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Latest WAT Topics for IIMs and MBA Admissions - With the declaration of the MBA entrance exam results, the top B-schools like IIMs, XLRI, IIFT and others have declared the shortlist of candidates who have to appear for the Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD) rounds. If you are yet to start your preparations and wondering what and how to prepare for WAT, this article of Careers360 brings to you the latest topics for WAT which are trending in major MBA entrances.
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The topics of WAT at MBA selection rounds can be a direct or in the form of abstract statements. If you are completely in sync with the current affairs, you can easily tackle the WAT round. Here we bring to you some of the current and hot topics and the crux of the event. Take a look at the events and gather all the information, facts and figures on them in order to substantiate your essay.
10% Quota Bill: EWS Reservation
The Rajya Sabha on 9th Jan, 2019 passed the Constitution (124th amendment) Bill with 165 members voting in favour and 7 against, a day after it was passed in the Lok Sabha. The bill provides 10% reservation to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in the general category in government jobs and education. The 10% quota bill has been introduced in our system to help the economically backward section of people who belong to the upper castes. In other words, if somebody from the “general” category, belongs to the given definition of ‘economically backward’, they will benefit from the bill. Below are a few conditions which have set an economical benchmark-
a. Agricultural land ownership should be less than 5 acres or
b. Family income is 8 lakh or less, per annum
c. Residential house of about 100 square yards in a municipality or
d. A house of about 200 yards in a non-notified colony.
The bill is being opposed due to-
Looking from a political angle, the timing of the bill seems highly convenient to many, with the Lok Sabha elections being just a few months away.
The Supreme Court of India had laid down an upper limit of 50% for the total reservation share. This can only be breached under extraordinary circumstances. With the introduction of the new 10% reservation, the total reservation will go beyond the given limit, while not necessarily qualifying as an “extraordinary circumstance”.
A petition was filed in Supreme court challenging the quota bill saying that the 124th amendment violates several basic features of the Constitution, including the equality code.
Performance & Policies of Modi Regime
The testing time lies ahead in 2019 for the Modi Government as regards to its economic policies and performance of Indian Economy post demonetization, implementation of GST, Make in India and other key reforms brought about to propel the when of economic development faster. With the onset of Parliament Elections in 2019, the last two years have been crucial for the Indian Economy especially when the sitting BJP Government lost the Assembly Elections 2018 in the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Since the Modi Government was appointed in 2014, new schemes, reforms and controversies have been making news almost regularly. Be it the Make in India Drive in 2014 demonetization of 2016, implementation of GST in 2017 or the stock crash of 2018. With so much going on, it is difficult to assess whether India’s economy is headed uphill or downhill.
The economic policies of Modi Government during past few years have not only made great impact on Indian Economy, positively or negatively but have also attracted ire of opposition in each and every step it has taken.
Is women empowerment a hyped issue/ #Metoo
Women Empowerment has become a highly debated social issue not only in India but also around the Globe. Hearing the independent women’s voice and helping the women to ensure that their voices are heard has given rise to #MeToo Campaign, NGOs coming forward to safeguard against the women’s emotion abuse. Government of India has also enacted various rules and regulations within the constitutional framework to improve female representation in different professions. As such not only IIMs but also many other B-schools, other professional institutions, as well as job opportunities in almost all types of male dominated professions including Indian Air Force, Navy and Army have started awarding higher weightage to female candidates for gender diversity.
Education: Literacy Rate Goes up
Social Reforms Empowering Women
Violence Against Women
Women’s Emotional Abuse
Wage Disparity at Work Place
What is cryptocurrency, how does it work and why do we use it?
A crypto currency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure, create and control its transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, which are issued by central banks, crypto currency has no central monetary authority. Bitcoin is the first crypto currency which came to public notice in 2009. Following this a number of other crypto currencies, such as Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Cardano etc. exist in the market. Crypto currency can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services. In recent months, Economists, Central Bankers and Monetary Experts have expressed their reservations on the future of this currency. Investors and Enthusiasts of this currency are however bullish.
Arguments for the Mission
On its successful completion, India will become the first Asian country to achieve this feat. Only the United States, Europe, and Russia have been able to send probes that have orbited or landed on Mars.
Indian superiority in the world in general and particularly among its ever threatening neighbours will be established.
India has proved that indigenously it can achieve the unexpected at a very low cost as the cost is less than one sixth of the estimated cost of US-NASA mission to be launched later this month.
India will become a role model for space programming and other countries may approach India for launching of such crafts.
New knowledge and more innovative spheres in space programmes will open for the benefit of human being in the fields of communication, identifying problem areas, solar existence. For example, INSAT’s beamed pictures of approaching Phailin cyclone saved thousands of lives.
Arguments against the Mission
The gain is only satisfaction of ego and not other gain is seen. The country is not going to establish a colony on MARS
The Mars Craft ‘Mangalyaan’ has a long journey of 300 days to complete. It will take around a month to go out of Earth’s orbit. If, during this period, it develops any grave technical snag, not only the money spent on it will go down the drain but also it will pose a great threat to Earth as it may crash at some populous area on this human rich planet.
India, in long run, will more than recoup the money, invested in space programmes. The immediate benefits are difficult to predict. They may be intangible but vital for the country. This mission has however, kindled the fire of imagination among the young minds to dream about the possibilities of tomorrow.
Buzzwords such as Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Machine Learning etc. are buzzing around industries and across geographies for some time. While these technological advancements promise a surreal future, prediction of loss of jobs due to human replacement is also expected. Proponents of technological advancements argue that while technology will replace semi and unskilled jobs but in turn it will herald a new era of innovative jobs. History states that technology has been a creator of jobs and has augmented new avenues. The course this time will be same or not is a debatable issue. The prominent technologies that are likely to bring disruption are:
Digital India/Net Neutrality/Free Basics
Net Neutrality is the concept that internet service providers and governments should treat all data on the internet the same, without discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or mode of communication.
Digital India is the campaign by the Indian Government which promises free Internet facilities to everyone, including those belonging to lesser privileged backgrounds. The scheme includes plans to connect rural areas with high speed networks. This scheme will be monitored and administered by the Ministry of Communication and IT.
Recently Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has declared the verdict in support of Net Neutrality which has prohibited any form of differential charging based around content or access to some websites. The order also rules out the platforms like Facebook’s Free Basics, zero-rating plans or special data packs that made access to one app like say WhatsApp or Wikipedia entirely free for users.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his disappointment over the verdict as it quashed the Free Basics in India.
Startup India
Startup India is the campaign launched by the Government of India on January 2016 to promote the entrepreneurial and start up culture in India which will further help in job creation. The campaign also aims at promoting bank financing for start up ventures. The government has launched Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY) and Mudra Bank for development and refinancing activities relating to micro units with a refinance Fund of Rs. 200 Billion. India has already seen a boost in the startup culture in India with the emergence of companies like Flipkart, Snapdeal etc.
Other WAT topics for this year are:
India's performance in sports seems very poor. Should government give the authority to cooperate companies to train the athletes. Would it help?
Should corporate be involved in development of sports infrastructure. Give reasons?
Longevity due to medical advancements has adverse effects on the demography.
Ancient war strategies from ancient epics are relevant in modern business.
Case study discussion on Nepotism
Current era is known as "Age of the man" in respect to Usage of natural resources, atmospheric changes, Flora and Fauna. Do you agree or not?
Your opinion on the effect of growth of e commerce sites on retails shops and outlets.
What H1B visa reforms mean for Indian IT companies
Mass IT Layoffs: Truth Or Myth?
What a Fundamental Right to Privacy Means for India
Does India need a bullet train?
Smart Cities – a long road ahead of India.
Also Read
Other Feature Stories on B-School and MBA:
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
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.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
To know about this please prefer our college predictor
Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
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.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
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.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
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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