How to Handle Surprise Topics in GDs of Top MBA Colleges

Starting a Group Discussion (GD) is a high-risk, but high-return strategy. If one gets it right, he/ she can already be assured of points on the board. But what if the topic is unknown to you? Read on.

By Aritro Dasgupta

This article was first published on February 2, 2019.

A common query MBA aspirants often have while preparing for admission – how important is General Knowledge (GK) for Group Discussion (GD). The answer is simple. There is a difference between approaching for entrance exams such as for CAT, XAT, MAT or SNAP versus preparing GK for a GD topic. In the former, there may be questions from a vast stretch of topics. Questions may also be fairly random. There is also a difference in the nature of quizzing. Due to the focus on one-word answers, the questions are precise and factual in entrance tests. In comparison, GDs test the overall clarity and analytical skills of a candidate on any topic. The latter is more a test of opinion, interspersed with facts.

Thus, it pays to brush up one’s GK as much as possible before the GD round of B-Schools. The GD topics are usually from current affairs, especially those related to business and the broader economy. Some may also emanate from events of societal importance that took place, typically in the last one year. In spite of much preparation on a variety of topics, students may come unstuck.

There may be certain or indeed several topics of GD where a student has little to say. This could be common in fact-based GDs where one simply lacks the content. It could also occur in the GDs having abstract topics where a lot of creativity needs to be used, but facts also need to be inserted where appropriate.

The candidate’s academic and professional background may also play a role. By and large GD topics are chosen in such a way, to ensure parity among aspirants from different streams, so that no one qualification can have any advantage. This policy also helps in maintaining some form of diversity in the student mix, as is the requirement right now. Yet, some topics could turn out indirectly to favour a certain stream. Commerce and Economics graduates especially are often at an advantage due to the focus of the topics, around business.

Also Read: MBA admission 2024 - Check application deadline of top B Schools

How to Handle Surprise Topics in GD

Working professionals too could at times get disadvantaged due to their relatively long absence from formal academics. During such situations, the GD participants may adopt any or a combination of the following tactics to override this difficult scenario:

1.Start Off

Starting a GD is a high-risk, but high-return strategy. If one gets it right, he/ she can already be assured of points on the board. Stating of incorrect facts at the very start on the other hand, can land one in serious bother. In such a scenario, where one lacks content on the topic, one may still start. Instead of playing the role of a group leader, he/ she must act as the moderator. One introduces the topic very deftly, without stating any facts of one’s own, then proceeds to ask the others for their opinions. In this way, one introduces the topic, gets a round of talking done, while at the same time not exposing one’s lack on content.

2.Take Cues from Others

One may just start slow when not well prepared on a topic. The strategy could be adopted of letting the others start off, and pick up inputs along the way. The candidate could pick up insights from what the others say, and pounce in at the right time. Sometimes one may not remember the exact facts and figures, but this may get a recall once others start speaking. One could also get a ground to talk on, as a response to the others’ views. He/she has to be proactive enough to be heard in the middle, and not brushed off just because the person let others take the center-stage at the start.

Also Read: Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics 2024 (MBA): Current & Latest GD Topics with detailed analysis 

3.Play the Role of Group Pacifier

A GD is not there merely to test content. The said content has already been tested in the written exam from which the students will be shortlisted. Further, it will get scrutinized during the Personal Interview (PI). Some colleges on top of all this, even conduct a Written Ability Test (WAT). So, a GD tests broadly the 4 Cs - Communication, Clarity, Collaboration and Content. While one may occasionally lack in the last C mentioned, he/ she may easily make it up in the rest. A manager or leader in the making will never know everything. But as long as the person can lead the group, or help the members collaborate, towards a clear final goal, will always shine in front of the panelists.

Thus, instead of actively participating with facts and figures, in these situations, the candidate must ensure the proceedings of the discussion take place smoothly. Any internal discord needs to be weeded out. Those not getting an opportunity to speak, but wanting to get in, also need to be recognized and promoted by this group pacifier.

4.Silence is the Best Policy

Only at times must this policy be applied. Silence works only if the first three techniques mentioned do not fit in. It is way better than making up stories, and weaving in some fake news. One also needs to consider that a GD is not a one- sided speech, it needs to be communicative.

So, the speakers need to avoid one- sided rhetoric, emotional speeches. Points made in the GD have to be backed up by the right supporting facts and figures. So, when all else fails, one must adopt the idea of silence. One may not score much in the said GD, but has the opportunity of making it up in the other segments. At least, one will not lose marks by being silent.

The biggest thing this kind of a situation will test is not to get unnerved. Students must remain calm in the face of much tension, and give their best shot. They may even be asked questions at their PI regarding their participation at the GD. Undue aggression must also be avoided at all costs. Showing a true appreciation for collaborative discussion, will always count positively in the eyes of the panelists.

About the Author:

Aritro Dasgupta is a Teacher, Trainer and Content Writer. He has taught at several leading colleges and coaching institutes in both India and the UAE. Several of his students have finished in the top 10 of various national level exams such as CLAT, AILET and DUJAT. He is also a prolific content writer, having written for several leading publications in India, while currently, also working for one in the USA.

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