Group Discussion (GD) Topics & PI Experience by Bharat Debbarma, RCSS Kochi

In a recent conversation with Shiksha, Bharat Debbarma talks about his experience of GD & PI process for admission at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi. He has talked about the questions asked by the panelists and also has a few tips for aspiring students.

My topic was - Is mushrooming of private coaching centers good or bad?

I focused on speaking well and giving a substantial conclusion. My major focus area was communication and how was I going to deliver the main points of the given topic.

I took the help of YouTube videos. There is a YouTube channel by the name Praktiz which helped me a lot during the GD & PI. Also reading newspapers and articles helped me in getting through.

My friends and seniors helped me gather knowledge about the course as some of them are pursuing their MBA and some have completed the course.

There were two panelists and ten participants including me. Some of the participants were experienced and some were fresh graduates. 

One of the panelists was from the marketing department and the other one was from the communication department. They weren’t that difficult to tackle. They asked us not to be nervous and they were very observant throughout the session.

The questions are very general ones like -
1) Tell me about yourself
2) How can you bring value to the college?
3) Why should you be selected?

I didn't take any PI classes but sought help from my seniors and friends. Also, I read a lot of newspapers to improve my English.

I did not follow any strategy as such but yes, my seniors and friends suggested me a few books and asked me to read the newspaper on a daily basis so that I could improve my English.

I did not panic at all.

I would like to go back and add a few more details to my answers because I believe they were missing out on some important details. My answers were quite short.

I would rate it 7/10. I started writing points right after they gave me a topic and then discussed the same with other participants. Our panelists were noticing all the points which we were discussing during the GD session. 

My overall experience was amazing as the environment, panelists, and participants were all good.

At the time of GD & PI, students become nervous and they are unable to explain even while having proper knowledge about the given topic. So I would suggest them to be confident and always be clear about what they speak.

GDPI is easy and simple. Always focus on what you speak. Don't get carried with the flow otherwise, you will create a mess. Few of the participants in my GD session became nervous and created a mess. So, I would suggest you to be calm during the GD & PI sessions.

About the Author:

Hi! I am Bharat Debbarma hailing from Agartala, Tripura. I am a graduate from Holy Cross College, Agartala and currently pursuing MBA from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi (Batch of 2018-20). I am an extrovert who loves to mingle with people and is easily adjustable. I love learning new things and technologies. Presently, I am a member of Shiksha Connect programme.