Up until recent times, Group Discussions (GDs) played a crucial role in B-School selections. In the last two years, due the shift to a virtual setting and the introduction of WAT (Written Ability Test) in most IIMs, GDs have either been removed or the weightages have been reduced. However, there are still some top B-Schools like FMS, XLRI and IIFT where your performance in GDs plays a crucial role in the selection.
Honestly, even if most schools do not conduct GDs, as the preparation required is broadly similar, it is very beneficial to work on GDs because they help improve your communication skills, logical and critical thinking, and knowledge of common issues.
Preparing for GDs also helps you tackle the Extempore, WAT/Essay and PI processes.
Let me now tell you how I prepared for GDs, which will hopefully give you some insight on how you can go about getting yourself ready to face the process.
I had joined a coaching institute which organised the students into various batched for mock Group Discussions on various types of topics such as Current Issues, Static Knowledge, Controversial and Abstract.
Following is the list of topics which I was made to practice:
1. Business and ethics don't go together 2. Should protests/hartals be banned 3. Is globalisation destroying Indian culture 4. Are Gandhian principles relevant today 5. Should euthanasia be legalised 6. Mass Media - boon or bane 7. Zero
Additionally, we formed a group of friends where we used to pick up a topic every week, discuss the same and give each other feedback. This proved to be a really helpful exercise as it helped us combine our points and learn from each other’s strengths.
Personally, one more activity I did for myself was listening to podcasts. I used to be extremely short on time as I was also juggling my college and placements along with CAT and PI Prep, and so podcasts really filled in the gaps for me while I worked out or took breaks. The best one for GD Prep that I found was Parley by The Hindu, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you could also watch some YouTube videos on the same, or read articles on burning issues.
Ultimately, you should figure out what is the most productive for you. It will be very helpful if you keep making these little efforts even during your CAT Prep, because these are things which you can’t absorb in a matter of a few days.
Be consistent, have clear daily goals, follow a comfortable time table, and you will be able to take out time for everything without undue stress. All the very best!