GD & PI

GD & PI

GROUP DISCUSSIONS
After clearing the written test in MAT, a candidate is called for a GD (Group Discussion) by the institute in which he/she seeks admission. This is done only when the candidate crosses the minimum cut-off limit in MAT scores fixed by the respective institute.

“A group discussion is a simulated exercise, where you cannot suddenly put up a show, since the evaluators will see through you easily".

This session is conducted to analyze the ability of the candidates to think on a subject and present their views on the respective subject. This examination also helps the examiners judge the ability of the applicants to perform in groups.

NEED FOR GD

• To gauge the ability of the candidate to fit in an institution.
• It tests how a candidate functions 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.
• It almost tests all managerial skills in a candidate. Like communication, leadership, co-ordination, co-operation etc.

STEPS IN A GD

• A group of 8-10 candidates is formulated and this group is given a specific situation to analyze and discuss within a given time limit.
• The group may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem.
• The group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same.
• The panel then observes the proceedings and evaluates the members of the group.

TYPES OF GD TOPICS

• Topics that are selected for group discussion are chosen from various fields like sports, politics, social issues, environmental issues and current events.
• It is always difficult to guess the group discussion topics as it can be chosen from any field of work.
• However, students are always advised to read a lot of newspapers and business magazines to stay aware of the current events and happenings.
• Students might not possess thorough information about the GD topics, but common sense and familiarity with the issue can be of great help during the time of group discussion. This always helps you to present your ideas in a proper manner.

PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
After clearing the written test in MAT, a candidate is called for PI (Personal Interview) by the institute in which he/she seeks admission. This is done only when the candidate crosses the minimum cut-off limit in MAT scores, fixed by the respective institute.

• Generally these interviews are the final part of the selection process whereby the candidate has to sit for a one to one dialogue with the dean or the concerned admission authority of the institute.
• It is the performance at the personal interviews that decides whether the candidates are eligible for admissions in a particular educational institute or not.

NEED FOR PI

• To gauge the suitability of the person for the job or the degree course.
• To judge how well the candidate can handle pressure or how positive he or she is.
• Sometimes even though a candidate may have all the requisite qualifications for getting admissions to a college or for getting a job, he/ she may fail at the personal interview for reasons such as bad attitude, lack of confidence and other personal shortcomings.
• The institutes call you for an interview because they don't know you, and they want to know you in order to assess if you have the qualities that would make a good manager. In an interview, the panel deduces these qualities from your answers.

In addition, role plays, essay writings etc. also form part of the selection criteria in MAT.