates. It is better to note down the matter as bullet points rather than as full sentences to so as avoid wastage of time.
Personal Interview
While attending an interview, candidates must always bear in mind that the answers alone are not important in a PI. What is perhaps more important is how the questions are answered. One must read the newspapers for current affairs, revise the academic concepts and rehearse questions on personal aspects.
If a candidate doesn’t know the answer it is proper to accept the same than make wild guesses. Throughout the duration of the interview, the candidate must show eagerness to learn and a positive attitude.
Students should ensure that enough time is set aside for preparation for WAT-GD-PI as they shouldn’t fail, after putting in efforts for cracking the entrance tests, at the last juncture of getting into a dream B-school. All the best!
—Arvind Mantry, T.I.M.E. Chennai