As part of the selection process, all IIMs need CAT certified applicants to participate in Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The weightage of the personal interview rounds varies amongst CAT score accepting universities. The weightage of the PI Round at IIM Calcutta is 48, whereas it is 44 at IIM Kozhikode.
A Group Discussion follows the Personal Interview round. The Group Discussion (GD) round has recently been replaced with WAT, also known as the Written Ability Test. Because of the present COVID-19 epidemic, several IIMs have canceled the Written Ability Test (WAT).
What is Group Discussion (GD)?
The CAT Exam will include a Group Discussion in which candidates will be placed into groups of 8-10. Each group will be assigned a topic to discuss for at least 15 minutes. Candidates will be tested on their leadership abilities, vision, decision-making abilities, mediation skills, and other areas. The next section contains some important facts on CAT GD preparation.
1. Leadership Skills
Candidates must improve their leadership abilities. If a candidate lacks experience in exercising leadership, it will reflect poorly on them. They should understand how to lead a conversation without dominating it. Candidates must add their points wherever they are needed during the discussion. They must pay close attention during the GD.
2. Personal Grooming
Candidates should ensure that they are dressed professionally. The majority of students chosen are well-dressed in order to make a good impression on the judges. Benefit from the prejudices that are already present. Don't dress too plainly or garishly. A well-ironed shirt and a pair of trousers are sufficient to make a favorable impression on your personal grooming. The attire should not be too loose or too tight, and the applicants should check that the clothes they are wearing fit properly.
3. Body Language
When candidates use positive body language, it makes other people more receptive to them. You should not put your arms back or fold your arms because it gives the impression that you are reserved or closed off. Do not stare at others, but make eye contact with everyone. Maintain professional demeanor at all times and avoid appearing too comfortable.
4. Listening Skills
Most applicants do not prepare for the level of Group Discussion by practicing their listening skills. Candidates can only become effective leaders if they have exceptional listening abilities. Recognizing some solid arguments made by other candidates in their GD round lends credibility to your argument/point and fosters group cohesion. Candidates must practice in order to develop in this area. They must set aside their differences and practice empathy. They must be objective and attentive to the group discussion at all times.
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Particulars |
Details |
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How to Approach GD? |
GD is about expressing your opinions, not about how much you know about a subject. An issue's perspective is judged. Having a strong opinion and representing it. |
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Analyze your Topic |
First, examine the given topic. Making bullet points in your head will make it easier to communicate your responses. The flow of ideas and opinions should not be negative.. |
The following are some significant themes for CAT Group Discussion 2022:
- Privatization of Public Institutions
- Social Media
- Reforms in Digital Media, Social Media - Regulation of OTT Platforms
- Data Privacy and importance of Data Privacy
- Pandemic of COVID-19 and its effect on Businesses
- Wall Street vs Reddit
- Farmers Protest
- Indian Bank Scams
What is a Personal Interview?
A Personal Interview-PI is a discussion in which someone is questioned about their history, lifestyle, and experience. The panel can assess if a candidate has the capacity and abilities necessary to successfully pursue and develop a career in management through a personal interview with the applicant.
Here are some CAT PI preparation ideas to remember while taking part in a Personal Interview.
Prepare Your Answers
Even though no one can predict what questions an interviewer will ask, you may always prepare responses for basic inquiries such as current events, subjects from the course that you studied as your higher education degree, and your past job experience, if appropriate.
Be Self-Assured
Being hesitant and unconfident in yourself is one of the last things you should do at an interview. When it comes to finding a job, there is a lot of competition. As a result, confidence will be your best buddy throughout the procedure.
Some do's and don'ts in PI are listed below:
Do's in a Personal Interview
- Write your Statement of Purpose (SOP) very well and practice accordingly
- Take some help from experts.
- Practice on body language
- Practice on Voice modulation
- Carry all documents aligned
- Wear a formal dress
Don'ts in a Personal Interview
- Never tell a lie
- Don't fudge data
- Don't go in interview in informal manner
- Don't Compromise on Ethical Issues.
What is WAT?
WAT is a 15 to 30 minute paper-pen based writing test administered by IIMs and other top B-schools to assess your writing skills after being shortlisted for the final admission round. This test is given right before your personal interview. In reality, in the final selection phase, most IIMs have replaced the Group Discussion (GD) round with WAT. In the WAT round, a candidate can openly express his or her opinions and thoughts on writing without fear of being interrupted.
Some preparation tips for WAT are listed below:
A Lot of Reading
Reading will help you broaden your mental process and expand your vocabulary. The business and economic parts of the newspaper are recommended.
Write a lot
Write your thoughts down in a logical and simple manner. Check that your handwriting is legible. After reading a topic, write your thoughts on it and then examine it.
Time Management
Consider the limitations of your writing time. Write about the same topic in different time periods of 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes.
Develop a Quick Frame
Spend not more than 2-3 minutes mentally arranging your thoughts and outlining your ideas before writing on any topic. This will help your article make sense.
Consider Expert Advice
Show your work to professors or anyone who can help you. Take professional advice and correct your blunders.