GD-PI Preparation: Winning Tips At a Top B-Schools

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Preparing for GD-PI: Things to Keep in Mind While Appearing for an Interview at a Top B-School

7 Apr 2021
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A common mistake which most MBA aspirants make is to devote most of their preparation time for the MBA Entrance Exams thereby neglecting and leaving too little time for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI) prep.

GD-PI is one of the most important processes that one has to go through to convert an MBA call. Many good candidates falter when they don’t realise that securing an offer is more than just getting a good score in the exam. Preparation for the GD-PI rounds itself requires strategy and planning since they have the potential to make or break even the best candidates.

It is important, therefore to understand that the offer of admission is based on a composite score of entrance exams, GD-PI, candidate’s profile and work experience. Being one of the most important parts in the admission process, it requires the candidate to be well prepared. GD-PI rounds are highly dynamic and unpredictable, and thus require extensive and structured preparation.

So how does one go about preparing for a GD-PI

Understand the purpose

The first step in this direction is to understand the concept and rationale behind holding a GD-PI round. Once this is clear, it helps the aspirant to structure their preparation and responses accordingly.

Group Discussion – A group discussion tests the aspirant’s ability to work in a team, to arrive at a common perspective on an issue. Good managerial skills require teamwork to find solutions to business problems and one has to work in conjunction with others’ views in the process. The GD tests the candidate’s ability to follow a structured approach and it helps the interview panel to identify personality traits of the candidates in the group setting, namely – teamwork, structuring of thoughts, communication skills, respect for others’ views and critical analysis.

Personal Interview – this is the final stage in the admission process. It helps the panel to understand the candidate with respect to their communication skills, confidence, career aspirations, concepts relating to subjects / work experience, and whether the candidate fits with the B-school culture.

Preparing for GD-PI

Following are some general pointers that will go a long way to prepare any candidate to face this process. Remember, this process is not something that can be learned overnight or in a limited time period. This requires a regular approach and the time one devotes here will certainly make the admissions process much easier.

Awareness of Current affairs/ News – There is no better way to gain knowledge about what is happening in the world or in business than to remain updated through newspapers. Reading them regularly, in any case, is a good habit as it helps one to develop a perspective on various issues and challenges in the external world. It helps the candidate to widen their horizon and ultimately their critical thinking skills. Digital versions of newspapers are these days available online and easy to access.

The other area that requires one to be updated is with general knowledge concerning politics, history and deeper awareness of one’s interests. For instance, the hot topics of today could be on the subjects of RBI’s stand on Cryptocurrency, the Budget, India’s cricket performance, Reservations beyond SC mandate of 50%, etc. The list is vast and though it may be difficult to know and cover each and everything, it certainly helps if one updates himself on a constant basis.

The dynamics of a GD-PI

Appearance is important and is the first impression the panel gets about the candidate. It is, thus, important that the candidate is turned out in business formals. A neat appearance would certainly make a better impression than an unkempt one.

Coming to some of the important points to keep in mind:

GD – The GD topics given to the group vary over business schools. Some B-Schools test the groups with topics that are general in nature, while others come up with topics on current affairs. Thus, it is best to keep informed on politics, current affairs and business news.
- A group discussion is a dynamic and evolving test of the way an individual thinks in a group situation. Mostly, the GD is structured like a debate where participants have to take a stand in favour or against. The key to success here is active, interactive and collective participation.
- One of the main attributes management institutes look for in a candidate is Leadership. The way a GD is structured; it may give little time to the candidate to bring out this aspect of their personality. Hence, if one is familiar with the subject, they could look at initiating the discussion or to close it at the end with summary and concluding remarks.
- In case one is not comfortable with the subject, it also pays to be an attentive listener. Listening is also one of the attributes which communicate a positive aspect to the panel. Besides, what others share could also give insights and cues to the candidate to put in their views.
- Maturity and tolerance are tested in a GD since they are two of the main virtues of a manager. Independence in thinking by itself is of no use if not supported by tolerance to contrarian views. It is, therefore, important for the candidate to be appreciative of others’ views in the GD.
- Non-verbal communication is also important. An attentive candidate with the correct posture tends to communicate a good impression to the panel. It is best to avoid distraction and avoidable movements like shaking your leg etc.
There is nothing better in preparing for a GD than to practice regularly. Some candidates take the help of preparation classes that look to iron out deficiencies and hone GD skills. Though actual simulation in preparation does help, the key to cracking the GD is general awareness and presence of mind.

PI- A Personal Interview helps the selectors know the candidate in greater detail. The panel in the short time available looks to test the aptitude, aspirations and judge the personality of the candidate.
- Before one goes for a PI, it is important for the candidate to read their CV/ application form carefully. Most of the questions asked originate from these documents.
- Many of the questions asked in the PI are repeated over the years. On going through resources available on the internet, one would find a range of questions that are often asked. It pays, therefore, to prepare the answers beforehand. A very frequently asked question is “What is the reason you would like to pursue an MBA?”.
- If one is a fresher straight out of college, it would be important for them to brush up on important concepts of their chosen specialisation. Many subject questions are also asked to test the candidate’s conceptual knowledge. Similarly, if one is a working professional, it would be important for them to know about their job responsibilities and processes.
- Confidence is something that is visible and tends to enhance personality. A persona that communicates positivity and confidence, helps the candidate to stand out in the crowd. It enhanced the chances of success in a personal interview. It is thus important not to get flustered.
- And finally, if one gets stuck and does not know an answer to a question posed, one should not get flustered and reply politely “ I do not know the answer.”.
To sum up

The GD and PI processes are important markers with which candidates are judged with respect to the attributes the B-Schools look for. It is a process that has been designed to test the suitability of the candidate to perform in the course, as well as in the outside corporate world. Given the importance, it is important for candidates to not neglect this area of preparation and leave it till the last stage. The process should be an ongoing one along with preparation for the entrance exams.

SOIL Institute of Management has designed its admission and interview process in such a way that it helps the candidate to assess their personality in a holistic manner. SOIL is one of the few B Schools which doesn’t have a Group Discussion as part of its Admissions process. The Interview (PI) is also more encouraging in nature, designed to understand the overall profile of the candidate and to see if they are a good fit for the institute and its unique philosophy. It is crucial for the candidate to have the ability to absorb concepts like the importance of having a positive attitude, competence, exploring their emotional quotient and social quotient, while also having the willingness to work hard. The sole aim of SOIL is to shape its candidates into well-rounded personalities who are strong, mindful, self-aware and highly responsible, as well as innovative Business Leaders

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