The demand for management courses like MBA and PGDM is increasing day by day as the majority of students are looking out to get selected in top MNCs for several managerial and administrative posts. In fact, there are many who aspire to have their own venture, but in order to achieve their dreams, they have to get admission to the top B-schools. And for this, cracking CAT/MAT/XAT examination is vital. The written examination is followed by GD (Group Discussion) and PI (Personal Interview) known as GD-PI.
Every year, lakhs of students appear for the entrance examination; however, only a few of them are able to secure their seats. So, what is it that sets apart the selected candidates from the other ones? Well, it’s not just about preparing for the written test; preparing yourself for the GD-PI is equally important and matters a lot. The selection in any of the top management colleges will depend on the candidate’s performance in the GD-PI round.
Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds are essential to the admissions process of the best B-schools in India, including IIMs. So, how can you prepare for it? There is no secret to this, but following some tips and tricks can help anyone to crack this round. Here in this blog, we will be discussing this.
GD-PI
A common mistake that most students make while preparing for the MBA examination is to devote their time to written tests and neglect GD and PI preparation. GD-PI is an important and vital process that one has to go through to get admission to a top B-school.
Preparing for the GD-PI round at the top colleges requires strategy and planning as these rounds have the potential to make or break any candidate. GD-PI rounds are highly dynamic and unpredictable, and thus, there should be a structured plan for this.
So How Can you Prepare for GD-PI?
Before unveiling the secret to acing the GD-PI round, let’s understand the purpose. What is the concept behind holding a GD-PI round? Once this is clear, the aspirant can structure their preparation and responses accordingly.
Group Discussion
Group discussion tests the ability of an aspirant to work in a team. This round assesses a candidate’s ability to analyze the given topic and collectively work in a group to arrive at a solution or develop a perspective. GD also tests the candidate’s ability to follow a structured approach and helps the interview panel identify the candidate’s personal traits in the team.
Personal interview
This is the final stage of the admission process to the top management colleges in India. It helps the interview panel evaluate the candidate as per their career aspirations, confidence, communication skills, body language, eye contact, and more.
Preparing for GD-PI
How to Crack GD Round at IMT Nagpur
- Keep track of the current affairs, issues, and happenings around the world
- Work on your communication skills. Read good magazines and newspapers, and watch documentaries and profiles.
- Learn to communicate with body gestures as the interview panel will observe the way you sit and react during the discussion. Sit straight, avoid leaning back on the chair, listen to others, and make an eye-contact with the speaker.
- Do not cut anyone in the middle of the discussion. Allow him to finish first.
- Pick up the momentum only if you have a valid argument on the given topic
- Be sure to use the facts and figures relevant to the topic
- Do not rush to start the discussion if you don’t have a proper theory or argument.
- Learn to be a good listener and formulate your stance based on others’ points.
How to Crack PI at IMT Nagpur?
Your interview will revolve around your work experience, academics, current events, and extra-curricular activities. Follow the below points to turn the interview panel at IMT Nagpur in your favor:
- Be careful while writing the statement of Purpose. Keep ready your answers based on your SoP.
- Keep yourself updated about your surroundings by reading newspapers, watching the news, and more.
- Analyse and rehearse all your strengths and weakness
- Know about IMT Nagpur and prepare honest answers about the college, and why you are choosing MBA.
- Keep smiling and answer all the questions politely and positively
- Get in touch with the alumni or seniors of the college regarding the questions and other details about the PI round
Conclusion: So, the most important thing is to be confident and keep yourself updated when you answer the questions during the PI and GD rounds. Prepare well, and be confident for a positive selection at the best B-school.
Also read – Justify How Online MBA is Gaining More Popularity?
