Group Discussion For MBA

The candidates clearing the CAT exam are called in for a Group Discussion, which is the final round before personal interview. Though the Written Ability Test has replaced GD in most of the IIMs, GD is still involved in the admission process of many other prestigious B-Schools.

In this Article,

What is Group Discussion?
Sections of a Group Discussion
Different types of Group discussion
Difference between a Group Discussion and Debate
Factors on which a candidate will be assessed in the GD
Expert Tips for GD in CAT Exam
Do’s & Don’ts for Group discussion
100+ Latest topics for Group Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions on Group Discussion

The GD round is monitored by an examiner or a panel of examiners, who oversees the entire group discussion. The examiner becomes a silent observer of the activity after the announcement of the GD subject or case study.

What is Group Discussion?

It is essential to first understand what a group discussion is? Group discussion may be defined as, ‘A form of a methodical and purposeful oral process characterised by the formal and structured exchange of views on a single topic, issue, problem or situation for developing information and understanding essential for decision making or problem-solving’. The group members need to listen to each other and use voice and gestures effectively, use clear language and a persuasive style. The most important part of any group discussion is the way you present yourself, your body language in conjunction with your knowledge and general awareness.

Sections of a Group Discussion

The group discussion is basically divided into three sections, namely Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion.

The first part of the GD generally checks the concept and awareness of the issue and puts the concepts into the table.
The second part or discussion part is to check leadership qualities – more often, the person who dominates the discussion is given fewer marks than the person who guides the discussion into a healthy conversation. Body language and etiquette are keenly monitored and noted.
The third and final conclusion part of the discussion is very important since it checks the understanding of the situation and problem-solving and decision-making skills. It is very important to conclude perfectly as it creates a strong impression.

Different Types of Group discussion Topics For MBA:

The most common types of group discussion are outlined below.

Topic	Description
Abstract:	These are the themes that can be viewed in various ways, allowing aspirants to highlight their creative and critical thinking. E.g. There’s a way where there’s a will; Black or White? Unique strategies and ideas must lead the discussion.
Argumentative/ Controversial topics	Under this type of discussion topics are argumentative. E.g Reservation should be removed,the quota System should be abolished, etc.
Opinion Based	Participants are required to present their perspectives on such matters like the nuclear family or joint family, democratic or authoritarian. When given such issues, the panel looks for presentation skills and your flexibility to function in a team, which will speak volumes of a candidate’s managerial abilities.
Current Affairs GD topics:	Current affairs GD subjects are based on regional or international political trends, regulations and laws, and widely discussed issues in the media.
Case-based topics:	Students are given scenarios, mostly from the commercial environment, and are evaluated on how they solve the problem. Open-end discussions, using their thinking ability, decide what they can do in such situations. (The panellist under the case-based study, look for the decision-making skills) You will be provided information on the situation, and you will be asked to address it as a group. Panellists do not expect right or wrong answers in this situation. The case study’s ultimate goal is to assess your perception of the situation from various viewpoints.

Difference between a Group Discussion and Debate :

Before attending a GD, it is first necessary for a candidate to understand the difference between group discussion and a debate.

A candidate’s point of view does not have to be presented in sequential order in a group discussion. In a debate, every participant gets a chance to speak on the topic when their turn comes.
Candidates can present their thoughts on the topic favourably or negatively in a group discussion. Participants are assigned to a team and are more likely to speak in favour of the subject in a debate.
There is room for interaction and freedom to speak in a group discussion when the candidates voice their thoughts and interchange information. A debate is a detailed discussion on a specific topic with different ends – one favours the resolution and the other against it.
A group discussion aims to share one’s thoughts, insights, and information with other candidates. Whereas a debate convinces the audience on a particular topic on which discussions are held
A constructive environment is established in a group discussion, where candidates can listen to the perspectives of other participants, courteously exchange their opinions, and enhance their viewpoint. A debate is held across various organisations, creating a competitive atmosphere where participants explain and defend their standpoints.

Factors on which a candidate will be assessed in the GD

In the GD, there are several elements that will be used to evaluate a candidate. Few of them are listed below

Effectiveness in speech	Communication skills	Body language
Fluency	Presentation & Creativity	Subject knowledge & Relevance
Listening power	Open-mindedness	Decision making ability
Confidence	Clarity in speech	Team spirit
Leadership & Collaboration	Problem solving ability	Analytical & Reasoning skills

Expert Tips for GD in CAT Exam

Group discussions are widely used for many admission procedures and are considered a practical approach. Candidates are observed and evaluated based on their communication skills, leadership abilities, and ability to get along with others. The time provided for participants to share their opinions usually ranges from 15 to 40 minutes. Here are some group discussion tips from our experts to help you get through your GD.

Identify the objective of the topic given and quickly recall the knowledge you have acquired on the subject during your preparation.
Active listening is a tool for enhancing communication. Group discussion is more than just exchanging ideas and opinions with others. Listening is very important since some other participants may share information that you can elaborate upon.
Be crystal clear in expressing your thoughts instead of straying away from the given topic and going off to another topic irrelevant to the core element. Here is your chance to take the lead, to step up and arrive at a precise conclusion.
Maintain a courteous attitude when sharing your opinions. Let your actions speak for yourself at the onset of an argument and gently disagree on the concerns raised. Do not lose your patience during the discussion, especially if you struggle with points.

The group discussions are considered important for selection in many prestigious B-Schools. There are many advantages of group discussion, one of which is that you will recognise your weak areas and acquire confidence in yourself; It is crucial to practice Mock group discussion with peers under constant supervision. Visit group discussion for CAT to get various group discussion tips to ace any MBA admission.

At BYJU’S, the candidates are updated with the latest CAT exam notifications to help them prepare well for the exam. Stay tuned to know more about CAT Exam preparation tips and lessons to learn more effectively.

Do’s & Don’ts for Group discussion:

There are several rules to be followed in a group discussion. Candidates must know how to start a Group discussion. At the right time, put forth a point. The following points will provide you with a thorough overview of how to approach the GD while adhering to the guidelines.

Do’s	Don’ts
Articulate your ideas on a piece of paper before expressing.	Do not be repetitive; reiterating the same points demonstrates profound ignorance.
Use data and facts to back up your point.	Do not be mean spirited or keep arguing with others; you may politely disagree with one’s points.
To improve clarity, be fluent in your conversation and use crisp vocabulary.	Be careful that you do not end up creating an unfavourable atmosphere.
If you are well-versed in the subject, start the conversation.	Do not be redundant. Repeating the same points will show the lack of knowledge.
Open the discussion if you are well-versed and knowledgeable about the topic.	If you do not have insight into the topic, wait for others to begin, which helps you gain better clarity.
Throughout the debate, Adopt a calm and friendly attitude.	Do not sit in a sedentary manner. The impression you will leave will be degraded by sitting casually and lethargic.
Always be present and prepared to share your thoughts whenever your turn comes.	Show no signs of inattention or lethargy. This could indicate that you are uninterested.
Be courteous & Communicate Politely	Don’t discuss or murmur to other candidates when the central theme is still being discussed. Such behaviour violates formal decorum.
Make frequent eye contact with all participants and pay attention to their expressions.	Do not communicate in a poorly planned and informal manner. This could give the impression to the panel that you are just talking forsake.
Make a name for yourself as a team player. Towards the end of the discussion, concisely encapsulate it.	When someone disagrees with you, do not become anxious or nervous. Instead, get yourself into a state of calm and reply with precise facts.

100+ Latest topics for Group Discussion:

Candidates need to be aware of the Group discussion topics for an interview and thoroughly analyse them. Candidates should be well-versed in current events, business, and economic happenings. A group discussion works by allowing information flow, proposing and responding to questions as a team to find a solution. You will not be provided with any resources to prepare to research the group discussion topics; instead, you must jot down whatever knowledge you have on the subject matter and put it in a flow to better express it in the time allotted.

Types of GD Topics	Latest topics for Group Discussion:
Current Affairs	Union Budget of India: Key features of budget 2022 Cryptocurrencies and NFTs: Real revolution or just a bubble? Omicron Modicare: Affordable healthcare or a piped dream? How does Budget 2022 propel economic growth? Will the orthodox attitude be abolished by Beti Bachao Beti Padhao? Banks Merger in India: Is it good for the Indian economy? Repealing of farm bills farmers’ protest and MSP E-Learning: A substitute for classroom learning? Startup India: Boosting entrepreneurship Online education, work from home: Have we arrived in virtual world Walmart and Flipkart Deal: Impact on Indian economy RCEP Agreement: Right step for national interest or running away from competition? How effective was the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? Economic survey 2022 How can we combat the rise in cybercrime cases? Coal crisis in India Why is Individual Data Privacy important? Cryptocurrency: A promising future or a passing fad? Privatisation of public sector in India Role of social media in Indian politics Walmart and Flipkart Deal: Impact on Indian economy Reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir Crimes against women in India Advantages and disadvantages of Online Learning Make in India vs Make for India COVID 19: How India succeeded in the battle against the coronavirus when compared to other developed nations distancing themselves?
Abstract	Hard Work Vs Smart Work Leader or follower Black or grey Can failures offer you valuable life lessons? In business and management, how important is perseverance? Red is red, blue is blue and never the two shall meet Is it essential to think & dream big? People don’t fail, they give up First impression is the last impression Building strategies Vs Execution Your failures can be your stepping stones or your stumbling blocks Work- Life Balance is a Myth Shortcuts can be helpful, but they are not sustainable. Mistakes are the portals of discovery Problems unite us, religion divides us. Innovation vs Invention Thoughts on Me Too campaign Can failures teach you important lessons in life? You are what you think Can women be better managers? Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day Freedom: A Myth? Do we need more entrepreneurs than managers? Being informative doesn’t mean becoming knowledgeable. Change is the only constant Leader Vs Follower Ethics or Profit? Thoughts on Me Too campaign Do we need more entrepreneurs than managers?
Social Issues	Success of Swachh Bharat Mission Smart City Project – How useful will they be? India needs a uniform civil code- For or against Environment and us Is social media a boon or a stumbling block to society? Crime against women Views on climate change summit Is net neutrality essential to make India digital? Rural vs Urban India Does India need a uniform civil code? Should English be the only Official Language of India Browsing at workplace affects productivity Gender bias in portraying Women in Advertisements Views on retirement homes Should the national anthem be played in cinema halls?
Business, Economy & Finance	Is it true that the GST has had an impact on small businesses? Views on Bitcoin/CryptoCurrency Is ‘Startup India’ boosting entrepreneurship Views on CryptoCurrency Make in India campaign Will reduced Goods & Services Tax (GST) help the Indian economy in growing faster? How is the falling rupee impacting the Indian economy? How capable in India of leading Solar Energy, Wind Energy revolution? Everything you must know about the right to information Cashless Economy – Is India ready for it? Is an MBA necessary to be successful in business? Demonetization: Discuss its Success & failures Should the Indian economy be privatised? Blockchain Technology – Pros & Cons Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail sector good for India- agree or disagree Ways in which Technology is impacting the Banking sector Agriculture Vs Manufacturing Industry in India How beneficial is the merger of Public Sector Banks? Is the Minimum Support Price a political stunt? Initial Public Offering (IPO) Is Globalisation an opportunity or a threat? India V/s China: Will India remain way behind China? Below poverty line. Surcharge on Income Tax for the Super Rich How beneficial is the merger of Public Sector Banks? High Deficit Financing V/s high interest rates: Can both go together? Will RERA restore the trust of homebuyers? Is India ready for cashless economy Views on YONO Is corruption in the economy the root cause for Indian economic slowdown? Views on merging the general & railway budget Will Technology- and Automation Result in Job Loss or Gain?

Frequently Asked Questions on Group Discussion

What is the difficulty level of the CAT Exam ?

The difficulty level of the CAT Exam generally ranges between moderate- difficult. The CAT Exam’s difficulty level usually ranges between moderate and challenging. However, the difference is determined by your dedication, consistent preparation, and solving past year papers. Focused preparation helps you pass the exam seamlessly.

Do all B-schools and Non- IIMs have GD?

It’s a crucial component in the journey to a B-school. However, this procedure may differ slightly for non-IIM institutes.

What are some of the important topics in GD ?

MSP and Farmers protest Global climate crisis, Covid-19 third wave, Privatisation of India’s public sector, 4.0 Industrial revolution, Cryptocurrency’s advantages and disadvantages, 2022 Economic survey, India’s coal crisis, Farm bill repeal are few among the major topics asked in GD.

What is the normal duration of a GD ?

The GD commences with the group being briefed about the topic, which is followed by a 5-minute preparation time. Most Group Discussions last around 15 minutes. In exceptional cases, some may be extended to 30-40 minutes.

Is the topic of Group Discussion determined by the applicant’s academic background?

No. The Topics for group discussions are commonly based on current events, abstract phrases, case studies, and general issues.