Gd's & Their Topics

NEELABH Page 1 of 30
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality
traits and/or skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a
topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss the it among
themselves for 15-20 minutes.
Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include :-
Ability to work in a team

Communication skills
Reasoning ability
Leadership skills
Initiative
Assertiveness
Flexibility
Creativity
Ability to think on ones feet
Why GDs:-
The reason why institutes put you through a Group discussion and an interview, after testing your technical
and conceptual skills in an exam, is to get to know you as a person and gauge how well you will fit in their
institute. The Group discussion tests how you function as a part of a team. As a manager, you will always
be working in teams, as a member or as a leader. Therefore how you interact in a team becomes an
important criterion for your selection. Managers have to work in a team and get best results out of
teamwork. That is the reason why management institutes include GD as a component of the selection
procedure.
Company's Perspective:-
Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how
good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and
contribute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how
well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your
own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behavior, conformation to
norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.
Types of GD
GDs can be topic-based or case-based.
Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-
1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics
Factual Topics:-
Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life.
Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the
news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to
prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.
Controversial Topics:-
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate
controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may
be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is
displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without
getting personal and emotional.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers
Abstract Topics:-
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their
possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10
Case-based GD:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.

The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and
you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect answers or
perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various
angles.
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in
their selection procedures.
Why do we have GD ?
Reasons for having a GD
• It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

• It improves your ability to think critically.
• It helps in solving a particular problem.
• It helps the group to make a particular decision.
• It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
• It improves your listening skills.
• It increases your confidence in speaking.
• It can change your attitudes.
Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to
speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies.
Observe
Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself:
• How do other students make critical comments?

• How do they ask questions?
• How do they disagree with or support arguments?
• What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
• How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?
Practice
Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking
questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information
or ask for help.
Participate
Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal
discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree
with another speaker's remarks.
Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

Do
• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

• Respect the contribution of every speaker.
• Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.
• Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute
to the topic?
• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.
• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.
• Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.
Don't
• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.

• Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
• Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can
appear aggressive.
• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
• Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to
reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.
• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.
Leading a Discussion
You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an
oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:
• introducing yourself and the members of the group

• stating the purpose of the discussion
• inviting quiet group members to speak
• being objective
• summarizing the discussion
Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in
accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people
positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:
• introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

• making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion
by taking too much time)
• thanking group members for their contribution
• being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.
How to Face GD
A group discussion consists of:

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations
Communication Skills
The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so
that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create
an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the
audience creates a positive impact.
It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage
produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are
evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor
less. Group discussions are not debating stages.
Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants
say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more
points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a
group.
You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people.
Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case
you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public
speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of
courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and
presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students
here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and
facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people
without any nervousness.
Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject
Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from
consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge
makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.
Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities
The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws
and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill,
understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to
motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.
Exchange of Thoughts
A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions
are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of
participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members
who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.
The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills,
which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership
skills, listening and articulation skills.
A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you
strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are
important points which are to be considered. .
Addressing the Group as a Whole
In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know
everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.
Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for
the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not
the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP",
"I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding
both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be
discarded.
Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a
point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not
exaggerate.
Thorough Preparation
Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh
hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to
concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough
preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from
2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.
It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations
but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.
In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study
GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should
have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers
and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the
others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate
ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the
course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to
accommodate others' viewpoints.
Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.
Points to Remember
• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In
other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and
technology is helpful.
• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or
wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude.
Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their
viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing,
disagreeing or remaining neutral.
• Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting
others short.
• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such
as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single
member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or
her.
GD FAQ's
What is the normal duration of a GD?

A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.
How many panel members are there to evaluate?

There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this
does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other
members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in
progress. Just ignore their existence.
What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It
is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.
How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends".
Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the
discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".
Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone
else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is
judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.
Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If
someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage
him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.
Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your
watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.
Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down important points?
Normally you are, but there may be instances when it is specifically forbidden to carry paper.
Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the participants?
If participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as another. But if you are
asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a position as close to the centre as possible.
Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves?
No. You should not. Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one's performance in a GD.
Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to ensure that everybody gets a
chance to speak?
Since a GD is not a debate or elocution, the participants should not resort to the strategy of distributing
time amongst themselves.
Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD, switch over to another
stand?
Yes, provided you do it the right way. In a GD it is quite likely that some other participant's counter-
argument convinces you to your point. If this happens, then it is best if you accept his argument and
explain to the group how your previous argument was true within a narrow range, and how the new
argument is applicable to a broader range. Naturally, it is safer not to make any rash statements for or
against a topic before you learn the facts of the argument. Blindly taking a stand will definitely lead you to
trouble. This does not mean you should sit on the fence. You may participate actively by pointing out both
sides of the issue in a reasonable and logical manner.
If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the moderator to explain it to us?
No. You cannot. Instead of displaying your ignorance in this manner, it is better to wait for some other
participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the first few minutes
and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating in the discussion.
Should we address the other participants by their names or their assigned numbers?
As far as possible, you should try and avoid names or numbers. It is better to use pronouns such as "he",
"she", "you" etc. while referring to the members of the group.
Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we come up with
something radical?
By all means you can. It would demonstrate your creativity and originality. Just make sure it is relevant to
the topic.
If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings?
It is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD. If you react emotionally you are likely to lose
control over yourself during the group discussion. You have to be calm and logical, not emotional in a GD.
Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the group?
If you have to use technical terms, please do not use abbreviations. After mentioning the term in full take
time out to explain to the group what it means. It is quite likely that other participants of the group have a
different academic background from you, and you should make sure you are all on a level playing field.
Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so?
It is not likely that you will get a chance to ask for such permission. It may also go against you (as
appearing weak on your part).
What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?
In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is at its
peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD during the trough
period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not occur at all. In such
cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are being discussed and enter the
GD irrespective of the noise level.
How do I participate when the noise level is too high?
You could try the following strategy - Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note down the
points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter supporting the powerful
speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the noise.
Do I have to be cautious about other participants' feelings (on sensitive issues like religion, caste
etc)?
You certainly do. Insensitivity to others displays a lack of maturity and viciousness. It will act against your
favour.
Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion?

Being the first speaker is a high risk, high return strategy. If you can make a good opening statement,
which is relevant and sets the tone for the GD, it will go in your favour. If you do this well, you may
automatically become the group leader. However if you bungle it up (by speaking for the sake of speaking,
not really having anything pertinent to say), it will be remembered and will go against your favour.
How critical is my fluency in English to my performance?
Command over English is certainly advantageous but will not compensate for lack of good content. If your
content is good, then even if your English might not be great, you must speak it out, rather than be inhibited
by lack of good English. You will get credit for soundness of ideas.
How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?
Use of examples is helpful in elaborating your point, and helping others understand your idea better. But
please remember to keep it short and simple because in a competitive GD nobody has the patience to
listen to long, drawn out examples.
How much or for how long should I participate?
In a 20 minute GD with 10-12 participants, you should try and participate at least 4 times with each entry
lasting at least 25-30 seconds. You could participate more depending on your comfort level and the need
for participation.
Is it good to be humorous in a GD?
Depends on the situation. In a GD that is fairly relaxed, it may be acceptable. But in a competitive situation,
where the participants are tensed up, your attempts at humour may fall flat.
Should we make an interim summary?
An interim summary is a way of directing the group mid-way through the GD. It helps the group to pick out
and focus on the most important points and thus use the remaining time more effectively. However it is not
necessary to make an interim summary, if the discussion is already well focused.
What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say?
You have two choices:
1. Agree with the point made by that person and add on to it by displaying the applicability of the
argument to different situations. By doing this you will have broadened the scope of the argument.
2. Drop the point and think of fresh points.
To avoid getting into a situation where someone else has already spoken your points, do speak up
in the first 4-5 minutes of the GD. If you wait longer, it is almost inevitable that someone would have
spoken your points.
Is the use of slang/colloquialism permitted?

It is best to avoid using slang.
Can I use a language other than English to drive home my point?

No. You will have to stick to English.
How is aggression taken and measured in a GD?

The moment you notice people reacting to you negatively or strongly, you may take it that you are being
too aggressive. The degree of the reaction is the measure of your aggression.
What level of aggression is seen acceptable?

There is a very thin line between aggression and assertiveness. You should always aim to sound assertive
and not stubborn.
Is it true that the person who speaks the most in a GD is the one who is most successful?
This is a myth. Generally the person who has a sound knowledge of the topic and is a clear thinker speaks
more. This leads the students into believing that whoever speaks most is successful. But just speaking for
the sake of speaking will not take you far.
Will I be quizzed about my (or others) participation in the GD?

You may be. Therefore it helps to be alert all through the GD.
Is it true that the GD is used more as an elimination technique rather than as a selection tool?
Depends on the institute. In most premier institutes it is used as a selection tool, not as an elimination
technique.
What is the level of accuracy desired in the facts and figures you quote during the GD?
An error margin of 5% is acceptable.
Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favourably?

Depends on how it is done. If you openly request someone to speak, you may be putting the other person
in a difficult spot, and the evaluators will not look that upon favourably. It is therefore better to use other
means of motivation, such as agreeing with a halting speaker, adding on to their points, implicitly
supporting and giving them direction.
Does the moderator have any biases or preconceived notions about the topic?
Ideally the moderator is supposed to be unbiased and neutral. But being a human being, the moderator
cannot be totally free from bias. Since this is not a factor within your control, there isn't much point losing
sleep over it.
Can we expect the moderator to stop or cut short the GD much before the stipulated time is over?
This may happen if the GD becomes too noisy and if the level of discussion deteriorates abysmally.
Can I be aggressive with a lady participant?

A GD is not the place to demonstrate chivalry. Being rude to any participant (male or female) is downright
unacceptable. You need not extend any special privileges to a lady.
Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD?

It is alright to ask questions for the purpose of clarification but not for the purpose of playing the devil's
advocate and proving them wrong. By playing the devil's advocate you hamper the flow of the GD. The
pointed questions unsettle the other participant and the quality of the GD deteriorates. This would reflect
badly on you and will go against your favour.
Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated time?

Ideally a group is supposed to reach a conclusion. Normally the time constraints do not allow the group to
do so.
Is an end-summary absolutely essential?

No. If the group has not reached a conclusion, then it would be good if someone puts the whole discussion
into perspective by summarizing. But if there isn't sufficient time, a summary may be avoided.
Do we have to write a synopsis of the GD once it is over?

Some institutes insist on this, but it is not universal.
Is voting an acceptable method of reaching a consensus?

Certainly not. A GD is not a debate.
How should a group select a topic if asked to?

The group should brainstorm for about two minutes and narrow down the list of topics to 3-4. After this the
group should prioritize them based on the comfort level and ease of discussion of the topics. This could be
done by asking each participant to rank the 4 topics and the most popular choice should be taken.
Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the participant?
No. Topics are usually general in nature to give a level playing field to everyone.
What do I do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?
You could use any of the following methods.
• Ignore him and address the other members of the group.

• Be assertive and tell him that his argument is faulty.
• Point out to him that his point is well taken and that the group must progress further by discussing
the ideas presented by others.
What are the acceptable ways of interrupting somebody else, so that I may make my point?
You can interrupt in any of the following ways:
• "Excuse me, but I feel that what you are saying isn't universally true ..."
• "Yes, I agree with your idea, and I would like to add on to it …"
• "Yes, I think you are right when you say that, but could you clarify what if …"
GD Tips
1. Initiation Techniques
2. Body of the group discussion
3. Summarization/ Conclusion
Initiation Techniques
• Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy.
When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention of the
examiner and your fellow candidates.
If you can make a favourable first impression with your content and communication skills after you
initiate a GD, it will help you sail through the discussion.
But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures, the damage might be
irreparable.
If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you started
the GD for the sake of starting it or getting those initial kitty of points earmarked for an initiator!
When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework. So
initiate one only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand.
Body of the group discussion
• Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression:
i. Quotes
ii. Definition
iii. Question
iv. Shock statement
v. Facts, figures and statistics
vi. Short story

vii. General statement
i. Quotes
Quotes are an effective way of initiating a GD.
If the topic of a GD is: Should the Censor Board be abolished?, you could start with a quote like,
'Hidden apples are always sweet'.
For a GD topic like, Customer is King, you could quote Sam (Wall-mart) Walton's famous saying, 'There
is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company -- from the chairman on
down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.'
ii. Definition
Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.
For example, if the topic of the GD is Advertising is a Diplomatic Way of Telling a Lie, why not start the
GD by defining advertising as, 'Any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas,
goods or services through mass media like newspapers, magazines, television or radio by an identified
sponsor'?
For a topic like The Malthusian Economic Prophecy is no longer relevant, you could start by explaining
the definition of the Malthusian Economic Prophecy.
iii. Question
Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.
It does not signify asking a question to any of the candidates in a GD so as to hamper the flow. It
implies asking a question, and answering it yourself.
Any question that might hamper the flow of a GD or insult a participant or play devil's advocate must be
discouraged.
Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated.
For a topic like, Should India go to war with Pakistan, you could start by asking, 'What does war bring to
the people of a nation? We have had four clashes with Pakistan. The pertinent question is: what have
we achieved?'
iv. Shock statement
Initiating a GD with a shocking statement is the best way to grab immediate attention and put forth your
point.
If a GD topic is, The Impact of Population on the Indian Economy, you could start with, 'At the centre of
the Indian capital stands a population clock that ticks away relentlessly. It tracks 33 births a minute,
2,000 an hour, 48,000 a day. Which calculates to about 12 million every year. That is roughly the size
of Australia. As a current political slogan puts it, 'Nothing's impossible when 1 billion Indians work
together'.'
v. Facts, figures and statistics
If you decide to initiate your GD with facts, figure and statistics, make sure to quote them accurately.
Approximation is allowed in macro level figures, but micro level figures need to be correct and accurate.
For example, you can say, approximately 70 per cent of the Indian population stays in rural areas
(macro figures, approximation allowed).
But you cannot say 30 states of India instead of 28 (micro figures, no approximations).
Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.
For a GD topic like, China, a Rising Tiger, you could start with, 'In 1983, when China was still in its
initial stages of reform and opening up, China's real use of Foreign Direct Investment only stood at
$636 million. China actually utilized $60 billion of FID in 2004, which is almost 100 times that of its 1983
statistics."
vi. Short story
Use a short story in a GD topic like, Attitude is Everything.
This can be initiated with, 'A child once asked a balloon vendor, who was selling helium gas-filled
balloons, whether a blue-colored balloon will go as high in the sky as a green-colored balloon. The
balloon vendor told the child, it is not the color of the balloon but what is inside it that makes it go high.'
vii. General statement
Use a general statement to put the GD in proper perspective.
For example, if the topic is, Should Sonia Gandhi be the prime minister of India?, you could start by
saying, 'Before jumping to conclusions like, 'Yes, Sonia Gandhi should be', or 'No, Sonia Gandhi should
not be', let's first find out the qualities one needs to be a a good prime minister of India. Then we can
compare these qualities with those that Mrs. Gandhi possesses. This will help us reach the conclusion
in a more objective and effective manner.'
Summarization/ Conclusion
• Most GD do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor or
against the topic.
• But every GD is summarized. You can summaries what the group has discussed in the GD in a
nutshell.
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:
1. Avoid raising new points.

2. Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
3. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
4. Keep it brief and concise.
5. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
6. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
7. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.
GD Do's & Dont's
• Do's
1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with
someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect
your attitude than what you say.
9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.
10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take
the discussion personally.
12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: Ì strongly object' or Ì disagree'. Instead
try phrases like: Ì would like to share my views on…' or Òne difference between your point and
mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely
does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady
with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen
to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can
learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and
presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain
members, and creativity.
• Dont's
1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with
someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect
your attitude than what you say.
9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.
10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take
the discussion personally.
12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: Ì strongly object' or Ì disagree'. Instead
try phrases like: Ì would like to share my views on…' or Òne difference between your point and
mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely
does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady
with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen
to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can
learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and
presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain
members, and creativity.
GD Preparation
While selection tools and techniques like tests, interviews etc. provide good data about an individual, they
fall short in providing real life data of how an individual would be performing in a real life situation especially
a group situation. Team work being an integral part of the BPO work profile, it is important to ascertain
group and inter-personal qualities of an individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to ascertain these
qualities and many organizations use GDs as a selection tool along with Personal Interviews, aptitude tests
etc. A GD is an activity where
• Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to
analyse and discuss within a given time limit, which may vary between twenty minutes and forty-five
minutes, or
• They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem
• They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss the same
1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing
for it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs:
Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the
more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must
ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also
with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for
the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your
point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The
electronic media also will be of good use here.
Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the
best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince.
Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these
mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in
other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.
2. During the Group Discussion:
What do the panelists assess:Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are:
Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to
help them achieve the group's objectives.
Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and
aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.
Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to
interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes
good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.
Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple
perspectives.
GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a team-
based environment.
These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:
• Clarity of thought
• Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)
• Conflict handling
• Listening and probing skills
• Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
• Ability to create a consensus
• Openess and flexibility towards new ideas
• Data based approach to decision making
While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to
show a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.
GD Mistakes
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:

Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on
women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an
opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other
candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general.
What Rashmi essentially did was to
• Deviate from the subject
• Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
• Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.
Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted
other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him
from participating in the rest of the discussion.
• Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
• Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
• The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.
Egotism Showing off
Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project
his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies;
24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the
rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he
was cooking up the data.
• Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your
knowledge.
• Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
• Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
• You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere
where different opinions are expressed.
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss
the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first
to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which
the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his
mistake.
• False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and
understand the topic before you air your opinions.
• Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have
thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
• Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner.
Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake,
unless you have a great sense of humor.
Managing one's insecurities
Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks
to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a
particular point, she preferred to remain silent.
• Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
• Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and
your performance, participate in the discussion.
• Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good confidence is a must to
crack the GDs.
Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior
to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other
words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is
helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong
approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively
to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the
second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining
neutral.
Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others
short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as
listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single
member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
Engineering GD Topics
• Is China a threat to the Indian software industry.

• Role of UN in peacekeeping.
• Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
• Environment Management.
• Is China better than India in software.
• Govt contribution to IT
• is china a threat to Indian industry
• India or west , which is the land of opportunities
• water resources should be nationalised
• "BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"
• Effect of cinema on Youth
• Education in India compared to Foreign nations
• What is the effect of movies on youth. is it good or bad)
• Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad.
• "UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".
• "Environment-Whose Responsibility".
• US war on iraq-justified or not.
• Role of UN in Peace keeping
• War on Iraq
• About Hockey being the primary game in India.
• Can America occupy Iraq
• IS CHINA A THREAT TO INDIA
• Present state of Indian Cricket team
• Advantages of Co-education.
• How to deal with international terrorism.
• Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
• Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
• A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
• Is Globalization Really Necessary?
• What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
• Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.
• Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.
• What India needs is a Dictatorship.
• With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
• Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.
• Beauty contests degrade womanhood
• The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
• Six billion and one bronze!
• Is dependence on computers a good thing?
• Should the public sector be privatised?
• China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways
• Is India a Soft Nation?
• Value based politics is the need of the hour
• Religion should not be mixed with politics
• How to deal with high oil prices
• Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
• Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?
• Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
• Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
• Should there be private universities?
• Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?
• Public sector is more a hindrance than help to promote socialism.
• Economic betterment of the poorer nations is as important as disarmament to ensure lasting world
peace.
• From public sector to privatization as in the U.K., is the right answer for India's instant economic
breakthrough.
• The doctrine of "limited nuclear war" is an ill-convinced, ill- logical, irrational and extremely
dangerous concept.
• Some simple but effective electoral reforms will enable us to retain the present parliamentary
system and ensure the preservation of democracy in India.
• Nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.
• Private enterprise and not public sector will contribute to faster and higher economic growth in India
• Inflation is inevitable in our developing country.
• The policy of reservation is a legacy of the British and it has done more harm than good.
• For a marketing post graduate, without prior work experience working in a big marketing firm is a
disadvantage when compared with working in a small firm. Discuss.
• Consumerism is destroying the social fabric of Indian culture
• Free market is a prerequisite for growth.
• Cricket as a national obsession is a detriment to other sports.
• To develop India has to empower women.
• .Formulate the government's health policy to control the spread of AIDS.
• Advertising is a waste of resources.
• Privatization will lead to less corruption.
• State is the biggest violator of human rights.
• There can never be a classless society.
• Beauty pageants are a marketing gimmick.
• Voting rights to illiterates in India is illogical because it is widely misused.
• Joint family is a blessing in disguise
• Higher education should be made possible only for those who can pay for it.
• Women cannot successfully combine both career and home
• Women are good managers.
• Executive should be allowed to form unions.
• Effect of liberalization on poverty.
• Indians perform better as individuals rather than in groups.
• Business and ethics go hand in hand, or do they?
• Developing countries should spend more on development than on defense.
• Political parties have outlived their utility.
• Is Swadeshi relevant for India today?
• Money is required to earn more money.
• Foreign trade is necessary for any country to survive
• Presidential Vs Parliamentary form of government of India.
• Technology: The Ism' Of The New Millennium?
• Religion And Politics Should Not Mix
• TRIPS Controversy And The Patent Act Amendment
• Should India Sign The CTBT
• State Interventions In Market Kind Or Mixed Economy
• Science Is A Boon Or Bane
• Is Swapping Terrorists For Hostages An Encouragement For Plane- Hijackers?
• Nice Guys Finish Last
• All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy
• Individual Freedom And Civil Society
• Conventionalism And Modernity: The Ever going Debate
• Should There Be A Restriction On Permissiveness Being propagated by The MTV Culture And
Foreign Media?
• Marxism And Its Future All Over The World
• The Growing Menace Of Casteism And Regionalism
• Presidential Form Of Government Is Needed In India
• Bullet For Bullet: Is It The Right Policy?
• Capitation Fees Should Be Abolished
• Brain-Drain Has To Be Stopped
• Business And Ethics Can't / Don't Go Together
• Are women As good as Men Or Inferior?
• Nothing Succeeds Like Success
• The Malthusian Economic Prophecy Is No Longer Relevant
• Secessionism In The North-East: Who's To Blame?
• Should India Break Diplomatic Ties With Pakistan?
• Age and Youth: Experience And Young Talent
• East Is East & West Is Where All The Action Is': Mark Twain
• Freedom Of _Expression And The State Authority.
MBA GD Topics
• Is India moving away from a secularist state?

• Education in India - or the lack of it
• What ails Indian sports?
• The Age of Information
• Is Philosophy just an armchair theory?
• Success is all about human relations
• Borderless worlds - Dream or reality?
• Quality is a myth in India.
• Education and success - Is there a correlation?
• We don't learn from history, we repeat it
• Do we need a global policeman
• Indian villages - our strength or our weakness?
• Agrarian Economy in India - boon or bane
• if there were no armies in the world......
• Indian customs - are we in a time warp?
• "How green was my valley........". Is nature paying the price ?
• Management Education - Is it necessary to succeed in business
• The role of NGOs in economics and politics
• NGOs - Do they serve peoples interests or are they pressure groups?
• Death of Socialism
• Role of women in development
• Kids today are not what they used to be
• Casteless India - A pipe dream
• Should Trade Unionism be banned in India
• Repeated elections - Should taxpayers pay for it?
• Indian bureaucracy - foundation strengths or colonial hangovers?
• In India, the whole is less than the parts - Do we lack in team spirit?
• Generation X - Drivers of our future or are they our lost souls?
• Do we need a cut in the defence budget?
• "Dot.com" companies - Is there room for everyone?
• Artificial Intelligence - Will man be ever replaced by machines?
• if I were to choose my person of the millennium...
• All the world is a stage....
• when managers become Hamlets...
• If Patel were our first Prime Minister.......
• Materialism - Have we sold our souls to the Devil?
• You've come a long way, baby - The rise and rise of feminist power.
• Role of ethics in tobacco industry, liquor industry etc.
• Should gambling be legalised in India?
• Are we unfit for Democracy?
• Survival tools for the new millennium
• Examinations - has it killed education
• Cultural Invasion through the air waves
• Should doctors be tried in Consumer Courts
• Abortion and Euthanasia - Is it morally right for society
• Are beauty pageants necessary?
• The relevance of Gandhism today
• India and the WTO
• Did India handle the hijack issue properly?
• Is E-Commerce the best thing for India
• Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never
match those learnt from experience
• Democracy is hampering India progress
• MBA in India is highly overrated.
• Religion is a private affair and should be of no concern for the state
• Decreasing defense expenditure and increasing social expenditure is the need of the hour
Hot Topics:
1.How to deal with international terrorism.

2.Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
3.Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
Current Topics:
1.A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
2.Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
3.What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
4.Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.
5.Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.
6.What India needs is a Dictatorship.
7.With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
8.Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.
9.Beauty contests degrade womanhood
10.The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
11.Six billion and one bronze!
12.Is dependence on computers a good thing?
13.Should the public sector be privatised?
14.China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways
15.Is India a Soft Nation?
16.Value based politics is the need of the hour
17.Religion should not be mixed with politics
18.How to deal with high oil prices
19.Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
20.Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?
21.Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
22.Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
23.Should there be private universities?
24.Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?
Social Topics:
1.Are Big Dams Necessary?

2.Films are corrupting the Indian Youth
3.A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly
4.Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.
5.Our Culture is Decaying
6.We are not serious about saving Wildlife/Environment
7.The education system needs serious reforms
8.The impact of MTV on our psyche
9.Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television.
10.Let us legalise gambling
Management Topics:
1.Is management an art or a science?

2.The Rush for MBA is really a rush for big money
3.Ethics in Business are just a passing fashion
4.The objective of Management is to maximise profits
5.Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses?
6.The Internet is an exercise in hype
7.Is an MBA necessary to succeed in life?
8.Family owned business vs professionally run businesses
9.Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth.
10.Dot com or doubt com?
Creative Topics:
1.The Wheel is Turning Round and Round

2.If I was the Finance Minister/Prime Minister
3.There is no right way to do a wrong thing
4.Group Task: How can we have Mount Everest in India?
5.Do Beauty and Brains Go Together?
6.When I woke up in the morning I saw…
7.A ship docked in harbour cannot face the storms
8.Up the Down Staircase
9.Just as we have smoke free zones, we should have
child free zones
10.Marriage is a social trap
SOCIAL TOPICS:
1. The Internet chains have come on the wings of science & technology but are no less restrictive for all
that.
2. Secularism has become a tool to justify the wrongs done by the minorities.
3. Media is a mixed blessing/How ethical is media?
4. To fight AIDs, stop being coy about sex education.
5. What should India strive for- Westernization or modernization?
ECONOMIC TOPICS:
1. Developing countries need trade, not aid.

2. Why do we lag behind China?
3. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse.
4. Flexibility of labour laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.
5. Is the business of business only business?
POLITICAL TOPICS:
1. Reserving seats for women in Panchayat has not only been a farce but has distracted from developing a
more genuine voice of women.
2. Have the nuclear tests of 1998 benefited or harmed India?
3. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalisation of politics.
4. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so that they can elect
the right aspirant by their own assessment.
5. India should go for the presidential form of democracy.
ECONOMIC TOPICS:
1. In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than doing.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining.
3. Can the economy achieve an 8 percent growth rate?
4. Is disinvestment really that good for India or is a rethink in order?
5. Are co-operatives relevant in today's globalised environment?
6. Foreign aid is a dangerous drug that can stimulate in small doses but become fatally addictive in larger
doses.
7. Modern day sport in industrialised society is an industry, as anything else.
8. Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for corruption.
9. Is the NPA ordinance too harsh?
10. Reforms have to grow up.
11. The future lies with globalisation
12. Is the consumer really the king in India?
13. Globalisation versus nationalism
14. Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane?
15. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for
protecting, if not encouraging, corruption?
16. Commercialisation of health care : Good or Bad ?
17. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
18. Is the US economy headed the Japanese economy way?
19. Economic freedom not old fashioned theories of development will lead to growth and prosperity
20. Markets left to themselves encourage greed.
21. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
22. Should businessmen run the finance ministry?
23. Should important services like transport be left to market forces?
24. Is there any point in having a business strategy when the world changes from month to month?
25. Is the patents bill good for India? .
26. Is the business of business only business?
27. Globalisation is good for developing countries
28. Public sector being a guarantor of job security is a myth.
29. Is industryless growth here to stay ?
30. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse ?
31. How can business get rid of the bad name that it has earned?
32. Government pumping money into the economy is not the solution for our economic problems
33. Business ethics are no longer a luxury for corporates but a necessity?
34. How should privatisation proceeds be utilised ?
35. Is the budgeting exercise of any use?
36. Should agricultural subsidies be stopped ?
37. Will Mumbai's film industry ever evolve into a truly modern corporatised one?
38. Will market reforms enrich rich states further, while poorer ones lag further?.
39. Why do we lag behind China ?
40. Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies ?.
41. Why not use a brand index to measure national prosperity?.
42. What we need to reduce scams is better regulatory bodies.
43. War rhetoric is misplaced in a country like India which is trying to globalise its economy.
44. Trade can help the poor ?
45. The power ministry should cut off supplies to all the defaulting SEBs.
46. Steal a few lakhs and you're a criminal. Steal a few hundred crores and you become an industrialist.
47. Should PSUs be divested through strategic sale or public offer?
48.The state is above the law?
Management Education Topics
1. Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never match those learnt from experience
2. Democracy is hampering India progress
3. MBA in India is highly overrated.
4. Religion is a private affair and should be of no concern for the state
5. Decreasing defense expenditure and increasing social expenditure is the need of the hour
BPO GD Topics
• Is coalition politics here to stay?

• Does India need a dictator?
• What ails Indian sports?
• Success is all about human relations
• Borderless worlds - Dream or reality?
• Quality is a myth in India
• Will China overtake India in IT
• India - the back office to the world by 2020
• Does Indian IT industry need to focus on products rather than services
• The BPO age - heralding a new employment revolution
• The BPO revolution and its impact on the society
• Education and success - Is there a correlation?
• We don't learn from history, we repeat it
• Do we need a global policeman?
• Indian villages - our strength or our weakness?
• Management Education - Is it necessary to succeed in business
• Kids today are not what they used to be
• Repeated elections - Who should pay for them
• Indian bureaucracy - foundation strengths or colonial hangovers?
• In India, the whole is less than the parts - Do we lack in team spirit?
• "Dot.com" companies - Is there room for everyone?
• Artificial Intelligence - Will man be ever replaced by machines?
• Materialism - Have we sold our souls to the Devil?
• Role of ethics in tobacco industry, liquor industry etc.
• Are we unfit for Democracy?
• Survival tools for the new millennium
• Examinations - has it killed education
• Should doctors be tried in Consumer Courts
• Is E-Commerce the best thing for India
General GD Topics
• US war on Iraq-justified or not.

• Role of UN in peacekeeping.
• Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
• Environment Management.
• Is China better than India in software.
• Should SONIA Gandhi be made the PM
• BPOs in INDIA
• Govt contribution to IT
• will punch lines rule the Advt
• premarital sex
• is china a threat to Indian industry
• India or west , which is the land of opportunities
• water resources should be nationalized
• "BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"
• Effect of cinema on Youth
• Education in India compared to Foreign nations
• Is it necessary to ban COCO COLA in India.
• What is the effect of movies on youth. is it good or bad)
• Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad.
• "UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".
• "Environment-Whose Responsibility".
• Is China a threat to the Indian software industry.
• Role of UN in Peace keeping
• War on Iraq
• About Hockey being the primary game in India
• Can America occupy Iraq
• Cricket should be banned or not.
• IS CHINA A THREAT TO INDIA
• Present state of Indian Cricket team.
• Love marriage/Arranged marriage.
• Advantages of Co-education.
• How to deal with international terrorism.
• Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
• Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
Current GD Topics
• A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India

• Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
• What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
• Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy
• Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture
• What India needs is a Dictatorship.
• With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
• Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.
• Beauty contests degrade womanhood
• The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
• Six billion and one bronze!
• Is dependence on computers a good thing?
• Should the public sector be privatised?
• China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways
• Is India a Soft Nation?
• Value based politics is the need of the hour
• Religion should not be mixed with politics
• How to deal with high oil prices
• Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
• Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?
• Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
• Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
• Should there be private universities?
• Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture
Sample Mock GD - I
Candidates are divided in groups of 8 to 10 and each group is tested by a panel of Judges. Usually topics
of general interest are given by the panel to the group and the group is asked to proceed with discussion.
Every candidate is supposed to express his opinion and views on the topic given. The time for discussion is
approximately 20 minutes. During the discussion, the panel of Judges quietly observes the performance
and behavior of the candidates and makes his own assessment.
Mock GroupDiscussion :
Most topics are taken from the current political or economic scene so if one has just kept abreast of current
affairs, then he will be able to make a mark. We give below a group discussion on a common topic and
give some typical responses of students. We then analyze the discussion so that readers can develop their
own strategy for themselves.
JUDGE : Good morning. You can choose any topic you like or take a slip from that box. You are given one
minute to think to start with the discussion. The observers will not interfere in your discussion. If no
conclusion is reached, we may ask each of you to speak for a minute on the topic at the end of the
discussion. The topic on the slip is "Multinationals: Bane or Boon". I suggest you should start the
discussion.
Mr A : This is a good topic. I am against multinationals. We have Coke and Pepsi. Do we need them? We
can manufacture our own soft drinks. Multinationals destroy the local industry and sell non-essential
products.
Mr B : I agree with you. What is the fun of having Coke and Pepsi? We have our own Campa Cola.
Mr C : I think water is good enough.
Mr D : We are not here to discuss soft drinks. The topic given to us is a much larger one. First, let us define
multinational companies. They are merely large companies which operate in a number of countries. There
could be some Indian multinationals also. So there is nothing wrong with them. The point is whether they
have a good or bad impact on the host countries. We have to discuss their business practices and find out
whether they are desirable or not.
Mr E : That is a very good introduction to the topic. Multinational companies do serve an important function
that they bring new products and technologies in countries which do not have them. And it is not just Coke
and Pepsi. They set up power plants and build roads and bridges, which really help in the development of
host countries.
Mr F : But are they all that good? We have seen that they destroy local industry. In India they just took over
existing companies. They came in areas of low technology. Moreover, we have to see why they come at
all. They come for earning profits and often remit more money abroad than they bring in.
Mr A : I agree with you. I am against multinationals. We can produce everything ourselves. We should be
swadeshi in our approach. Why do we need multinational companies?
Mr E : We may not need multinational companies but then it also means that our companies should not do
business abroad. Can we live in an isolated world? The fact is that we are moving towards becoming a
global village. The world is interconnected. Then we have also seen that foreign companies bring in
business practices that we are impressed with. Look at foreign banks. They are so efficient and friendly
that the nationalized banks look pathetic in comparison. I think we can learn a lot from multinationals if we
keep our eyes and mind open.
Mr B : Take a look at McDonald's. They are providing quality meals at affordable prices. One does not have
to wait at their restaurants.
Mr C : How do you account for the fact that they take out more than they put in and thus lead to
impoverishing the country?
Mr D : The fact is that every poor country needs foreign investment. Poor countries often lack resources of
their own. That is why they have to invite foreign companies in. There is nothing wrong in this because then
products like cars, air conditioners and so on can be made in poor countries. Often multinationals source
products from different countries which helps boost their export earnings.
Mr E : We have been talking about Coke and Pepsi. It is well known that Pepsi is in the foods business
also and has helped farmers in Punjab by setting up modern farms to grow potatoes and tomatoes. Modern
practices have helped the people in that area.
Mr A : I still feel that multinationals are harmful for the country.

Mr D : Well, there could be negative things associated with such companies. They may not be very good in
their practices. But can we do without them? I think the best way is to invite them but also impose some
controls so that they follow the laws of the country and do not indulge in unfair practices.
Mr E : I think laws are applicable to everyone. Very often officials in poor countries take bribes. The fault
lies not with the company which gives a bribe but the person who actually demands one. Why blame the
companies for our own ills?
Mr A : What about the money they take out?
Mr D : We have had a good discussion and I think it is time to sum up. Multinationals may have good points
and some bad ones too, but competition is never harmful for anyone. We cannot live in a protected
economy any longer. We have been protected for many years and the results are there for everyone to
see. Rather than be close about multinationals, let us invite them in selected areas so that we get foreign
investment in areas which we are lacking. Laws can be strictly enforced that companies operate within
limits and do not start meddling in political affairs.
Analysis : Though Mr A started the discussion, he could not make any good points. Later, he could not
give any points about why multinationals are bad. It is also a bad strategy to say at the outset whether you
are for or against the topic. Remember, it is not a debate but a discussion. The first step should always be
to introduce the topic without taking sides. See the way in which the discussion is proceeding and give
arguments for or against. The observer is not interested in your beliefs but in what you are saying. The
participation of Mr B and C is below average. A candidate must make 3-4 interventions. Their arguments
are also not well thought out and add nothing to the argument. It is important to say relevant things which
make an impact rather than speak for the sake of speaking. The arguments of Mr D and E are better. They
seem to be aware of the role of multinational companies. Mr E's approach is better as he intervenes a
number of times. He has also taken initiative in the beginning and brought order to the group. If selection
has to be made from the above six candidates, the obvious choice would be Mr E and thereafter, Mr D.
Sample Mock GD - II
Aditi, Bijoy, Charu, Daisy and Ehsan are waiting for their group discussion to start. They do not have a
topic yet and are waiting for the moderator to make everybody comfortable. There, the moderator looks at
the clock and announces: “You have 5 minutes for this group discussion. And your topic is ‘How to
Succeed in Group Discussions.’ Please start.”
Bijoy: This should be interesting. A GD on GD! I suggest we should discuss the importance of a GD first. I
mean, why have a GD at all?
Charu: I find this very strange. How can you have a GD on GD? We should be discussing some current
topic to test our knowledge.
Ehsan: I agree that this is rather unusual. At the same time, our job is to conduct a meaningful discussion
regardless of the topic. Bijoy has suggested we start with the importance of GD. Today, GD is a very
important part of various selection procedures.
Aditi: GD is all about teamwork. That’s all.
Bijoy: Management is all about working with people. I suppose GD is one way of establishing one’s ability
to work with others. How we are able to lead and be led.
Charu: (Laughs) You are using some impressive management jargon, my friend! I don’t think GD has
anything to do with leading or being led. At the most, a GD may give an idea about how a business
meeting is held. Otherwise it is only about sharing your knowledge with others.
Bijoy: (Visibly irritated) Looks like you are very sure about your knowledge. Perhaps there is no need for a
group or even a discussion?
Ehsan: We have some interesting points here. Leadership and sharing knowledge. Perhaps, a GD is a
good tool to assess how well you are able to function within a group.
Daisy: I want to…
Aditi: I don’t think any discussion is meaningful unless everyone has the same level of knowledge.
Daisy: I want to say something. Pardon if I make any wrong. I am from vernacular medium…
Aditi: Don’t waste our time talking about your background. The topic is GD. Talk about that.
Bijoy: Every subject has various angles. So, many heads can raise many ideas.
Charu: Also, too many cooks spoil the broth (laughs).
Ehsan: Yes, a group makes it possible to brainstorm any issue. Perhaps Daisy has something to add to
this thought ...
Daisy: Thanks for giving me chance. A GD is good for ‘consensus.’ It is always better everybody agree.
Otherwise only one person is there.
Charu: (Leaning forward and pointing to Daisy) I think the correct word is consensus. Don’t use a word
unless you know what you are talking about.
Bijoy: Consensus is fine. But is it necessary that everyone should have the same viewpoint?
Ehsan: That is an interesting thought. Yes, Daisy is right that a GD is about consensus but there can still
be differences. A GD provides an opportunity to discuss various aspects of an issue and weigh merits and
demerits of different approaches.
Charu: Agree to disagree.
Bijoy: But the question is how to succeed in GDs. I think the first prerequisite is patience. Some of us must
learn to shut up and let others talk (looks directly at Charu).
Aditi: If everyone follows that we will only have silence and no discussion.
Ehsan: I suppose the point is to participate and give others also a chance to participate.
Daisy: Please can I speak?
Aditi: Come on! You don’t have to beg for permission to speak!
Daisy: I said that because I thought someone might have wanted to speak before me. Anyway, is it not
possible to only listen?
Charu: (Smirks) I don’t know how the moderator will rate your profound silence!
Bijoy: But Daisy, no one can read your mind. Unless you speak, how do you contribute?
Ehsan: I think a GD is very much like a business meeting. Every participant may present an individual point
of view but the thinking about that point of view is collective.
Aditi: I don’t think you can compare a GD to a business meeting. In a meeting, there is usually a chairman
whose job is to control the meeting.
Bijoy: A GD may not have a chairman but I suppose one person usually emerges as the leader and guides
the discussion.
Charu: I suppose someone fancies himself to be a leader. This is so boring!
Moderator: Your time is up. Thank you everyone.
Moderator’s notes: Ehsan shows leadership skills and the ability to hold a group together. He appears to
have a good grasp of the subject though on the whole the GD failed to do justice to the core subject of how
to succeed. Bijoy also has some interesting ideas but is prone to being provoked easily. Charu is too sure
and too full of herself to be able to contribute to a group. Aditi is guilty of intolerance and rude interruptions.
Daisy needs to work on her language and her confidence, though she may have the right concepts.

Gd&#39;s &amp; Their Topics

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Gd&#39;s &amp; Their Topics

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NEELABH Page 1 of 30

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include :-

Ability to work in a team

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-

Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.

Reasons for having a GD

• It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

• How do other students make critical comments?

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.

• introducing yourself and the members of the group

Chairing a Group Discussion

• introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

A group discussion consists of:

What is the normal duration of a GD?

How many panel members are there to evaluate?

What is the seating arrangement like?

How should I address the other group members?

Should I encourage others to speak up?

Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the participants?

Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves?

If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings?

Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so?

What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?

How do I participate when the noise level is too high?

Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion?

How critical is my fluency in English to my performance?

How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?

How much or for how long should I participate?

Is it good to be humorous in a GD?

Should we make an interim summary?

What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say?

You have two choices:

Is the use of slang/colloquialism permitted?

Can I use a language other than English to drive home my point?

How is aggression taken and measured in a GD?

What level of aggression is seen acceptable?

Will I be quizzed about my (or others) participation in the GD?

Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favourably?

Can I be aggressive with a lady participant?

Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD?

Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated time?

Is an end-summary absolutely essential?

Do we have to write a synopsis of the GD once it is over?

Is voting an acceptable method of reaching a consensus?

How should a group select a topic if asked to?

• Ignore him and address the other members of the group.

• Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy.

Body of the group discussion

• Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression:

iv. Shock statement

v. Facts, figures and statistics

vi. Short story

Quotes are an effective way of initiating a GD.

Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.

Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.

Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated.

iv. Shock statement

v. Facts, figures and statistics

Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.

vi. Short story

Gd's & Their Topics

Gd's & Their Topics