Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
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How to prepare for GD-PI & WAT rounds of top B-Schools? - Getting admission in B-Schools is quite a task these days due to the complexity of the admission process. Gone are those days when getting admission to top B-Schools was just a cakewalk one reason for this is the increased competition. Major top B-Schools be it IIMs, XLRI, IIFT or other B-Schools take admission through an entrance exam, post which the further selection rounds are held for shortlisted candidates. The admission process of top B-Schools includes GD-PI & WAT rounds. Clearing the B-Schools entrance exams can be achieved with hard work and dedication. But the challenge that candidates face is when they have to take part in the GD-PI & WAT rounds on qualifying the written entrance exam.
The very first question that comes to a candidates mind when he/ she is wanting to take admission to top B-School is - How to prepare for GD-PI & WAT rounds of top B-Schools? Overall selection of candidates is based on the composite score of entrance exams, GD-PI & WAT rounds, candidate’s profile, work experience, and much more. In this article of How to prepare for GD-PI & WAT rounds of Top B-Schools? Careers360 will help you know what WAT, GD-PI is? Common yet major preparation tips for selection rounds of IIMs and other top B-School.
Communication Skills
Writing Ability
Attitude & Aptitude Level
Interaction skills
Decisiveness
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
180+ Companies | Highest CTC 15 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
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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 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 reach a conclusion.
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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 then GTO panel/panelists.
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 selected candidate with the judges/interviewers is called the personal interview.
Candidates are judged on the basis of their interpersonal communication skills, responsiveness, confidence.
It is better to be well prepared as your overall impression will be impact full 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. 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.
Hence, collect the knowledge about the subject, organize 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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It is necessary that the candidates are 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
Improve Listening
Have a Presence of Mind
Have a Formal Dress Code
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
The candidates are requested to 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.
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Topper's tips for GD-PI & WAT | Download Now |
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.
The PI round for MBA, or Personal Interview round, is a one-on-one interaction where candidates are assessed on various aspects such as their personality, communication skills, knowledge, and motivation for pursuing an MBA. It includes questions about their academic background, work experience, achievements, and future career plans. The goal is to evaluate whether the candidate is a good fit for the program and possesses the qualities required for a management career.
To clear the PI round, focus on presenting yourself confidently and authentically. Prepare by reviewing your academic background, work experience, and career goals, and practice answering common MBA interview questions. Stay updated on current affairs, articulate your thoughts clearly, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the program. Maintaining a positive attitude, good body language, and being honest in your responses will leave a strong impression on the interviewers.
With a 59.95 percentile in CAT 2024 and ST category, you can expect calls from newer IIMs like IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, and IIM Sirmaur, as they have lower cutoffs for reserved categories. Non-IIM options like IIT Madras (MBA), NIT Trichy (MBA), and state universities like Delhi School of Economics (DSE) might also consider your profile. Apply to institutions that prioritize diversity and offer ST reservation. Ensure your application highlights strong academics and achievements.
For more details you can visit the link given below
https://bschool.careers360.com/cat-percentile-predictor
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your CAT 2024 percentile some of the best colleges offering MBA and PGDM course in Telangana in which you have chances to get a seat are the following
For more information about the colleges in which you have chances to get a seat you can predict using MBA college predictor tool provided below
https://bschool.careers360.com/cat-college-predictor
Hope this information will help you
Hi,
With a CAT 2024 score of 93.94 percentile, you have a good chance of getting calls from several IIMs. Here are some possibilities:
IIM Jammu
IIM Bodhgaya
IIM Udaipur
IIM Kashipur
IIM Vizag
Apart from IIMs, you can also consider other prestigious B-schools like:
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon
FMS Delhi
IIT Delhi
IIM Lucknow
IIM Indore
IIM Raipur
CAT exam is conducted every year for purpose of admission to various prestigious business school and management institutes in India. The exam is also considered among toughest entrance exams in India. The exam rats the logical skills of the candidates. You can get the college list based on your CAT score by simply visiting CAT College Predictor 2024
Hi Sonu,
Preparing for CAT 2025 through self-study requires the right study materials, a structured plan, and consistent effort. CAT Syllabus comprises of Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
You can get more detailed information in the mentioned website of Careers360, it will be helpful enough for preparation of CAT 2025.
If looking for online sources, you can go through few channels on YouTube like- Study Buzz, Takshzila, and Career Launcher. Apps like unacademy and Byju's can help as well.
All the best for your CAT preparation.
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Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
180+ Companies | Highest CTC 15 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Highest CTC: INR 28.25 LPA | Average for Top 100 offers: INR 17.34 LPA | Ranked #63 in India under Management category by NIRF | 148 Recruiters
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