Group discussion is crucial for candidates who are applying for admission to B-schools. Candidates who qualify for the cutoff get calls from various B-schools to appear for the next round of admission i.e., WAT, Group discussion, and Personal interview. B-schools conduct group discussions to analyze the skills of the candidate like their speaking skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, etc. Candidates can check out the blog for tips and tricks and a proper strategy to crack GD in MBA.
You can also check out iQuanta’s GDPI WAT Course where you’ll be provided with WAT Practice with feedback from our panelists along with live interactive classes.
What is GD?
Group discussion is a round of the MBA admission process conducted by B-shools to test various skills of the candidates. A group of students sit together and discuss a topic in a particular time frame assigned by the panel in the GD round. 1 or 2 panelists are there in that room to observe the candidates on various parameters like communication skills, team skills, and awareness of the candidates, and give them scores accordingly. After clearing the GD round candidates go for further rounds of interviews.
GD Process For MBA Admission
A group discussion round is usually held in rounds. 7-10 candidates would be given the chance to appear for the test in one go. Here is an outline of how group discussions typically occur:
Step 1: Assigning The GD Topic
In this step, the panellist provides a topic to a group of students and approximately 5 minutes are provided to each candidate to prepare themselves individually for the GD round. No discussion is there at this time.
Step 2: Commencement of GD
In this step, panellists indicate the candidates to start the discussion.
Step 3: Group Discussion Round
An ideal GD usually takes 15 minutes. But the candidates should not be so time conscious since, based on requirements, the panel can increase the time duration up to 30-45 minutes. The GD can be terminated by the panel when they feel that they have already obtained adequate information about every candidate.
Step 4: Completion of the GD Round
In any case, there are two possibilities where the GD round may reach its stoppage. Firstly, the moderator would ask all candidates to leave the room because the GD is over. Secondly, he/she might call for one or more than one candidate(s) to deliver their final statement, which summarizes the discussion going on in the GD.
Important Skills for GD Round in MBA Admission
As group discussion plays an important part in the selection process of any B-School. So, here are some important skills that are judged in the GD round:
Leadership Skills
GD Round also tests the leadership skills of the candidates. No one is directly selected as a leader, but self-reliance, decisiveness, aggressiveness, emotional balance, and other qualities define a managerial candidate. The better managerial potential is seen when a person is logical and democratic but not autocratic or obsequious.
Communication Skills
Communication skills are an important part of any discussion. So, the candidates who can express themselves without any hesitation and can put their points without putting anybody down have good communication skills.
Logical Thinking
The skill of analyzing a topic and forming logical conclusions is crucial for excelling in group discussions and thriving in corporate life.
Awareness of the GD topics
Candidates should be well aware of the topics which are provided to them. Candidates should have knowledge of the subjects and must be aware of current affairs.
Listening Skills
Be an active listener because one cannot put their point of view upfront without listening to others. Here panelists judge the candidates on how they can put their point of view without ignoring others.
Evaluation Criteria In GD
| Communication Skills | Body Language | Effectiveness in Speech |
| Presentation & Creativity | Subject Knowledge & Relevancy | Fluency |
| Clarity in Speech | Team Spirit | Confidence |
| Problem-Solving Ability | Analytical & Reasoning Skills | Leadership & Collaboration |
| Open-Mindedness | Decision-Making Ability | Listening Power |
Common Mistakes to Be Avoided in GD
- Speaking too much or too little.
- Interrupting others or being disrespectful.
- Lacking focus or going off-topic.
- Failing to listen actively.
- Being too aggressive or too passive.
How to Improve Communication Skills for GD
Candidates can improve their communication skills by:
- Candidates should practice speaking clearly and confidently.
- They should enhance their vocabulary and grammar.
- Candidates should engage themselves in mock group discussions and debates.
- They should watch GD videos on YT to observe techniques used by others.
- Candidates should also read newspapers and articles on a daily basis to develop structured thoughts.
Do’s & Don’t Of GD
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Write down your ideas on a piece of paper before speaking. | Don’t repeat yourself; saying the same thing shows a lack of knowledge. |
| Use the facts and data to support your arguments. | Don’t be rude or argue aggressively; it’s okay to disagree politely. |
| Speak clearly and use simple, precise language. | Don’t create a negative atmosphere; keep the mood friendly. |
| Start the discussion if you are knowledgeable. | Don’t speak if you have no insight; wait for others to start. |
| Stay calm and be polite throughout the discussion. | Don’t slouch or sit casually, as it can give a bad impression. |
| Be ready to share your thoughts when it’s your turn. | Don’t appear disinterested or lethargic; show you’re engaged. |
| Be polite and respectful when communicating. | Don’t whisper or talk to others while the main topic is being discussed. |
| Make eye contact and pay attention to others. | Don’t speak in a disorganized or overly casual manner; it can seem insincere. |
| Be a team player and summarize the discussion at the end. | Don’t get anxious if someone disagrees with you; stay calm and respond logically. |
For a structured GDPI WAT preparation with mock interviews and live GD preparation, click on the link below.
