Indus Business Academy PGDM Admission 2025
100% Placements | Highest CTC 22.26 LPA | Merit-Based Scholarships Available
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is only the first hurdle in securing a seat at a top Indian Institute of Management (IIM). The next phase—the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI)—plays a crucial role in determining final admission. Unlike CAT, which primarily tests analytical and quantitative abilities, WAT and PI assess a candidate’s personality, communication skills, general awareness, and clarity of thought. This article outlines seven key strategies to help aspirants excel in WAT and PI, increasing their chances of securing admission to prestigious B-schools.
The Written Ability Test (WAT) is an essay-writing exercise that evaluates a candidate’s ability to think critically, structure arguments logically, and communicate ideas effectively. In addition to structuring essays effectively, candidates should focus on developing a strong introduction that immediately captures the reader’s attention. A thought-provoking statistic, a relevant quote, or a brief anecdote can make the introduction compelling.
Furthermore, the conclusion should provide a clear takeaway or recommendation, ensuring the essay does not end abruptly. Avoiding redundancy and ensuring coherence between paragraphs enhances the overall flow of writing.
To strengthen critical thinking, candidates should analyze multiple perspectives on a given topic before drafting their essay. This habit helps in presenting a balanced viewpoint while ensuring depth in arguments. Practising under timed conditions also improves the ability to articulate ideas within the given constraints.
100% Placements | Highest CTC 22.26 LPA | Merit-Based Scholarships Available
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
Aspect | Details |
Time Limit | 20-30 minutes |
Word Limit | 250-400 words |
Evaluation Criteria | Clarity, Structure, Grammar, Relevance, Critical Thinking |
Common Topics | Business & Economy, Social Issues, Current Affairs, Ethical Dilemmas, Policy Matters |
Follow a Structure: Divide the essay into an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
Stay Neutral & Balanced: Avoid extreme viewpoints unless backed by strong evidence.
Use Data & Facts: Quoting statistics and reports (e.g., World Bank, NITI Aayog) adds credibility.
Work on Language: Ensure grammatical accuracy and avoid verbose sentences.
Practice Daily: Writing 1-2 essays per day on trending topics will help refine articulation skills.
Beyond newspapers and online resources, candidates should explore government policy documents, economic surveys, and industry reports to develop a well-rounded perspective. Reading books on economics, international relations, and business strategy can further refine analytical skills.
Engaging in peer discussions or participating in online forums focused on business and current affairs helps in understanding diverse viewpoints. Writing summaries of key issues and forming personal opinions can be beneficial for both WAT and PI.
Also, developing the ability to connect current events with business implications can give candidates an edge in discussions. For example, understanding how global supply chain disruptions impact Indian startups can demonstrate critical thinking skills.
A large portion of the interview and WAT revolves around current events and socio-economic developments. Candidates must stay informed about national and international affairs.
To stay well-informed, it is essential to read reputed newspapers like The Hindu, Economic Times, and Mint, which provide in-depth coverage of national and international affairs, business, and economic trends. Additionally, following credible online sources such as RBI Reports and UN Reports ensures access to authentic data and policy insights. Listening to news podcasts and YouTube discussions from platforms like The Print and India Today helps in understanding diverse perspectives and expert analyses. Engaging in debates and discussions further refines critical thinking and enables the formation of well-rounded opinions on various issues.
Example of Trending Topics:
Category | Sample Topics |
Economy | Impact of Inflation on Startups, India’s Digital Economy Growth |
Politics | G20 Presidency, Impact of Electoral Bonds |
Business | Rise of AI in Indian Businesses, India’s Unicorn Boom |
Society | Role of Women in Leadership, NEP 2020 Implementation |
The Personal Interview assesses a candidate’s personality, confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving ability. Questions are often a mix of academic, professional, and personal aspects. Candidates should be prepared for stress interviews, where interviewers deliberately challenge responses to assess composure and confidence. Practising how to handle difficult or unexpected questions calmly can help in maintaining a structured approach under pressure.
Also, storytelling techniques can be effective in making responses engaging. Instead of giving generic answers, narrating real-life experiences with a clear problem-action-result framework adds credibility to responses.
It is also crucial to be well-versed with personal achievements, projects, and leadership experiences. Interviewers often ask for examples of teamwork, problem-solving, or handling conflicts, so having specific incidents ready can make responses more impactful. The candidates must know a few of the CAT interview questions in prior. A few are listed below.
Question Category | Sample Questions |
Personal Questions | "Tell me about yourself.", "Why MBA?" |
Academic Questions | "Explain a concept from your graduation field." |
Work Experience | "Describe your role in the company." |
Business Awareness | "What do you think about the Budget 2024?" |
Situational | "What would you do if you had to lay off employees?" |
Know Yourself: Be prepared with answers about your background, strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations.
Be Honest & Authentic: Avoid scripted answers and ensure natural responses.
Work on Body Language: Maintain eye contact and exhibit confidence.
Prepare for Extempore Topics: Practice impromptu speaking on various subjects.
Mock Interviews: Take multiple mock interviews to fine-tune responses.
Academic and professional background-related questions form a significant portion of the PI. Candidates must be well-versed in their undergraduate subjects and current work profile (if applicable). For candidates with work experience, interviewers expect a deep understanding of their industry and role. Staying updated on sector trends, key competitors, and technological advancements is essential. Reviewing the financial performance of one’s company and understanding major industry challenges demonstrates preparedness.
For fresh graduates, revising core subjects and their practical applications is important. Explaining concepts in a simple and structured manner indicates strong conceptual clarity. Candidates should also relate academic knowledge to real-world business scenarios to showcase practical understanding.
In addition, understanding the intersection of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Data Analytics with one’s field of study or industry can set a candidate apart. This reflects awareness of future trends and adaptability to change.
Let us discuss a few preparation tips with respect to the candidate’s background.
Aspect | Preparation Strategy |
Undergrad Subjects | Revise core concepts and applications. |
Work Experience | Be clear about roles, projects, and industry trends. |
Industry Awareness | Know key competitors, emerging trends, and challenges. |
Tech & AI Influence | Be aware of AI’s impact on your sector. |
Mocks and discussions help build confidence and improve articulation. Apart from structured mock interviews, engaging in informal discussions with peers, mentors, or professionals helps in refining articulation. Recording mock interviews and analyzing voice modulation, pauses, and clarity can lead to noticeable improvements.
For Group Discussions (GD), practising different formats such as case-based discussions, abstract topics, and role-based exercises ensures versatility. Developing the ability to lead discussions without dominating and encouraging quieter participants to contribute can demonstrate leadership qualities.
Additionally, keeping responses concise and backed by data or logical reasoning enhances credibility. Observing successful debate formats, such as TED Talks or Model United Nations (MUN) discussions, can offer insights into effective speaking techniques. It is also for the candidates to be aware of the various trending GD topics.
Regular practice and self-assessment help in identifying areas of improvement, allowing for targeted efforts to enhance performance. It also reduces nervousness by building confidence and familiarity with the subject matter. Additionally, it aids in refining the structure and clarity of answers, ensuring that responses are well-organized, concise, and effectively communicated.
Dos | Don'ts |
Listen attentively | Interrupt others |
Present facts with examples | Be aggressive |
Maintain composure | Speak without evidence |
Engage in logical arguments | Deviate from topic |
Good communication is vital for both WAT and PI. Clear and concise articulation enhances impact. Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in both the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The way you convey your thoughts, ideas, and arguments can significantly impact your performance. Mastering communication skills goes beyond just speaking fluently—it involves clarity, conciseness, confidence, and the ability to engage your audience.
To enhance vocabulary, it is essential to read extensively across various genres, including literature, news, and academic articles. Practising impromptu speaking helps in developing quick thinking and articulate responses, making communication more effective. Recording responses and analyzing tone and delivery can provide valuable insights into speech patterns, helping to refine pronunciation, pacing, and clarity. Engaging in structured debates and discussions sharpens critical thinking, argumentation skills, and the ability to present ideas persuasively. Additionally, avoiding fillers such as "um," "like," and "you know" ensures a more confident and polished delivery, making conversations more impactful and professional.
Each IIM has a unique selection process, balancing CAT scores, academics, work experience, diversity factors, and WAT-PI performance. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow a multi-stage selection process for admission into their MBA programs. While each IIM has its own selection methodology, the general process includes a mix of academic performance, entrance test scores, work experience, diversity factors, and personal assessment. Understanding these criteria and their weightage can help aspirants strategize their preparation effectively.
Component | Weightage (%) |
CAT Score | 30-40% |
WAT-PI Performance | 30-50% |
Academics | 10-20% |
Work Experience | 5-10% |
Gender & Academic Diversity | 5-10% |
Note: The weightage varies across IIMs, with newer IIMs often assigning higher importance to WAT-PI performance.
Securing admission into a top IIM requires a blend of knowledge, personality, and communication skills. By focusing on WAT preparation, staying updated on current affairs, refining interview skills, and enhancing communication, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success.
With consistent effort and the right strategies, you can confidently face the WAT and PI and secure your place in a premier B-school.
CAT tests logical, quantitative, and verbal skills, while WAT-PI assesses communication, critical thinking, general awareness, and personality.
Practice writing daily, follow a structured format (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), use facts, and avoid extreme views.
Common questions include:
Personal: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why MBA?”
Academic: “Explain a concept from your field.”
Work Experience: “Describe your role.”
Current Affairs: “What do you think about Budget 2024?”
Read The Hindu, Economic Times, follow RBI reports, and watch business news. Join discussion forums and listen to podcasts.
Stay calm, structure your responses, and be honest. Practice handling tough questions with mock interviews.
Very important! Maintain eye contact, sit confidently, avoid fidgeting, and use hand gestures naturally.
Be clear about your job role, projects, industry trends, and challenges. Relate your experience to management skills.
Take mock interviews, record yourself, engage in debates, and practice structured discussions on business and social issues.
Hello,
According to the NIFT 2025 exam schedule , the General Ability Test (GAT) is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) is from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This indicates a gap of 3.5 hours between the two tests.
The official guidelines do not specify whether candidates are allowed to leave the exam center during this interval. Therefore, it's advisable to:
Check the Admit Card : Specific instructions regarding breaks may be mentioned.
Contact the Exam Center : Reach out directly to confirm their policy on leaving during the interval.
By taking these steps, you can ensure compliance with the exam center's policies and plan your day effectively.
Hope you find it useful !
The CDAC C-CAT exam dates for the August 2025 batch haven't been announced yet. However, I can provide you with some information on the exam schedule for the February 2025 batch, which might give us an idea of what to expect for the August batch.
The CDAC C-CAT exam for the February 2025 batch was held on January 11 and 12, 2025.The application form for the February batch was available from November 2024 to December 30, 2024.
Typically, the CDAC C-CAT exam is conducted twice a year, in June and December, for admissions to the August and February batches, respectively. However, the exact dates for the August 2025 batch will be announced separately.
To stay updated on the CDAC C-CAT exam dates and other important events, I recommend checking the official CDAC website regularly.
BEST OF LUCK!!
Hello there,
A B.CAT (Bachelor of Creative Arts & Technology) in Film Editing is mainly focused on the media and entertainment industry. However, you can still apply for certain government jobs , such as:
For
core government film editing roles
, experience and certification from recognized institutes can improve your chances.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Yes, with a 99 percentile CAT score, you have a good chance of receiving a call from the top IIMs (including BLACKI - IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore) even with a relatively average academic profile like 8/7/8, despite lacking extracurricular activities; however, your chances will be significantly boosted by a strong performance in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds where you can showcase your strengths and potential beyond just academics.
Hello there,
Congratulations on securing a C-CAT Rank of 803 in Category II (A+B) ! With this rank, you have a good chance of securing admission to reputable institutes for the PG-DAC course .
Institute Options Based on Your Rank:
Based on previous cutoff trends, here are some institutes you might consider:
Sunbeam Pune
: Typically accepts ranks below 650. While your rank is slightly above this, it's still worth considering due to possible variations in cutoffs.
IACSD Akurdi Pune
: Generally accepts ranks below 1500, making it a viable option for you.
Sunbeam Karad
: Accepts ranks below 1100, which aligns well with your rank.
VITA Mumbai
: Typically accepts ranks below 1400, making it another suitable choice.
CDAC Kharghar Mumbai
: Accepts ranks below 2400, providing a comfortable margin for your rank.
CDAC Knowledge Park (Bangalore) : Generally accepts ranks below 1900, making it a feasible option.
Preference Filling Strategy:
When filling your institute preferences, consider the following approach:
Prioritize Institutes with Higher Cutoffs
: Start with institutes that have higher cutoff ranks than yours to maximize your chances.
Consider Location and Facilities
: Factor in the institute's location, infrastructure, faculty, and placement records.
Backup Options : Include a few institutes with cutoffs comfortably above your rank as backups.
Suggested Preference Order:
IACSD Akurdi Pune
Sunbeam Karad
VITA Mumbai
CDAC Kharghar Mumbai
CDAC Knowledge Park (Bangalore)
CDAC JUHU Mumbai
YCP Mumbai
MET Mumbai
CDAC Electronic City (Bangalore)
CDAC Hyderabad
Important Considerations:
Cutoff Variations
: Cutoffs can vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants and their performance.
Stay Updated
: Regularly check the official CDAC website and individual institute announcements for the most current information.
Consult Alumni : If possible, reach out to current students or alumni for insights into the institutes you're considering.
By carefully selecting your preferences and staying informed, you can enhance your chances of securing admission to a reputable institute for your PG-DAC course.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
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Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
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