WAT/GD Topics of IIMs and other top B-Schools over the years

Shiksha brings a list of WAT/GD topics asked over the years' at Top B-Schools. Take a look to prepare well for the most important round of MBA admission.

WAT and GD Topics

WAT/GD Topics: Results for several national-level MBA entrance exams will be declared in the last quarter of the year. Premier MBA colleges, including IIMs, FMS, XLRI, among others have selection criteria that include GD, PI and WAT rounds. With results being released, candidates must now focus on the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds to make it to top MBA colleges. Many students face trouble in selecting topics they should prepare. Shiksha brings a list of WAT/GD topics asked over the years' at Top B-Schools. This can help you prepare better for the selection rounds. Have a look at WAT/GD topics of top B-Schools over the years:

WAT Topics asked at IIM Ahmedabad over the years

WAT Topics (2022-2023)

• Plight of immigrant workers from China, South East Asia in the US factories.

• Put forward your thoughts on Mckinsey fraud case.
• Write a paragraph on how laughter can help people who have serious illnesses (a situation was also included)

WAT Topics (2021-2022)

• India should stop focusing on Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and concentrate on mass production to lift the economy
• Virat Kohli, captain of the Indian cricket team, decided to take paternity leave and return home after the 1st test match of India Australia Border Gavaskar Trophy. Various comments passed by retired players criticizing the Indian captain for this decision. Sports magazines compared it with army personnel who does their duty for the country and don’t leave the battlefield midway. They argued that cricket players are given equal treatment and respect, as compared to the army in India, so many people wanted that he should have stayed back for the nation.

WAT Topics (2020-2021)

• A discussion between two-person was given related to positive and negative effects of social media, we have to present our views on that.
• The Govt of Gujarat has asked the central Govt to ban PUBG on the grounds that it makes the students behave violently, depressed, devoid of attention to studies and food. Analyse how strong or weak is the above argument and what additional data (if any) should be provided to support your claim
• Our transport minister is against allowing driverless cars in the country as it'll lead to a loss of millions of jobs of truckers and drivers.
• Solve the dilemma as to whether someone should be given an increment of 1% in their exam so that he doesn't have any issues in admission for higher studies

WAT Topics (2019-2020)

• "All news anchors are same. They invite guests on their shows and ask aggressive questions like ‘in a country where leaders like Gandhiji laid their lives for the country, you are talking about potholes’. They try to sensationalize every issue. Govt. should control media as soon as possible."

• A passage about CSR Activity, indirectly stating that smoking and alcohol companies should not do CSR as it is just an eye wash

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• Development in metro cities is resulting in broken families and making people insensitive towards one another.
• School uniforms should not be made compulsory as school cannot decide what to wear? Also, it restricts the individual thinking so at the first place uniforms in schools should be removed.
• A person agrees with Ramachandra Guha's statement that awarding the Bharat Ratna to MM Malviya posthumously was a mistake. He then goes on to make his own assertions and argues that giving it to anyone posthumously is wrong, firstly since even his descendants cannot 'cash in' on the popularity post receipt of the award, and secondly that many groups would raise demand for awarding it even to 17th-century heroes. Is the argument correct?
• "I like smoking. No one can make me quit smoking because someone says so or advertises about its harmful effects. Anyway, the woman's desires are not valued much in the society. Every activity a woman makes is put under close magnifying glasses. I want to smoke till my body gives up. The pungent smell and taste of the cigarette have become my favourites.” Analyse the argument. What do you think was the line of reasoning used that made the writer arrive at the statement one is making? Identify the assumptions and supplement with facts."
• The Teacher Training Programme in India has not been effective. No effective teachers are being produced through the training programme. It is better to stop all these Training Programmes and save public money to build toilets and infrastructures in Schools. Analyse and argue.
• An extract from a memorandum is asking foreign nationals not to invest in India as the land is being taken away from poor people. Analyse the argument. Explain the reasons stated. What are the assumptions on which it is based? Why is the argument weak? What other facts can further support the claim?
• The Kannada Development Authority recently protested against the conducting of a Staff Selection Commission recruitment exam in Karnataka and Kerala to fill the posts of clerks, assistants and data entry operators as the exam was conducted only in English and Hindi. The KDA felt that it would put the local aspirants at a disadvantage as they wouldn't be able to attempt it in their mother tongue. SSC countered by saying that the jobs being central government based, would be subject to transfer to other states, where they would be at a disadvantage. The conducting of a language test before moving to other states is not feasible. Hence candidates should know Hindi to attempt the test.

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Case study on self-driving cars.
• A case where Firm A has laid off some employees and recruiter at competing Firm B suggests to hire those employees to extract trade secrets.

WAT Topics (2016-17)

• A big data company has come up with a model that links the number of flu searches on its search engine to the number of people suffering from it. The parameters chosen by it are location from where searched and timing of searches... Give 3 assumptions that strengthen their model and arguments that weaken its plausibility.
• Case study on freedom of expression. Should there be limits or not?
• An argument of an anonymous author was presented in the problem sheets. It stated that 24*7 channels do not possess quality content, they are responsible for distracting the children and we should revert to the old practice of having just a couple of channels. We were asked to analyse the argument.
• I saw my father retire after 35 years of service from the same company. This reflects the loyalty and dedication of an employee towards his/her employer. However, in present day, job burnout is widely seen. Employees should be loyal to their company and value their current jobs. (Author's view). What assumptions have the author made in putting up his argument? What further evidence would strengthen his argument? What factors can weaken the author's argument? Write a coherent analysis of the argument in around 250-300 words.

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Case study on freedom of expression. Should there be limits or not?
• Should airports in India be named after cities or after the famous personalities?
• Case study on the views of an employee in the firm regarding a research. Find out the assumptions, and arguments to support and oppose the statement.
• Direct cash transfer will reduce the problem of leakage in subsidy
• Organic food, good for individuals, bad for society
• Imagination is more important that knowledge
• Of all the inventions and discoveries in the world, which one would you have liked to do/ make and why?
• Topic: How social are social networks?

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• “Many Bollywood movies grossed more than 100 crores in 2014. 2014 was a golden year for Bollywood." Analyse the statements.

• Discuss the problems faced by illiterate people. What steps should be taken by Indian government to increase literacy in adults?

• The telecom and communications sector is planning to levy a toll charge for Voice-over-Internet and messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, etc. Their argument is there’s a huge investment and infrastructure cost which these apps don’t have to bear. Analyse this and present two arguments – one in favour and another against the telecom company.

• ‘Car for All’ is a company that sells entry level cars. It is now thinking about acquiring a luxury brand. Though exciting, the company fears that their association with low-cost car may turn down customers. Analyse

• Ancient Indian scientists haven't received due recognition. According to ancient scriptures, Indian scientists had developed aviation technology long ago. But the Wright Brothers are unduly credited with the invention of the airplane. Analyse.

• Human achievements can be measured in two ways – intrinsic excellence and via assessing the impact on life. Without the likes of Beethoven, Bach and Shakespeare, etc., life today wouldn’t be very different. However, without Galileo, Newton and Faraday, life today would be very different. Analyse.

• There are mainly two kinds of human work – one requires physical labour, while the other one is to ask someone else to do it. The first one is unpleasant and underpaid while the second one is comfortable and well-paid. The second one has the privilege of becoming an advice or order. For perfect happiness as human beings, one should aim for the second type of work. Discuss the robustness of the author's view or criticise.

• Students’ union should not be affiliated to any political party. Affiliation to political parties is the root cause of violence, unrest and disruption in academic ambience. Analyse.

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Case Study: Entrepreneurship in India.

• A college event which has changed you as a person.
• Case Study based GD: Village has all amenities, crop failure, loan on cash, minister help. What as farmers could be done?

• Case Study: remote village – community farming – involving. Discuss.

• Case Study: RBI initiative to pull out of circulation the old currency.

• Essay Topic: Historical monument which made you thinks out of the mundane.

• Write an essay on a mathematician/historian that has inspired you.

• Case Study: GPS System – Boon or Bane – Should it be moderated or allowed freely in the market.

• Case Study based on legalisation of marijuana in India.

• Which cartoon character has inspired you the most (100 words).

• RBI has asked to return old notes. Underlying reasons? What can make it more effective in getting this exercise? Historical monument that has inspired you.

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Mankind should end war before war ends mankind.

• Religion, a curse for society.

• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

• How would you control farmer suicides?

WAT Topics (2011-2012)

• Sensationalism in media should be censored.

• Everything should be as simple as can be but not simpler.

• Indian agriculture sector.

• Profit is the only business of business.

• Direct democracy instead of representative democracy can solve the problem of corruption.

WAT Topics (2010-2011)

• India v/s Bharat- a divided nation.
• Layoffs can give a new direction.
• Asian Union- is it possible?

• Concerns over child labor is a mischievous ploy by western economic interests.

WAT Topics (2009-2010)

• FDIs in Educational Institutes.
• India needs US in the present times.
• Red vs. Blue
  

WAT Topics (2008-2009)

• The educational system is quelling creativity in Indian children.

• Obama will bring change, but only to USA.

• Professional management is a mere rhetoric in family run businesses.

• Should Nehru's temples of learning remain elitist?

• Indian women should take up their husbands' surname after marriage.

• Reading pure science is a waste of time.

• NGOs are yet to get their due in Indian society.

GD Topics (2007-2008)

• Worsening female to male ration in India.
• Financial viability of IPL.
• You would not like to be the Prime Minister of India because…
• CAT should go online

WAT Topics asked at IIM Bangalore over the years

WAT Topics (2022-23)

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can bring revolution in the field of education
• Freedom of Expression is not a one-way street - a statement much debated these days, on social media in particular. Is FOE absolute or should it be subjected to regulation. Discuss

WAT Topics (2021-22)

• Jeff Bezos went to space on a flight for 11 minutes. Discuss on the basis of this, the vision whether humans can live and work in space?

WAT Topics (2020-21)

• On the Lines of Importance of Saving Things quoting an Environmentalist

WAT Topics (2019-2020)

• International Women's Day
• GoI mission of 2022 on vocational training: how to improve the quality of vocational training
• AI has permeated all aspects of our lives. Eg. smartphones, smart cars, smart homes etc. But people like Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking have stated that it can be dangerous. Should the development of AI be regulated?

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• The ratio of male and female in colleges are good. Then why is it not the same in corporate life. Mention the causes and solutions.

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• India is going to be the world's most populous country. What in your opinion would be effect on agriculture and clothing.
• Should AI be regulated?
• Compare traditional rote learning-recitation method and modern activity-based, collaborative method and their merits

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• Who do you think is the most successful leader of the year?
• The Internet is influencing everything in our lives like consumption and travel choices and even ideologies. Do you think this has implications for "social engineering" or "psychological manipulation" of individuals?
  

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Artworks often lead to social unrest. How to strike a balance so that rule of law can be maintained?
• Who do you think is the most successful leader of 2015?
• Essay on Imagination is more important that knowledge.
• Poor condition of health care in India.
• Essay on the most inspirational person you have ever met.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Recently in India, the closing time of Bars from 11 PM to 1 AM. Reasons behind this and consequences/ramifications?
• International/ IB schools in India required by the society?
• Do celebrities have a responsibility towards consuming and believing in the products and causes they endorse?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Importance of language.
• Khap Panchyat – Land system their role? Do you criticize the method?
• Is animal testing ethical in the name of scientific advancement?
• Indian of the year.

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Globalization is helping a lot of third world countries. Does it really help the underprivileged people who actually need it?
• Is education being diluted by increasing number of seats and decreasing the course load?
• Renewable sources of energy.
• Are shortages artificially created in India? Surplus production and still people starve! Lot of graduates but a lot of workforce shortage!

WAT Topics asked at IIM Calcutta over the years

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• TV Serials have started showing Indian Mythology. Are they an effective way to spread awareness about Indian Mythology?

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Global warming has adverse effects on all species on the planet. Should we migrate to another planet? If no, suggest measures to mitigate the disaster.
• TV Serials have started showing Indian Mythology. Are they an effective way to spread awareness about Indian Mythology?

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• Global warming and depletion of ozone layer is a big threat. Should moving to another planet mitigate it, or do you suggest some other measures?
• Corruption and Poverty go hand in hand.
• Mahatma Gandhi once said 'Anger and intolerance are enemies of correct understanding'. In the light of recent events, do you agree or disagree with the statement and why?
• Euthanasia should be legalized in India or not?

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Allowing limited usage of performance-enhancing drugs in sports – pros and cons
• Everyday 368 people die in road accidents in India. What are the measures you will take to improve upon this situation?
• Education scenario in India, and how to improve it?
• Easy availability of loans has increased the consumerism of materialistic society. This is affecting the morale of the youth, in longer terms. What are your views on this?

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Young people are spending lesser time reading books. Examine the reasons behind this trend. What can be the negative consequences arising out of this?

• Reasons for disproportionately low number of women in top managerial positions, and how this issue can be solved.

• Very few women are at Top Management in Companies, your views. Reasons and suggestions.

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Reservation – Why? Has it achieved its objects?

• Corporate social responsibilities- Just spending the money or finding out where it is spent.

• Privacy Intrusion Vs Surveillance

• A lot of beurocrafts and govt. employees are joining politics – Do you think that good trend?

• What was the objective behind reservation in India? Has it been achieved?

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Give your views on book launches, social hype around books and bestselling novels.

• Unhappy is the country which has no leaders.

• Has the definition of heroes changed? How about heroes in India. Give your opinion.

• Suicides in colleges are on an increase. Analyze and give comments regarding this trend. How would you act to counteract this?

• People are not taking care of their old. Suggest how we can save our old

WAT Topics (2011-2012)

• Politicisation and Commercialisation of sports - reality or fake?
• Modern life has corruption, how will an honest man go up as businessman or as a civil servant?

• Case studies suggest that enrollment in increasing in Indian schools & that India ranks 2nd from bottom in reading and math abilities. How would you explain the contribution of B-schools?

• Is reading no more a leisure thing? How has the advancement of technology affected the concept of leisure?

• Do women in the 21st century still face a lot of barriers to rise to senior management positions?

GD Topics (2010-2011)

• Affection leads to infection.

• Devil is in the details.

• Small is beautiful.
• Bharat vs. India.

• BPO is primarily profit driven.

• It's the time for Underdogs.

GD Topics (2009-2010)

• Monopoly leads to constraint of freedom.

• There is always a tomorrow.

• Gandhi v/s. Gandhi.

• Only poor people are responsible for their poverty.

• Should there be international men's day?

• 33% Reservation for woman in jobs. Should it be there or not?

GD Topics (2008-2009)

• Should Indian politicians be evaluated for their political skills before nomination? If yes, how?

• Year 2025.

• Artists must know mathematics.

• Go Ahead. Don't wait for me.

• MBAs do not make good business leaders.

• We are corrupt because we are poor.

• Only poor people are responsible for their poverty.

• 33% Reservation for women in jobs, should it be there or not?

• Should students recruit the faculty?

• There should be an international men's day.

• Social Networking is a menace.

• Life is a chair.

• No man is an island.

GD Topics (2007-2008)

• There were case discussions on issues related to rates of attrition in companies recruiting students from B Schools because of multiple offers.

WAT Topics at IIM Lucknow over the years

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• If there is censorship in movies then why not in advertisements?
• Are women capable of taking more stress than men?
• Social media is leading to loneliness
• Artificial Intelligence is the future. Comment

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Is social inclusion necessary for economic inclusion?
• Is women empowerment a hyped issue?

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• The government has no business in running businesses.
• Corruption and poverty goes hand in hand
• Cultural diversity hinders democratic governance.
• Everybody loves a good drought.
• Building monuments on the names of great leader is a waste of public money
• Should national anthem be played in cinema halls?
• Advertisement is all glitter but no truth

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Entrepreneurs can learn some things only from other entrepreneurs.
• Higher pay- is it a solution to corruption?
• It is possible to mark the thin line that divides the right and the wrong?
• Be patient with friends and enemies.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Should the budget for space program in India be invested into poverty alleviation?

• Nothing is right, nothing is wrong, everybody has a different opinion.

• Is privatisation the only way to bring down the real prices in the power & electricity industry?

• Higher education in India should be free.

• What do I want to do in life?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Private Hospitals are traders to human misery.

• Competition leads to cooperation.

• Alternative medicines.

• Do means justify any end?

• Experience is the name we give to our mistakes.

• We earn a living by money, we live by giving.

• The best forms of victory are by subduing the enemy without physical violence.

WAT & GD Topics (2012-2013)

• What good the moon can be of if it cannot be bought or sold.

• The things appear large from the valley, but small from the top of the mountain.

• The more you study the more you realize how ignorant you are.

• Not only who earns is rich but also the one who gives is also rich.

WAT & GD Topics (2011-2012)

• The bad news in time flies the good news & you are the pilot!

• Intuition is the loss of scientific Knowledge.

• Glory is transitory but obscurity is forever.

• There have been discussions to abolish the death penalty. What are the pros and cons of abolishing capital punishment?

WAT & GD Topics (2010-2011)

• If there is censorship in movies than why not in advertisements?

• Role learning is burdensome but indispensable.

• Arab world will definitely have an impact on India.

• Are women capable of taking more stress as compared to men?

• A person is better in a good environment and a troubled family than in good family and troubled environment.

• Inflation vs. growth

WAT & GD Topics (2009-2010)

• Legalising doping in sports in modern times.

• Essential services like water, electricity should not be privatized.

• In India, Should minorities be given the first right to resource?

• Unpleasant prison terms can lead to faster reformation against criminals.

• Women’s quota will increase gender disparity.

• In a socialist Country such as India, should salaries of executives be regulated?

• Right to Education.

• The nuclear liability bill.

• GE and GM Crops (The Bt Brinjal case).
• IPL: Sports and Glamour?

• Unique Identification Numbers will be panacea to India’s problems.

WAT & GD Topics (2008-2009)

• Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition by mediocre minds.

• Helping hands are better than praying lips.

• Necessity is the mother of all inventions.

• Habit and routine can waste and destroy.

• Thinking about the worst always prepares you for the worst.

• Education is the progressive discovery of our ignorance.

• He who knows being poor knows everything.

• A fool can ask more questions in an hour than a wise man can answer in 7 years.

GD Topics (2007-2008)

• Education is what remains after one forgets what one has learnt in school.

• Hope for ill gains is the beginning of loss.

• Happiness is a mystery like religion, and it should not be rationalized.

• Law is the creation of the strong to rule the weak.

WAT Topics asked at IIM Kozhikode over the years

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• Freedom of opinion can only exist when the government itself feels secure
• “If you cannot die for something, you do not deserve to live.”-Martin Luther King
• An eye for an eye makes the entire world go blind.
• Our obsession with growth is slowly leading us to extinction
• Age old practice of farming should not be held responsible for Delhi pollution
• India’s population- asset or liability?
• When it comes to business, greed is good?
• Threat to secularism is overrated.
• Investing in self driving cars will increase unemployment in India?

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Longevity due to medical advancements has adverse effects on the demography.
• Ancient war strategies from ancient epics are relevant in modern business

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• Future wars will not fought on health and prosperity but on water and air
• Is India ready for cashless economy?
• Marketing with a social cause gives the brand a human face?
• Is India ready for cashless economy?
• Private sector promotes employability whereas public sector promotes employment.

WAT Topics (2015-16)

• Management Education – For too many and too cheap
• Mass Media, a boon or a curse?
• Should there be age discrimination in hiring for coveted jobs?
• Bureaucrats should not be allowed to join political parties after retirement.
• The formulation of the problem is more important than finding its solution.
• B-School, an impediment or booster to entrepreneurship.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Politicians should be asked to go to business school.

• Negative effects of Animal Conservation Practices.

• Politicians should attend a business school.

• Package shouldn't be the sole criteria while deciding a job.

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Presidential form of election should be held in India or not.

• What should be the priority of India in the 21st century - employment or entrepreneurship?

• Poverty is just a state of mind.

• Are the efforts of political parties and youth empowerment?

• Should medical profession be included under the consumer protection act.

• MNC’s are colonizing the Indian market.

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Objectivity is the summation of subjectivity.

• Equality may perhaps be your right but it is not practically required.

• If everybody is thinking alike it means someone is not thinking.

• A true friend stabs you from the front.

• Friendship is unnecessary; it is not required for our survival but adds value to our survival.

• "The true essence of democracy can be judged by a ten minute conversation with a voter " – Winston Churchill.

WAT Topics (2011-2012)

• To disbelieve is easy, to scoff is simple but to have faith is hard.

• Adventure is very easy to write about but very hard for one who is doing it.

• Sometimes we put walls not to keep people out but to see who cares enough to break in.

• A child can be forgiven when he is afraid of dark, but the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of light.

WAT Topics (2010-2011)

• What is the measure of success for a man or for that matter for a woman?

• Intuition is the most valuable thing.

• Reality is an illusion, but a persistent one.

• Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological Criminal.

• Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.

• Life has no meaning. Rather, it has a meaning which we don't understand.

WAT Topics (2009-2010)

• An eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind.

• Man is born ignorant; not stupid, but is education making him stupid?

• Genetically modified plants can improve food security for a country like India which has an ever growing population.

• Freedom of opinion can only exist when the govt. itself feels secure.

• 'Man is a credulous animal; he needs something to believe in. If he doesn't find anything good to believe in, he'll believe in something bad'.

• Opinion formation is encouraged only when government is secure about its existence.

• Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.

• History is always the story of the victor and not the vanquished.

• Martin Luther King's quote – 'If you cannot die for something, you do not deserve to live'.

GD Topics (2008-2009)

• Discussion on a person who is a perfectionist. It was about his pursuit for perfection because of which he was not even able to deliver something which was good. How does this affect his career?

• Janaki is working in some BPO or IT company. She is now called Jane. For her, 4th July is the Indian Independence Day. She works when people are sleeping. She has no social life, no identity, etc. So, do you think this industry is killing the current generation of India?’

• A discussion on the changing Indian society and its values. How kissing has taken the place of the traditional Indian Namaste.

• A discussion in which the following article was given. “In the year 2006, TIME magazine voted "YOU" as the man of the year. Social technologies have given power back to the people. E.g. Wikipedia, YouTube and social networking sites. During the aftermath of terror attacks in Mumbai, power of people was again seen. Government seems to losing power. You are the power now".

GD Topics (2007-2008)

• What should be done to uplift status of Muslims?

• Should PSUs be privatized?

• SEZs- Impact on farmers.

• Poaching of tigers: decreasing numbers in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

WAT Topics asked at IIM Tiruchirappalli over the years

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• Tourism is harmful in ecologically sensitive areas. Comment

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Weddings and restaurants have different varieties of food and most of the time a large amount goes waste. In a country like India, we cannot afford that. What are your thoughts about the same?’

WAT Topics asked at IIM Indore over the years

WAT Topics 2018-2019)

• Is India ready for smart cities?
• What will be the effect of liquor ban on the economy?
• Youngsters are facing more challenges on life due to social media?
• Artificial Intelligence is a necessity. Give your views
• Indian education system focuses on academic excellence not social, emotional and psychological development.

WAT Topics (2017- 2018)

• India's performance in sports seems very poor. Should government give the authority to cooperate companies to train the athletes? Would it help?

WAT Topics (2016- 2017)

• Cause of terrorism and ways to control them.
• With changing times, paper based books are being replaced by online study books. Comment.
• Humanities is important with science. Recent survey suggests that companies look for individuals with broad skill base. Hence suggest measures that companies should deploy to make students more employable
• How will the growing migrant crisis affect the domestic and foreign policies of the countries in the long run?
• Companies prefer students with a broad-based education. How can universities reduce the gap between curriculum and requirement of the industries?

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• How can small companies survive and compete against large companies? Suggest some policies to safeguard them.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Our PM has taken the initiative for skill building and vocational training. What steps will you follow to achieve this idea?
• Make for India vs Make in India, give your views.
• Reluctance of foreign companies in establishing their offices in India despite assurances by Govt. of India. Reasons? Suggestions for improvement.
• It asked out suggestions about the education reforms and the skill-set development that our PM has planned and how can our thoughts contribute towards its success.
• Businesses cannot be run on undemocratic principles. Give your opinion.

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Is the concept of paid news a threat to the integrity and honesty of print media?
• Recently, govt. has announced dwellers in forest should be relocated so that endangered species don’t bam extinct.
• Are management and leadership both important for the success of the organization.
• Management is doing right thing but leadership is doing things right.

WAT Topics asked at IIM Shillong over the years

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• Electricity grid failure
• Polio vaccine
• Case study: A company planning to venture into a different sector

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• A family of 4 persons want to buy a car, three models are available and their pros and cons mentioned. All family members preferred a different model. Which one should they choose?
• Is sedition law being outdated?
• Case study related to ethical dilemma.
• Case- You are the marketing manager of a chocolate producing company. Price of raw materials has gone down. Statistics were given for that. Rival companies have not reduced the price of the product. How will you price your products?
• Case - This case was about silk handloom manufacturers in Assam and the problems they have with the middlemen. They asked to design a program that makes both the weavers and the traders happy.
• Case - About a vendor who had under quoted his price by mistake and was asking for a hike. But the firm was not in a condition to match that additional price, as it itself was not performing well. So how should the manager proceed in such a case?

WAT Topics (2015- 2016)

• Business of a business is Business.
• It's smart to be a little dumb.
• Short prayers reach heaven
• Deal gently with the bird, if you want to catch.

WAT-GD Topics (2014-2015)

• Is FDI in defense really necessary for India? What are positives and negatives?

• Inflation and its social effects.

• Work experience is a prerequisite for MBA education.

WAT-GD Topics (2012-2013)

• Students were asked to evaluate the case of a successful bakery shop, which received a big order from an international bakery company, 'The Cake International'. Data on the bakery shop's profit and losses along with other information was provided. Students were asked to give their advice on whether the bakery shop should go ahead with the Cake International's proposal or not.

• A company wanted to reduce its labor cost, so it moved to a new place where it acquired cheap fresh talent. In this process the company's supplier lost 18% of its employees to this company. What should the company do, move back and incur losses, or stay there with new employees and suffer supply shortage because of migration.

• Which is more important: experience or talent of the youth?

GD Topics (2011-2012)

• Arabic Prison system vs. Indian Prison system.

• Being agriculture minister of India what will you do to regulate onion prices?

• Recently MPss were given 50k Rupees to buy tabs and digitize work. Is the hard earned money of Indian taxpayers being misused?

• Subsidy on LPG should be removed.

Case Study Topics (2010-2011)

• A case about a civil officer in a north eastern state who is very honest and is known for his integrity. He has more enemies than friends. Son–in-law wants him to use his position to win him a tender of 2 lack computers for state government or else he will commit suicide touse his position to win him a tender of 2 lacs computers for state government or else he will commit suicide. Students had to discuss the case and suggest a solution.

• A manager of a company producing toxic material has received a notice from nearby people that the company is polluting environment. So either they should shift there company or should adopt eco-friendly methods.

Case Study (2009-2010)

• A person working with a consulting firm gets an opportunity to sell some very important data to another major competitor in the market for a big amount. His own company is not ethical in its practices. What should the person do?

• An advertisement agency is known for originality of work. It has been given a deadline for a huge contract. The design team of the agency finds the deadline too short. Someone in the design team suggests picking up the idea of another ad firm in a foreign country. Should they steal the idea and complete work within the deadline or be original and risk losing the contract?

• A guy is unemployed. Decides to start a BPO. He almost clears all the hurdles but struck with OS installation in computers. He doesn't have any capital left. The Bank is unwilling to give loans. What should he do?

• The Tribals at Andaman are facing certain problems. The authorities are to decide between losing revenue and protecting the tribals.

• Case related to Student Council starting a Stationery store within campus to benefit the students. They purchase at wholesale prices and sell at rates cheaper than outside market. They gain handsome 10% profit margin. They plan to take up loan and expand their services to people staying in the nearby area too. However, few days later they face opposition from a group of students, claiming that the council have greater interests and are corrupt. What should the student council do?

Case Study Topics (2008-2009)

• Mr. Vinod Joshi of Neon Engineering is in a dilemma whether to increase payment to Sinha Industries after the bidding process has been completed. Sinha Industries had increased the quality of their products and wants arise in payment per product. Sinha Industries has over 65% of their revenue coming from Neon Engineering. What should Mr. Joshi do?

• There is an employee, Narain in a software company who had earlier worked in a hardware company. He's been recruited here because of his previous experience. He along with 2 other fresher was recruited for the job but put on provisional basis for 1 yr. After some months, Siva Dasia, the head of Deptt. of Computer Sciences in the company makes it clear to Narain and the other heads to whom Narain report, that Narain's work has not been up to the mark. So, Siva Dasia helps Narain to get another job by giving him letters of Recommendation. Narian files a court case that he's been asked to leave the company despite good performance and also misuses the LORs that Siva Dasia has given him to prove his case in the court. The court puts a stay on Narain's removal from the company. Now what should Siva Dasia do?

• A case study involving the director of some agricultural dept. and the impact of the proposals by Non-EU and EU groups about subsidies in agricultural sector.

There is a farming community called Beris. They have been cultivating groundnuts in some region for a long time. 30 years ago a herder community came into the area and they were grazing animals on some unused land. There was some water hole also. Some people of the herder community settled there and started growing vegetables. Things were fine b/w herders and the farmers. Now government is planning an irrigation project which will provide irrigation to the unused land. So both the communities want to claim the unused/unregistered land. The Beris (farmers) think that they can grow cash crops. The herders also want the land since they have been using it for more than 30 years. To settle land disputes like this/to give unregistered land away to villagers govt. has established rural councils. Rural councils have a reputation of being unfair and favoring vested interests. What should the herders do?

WAT Topics asked at IIT Delhi over the years

GD Topics (2014-2015)

• Ultimate Political solution for India.

• Social Security in India.

GD Topics (2013-2014)

• Does India focus on its status in sports?

• Indian Economy.

GD Topics (2012-2013)

• Success of B-Schools in India.

• How India can become a sustainable economy.

• Every cloud has a silver lining.

• How can crimes be reduced in India.

• Social security in India.

GD Topics (2011-2012)

• India is going to lose its No. 1 position in Outsourcing.

• Is change good?

• Should stag entries be banned in clubs and pubs?

• Salaries in corporate sector should be regulated.

GD Topics (2010-2011)

• Should India shift focus from service sector to manufacturing sector?

• Leaders are born not made.

• Relevance of relativity and relevance.

• Apple or Orange?

• Tedha hai par mera hai.

GD Topics (2009-2010)

• Silence is golden.

• There should be any topic in GD or not?

• Jack of all trades is better than.

• Mobile – boon or bane?
• Liberalization is the worst policy.

• Leaders are born, not made.

• Relevance of relativity and relatives.

GD Topics (2008-2009)

• Jaago Re or Jai Ho!

• Should higher education be privatized?

• Obama or Osama?

• Greed, Good or Bad?

• Mobiles- Boon or Bane
• Defense or Development?

• A stitch in time saves nine.

• If everybody does everything, nobody does anything.

• Last is not the Least.

• Life without internet.

• Consumer is never satisfied.

• Outsourcing: Boon or Bane?

GD Topics (2007-2008)

• Power-nucleate or nuclear.

• Haste makes waste.

• Rapid transmission: Good or bad?
• Gandhi and Leini

WAT Topics asked at IIT Mumbai over the years

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Planning is not required for the growth of India. Is it true?

• Government should ban CBFC?

• Is FDI in defense really necessary for India? What are positives and negatives?

• Technology is a double edge sword. It should be managed carefully.

• Planning is not required for the growth of India. Is it true?

• Scenario – KFC Food joint, why do you think it is not successful. (50 words)

• Government should ban CBFC?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Knowledge based economy is imp to achieve the economic boom of India.

• Comprehension – summarize it.

• Is pollution because of manufacturing industries? Environment impact?

• Crony capitalism in India.

• Many countries worry about environmental issues does India need to worry?

• Scenario – KFC Food joint, why do you think it is not successful. (50 words)

• Precis Writing – A business case study of approximately 200 words was given and one had to conclude it in 50 words.

• The current Indian economy general scenario.

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Your boss has asked you to indulge yourself in an unethical practice which would help your company reap big profit. How will you deny his order without landing your job in any danger?

• Can a congestion tax help in decongesting our cities?

• Discuss the ways to boost the GDP.

• What is the way ahead for self sufficiency in electricity in the country?

Case Study (2011-2012)

• A young diploma graduate is employed with a team of old time employees. He is perturbed by their casual approach to work. How should he resolve this difference in attitude?

• No. of working hours increased in an organization and people are not happy about it. What should be done?

• A person joins a company as a manager based on his interview. Company has a discouraging work culture with younger people arguing with the older lot.

• The manager adopts a strategy where he punishes his employees. Is he right or wrong?

• Is it right to argue with old people?

• For promotion an employee is trained and after 4 months of training he wants to switch.

• What should the company H.R. do? Discuss the key issues and challenges.

Case Study (2010-2011)

• General case about a guy who started his music company long back and was worried about communication gap due to expansion.

• Mr. Sharma owner of multimillion dollar enterprise feeling a communication gap in staff due to which problems are occurring and the work is not done properly.
• A person has started a new business in music cassette industry and acquired large business share. His competitors ask him to stop quoting the prices so low. What should he do?
• The case was about a supervisor Suresh Kumar for a distribution firm who had appointed a new young technical graduate, Sameer, for managing the workers in the offload process as he was facing problems as workers were not motivated and were not doing their work properly. Also, they were taking frequent breaks. Sameer tried to motivate them but they didn't listen and the end result was that he was boycotted from their social activities. There was a senior worker named Shankar Dada, who spoke to Sameer and Sameer told him that he was happy that he was leaving the job as he did not want to become like one of them. To this Shankar retaliated that if you would have been here for long, you would have become one of us. It was followed by two questions: Q1. Was the supervisor encouraging or discouraging the workers at their job? Q2. Was Shankar Dada's statement right or wrong?

Case Study (2009-2010)

• The case was about a FMCG company which gives very expensive training to 9 of its executives. One of the executives later leaves the company since he doesn't get a good position in the organization and gets a lucrative offer from a rival. Q1. What should his manager do in this case? Q2. What should the company do to avoid such problems?

• The case study was about a couple of guys who are good friends, of whom one gets promoted to become a supervisor. Now the other guy has been coming late recently and the supervisor doesn't say anything for the first couple of times but on the third time gives him a written notice. The question was how would you handle such a situation and what is more important - "to be tough and nice" or "to be nice and tough?"
• The case was about a supervisor Suresh Kumar for a distribution firm who had appointed a new young technical graduate, Sameer, for managing the workers in the offload process as he was facing problems as workers were not motivated and were not doing their work properly. Also they were taking frequent breaks. Sameer tried to motivate them but they didn't listen and the end result was that he was boycotted from their social activities. There was a senior worker named Shankar Dada, who spoke to Sameer and Sameer told him that he was happy that he was leaving the job as he did not want to become like one of them. To this Shankar retaliated that if you would have been here for long, you would have become one of us. It was followed by two questions- Q1. Was the supervisor encouraging or discouraging the workers at their job? Q2. Was Shankar Dada's statement right or wrong?

Case Study (2008-2009)

• The case was about a FMCG company which gives very expensive training to 9 of its executives. One of the executives later leaves the company since he doesn't get a good position in the organization and gets a lucrative offer from a rival. Q1. What should his manager do in this case? Q2. What should the company do to avoid such problems?

• The case study was about a couple of guys who are good friends, of whom one gets promoted to become a supervisor. Now the other guy has been coming late recently and the supervisor doesn't say anything for the first couple of times but on the third time gives him a written notice. The question was how would you handle such a situation and what is more important - "to be tough and nice" or "to be nice and tough?"

• The case was about a supervisor Suresh Kumar for a distribution firm who had appointed a new young technical graduate, Sameer, for managing the workers in the offload process as he was facing problems as workers were not motivated and were not doing their work properly. Also they were taking frequent breaks. Sameer tried to motivate them but they didn't listen and the end result was that he was boycotted from their social activities.

There was a senior worker named Shankar Dada, who spoke to Sameer and Sameer told him that he was happy that he was leaving the job as he did not want to become like one of them. To this Shankar retaliated that if you would have been here for long, you would have become one of us. It was followed by two questions: 1.) Was the supervisor encouraging or discouraging the workers at their job 2.) Was Shankar Dada's statement right or wrong?

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