Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
CAT Admit Card Date:05 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25
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.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Take mock interviews, record yourself, engage in debates, and practice structured discussions on business and social issues.
Be clear about your job role, projects, industry trends, and challenges. Relate your experience to management skills.
Very important! Maintain eye contact, sit confidently, avoid fidgeting, and use hand gestures naturally.
Stay calm, structure your responses, and be honest. Practice handling tough questions with mock interviews.
Read The Hindu, Economic Times, follow RBI reports, and watch business news. Join discussion forums and listen to podcasts.
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?”
Practice writing daily, follow a structured format (Introduction, Body, Conclusion), use facts, and avoid extreme views.
CAT tests logical, quantitative, and verbal skills, while WAT-PI assesses communication, critical thinking, general awareness, and personality.
On Question asked by student community
Hello dear candidate,
Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.
As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.
Thank you.
If you got 802 marks in Telangana Intermediate and belong to the ST category, you have a fair chance to get admission in a BPT course in 2025, but it depends on the college and cut-off. Most BPT colleges in Telangana ask for 12th marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and some also use the TS EAMCET rank for admission. The cut-off for ST students is usually lower than for general students, but it changes every year. It is better to check the previous year’s cut-offs of the colleges you want to apply to.
Hello, Getting shortlisted for IIM Lucknow or IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) with your profile is challenging, primarily due to your 58% in Class 10th, which significantly impacts the composite score calculation for both institutes. While your 98 percentile CAT score is excellent, and your 24 months of work experience, B.Com (Hons) background (providing academic diversity, especially for IIM-L), and KVS National player status are valuable additions, top IIMs and IITs heavily weigh consistent academic performance. Your 74% in 12th is also on the lower side. IIM Lucknow places substantial weight on 10th and 12th marks, making a call quite difficult despite your strengths. You likely have a relatively better, though still uncertain, chance at IIT Bombay, as their weighting might be slightly less penalizing for past academics compared to IIM-L, and your high CAT score is a major factor. However, the low 10th score remains a significant hurdle for both prestigious institutions.
I hope you found this information helpful and for study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day and!
Hey,
You already have a strong profile with the score of 58% in Class 10, 74% in Class 12, and 80% in graduation, but admission in IIT Bombay, Shailesh J Mehta School of Management is quite competitive, especially if you are in general category because the cutoff for general goes to 98.5-99%. Your CAT percentage is impressive but your 10th marks might reduce your score during the shortlisting process. If you perform well in Written Ability Test and Personal Interview, and present your commerce background you still stand a fair chance. But it would also be wise if you have some backups like MDI Gurugram, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, where your marks and profile will fit well in their selection range.
HELLO,
I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the previous 10 years CAT question papers
Here is the link :- CAT Previous year Question papers
Hope this Helps!
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Ranked Under 100 B-Schools in India by NIRF | AACSB Member | AICTE Approved | Highest CTC 26 LPA | Average CTC of the Top 25% Students is 13 LPA
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
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