25/2/2014 Group Discussion Topics, GD for MBA, GD Tips, Group Discussion Preparation, GD Ideas, GD Topics MBA

About Group Discussion

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Group Discussion (GD): Most widely used Screening methodology for B schools

Group Discussion or GD is a modern method of assessing students personality. Group Discussions or GD is a widespread tool
to judge the worthiness of the student and his suitability for the MBA Course or a job. So, why do students usually face a lot
of problem and insecurity in this area of the Selection Process? Let us first understand what Group Discussion is and how it is
conducted!

GD Topics Click here

Group Discussion is regarded as both a technique and an art as it checks how you behave, participate and contribute in a
group, how much importance you give to the group objectives, your listening skills and how well do you accept criticisms. The
term Group Discussion suggests a discussion among a group of persons ranging from 8 to 12 members who will express their
views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue within a limited time slot

Group Discussion (GDs) is today one of the most critical phases for selection to any MBA institute in India. GD rounds are not
only useful but have also become an essential part of B schools admission process as it helps to weed out the best from the
rest. No doubt more and more B schools are adopting Group Discussion as one of the screening methodologies for
Admissions.

For Group Discussion, a batch of 8-12 students are formed and are made to sit in formation of either round table, semi circle or
hollow square so as to enable each of them to see, observe and hear one another freely and also to address the group as a
whole.

GD round is facilitated by an examiner or a selection panel whose main job is to oversee the whole group discussion. In a group
discussion round, after the announcement of the GD topic or the case study, the examiner becomes a silent spectator once the
discussion begins.

Management institutes today are very clear about the skills and knowledge that they are looking for in a student while
screening.

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GDs are used to assess certain group skills that cannot be evaluated in a personal interview like ability to reason, to lead, to
Inspire, flexibility, out-of-the-box thinking, social and listening skills, situational handling ability, ability to function as a team
player, body language and attitude. These skills are very much required to become a successful professional which in turn
works as an asset for the B school at time of campus placements.

Another important reason for institutes to keep Group Discussion (GDs) as an elimination round is because of the huge rush
towards top B schools for MBA Admissions. During the peak time of admissions, an institute has to examine hundreds and
thousands of candidates who have registered for the MBA program at the institute. GD helps them to analyze up to 15
aspirants in 10 minutes only.

Group Discussion has been a part of the Selection process for admission into most of the top Business Schools. So, it's
important to assess your current strengths in all these areas and accordingly put efforts to strengthen your weaknesses.

To prepare for a group discussion, keep track of happenings around the world. Being aware of current affairs and issues and
happenings, which affect our lives, however remotely, shows a well-rounded personality. As a team player, your ability to lead
and play in team is measured in the GD. Make a habit of reading english newspapers and magazines, watch interesting
documentaries and profiles on television to get a wider perspective on issues.

Group Discussion topics can be from a wide range of issues. It could be a topic on current events, business news, sports or
anything very general. The wider your reading interests, the better prepared you will be to face the group discussion.

Some Example with Real Account

GD Topics Click here

Group Discussion (GD) is the integral part of final selection process at most of the B-schools. The group discussion is a tool
for selectors to evaluate aspirants ability to gather their thought on a random topic and analyse the issue with its pros and
cons based on facts and logic. It also tests their thought leading capabilities, clarity in their argument, ability to articulate and
team leading capacity.

MBAUniverse .com brings to you a series of real account of GD, PI, WAT round at Top B School for admission in the session
2013-15.

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25/2/2014 Group Discussion Topics, GD for MBA, GD Tips, Group Discussion Preparation, GD Ideas, GD Topics MBA

Topic: Corruption is the root cause for the slowdown in Indian Economy

Number of participating candidates: 8

Time Allotted: 20 minutes

Moderator - Good morning friends. The topic for todays Group Discussion is Corruption is the root cause for the slowdown
in Indian Economy. You have one minute to think before starting the discussion. The observers will neither interfere nor
participate in the discussion.

--One minute pause---

Abhi- (Taking the lead) Good Morning I am Abhi. In my view the topic has two parts - The rampant corruption in India and
Its adverse impact on growth of economy. While agreeing to the topic I wish to place a few facts before all of you that
transparency International in its study on index of corrupt countries in 2012 placed India at 94th rank out of 176 countries while
Somalia tops the list. Corruption in all walks of life in India is making it weak and has adverse impact on its growth. As per an
estimate 80% of the public servants in India are corrupt because of which the wheel of growth is being pulled down. Corruption
caused problems in government funded projects are rampant almost in all the states. Only 40% of grain handed out for the poor
reaches its intended target. The World Bank study finds that the public distribution programs and social spending contracts
have proven to be a waste due to corruption. Loss from the government program has been alleged to be around Rs. 10,000
crores.

Aman (intervening) Although it is a fact that corruption should be curbed, at times it speeds up the processes also. People
find it difficult to get their jobs done in the countries where no corruption exists. It takes many days to get the Visa to many
countries and years to get the green card in USA. Professionals, their relatives complain that the process takes a very long time
and since no one takes bribe in USA the process goes on its pace. How would it be, if the same processes were in India? One
could get it processed faster by spending some extra money.

Parineeta I do not agree with this point. Instead of curing a disease you are trying to justify it.

Aman - (looks offended) I have never said that and do not make...

Parineeta (Not allowing him to complete) - You meant this.

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(Every one suddenly begins speaking while Parineeta remains silent. It becomes a sort of fish-market and in the din nothing is
being heard; a sharp, polite but firm voice of a candidate Anuj is heard that subsides the flared passion)

Anuj Friends, please do not waste time. We are left with a few minutes. Although the Constitution of India describes the
country as Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic leading to socialist-inspired policies for an entire generation from the
1950s until the late 1980s but the extensive protectionism in Industry, license Raj had contemporary policies vulnerable to
pervasive corruption and slow economic growth. Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari always stated that the system of License Raj
would remain at the core of corruption and would pull back the economic growth in the country. With the reduction in
Corruption level in India the growth rate of GDP might increase by 5 to 7%. As per an estimate the rampant corruption in India
causes loss of growth in terms of investment and employment by Rs.25000 crores.

Ashutosh- Everyone is trying to malign the image of the country. Is it not a fact that there are thousands of public servants and
other officials who have never taken any bribes in their life? They worked for the betterment of their organization and the
country. They have never been corrupt but always remained at the receiving end of their corrupt seniors and juniors and were
trapped in one or other way. The punishment went to the honest while corrupt remained free. Such good officials need to be
protected to avoid further spread of corruption.

Ramendra This is not the topic for discussion, I think you have misunderstood it.

Ashutosh This is GD and I am expressing my ideas.

Parineeta (Before chaos could spring up again, speaks in a clear voice) I understand that India needs to curb corruption to
have a better chart of economic growth. Example of China and Japan cant be overlooked. These countries have also suffered a
lot and probably more than that. China has a greater population than India, had poor infrastructural facilities like railways,
roads, electricity etc. in early sixties. Today we find China much ahead of us. Saga of Japanese economic development is no
less inspiring. But our various government officials, politicians, in connivance with criminals tend to roll back the wheel of
economic growth. They are not concerned with countrys economic growth but for their well being only. They grab the public
property illegally. This land and property is meant for infrastructural or community development. Such corrupt practices hamper
the growth of economy.

Aman- Well, might be but the history of corruption in India is not new. Even during the regime of East India Company in 17th
Century it was a serious issue. The economy has been running infected since then.

Sujata- I would like to say that India is not so corrupt. To make India corruption free it is important to explore the root causes of

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corruption which includes excessive regulations, complicated taxes and licensing systems. I agree with Aman.

Manav- Let us take a balanced approach to get rid of corruption. The fight against corruption to accelerate the growth has time
and again been taken up by eminent social workers, activists like Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, NGOs etc. Various stringent
bills to rein in the corruption are already present in the country like Indian Penal Code 1860, The Prevention of Corruption Act
1988, Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002, and the proposed Jan LokPal Bill etc. Various Departments and organizations
exist in the country to prevent corrupt practices e.g. Central Vigilance Commission, CBI, Lokayukta, etc. So the corruption will
be over it is only a matter of time. I do not agree with Abhi or Anuj.

Ramendra- There is no point going on saying that India is not a corrupt country. Corruption in India is rampant and people
have to pay bribe to get a job done in a public office. Taxes and bribes are common between state borders. Government
regulators and police share in bribe money, Transporters have to pay bribes to cross the state borders within the country.
These stoppages including those at checkpoints and entry-points take up to 10-12 hours in a day. This delays the movement of
essential goods and commodities required for necessary developmental purposes.

Abhi- Aptly said. Let me add that the loss in productivity due to these stoppages is an important national concern. The number
of truck trips could increase by 30 to 40%, if forced delays are avoided. Corrupt construction contractors in association with
corrupt politicians and Public Works Department officers get the contracts and deliver poorly constructed roads, buildings,
bridges. News of building, bridge collapse, are very common. Economic growth is adversely affected. Public money which
could have otherwise been utilized for the growth of economy and for welfare of the public is being misused to satisfy the
greed of such unscrupulous persons.

Ramendra Thank you Abhi for supporting me.

Anuj- (finding that the time is getting over, makes another entry in a steady voice) - Mineral resources are the back bone to the
prosperity of the country. The corrupt Ministers and government officials go for awarding illegal mining of such rich resources.
They illegally help transport the minerals like coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, etc. to other places for their personal benefits. The
economic growth is severely affected by such corrupt activities. India requires a transparent and effective policy
implementation with more employment and business opportunities to curb corruption and move fast on the path of growth.

Moderator Thank you friends, time is over now. Please stop the discussion.

GD participants Analysis:

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25/2/2014 Group Discussion Topics, GD for MBA, GD Tips, Group Discussion Preparation, GD Ideas, GD Topics MBA

1. Abhi- He started the discussion understanding and splitting the topic with clear views placed in a coherent manner with
supporting facts. He made two entries and his speech attracted the attention of all. He emerges as an obvious leader.
2. Aman- Appears to be a bully and also is trying to justify the tools of corruption. May have difference of opinion but is
unable to make valid points. He is not a good choice for selectors.
3. Parineeta Initially she appeared to be more interfering than contributing. But later she made valid points interlinking
the growth to corruption. Better than Aman.
4. Anuj A skillful candidate, knows how to grab the opportunity. Made valid points. Might prove to be a good choice.
5. Ashotosh Misinterpreted the topic. Despite having some knowledge he is unable to contribute to the discussion. Poor
choice
6. Sujata has nothing much to contribute to the discussion only a sentimental follower. Poor choice
7. Manav- Have knowledge but speaks beside the point. Didnt understand the topic, instead discussed the ways and means
on corruption. Not a good choice.
8. Ramendra Tries to make some valid points interlinking one or two aspects of corruption affecting adversely the
economic growth. However, his contribution assisted Abhi who again led the points raised by him.
If the choice is to be made from among these eight candidates Abhi and Anuj, could be the right choice.

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