GD is a process where a group of individuals is given a topic and they have to discuss about it from various aspects. Usually the topics for GDs can be categorized in 3 categories.

a)    Topic based/Factual GD

b)    Abstract topics

c)     Case studies

1)    Topic based/Factual GDs:
Most of the times this type of topics are there for a GD. In this type having knowledge about the topic is very important. This can be further divided in two types-

a)    Knowledge based:
Here knowing the topic thoroughly is very important. One should know all the facts and figures related to such topics by and large.
e.g. FDI in multibrand retail in India, Is Janlokpal the solution for fight against corruption, Unique Identity Number: Necessity or fashion, etc.
Here only having an opinion is not enough. Proving your point with substantiating facts is required. While dealing with such kind of GD topics, regular reading is the key to success. Start reading newspaper daily if you haven’t yet.
But most important point in such GDs is, “don’t fake the facts”. Always remember panelist and also your group mates are equally knowledgeable. Any wrong fact you state will decrease your chances of your selection. If you don’t know the facts, wait or try to direct the topic towards the relevant points you know.

b)    Opinion based/ Controversial topics:
Such topics usually require the individuals to have an opinion about the topic. Most of the times they generate a controversy among the group. Group gets divided in for and against the notion and then the GD becomes sort of a debate. These topics check the rational thinking or maturity level of an individual.
e.g. Reservation system in India: Boon or Bane, Love marriage Vs. Arrange Marriage, etc.
In such topics one can’t just be diplomatic here. Having an opinion is must. But don’t worry about it. There is no right or wrong opinion. Remember it’s your own opinion. And no opinion is wrong as long as you are able to justify it. Look for opinions and editorials in newspapers. They might help you in taking a stand.

2)    Abstract topics:
In this type, the topics are coming out of the blue. They are completely unpredictable. Hence the most important thing here is the interpretation of the topic. In abstract topics panelists want to check one’s ability to interpret a topic and connect it to our lives with relevant points. One will be marked here for creativity & different new dimensions provided to the topic.
e.g. “Red”, Painting versus Photograph, “7”, etc.
Such topics are less knowledge based but more imagination based.

3)    Case Studies:
In case studies, a situation or a scenario is provided to students. At the end of the scenario some questions are asked seeking your opinion. Just like opinion based topics, here also you have to have an opinion. Again I would say that no opinion is right or wrong as long as you are able to back it up with some facts from the situation itself. Remember here one has to stick to the information provided in the scenario only. No external information can be assumed. Solution has to be provided by staying within the walls of case. Here mainly your decision making skills are tested.

To know more about cracking a GD, register on StudyPal.co and find a study partner. Find a group to have a discussion with studypal. Because two heads are always better than one.

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Interviews play a very important role in the selection process of all management B-Schools. Many students feel that the interviewers are free to ask questions from any area and hence luck plays a very important role in final selection (which is not true), due to which their preparation for interview sometimes becomes burdensome and lacks excitement and enjoyment. Some of them may neglect the importance of preparation due to this.

One of the best ways to prepare is to make a list of probable questions and answer them one by one. Some of the questions frequently asked in the interview are as follows:

1. Tell us something about yourself.

2. Goals in life.

3. Strengths & Weaknesses.

4. Why MBA?

5. Why this B-School?

Many students while answering the question “Tell us something about yourself” do not give brief introductions and end it abruptly. This is an important question and a person must answer it systematically without mugging up the answer. A student can start an introduction with his/her academic background or present job profile (if working) followed by what kind of individual that student is i.e. strengths and goals of his/her life. If any achievements are there that should be included then hobbies and interest and in short family background at the end. For questions related to goals, strengths and weaknesses a good introspection is required by the candidate. Questions like “Why MBA?” should be answered keeping your goals and strengths in mind. Many students (Fresher’s or Candidate with work experience) do say that they want to become a good manager, CEO of an organization or want to start their own business that’s why they want to do MBA. This may not satisfy the interviewers and hence one need to rethink about it. If a candidate is a fresher then they can talk about things like before entering corporate world an MBA will give them good knowledge about how the organization works. It will also help them to understand different aspects of business like Marketing, Finance, and HR in detail. Overall it will give them the opportunity to get equipped with qualities and knowledge required to do well in their career.

Candidates with work experience already have some knowledge of work culture in an organization. So the answer for “Why MBA?” for them could have points like:

1. Looking for a greater role to play in an organization or wants to contribute in growth as well as decision making aspects of organization.
2. To gear up for new challenges an MBA will provide necessary exposure, opportunity to interact best brains from different parts of the world and a broader outlook required to fill in the big shoes in future.

Overall a student should have a good clarity and vision about his/her career and future to get a final selection.

– T.I.M.E Aurangabad

With CET just a month away we wanted to share a few study tips coming straight from our experts who have been there done that.

TIP #1: Focus:

Before you start to pick up those huge books and start to scribble just wait there. First things first, set the environment where you study. Today we live in the world with numerous distractions and our addiction towards smartphones and those apps are great time killers. So just shut it. Remain focussed and start with a goal in mind “to get into a top B-school”.

#determination #dedication

TIP #2 Basics:

Get through the basics quickly, remember the difficulty level of the questions is very low in CET so get through the syllabus. You have been doing it for a year or so now, so this should not take time. The syllabus is very basic with most of the concepts taken from the 10^th grade.

#revision #syllabus

TIP #3 Study with a pal:

Studying together with someone who is going to take CET is quite helpful. You can discuss your doubts, challenge each other and work together to achieve the common goal. If you haven’t found one yet, you’ll surely find one at Studypal.co

#teaming-up #Study-partner

TIP #4 Speed and Mocks:

CET is a time based exam. You need to work hard to improve your speed of solving and calculating. You may gain it by doing speed drills, just set the time and always better it. Vedic maths may also help. You should be able to solve a question in about 30-35 seconds. We recommend you to at least take 20 mock exams so that you get the timing right. If you haven’t started on your mocks yet just log on to oliveboard.com and start taking mock exams.

#30seconds #mocks

Final Tip:

Remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision and eat healthy.

Good luck!

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Note: 2012 cut-off includes written test (200) + GDPI  (40)

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