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HOW TO PREPARE FOR GD-PI FOR ANY MANAGEMENT COURSE!

This article was updated on 17th June 2020.

These days it is not easy to get admission in the management field, students need to be efficient and up to date with their study material and also should have sufficient knowledge about their environment and industrial settings.

Group Discussion (GD)

Group discussion has become an important part of the process for one to get into a good college or to get a job and therefore one should be well updated about current affairs, international events, issues affecting India and the world, it is important for a student to have his/her opinions on each topic to when they are asked a question about the leading topics they have an apt answer.

The student must have patience and effective listening skills to respond effectively in a group discussion, group discussions are not only to give your opinion but to respect and listen to your competitors opinions too. Always remember the interview panel consists of people from college management who are trained to only choose the best candidate, therefore even a slight mistake can cost you your future. But, you need not to panic, as the best way to prepare for any situation is to face it and be confident about your situations. Every student must give at least four to five exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, CMAT, and NMAT by GMAC etc.

An aspirant must start reading The Hindu and The Indian Express editorial which gives deep insight into everyday issues faced by the Indian society and politics, with the coming of social media we have neglected the means of newspapers but they still hold a special place in shaping a students mindset. An aspirant must watch debate shows on English News channels like Times Now, NDTV 24X7, this will give the student an idea about how to respond effectively during a GD session.

Current GD topics on which Group discussions are conducted are basically based on latest developments in Business & Economy; Current Affairs; Social Issues; International events, Abstract ideas which are directly or indirectly related to current socio-political, educational and other issues. And more controversial topics are not included in Group Discussion Round which means a student needs to be aware of its surroundings to ace the GD round.

The basic reason behind conducting Group Discussion round in the final admission process for MBA/PGDM programmes in B-schools is that they provide the student with a very important aspect of group communication reflecting the leadership skills and thought the process of the participants.

Importance of Group Discussion round:

It is a Creative Activity

Group discussion is a creative and dynamic activity which stimulates the reflective thinking of students. Group discussion is an activity in which a small group of students says 8 to 12, meet face to face and exchange and share ideas freely on a given topic of a common issue. This helps an aspirant overcome his/her fears and gives them a great opportunity to put forward their views and speak their minds this also gives them an idea of the competition in the industry and teaches them that they should be best in what they do.

It is a Testing Tool of Skills

Group Discussion is seen as an important testing tool of participants’ skills in the final admission process for MBA/PGDM after getting shortlisted by the B school. To test if the student is a good fit for the college the authorities need to check their skills and knowledge and that is exactly the main purpose of a group discussion round.

It is less formal than PI: Tests Meaningful Speaking and Listening

Group discussions are unstructured and less formal part of an interview as compared to other components of final admission rounds like a personal interview where candidates only focus on the specific type of questions and respond to them. In the GD round, an individual’s thought process is influenced by the views and opinions of the other members and they make speak I favour of an opinion presented by a fellow mate or in disagreement of opinion. Participants are free to share their view with other students and the committee present there. A successful discussion involves both listening and meaningful speaking.

It Depends on Active Participation

The effectiveness and efficiency of the group discussion depend on a large extent to the active participation of the members. The group has to follow pre-defined and established standard rules that are set up by the committee, every student is allowed to participate and put forward their thoughts and has a healthy discussion without being outraged to anyone elses opinion.

Personal Interview (PI)

Here are some points one must observe when going for a personal interview:

• one should also Introduce themselves in a very brief and formal way.

• one should limit introduction to entirely themselves. Don’t speak about parents, siblings, and family, unless asked by the interviewer.

• one should give straight and simple answers to the questions asked by the interviewer.

• make your answers precise and to the point rather than dragging the conversation.

• Don’t try to be aggressive, overconfident. And definitely, don’t try to impress the panel by using some cheesy mugged up lines.

• always dress formally and be neat and tidy.

Tips for students appearing for a personal interview:

1. It is totally okay to say ‘I dont know in an interview’ Instead of answering a question without any knowledge about the topic or bluffing about the answer you can always be caught in your own lie so be careful, be normal if you don’t know just say so. Be humble and don’t lie if you aren’t aware of the topic then just let them know and move forward with your interview.

2. One of the most asked question in the personal interview is ‘Tell me something about yourself’.
The answer to this question can make or break your impression on the interviewer. Typically, one should talk very briefly about family, education, career goals, hobbies, and interests. Do not talk a lot about the past, briefly refer to past education, life journey, and plans.

3. Another common question is, ‘Why do you want to do an MBA?’

Answer such questions keeping in mind the overall development you’ll get during MBA and acquisition of skills for life long success in personal and domestic space. Remember to post an MBA, one can easily land a job in the corporate world where there’s a rapid career growth along with high monetary returns.

4. The third common interview question is – ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?
While answering this, focus on your skill development, increased responsibility while highlighting your goals as an achievement. But do not say I want to become VP or General Manager or similar stuff. Being over-ambitious is also not a good sign.


Important tips to keep in mind:

  1. Statement of purpose

Be very clear about what you write in your SOP and back it up with clear and relevant answers don’t beat around the bush while mentioning the purpose be clear on the benefits of the job. Sometimes your statement may backfire on you and cause trouble to avoid such possibilities think twice before you speak and always talk in small and apt sentences don’t drag the conversations.

2. Your work experience and your companys information.

One must know about the company they are applying to, its full form, if any, business model, verticals, revenue, general information, and ethics you can always do thorough research via the internet on the company and to get the extra juice you can also follow them on social media. To answer why you want to join the company that you’re interviewing for you need to know everything about the company it is past, how its expanded and what qualities you like about it. You can also get in touch with some employees beforehand so they can give you an inside of the company. You must also be clear about your role in the company.

3. Connectivity

A candidate must be able to link his/her past, present, and future from a professional point of view. This, I feel, remains the key to cracking the interview. This point also explains the panel about your level of clarity within yourself.

4. Honesty

A value which we all should stick by during an interview, a lie leads to another lie and the panel is smart enough to understand what youre lying about. Always be honest while giving an interview as people appreciate honesty even if you don’t know something just accept the fact that you do not perfect and it okay.

5. Knowledge related to things affecting you.

We felt its important to understand the industry which you are going to be associated with. The panel expects you to know facts about the field you want to join and hence expect you to be thorough with the information. For example the latest developments in your industry, the revenue of your sector to the GDP and other general stuff about things related to you.


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