Parul University MBA Admissions 2025
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How to prepare for GD-PI & WAT rounds of top B-Schools: Group discussion and personal interviews are some of the most important levels of the selection process for B schools. Candidates who qualify for the written examination get a call from the top Business schools and IIMs based on their scores. These rounds check a candidate’s overall personality and problem solving skills. Out of three, WAT (Writing Aptitude Test) and PI carry a weightage of 10 and 30 marks respectively. Whereas, the Group Discussion round is merely qualifying. Candidates aspiring to appear for the MBA GD PI round can check this article to get important preparation tips and expert-suggested questions for the personal interview round.
The GD PI & WAT section is held for candidates who qualify for the B Schools entrance exam. Candidates have to qualify for this section with high marks to get admission to the MBA colleges. Here are the key parameters that significantly influence a candidate’s performance during the selection rounds of IIMs.
Communication Skills
Writing Ability
Attitude & Aptitude Level
Interaction skills
Decisiveness
Registrations Deadline- 05th July | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
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Before moving straight onto the preparation tips, let us first look at what exactly the GD-PI & WAT rounds are and why they are conducted by top B-Schools to provide admissions to candidates.
WAT round is very much like the essay writing part, in which candidates are given a topic to write.
The round is conducted in offline mode i.e. pen and paper-based and candidates are allotted a time duration of 15-30 minutes, depending upon the institute they are applying for.
Out of the 20 IIMs, most of them have replaced GD round with WAT round as it is a great assessment process to judge candidates.
The word limit of 200 to 400 words is given to candidates.
Within this word and time limit, candidates are required to formulate ideas, jot down the points and provide a structure to conclude.
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In the GD round, a group of 8-10 candidates is formed and given a topic to discuss.
The round can be conducted in both online and offline modes and the time duration is usually 20-30 minutes.
Group members are called group participants, while the person conducting the GD round is called GTO (group testing officer) or if more than one person is conducting,g then GTO panel/panellists.
Candidates are given time to think in advance after the topic is disclosed and then participants discuss the same to reach an effective conclusion.
Personal or face-to-face interaction of the selected candidate with the judges/interviewers is called the personal interview.
Candidates are judged based on their interpersonal communication skills, responsiveness, and confidence.
It is better to be well prepared, as your overall impression will be impactful in a face-to-face round.
Top MBA Entrance Exams
Gain Subject Knowledge
Make Notes on Ongoing Trends
Time Management
Gain Subject Knowledge - Do not go unprepared for a WAT round. Gaining knowledge on major managerial subjects is one of the major preparation tips for written ability tests. Update yourself with current trends relevant to the top MBA entrance exam. Read national as well as international magazines/journals.
Make Notes on Ongoing Trends - One of the preparation tips for a written ability test is to make a bullet board and paste ongoing events on it. If it is not possible to have a bullet board, then buy some colourful sticky notes or flashcards and stick them in a visible place. Note all important information on them and get to read it every time your eyes attract the colour.
Time Management - As time is precious in all domains of life. Hence, while appearing for the WAT round, candidates must keep the value of time and try to submit their complete work within the stipulated time as per specifications of the B-Schools.
Note - Expert Ramnath Kanakadandi advises candidates to go for a CODER approach i.e.
C - Collect ideas
O – Organise them
D – Develop them
E – Express them
R – Review
Hence, collect the knowledge about the subject, organise and develop the important sticky/flash notes, express the same within the specified time limit and review them before submission.
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Read More
Avoid Jargon/Slangs
Practice in Front of Mirror
Don’t Deviate From Your Point
Read More - To prepare for group discussion rounds it is advisable to candidates to read as much as possible about the latest topics. A group discussion topics can be divided into Abstract Topics, Current Affairs Topics, Business & Economy Topics as well as Social Issues Topics. Go through some of the topics and try to add something extraordinary.
Avoid Jargon/Slangs - Do not try to showcase your vocabulary skills in a group discussion round as it may leave a reverse impact on your results. Be clear and specific to what you have to say. Avoid technical jargon and common slangs while in a formal group discussion round. It may happen that Jargon/Slangs may not be known to other group participants or group testing officers
Practice in Front of the Mirror - If you feel you are low in confidence at the time of speaking openly, then practice speaking in front of the mirror. Think about what you have to say, and then be clear with your words. See your facial expressions, body gestures while you speak this way you will learn how to speak and express yourself in front of others
Don’t Deviate From Your Point - Be specific with your points. For example, if you are with the pros of any topic stick to the same and do not deviate from your wordings on hearing others as per the preparation tips for group discussion. Do not be diplomatic until you are concluding the group discussion topic
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The candidates must be aware of the various important topics that they should be well-versed with before the GDPI rounds of premier management colleges. This is necessary because often,it is observed that the candidates have little knowledge about the hot topics on which the group discussions might take place. Careers360 have listed out a set of very important topics for the effective GDPI preparation of the candidates.
Caste-Based Census: What’s at Stake? | Electric Vehicles in India: Aspiration or Reality? |
Chandrayaan-2 Mission: India’s Space Journey | Banning Pakistani Artists: Justified? |
India as G20 Host: Achievements and Challenges | Should BCCI Invest More in Women’s Cricket? |
Uniform Civil Code: Debating Its Necessity | Bureaucratic Corruption Slows Country’s Growth |
Over-Reliance on AI: Risks and Challenges | Taliban Takeover: Global Implications |
Taliban Rule: The Impact on Women’s Education | Free Speech: An Excuse for Polarisation? |
Cryptocurrency: Risks and Opportunities | Corruption in Bureaucracy Slows Down Country's Growth |
PM Internship Scheme: Can It Effectively Tackle Unemployment? | World Post-COVID-19: Lessons and Challenges |
India’s 2024 Olympics Performance | E-Commerce Discounts: Boon or Bane? |
Iran-Israel Tensions: Ripple Effects on the Middle East and Beyond | Moonlighting: Ethical Dilemma or Necessity? |
Electoral Bonds: Democratic Tool or Potential Risk? | Vande Bharat Express: A High-Speed Revolution |
Innovation vs. Invention: What Does the World Need Most? | Bio-Weapons: Emerging Global Threats |
Job Reservations in the Private Sector: Pros and Cons | Online Education: The New Normal? |
Jal Jeevan Mission: Aiming for Water Security | India-Russia Relations: Future Prospects |
India’s Readiness for Electric Vehicles | Farm Bill Amendments: A New Chapter for Agriculture |
India Surpasses China in Population: Future Implications | Jal Jeevan Mission: Aiming for Water Security |
Global Peace Through De-Nuclearisation? | US Political Interventions Abroad: A Global Risk? |
Quick Commerce: Progress or Unnecessary Luxury? | The Metaverse: Shaping the Future |
Online Education: The New Normal? | Modicare: A Step Towards Affordable Healthcare |
Farmers’ Protest and MSP Debate | India’s Rise as a Global Semiconductor Leader |
5G Services in India: Transformative Potential | 2024 Union Budget: Are Revised Income Tax Slabs Beneficial for the Middle Class? |
Twitter and Free Speech: Where’s the Line? | AI’s Role: Replacement or Assistance? |
India Overtakes China in Population. Future Ramifications | Lockdown’s Economic Impact vs. COVID Control |
India’s Moon Mission Success | Chandrayaan-2 Mission: India’s Space Journey |
Making Aadhaar Mandatory: Pros and Cons | Athletics Regaining Popularity and Support in India |
18th Lok Sabha Elections: Key Considerations | Can India Afford Spending on Space Exploration Projects? |
Ayodhya’s Religious Tourism Potential | Electoral Bonds: Fair or Unfair? |
Women in Combat Roles: A New Frontier | EU’s Role in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict |
Coronavirus and the Global Economy: Long-Term Impacts | Will Bullet Trains Be Premature for India? |
Is Gender Equality Ideal or a Burden? | India’s 2024 Paralympics Performance |
US Elections: Trump Under Attack, Biden Stepping Back - What's Next? | Funding Democracy: Are Electoral Bonds Boon or Bane? |
India’s Performance in Paralympics 2024 | India’s Performance in Olympics 2024 |
Tech Layoffs: Navigating the Downturn | The Importance of Data Privacy |
Bureaucratic Corruption: A Hindrance to Growth | India’s $5 Trillion Economy Goal by 2024: Is It Too Ambitious? |
The Growth of Indian Unicorns | Is Climate Change a Hoax? |
India’s $5 Trillion Economy Goal by 2024: Ambitious or Realistic? | Downfall of Top Startups: Lessons to Learn |
Will Fake News Kill Social Fiber of India if Unchecked? | Agnipath Scheme: Evaluating Its Impact |
Repealing of Farm Bills: What Lies Ahead? | India’s Successful Landing on Moon |
US Ban on TikTok: Implications | Jal Jeevan Mission: Addressing Water Security |
ChatGPT: Advantages and Drawbacks | India’s Inclusion in G20: Landmark Milestone |
India’s Emergence as an Economic Powerhouse | Regulating OTT Platforms: Necessary or Overreach? |
18th Lok Sabha Elections | Statue of Unity: A Symbol of National Pride |
Population Control Bill: Need and Challenges | GST Rate Hike in 2024: Implications Explored |
Uniform Pharmaceutical Marketing Code: Impacts on Healthcare | ChatGPT: The Dangers of Plagiarism |
Electoral Bonds: Equitable or Controversial? | US Meddling in Global Politics: Dangerous for the World? |
One Nation, One Election: Feasibility and Impact | 5G Telecom Services: India’s Leap Forward |
Climate Change: Reality or Exaggeration? | Women's Reservation Bill: Advancing Gender Equality |
Global Innovation Index 2024: India’s Leap to 39th Place | Coronavirus: Unveiling Social Inequality in India |
Tata’s Acquisition of Air India: A Historic Move | Inflation Heat in Europe |
Is India’s Space Exploration Worth the Cost? | Tata Taking Over Air India: A Historic Milestone |
Showcase Confidence - Being confident enhances your personality. Looking confident and feeling confident should be one of the preparation tips for the personal interview. Remember that being nervous is easy and natural, thinking the same will make you look pathetic and may reduce your chances of success in a personal interview
Improve Listening - Understand the difference between hearing and listening. Do not hear the interviewer, try to listen to what he says or asks you. By listening carefully you will be able to answer accurately and up to his/her/their expectations
Have a Presence of Mind - One of the Preparation Tips for Personal Interview apart from listening is to be present. Do not make the interviewers wait for your answer else it may leave them guessing and doubting your preparation
Have Formal Dress Code - Remember you are going to appear for a personal interview for admission in one of the top B-Schools. Hence, select a proper and formal dress code. Male candidates can go for a formal light shade full-sleeve shirt with pants. Footwear could be Oxford, Derby, Brogue, etc., While female candidates can wear a half sleeve shirt along with trousers/knee-length skirt with heels/Ballerinas. Be formal and remember that appearance also matters in a personal interview.
Top Colleges in India offering MBA
Preparing for the MBA Personal Interview (PI) round is a crucial step in securing admission to top B-schools. This stage evaluates your personality, clarity of goals, communication skills, and overall fit for the program. Understanding the important questions to prepare for the MBA PI round helps you present your profile confidently and effectively. Go through the section below to know about the MBA PI round important questions.
Can you give a brief introduction, highlighting your academic background, personal journey, and future aspirations?
What motivates you to pursue an MBA at this stage of your career?
What factors influenced your decision to choose this particular institute and specialization?
What qualities and experiences make you a strong candidate for admission?
How would you respond if you are not selected for this program?
What are your hobbies or interests outside of academics and work?
Where do you envision yourself professionally in the coming years? (Focus on skill-building, leadership roles, and personal growth.)
What are your key strengths and areas of improvement? Please support each with a real-life example. (Include three strengths and three weaknesses.)
Which subject did you enjoy the most during your undergraduate studies, and can you answer a few questions related to it?
In what ways can the knowledge and skills gained during your graduation and post-graduation contribute to societal betterment?
How do you plan to apply the concepts learned in your undergraduate education during your MBA journey?
What are your short-term and long-term professional objectives? (Short-term: next 5 years; Long-term: next 10 years or more.)
Can you discuss any recent developments or key issues in current affairs that interest you?
How do people in your life—such as friends, family, or colleagues—generally perceive you?
What essential skills do you believe an MBA student must possess, and which of those do you currently exhibit?
Suppose you are assigned the role of a relationship manager after completing your MBA. As someone from an engineering background, how would you handle this transition?
The candidates must download the below ebook for an overall comprehensive GDPI preparation for various management entrance examinations such as CAT, XAT and much more. This includes the topper's responses and the various other important topics that the candidates should be aware of.
Title | Download Link |
Topper's tips for GD-PI & WAT |
To begin preparing for GDPI, focus on understanding current affairs, as well as topics related to your academic background, hobbies, and career. Practice speaking confidently by participating in mock discussions and interviews, paying attention to your communication skills and body language. Make sure to structure your thoughts clearly and stay calm under pressure to leave a positive impression.
GDPI in MBA stands for Group Discussion and Personal Interview, which are critical components of the selection process for admission to many management programs. In the Group Discussion, candidates discuss a given topic to assess their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. The Personal Interview evaluates a candidate's personality, knowledge, and suitability for the program by exploring their academic background, work experience, and career goals.
Understand the B-school’s values, align your goals, polish soft skills. You can also prepare detailed answers for academic, professional, and personal questions.
Work on self-awareness, mock interviews, clarity of goals, academic fundamentals, and strong reasoning to present a confident profile.
Practice writing structured essays, stay updated with current affairs, improve communication skills, and rehearse mock interviews with personalized feedback.
Hey Paridhi ,
I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query , you have to understand the exam pattern first. Its syllabus, the type of questions and so on. Here i am mentioning some tips i hope this will be helpful for you.
To know more you can refer this :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-preparation-strategy
Revert for further query!
Good luck !
Hello Abhishek,
No, you cannot take admission into B. Tech Marine Engineering at CUSAT if you do not take the CAT 2025 exam. CUSAT CAT is a mandatory exam for admission into all undergraduate programs including B Tech Marine Engineering. Admission to the program will only be possible for candidates with valid CAT scores.
Hi aspirant,
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam, and practicing sample questions is essential for efficient preparation.
Kindly refer to the link attached above for the sample papers.
All the best!
Hello,
States you can apply in (B-category/management quota):
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. All allow non-domicile students for private colleges.
Approx MBBS fees (per year):
Telangana: Rs. 12–15 lakh
Andhra Pradesh: Rs. 12–18 lakh
Karnataka: Rs. 15–20 lakh
Tamil Nadu: Rs. 15–22 lakh
Kerala: Rs. 7–8.5 lakh
Karnataka registration:
Closed in Feb 2025. Likely to reopen for mop-up/stray rounds in June–July 2025.
Kerala registration:
Closed in March 2025. Stray round expected in June–July 2025. Dates not announced yet.
Hope it helps !
Dear Aspirant
Your rank at eleven thousand eight hundred eighty seven under the OBC reservation has a strong chance for admission to the Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program at one of the three CUSAT campuses The exact seat depends on opening and closing ranks for CSE in each campus and the round of counselling
CUSAT campuses offering BTech CSE
• School of Engineering Thrikkakkara – flagship campus in Kochi
• CUCEK Kuttanad – second campus in Alappuzha district
• Lakeside campus does not offer CSE so only two campuses are relevant
Previous closing ranks under OBC quota for CSE
• Thrikkakkara campus closed near rank one thousand
• CUCEK Kuttanad closed around six thousand two hundred in 2024
Your likelihood with rank 11887
• Thrikkakkara campus is unlikely as CSE closes much lower than your rank
• CUCEK has potential since closing ranks in recent years have extended into the high six thousands
• Seats may remain open in later rounds so you may gain admission at CUCEK
Other CSE seat possibilities under OBC
• School of Engineering might open seats in spot or mop up rounds if higher ranked students do not confirm
• CUCEK will likely accept OBC candidates up to rank one two thousand to thirteen thousand
• Keep an eye on real time counselling as closing ranks may shift downward with seat cancellations
Alternative branches and campuses
If CSE is not available at CUCEK you may consider similar branches like Electronics and Communication Engineering Information Technology Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering closing beyond twelve thousand under OBC
You may also add interdisciplinary programs or lateral entry courses available in Lakeside or Thrikkakkara depending on available seats
Counselling strategy recommendations
• Register and fill choices on the CUSAT admissions portal in all counselling rounds
• Place CUCEK CSE as a high preference followed by ECE or IT at Thrikkakkara or CUCEK
• Monitor round wise closing ranks through the portal or official communications
• Participate in mop up and spot rounds where seats are more likely available near your rank
Key considerations
• Cutoffs decrease between rounds allowing more opportunities in later phases
• OBC candidates compete within their category reducing competition compared to open rankings
• CUCEK is your best target campus for CSE at your rank under OBC
• You must have all documents ready like previous marksheet category certificate and CUSAT admit card for verification
Let me know if you would like a suggested list of choices tailored to your academic interest or want help tracking counselling round data
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