GD Topic - Quick Commerce: A Step Toward Progress or a Wasteful Luxury?

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Senior Executive - Editorial

Updated on Nov 21, 2024 09:38 IST

GD or Group Discussion is a major part of the MBA Admission Process. Candidates preparing for the Group Discussion Round can check the below article for a debate over Quick Commerce being a step towards progress or a wasteful luxury in today's fast-paced world.

A Group Discussion (GD) is a vital component of the MBA admission process, where a group of candidates is given a topic—often related to current affairs, business trends, or abstract concepts—and asked to discuss it. The main aim of a Group Discussion is to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, critical thinking, ability to collaborate in a team, and leadership potential. During the discussion, candidates are expected to articulate their views clearly, actively listen to others, and contribute thoughtfully while respecting differing perspectives. Unlike personal interviews, GDs emphasize how well candidates interact and work with others in a group, making it crucial to demonstrate both assertiveness and the ability to collaborate.

MBA aspirants aiming for top B-schools must take entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAH MBA CET. While a strong entrance exam score is important, excelling in the GD and Personal Interview (PI) rounds is essential for securing admission to prestigious institutions. A strong performance in the GD can significantly influence a candidate's progression, as it showcases their capacity for real-time problem-solving, working under pressure, and confidently presenting ideas in a professional setting.

Check Out: Best MBA Colleges in India

Effective preparation for GDs involves staying informed about current affairs, understanding key business trends, and practicing clear communication and group dynamics. Candidates should also improve body language, build confidence, and maintain composure during discussions. Regular practice through mock GDs and staying updated with industry news are essential strategies to leave a lasting impression on the selection panel.

Q: In how many months can I prepare for XAT 2025?

Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on. The ideal time to start XAT preparation is May, so you can cover the whole syllabus by October and dedicate two months to mock test practice.

If you start studying for XAT late, by July or so, make sure you complete the syllabus by October only. Remember that XAT syllabus is tough, so you’ll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.

Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.

The most important things to keep in mind are:

CAT exam mode is online
Each question carries three marks
There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts

The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:

Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high

Q: Which is the toughest section of SNAP exam?

None of the sections of SNAP exam is tough However, if one compares between the three, the Analytical & Logical Reasoning section of SNAP exam is usually tougher than General English and Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency sections. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, where Quantitative Aptitude and English are tough, in SNAP only reasoning questions are tough.

The SNAP Analytical & Logical Reasoning has more questions than General English and Quantitative Ability sections, and most of the questions are not so easy to understand. It has 25 questions and about 18-19 questions are usually doable. Last year in the SNAP exam, the Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency section was tougher than the Analytical & Logical Reasoning. So, candidates must prepare for SNAP exam in such a way that they can handle questions from any section irrespective of their difficulty level.

What is Quick Commerce?

"The best things come to those who wait"—an adage that seems increasingly outdated in today’s fast-paced world. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rapid rise of quick commerce in India, where groceries and essentials arrive at your doorstep faster than a cup of instant coffee.

Quick commerce, or Q-commerce is a segment of the e-commerce industry that focuses on delivering goods, primarily groceries and daily essentials, within a very short time frame—typically 10 to 30 minutes.

Quick commerce has emerged as a game-changer in India’s retail landscape, fueled by technology, urbanization, and the pandemic-induced preference for contactless services. In 2024, the industry is valued at approximately $3.5 billion to $4 billion and is projected to grow by 25-30% over the next five years. However, as it reshapes consumer habits, the debate over whether it is an urban necessity or a wasteful indulgence rages on.

Before diving into this GD topic, let us first learn about Quick Commerce in India.

Rise of Quick Commerce in India

Quick commerce has grown from being a novelty to becoming a staple in urban households. Companies like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto have established themselves as leaders in this domain, leveraging technology and logistics innovation to deliver groceries and essentials within 10–30 minutes.

Blinkit, with a Gross Order Value (GOV) of ₹12,496 crore in FY 2024, has positioned itself as a heavyweight in the industry. It is currently valued at $13 billion, surpassing even Zomato's main food delivery business.

Swiggy Instamart, with a GOV of ₹8,100 crore, capitalizes on Swiggy’s extensive delivery network to ensure fast service.

Zepto, the youngest player, has achieved remarkable traction with sales of approximately ₹5,000 crore in 2024, focusing on urban millennials and Gen Z consumers.

This growth reflects a larger trend in India’s online grocery market, valued at $11 billion. Interestingly, quick commerce accounts for half of this market, emphasizing its dominance and potential for future growth.

How Quick Commerce Works?

Quick commerce operates on a micro-warehouse model, commonly referred to as dark stores. These are small fulfillment centers strategically located in densely populated cities. Stocking high-demand items in these stores allows companies to reduce delivery time significantly.

Using advanced algorithms, Q-commerce platforms optimize inventory and delivery routes. Real-time data on consumer behavior ensures that dark stores are stocked with the right products, minimizing the risk of delays or shortages.

Quick Commerce in India: The Bright Side

Quick commerce has transformed how urban consumers access daily essentials, offering unmatched convenience and efficiency. From creating jobs to driving technological advancements, it represents a significant leap in modern retail practices. Here are some positive impacts of quick commerce in India:

Urban Convenience: Quick commerce has redefined convenience for urban people. For working professionals, students, or busy parents, receiving essentials like milk, bread, or medicines in under 30 minutes is not just a luxury—it’s a lifesaver.
Boost to Employment: Companies like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit have created thousands of jobs, supporting India’s growing economy. These roles, from delivery agents to warehouse managers, provide income opportunities for many, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
Tech-Driven Innovation: Quick commerce has driven advancements in logistics, AI-driven inventory management, and predictive analytics. These technologies not only improve Q-commerce efficiency but also benefit the broader e-commerce ecosystem.
Emergency Support: Beyond convenience, quick commerce has proven invaluable in emergencies. Delivery of medical supplies or groceries during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic showcases its role as a critical urban utility.

Quick Commerce in India: The Flip Side

While quick commerce has introduced groundbreaking conveniences, it also brings significant challenges. From environmental concerns to labor issues, the model’s rapid expansion has potential downsides that cannot be ignored. Here are some of the drawbacks of quick commerce in India:

Environmental Impact: Although many companies provide their delivery agents with e-bikes, most use fossil fuel-powered vehicles, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions. This raises questions about the environmental sustainability of the Q-commerce model.
Encouraging Overconsumption: Quick commerce fosters a culture of instant gratification, encouraging impulsive purchases. This can lead to overconsumption, straining resources, and increasing waste.
Worker Exploitation: The pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines often results in stressful working conditions for delivery personnel. The race against the clock can compromise their safety and well-being.
High Operational Costs: Running dark stores, maintaining inventory turnover, and ensuring delivery speed come at a high operational cost. This raises concerns about the long-term profitability and sustainability of the model.

As discussed in this GD, Quick commerce is undeniably a transformative force in India’s retail ecosystem. It blends technological innovation with consumer convenience, making it a lifeline for urban households. However, its rapid growth comes with challenges—environmental impact, worker welfare, and the risk of fostering unsustainable consumerism.

For the industry to thrive sustainably, companies must adopt eco-friendly practices, like deploying electric vehicles and optimizing delivery networks. Simultaneously, policymakers and consumers must collaborate to ensure this innovation benefits society without depleting resources. Ultimately, quick commerce embodies the duality of progress: a powerful tool for urban convenience, yet one that demands responsible usage. Whether it evolves into a sustainable utility or remains a fleeting trend depends on how all stakeholders navigate this balance.

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.

However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.

Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI

Candidates preparing for the Group Discussion Rounds for admission in MBA at B-schools can check out the below GD topics:

About the Author

Nupur Jain

Senior Executive - Editorial

Nupur is an experienced content writer with a specialized focus on Commerce students. Over the past three years, she has crafted engaging and insightful materials to help learners excel in their studies. Outside of ... Read Full Bio