How to Prepare for GD-PI & WAT for IIMs & Top B-Schools: Tips, Topics & Questions

How to Prepare for GD-PI & WAT for IIMs & Top B-Schools: Tips, Topics & Questions

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 19 Jun 2025, 12:07 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. Parameters of Judgment for GD-PI & WAT
  2. Preparation Tips for GD-PI & WAT Rounds of Top B-Schools
  3. What is the Writing Ability Test (WAT)?
  4. What is Group Discussion (GD)?
  5. What is a Personal Interview (PI)?
  6. Preparation Tips for Writing Ability Test (WAT)
  7. Preparation Tips for Group Discussion (GD)
  8. Preparation Tips for Personal Interview (PI)
  9. Important Questions to Prepare for MBA PI Round
  10. Other Useful Resources
How to Prepare for GD-PI & WAT for IIMs & Top B-Schools: Tips, Topics & Questions
How to Prepare for GD-PI & WAT Rounds of Top B-Schools

Parameters of Judgment for GD-PI & WAT

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

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Preparation Tips for GD-PI & WAT Rounds of Top B-Schools

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.

What is the Writing Ability Test (WAT)?

  • 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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What is Group Discussion (GD)?

  • 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.

What is a Personal Interview (PI)?

  • 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

Preparation Tips for Writing Ability Test (WAT)

  1. Gain Subject Knowledge

  2. Make Notes on Ongoing Trends

  3. Time Management

Preparation-Tips-for-Writing-Ability-Test

  • 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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Preparation Tips for Group Discussion (GD)

  1. Read More

  2. Avoid Jargon/Slangs

  3. Practice in Front of Mirror

  4. Don’t Deviate From Your Point

Preparation-Tips-for-Group-Discussion

  • 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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Important GDP Topics for Management Examinations 2025

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

Preparation Tips for Personal Interview (PI)

Preparation-Tips-for-Personal-Interview

  • 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

Important Questions to Prepare for MBA PI Round

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?

Other Useful Resources

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

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Topper's tips for GD-PI & WAT

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is GD/PI in MBA?
A:

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.

Q: What is the PI round for MBA?
A:

Understand the B-school’s values, align your goals, polish soft skills. You can also prepare detailed answers for academic, professional, and personal questions.

Q: How to clear PI round?
A:

Work on self-awareness, mock interviews, clarity of goals, academic fundamentals, and strong reasoning to present a confident profile.

Q: How to prepare for WAT GD PI?
A:

Practice writing structured essays, stay updated with current affairs, improve communication skills, and rehearse mock interviews with personalized feedback.

Q: How do I start preparing for GDPI?
A:

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.

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Hello,

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KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

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Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

Here's the link: CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!


Hello Divya,

Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.

Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.