GD: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for group discussion rounds for admission to desired MBA college must possess the following important qualities to ace the round: 

• Presentation 

A candidate who begins the group discussion after the topic is given must start while using one or two-line to define the topic and brief the structure. Candidates must know that candidate who gives a start earns an extra point.  

• Subject knowledge 

Candidates must possess a great understanding of the topic on which they will speak. Students must keep themselves aware of a wide range of subjects. Be thorough with the national and international current affairs, economic topics, controversial topics and so forth. As a member of group discussion, one must contribute substantially. Subject knowledge helps in gaining confidence and generating ideas which are essential for group discussion.

• Expression clarity 

While expressing ideas the audience must understand. When one’s thoughts are clear then only the panellist and the team members will be convinced. Candidates must not be too soft or loud spoken but must have a cheerful voice and proper modulation to attract the audience. Avoid using slang.  

• Managerial qualities 

GD also assesses the candidate’s leadership qualities. No candidate is appointed as a leader specifically, however, self-confidence, decision making, assertiveness, emotional stability and other such factors define the managerial qualities of a candidate. A good managerial skill is possessed when one is logical and democratic by not being authoritative neither submissive.  

• Communication skills 

Knowledge without communication is of no importance. Hence, candidates must have good communication skills to express their ideas on the given topic. As a part of communication skills candidates must have confidence and a convincing tone. A good communication skill involves speaking and listening and comprehending other speakers as well for clarity of thoughts. 

• Use of appropriate non-verbal and verbal language 

Non-verbal skills include body movements, eye contact, facial expressions and gesture. The non-verbal skills are observed by the panellist which determines the candidate’s nervousness, frustration, cooperation, self-confidence, weaknesses, and defensiveness. Candidates are at merit when he/she demonstrates professional skills which include non-verbal language like confident posture, meaningful eye contact, appropriate facial language, and so forth.  

For apt verbal language, candidates must avoid using long winding sentences. Candidates must not use flowery language and avoid making grammatical mistakes. 

• Good listening 

One cannot contribute to the discussion without listening to the other side. Candidates must not be rigid in their opinion rather comprehend by listening actively to the other team members. Listening skill contributes to the leadership skills and is taken note by the panellists.  

• Time management 

When the topic for group discussion is given candidates must think of relevant points. Candidates must allocate their time on which point it has to be spent more. Candidates must refrain from monopolizing the conversation, give other candidates the chance to speak. Don’t be in a rush to speak more to gain more points.  

Group discussion topics can be categorized as: 

Current Affairs 

• Importance of Statue of Unity 
• Citizenship Amendment Act - What and Why 
• How will Abrogation of Article 370 improve situation in Kashmir 
• Is it still too early for India to have bullet trains? 
• Making Aadhaar mandatory is not a good idea- for or against 
• Implications of CAA-NCR 

Business and Economy 

• Will reduced Goods & Services Tax (GST) help the Indian economy in growing faster? 
• Cashless Economy – Is India ready for it? 
• How can we control banking frauds to reduce NPAs? 
• Make in India campaign 
• Demonetization: Discuss its Success & failures 
• Statue of Unity - Symbol of Pride or Wastage of Public Money? 

Social Issues 

• Success of Swachh Bharat Mission 
• Rural vs Urban India 
• Environment and us 

Abstract Topics 

• Self Motivation 
• First impression is the last impression 
• Friends, Enemy or Frenemies? 
• Ethics or Profit? 

Also Read: 

• 80 Group Discussion Topics for MBA 

Candidates appearing for group discussion must keep in mind the do’s and don’ts for participating.  

Do’s for Participating in GD 

• Candidates must listen to the topic carefully 
• Try to initiate the group discussion 
• Keep tone polite and pleasant.  
• Agree with what is right and disagree politely 
• Support information with examples and facts 
• Give other participants a chance to speak 
• Candidates must make their short contributions 

Don’ts for Participating in GD 

• Never initiate the conversation if the topic for GD is not clear 
• Don’t interrupt the other candidates to keep your point 
• Avoid negative gestures such as leaning back on a chair, hands-on the nose, shaking legs, knocking the table and so forth 
• To distract the conversation 
• Don’t try to dominate the discussion 
• Don’t ask anyone personal questions 

One must start preparing for group discussion soon after the entrance exams are over as group discussion also carries more weightage. Refer to the following preparation tips for group discussion: 

• Stay update
  While preparing for group discussion, candidates must be aware of the latest events happening around which affect our living or economy. Candidates must stay aware of the topics which are repeated and re-appear with minor changes such as gender equality, privatization, reservation and so forth. 

• Develop reading habit 

Candidates preparing for MBA entrance exams must develop reading habits to improve vocabulary and stay updated with the events happening around them. Candidates must read from a variety of topics and solely not from the area of their interest. Also, candidates must read from magazines that are rich in content. 

• Develop communication skill 

One can develop communication skills by having a reading habit and using the vocabulary in daily life. Candidates must rehearse their communication skills by being a part of online preparation groups or sitting with friends and discussing a current affair or topic relevant as per GD. This will help the candidates in increasing their knowledge and getting more insights into the topic.  

• Observe body gesture 

One of the crucial aspects of the GD is body gestures. Candidates must observe their body gestures. While appearing for GD candidates must sit straight, make decent eye contact, do not make unnecessary movements, avoid knocking the table or chair with pen or hand.  

Also Read: MBA Preparation 2022: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams