GD/PI preparation - The way you dress can create a long-lasting impression in the minds of people. Many experts claim that dressing is an important factor in creating the first impression. How does someone’s outfit play an important role in impressing others? According to a top international fasion designer Tom Ford, “Dressing well is a form of good manners”. And who would not be impressed with good manners! Therefore, it is often asked to dress accordingly during job interviews or Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI) sessions of MBA admissions.
Dressing well helps in maintaining confidence and composure. A lot can be achieved in interviews and group discussion rounds by dressing well. The way you present yourself in front of people who can help you in becoming a future manager matters a lot. You may want to leave a good impression on your future teachers with clean, immaculate dressing reflecting a sense of sincerity. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to dress well when you go for a group discussion or personal interview round of any MBA college.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Six tips to dress for GD/PI round of MBA admissions
We have been taught since childhood that ‘the first impression is the last impression’. Naturally, we always try to show our best side in the first meeting. People can create the first impression through various ways such as – good behavior, table manners or dressing sense. Let's take a look at some key tips for dressing well for GD/PI.
Q: What is the CAT 2024 exam date?
The CAT exam is always conducted on the last Sunday of November every year so the CAT 2024 exam is expected to be conducted on Nov 24, 2024. Official announcement of the CAT 2024 exam date will be made by the convening IIM on Jul 30, 2024. The announcement will be made at the iimcat.ac.in website as well as in all the national dailies across India. We at Shiksha also notify the aspirants through our communication channels. Registrations cum application process for CAT 2024 will begin from the first week of August and end in the third week of September 2024.
Check below CAT exam dates for last five years:
- CAT 2023: November 26
- CAT 2022: November 27
- CAT 2021: November 28
- CAT 2020: November 29
- CAT 2019: November 24
Q: Will CAT exam 2024 also be conducted in three shifts?
Yes, the CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19. Since the COVID-9 pandemic appropriate behaviour had to be followed at public places and gatherings, the examination authorities increased the number of exam slots to ensure a limited number of candidates can be accommodated at any exam centre in a given exam slot by following social distancing and seating arrangement with gap. Since then, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2024 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order. The CAT exam slot timings will be - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Q: What are the CAT exam slot timings?
1. Neat & Tidy Formal Clothing
Formal dressing is recommended for GD/PI at MBA institutes. Boys can wear formal suits or shirts and formal pants. Tie and blazers are not compulsory, but if you are comfortable in wearing these things, carry on. Girls can wear a formal shirt accompanied with either a formal skirt or pants. Again, the blazer is an option. Dirty spots on your outfit may leave a bad impression on the interviewer. Make sure whatever you wear is neat and tidy. On the day of GD/PI, take care of where you sit, where you keep your hands and how you eat so that the tidiness of your outfit is maintained.
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2. Creased / Ironed
Iron your dress beforehand. Do not wait till the date of GD/PI. Get your outfit ready a night or a day before. A messy outfit depicts a messy person. Therefore, look smart by wearing smart. Wear a well-ironed pair of suit so as to look well dressed.
Also Read: Top GD/PI topics for MBA admission
3. Wear Light Colours
Opt for a light-coloured outfit on the day of the interview or group discussion. Colours like light blue, light baby pink, white, off-white, light brown or light grey can be worn. Both girls and boys can wear any of the above-mentioned colours. Dark colours are mostly meant for evenings, while interviews are generally scheduled in the mornings or afternoons. It is not that you can’t wear dark colours. Just make sure, it doesn’t look over the top. Also, neon colours are a big no-no.
Q: What are the facilities for PwD candidates in CAT exam?
Q: What are the items to carry on the CAT exam day?
Q: What are the dos and don'ts for CAT exam day?
Q: What are the items prohibited inside the CAT exam centre?
The CAT conducting authorities have provided a comprehensive list of forbidden objects that are not permitted to be brought to the CAT exam centre. These are the items: Bags, mobile phones, calculators, IPADs, IPODs, Bluetooth headsets, digital wrist watches, laptop computers, and cameras are not permitted within the CAT test hall. Carry no electronic equipment, such as beepers, electronic devices, or scanners. Candidates who have a metal implant, pacemaker, or other medical device in their body must present a medical Certificate to the CAT exam centre. Metal jewellery is not permitted to be worn by candidates. Candidates are not permitted to wear boots, metal headpins, or clips within the test hall after the frisking point. Carry no pencil boxes into the examination hall. Candidates must make their own personal belonging arrangements at the CAT exam centre.
Q: Which IIM will conduct CAT 2024 exam?
The top 6 Indian Institute of Management are given the responsibility to conduct the Common Admission Test exam. Each of the top Indian Institutes of Management conducts the exam rotation-wise after a gap of five years. The responsibility to conduct the CAT 2023 was given to IIM Lucknow. Professor Sanjeet Singh had been appointed as the CAT convener. For CAT 2024, IIM Calcutta will be the exam convening institute. IIM Calcutta will be responsible for preparation and conduct of the exam without glitches, in collaboration with TCS for test labs and centres. The institute will design the question papers, exam pattern and guidelines, as well as manage the conduct of exam and preparation of admit card, answer key and result.
CAT Conducting Indian Institute of Management Over the Years:
- 2023: IIM Lucknow
- 2022: IIM Bangalore
- 2021: IIM Ahmedabad
- 2020: IIM Indore
- 2019: IIM Kozhikode
- 2018: IIM Calcutta
- 2017: IIM Lucknow
- 2016: IIM Bangalore
- 2015: IIM Ahmedabad
- 2014: IIM Indore
- 2013: IIM Indore
- 2012: IIM Kozhikode
- 2011: IIM Calcutta
- 2010: IIM Lucknow
- 2009: IIM Ahmedabad
For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
4. Comfortable Clothes
Whatever you wear should be comfortable. Do not wear clothes that are either too tight or too loose. If your clothes are not of your size, then get them altered beforehand. Girls should make sure that the skirts they wear should not be too short. Be comfortable in what you are wearing. Else, your discomfort might harm the way you present yourself.
5. Dress Smartly
6. Clean BootsLooking smart has its benefits. However, looking smart doesn’t guarantee selection, but yes it does play a role in leaving good impression.
Your footwear is also a part of your dressing. Wear footwear that compliments your outfit. Formal shoes with formal outfits are the norm, so follow that. Also, make sure that your shoes are squeaky clean. Check your shoes once again before entering the interview room.
All the best!
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