1.

how to handle group discussion

Sailing through Group Discussions successfully is an art. Heres a look at some strategies
that will take you a long way in winning the day.

BE NATURAL: The best mantra is ‘to be your natural self’. Do not manufacture artificial
responses. See a GD or an interview as just an extension of any other routine situation
you encounter. This will induce spontaneity in your responses and will save you the
unnecessary “What should I do if . . .?” problem.

MUST SPEAK: The first principle of participating in a GD is that you must speak.

For any GD, take a piece of paper and a pen with you and use them unless specifically
asked by the evaluators not do so. Before you start speaking, think through the major
issues in the topic in the first two minutes. Jot down points on the paper or mentally
work out the framework for analysis. Start speaking only when you have understood and
analysed the topic. If another participant has started the discussion even before you
have read and understood the topic, you could try to ask the person to wait while you
finish. It may, however, be better to continue with your analysis, while listening to what
is being said, and to speak only when you are ready.

If you do not understand the topic, then either ask the group what the topic means and
accept that your ignorance will be obvious to all or else wait. May be the meaning will
become clear after a few minutes of the discussion, when someone else discusses it.

Avoid speaking in turn as it leads to an unnatural discussion. A GD involves a free-

flowing exchange of ideas among participants. Even though there will definitely be chaos
in most competitive GDs, as all participants will be keen to be heard, any suggestion of
order, such as speaking, in turn, is unacceptable.

We have never seen a strategy of speaking turn by turn succeed in the hundreds of GDs
we have evaluated so far. Also there have been no instances of anyone being selected
after suggesting that participants speak turn by turn.

OPENING AND CLOSING A DISCUSSION: Opening a discussion is a high risk — high

return strategy. In most GDs, the opening speaker is the person who is likely to get the
maximum uninterrupted air time. The reason is simple — most other participants will still
be trying to understand the basic issues in the topic, or are too nervous to speak and are
waiting for someone else to start. Therefore, the evaluators get the best chance to
observe the opening speakers. Now this is a double-edged sword. If the opening speaker
talks sense, he will get credit because he opened the discussion and took the group in
the right direction.

If, on the other hand, the first speaker’s start lacks substance, he will attract the
undivided attention of the evaluators to his shortcomings. He will be marked as a person
who speaks without thinking and merely for the sake of speaking. Also, he may be
marked as someone who leads the group in the wrong direction and does not make a
positive contribution to the group.
 GD TIPS | GROUP DISCUSSIONS | HOW TO HANDLE GD & INTERVIEW | INTERVIEW
TIPS & TRICKS | HOW TO FACE INTERVIEW
How to Handle a GD/PI
The primary thing considered by many to get admitted for a MBA program in one of the reputed B
schools in India, is excellent makes in the CAT exams, better known as Common Admission Test.
Despite of this there are many candidates who are unable to make it to the final stage of getting
them rolled in their dream college.
The answer to this is that scoring only good marks in CAT is not sufficient enough to help you get
into your dream college. Before the final admission takes place, the candidate has to go through a
round of GD and PI. Better known as Group discussion and Personal Interview, these two are
rigorous screening process that more or less every reputed B school follows. If you can overcome
these two hurdles, then only you can get admitted for the MBA course.
Tips to crack a Group Discussion
1. GD is not an elimination procedure:
Most of the students think GD as an elimination round where the evaluator finds scope to eliminate
the candidates. This is a very wrong perception. GD is more of an evaluation process than an
elimination round. In a group discussion round, the evaluator evaluates the candidates on certain
skills like communication, assertiveness, patience to listen, etc. The evaluator mainly wants to see
how well you can communicate, but make sure that whatever you are saying makes sense.
2. Make good points
In case of GD, after you get to hear the topic on which all the candidate’s need to discuss, try to
think the topic from different perspectives like economic, political, social, technological, legal, etc.
By doing this, you will get a number of good points to speak on. Don’t hurry in making the points.
3. Understand the topic first and then speak
until and unless you are very confident about the topic, don’t be the one to start. If you do not
understand what the topic is all about, then hear what the others are saying. From there, you can
make out what the topic is all about and then plan out your points and presentation.

4. Get into the discussion

while being the first one to speak has its own share of risks; it is not advisable to remain quite for
a long time. After you have gathered enough points you can get into the discussion. To get
yourself noticed, you can start by agreeing or disagreeing to a particular candidate’s points and
then begin speaking on your points. At the same time, doesn’t be the last one to speak as this
might make a negative impression on the judging panel. It is always advisable to be the second or
the third speaker.
5. Leadership quality
In case of GD, try to highlight your leadership quality but don’t portray a bossy attitude. Try to
motivate others to speak so that it brings out your abilities as a leader before the interview panel.
Some common tips
1. Check the body language
always remember that the evaluator is not only listening to you, but at the same time checking
your body language. Body language, mannerisms, gestures speak a lot about the person. So, try
to maintain a positive body language. Tapping your feet, playing with the pen, pointing the fingers,
sitting with legs crossed should be avoided. In case of PI, you should have a smiling face but avoid
laughing unnecessarily.
2. Knock before you enter
In case of PI, always knock and ask for permission to enter the room. After you have entered,
wish every member in the panel. Don’t just enter and grab the chair to sit. Wait for the interviewer
to ask you to take your seat.
3. Eye contact
while the GD is going on, you should maintain a proper eye contact with the person with whom
you are talking. If you are sitting in front of the interviewer, then maintain eye contact with him.
But make sure that the other person does not feel that you are staring at him/her.
4. Sharpen your language skills
before coming for a PI or GD; you should sharpen your language skills so that you can express
your words and thoughts clearly and fluently. In such places, fluency in English is considered must.
SOME GD TIPS AND SCORING POINTS
GD Tips

1. Always be the initiator and concluder of the GD then being a participant.

2. But if you are particaipant always try to be the most vianl/key participant.

3. put points firmly and always try to get others support too.

4. if you find that the discussion os going offttrack then never loose an oppurtunity to bring it back to
straem this is the best point to score max.

5. try to keep latest information on the topic.

6. be very polite , people may try to provoke you to to get more points but try to keep cool.

7. most important don't wait for your turn to speak when discussion is on. inturrupt politely if you want
to put forward your points. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com

8. last but not the least keep atab on the time given for discussion. score points by wrapping up the
discussion if you feel that the discussion is heating but the time is going to be over.

9. during conclusion, do end with the conclusion note. that shows your leadership quality.

 
Best scoring points are:

1. initiation of discussion,

2.always keeping/trying tokeep discussion on track

3. conclusion on time

4. your capability to keep your cool and listen as well as putting your points.

Be a Leader.
GD basically means searching your team player, leadership, communication capability.
How to Handle Group Discussions

Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive
skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you
behave, participate and contibute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective
as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in
accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication,
non-verbal behaviour, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try
to be as true as  possible to these aspects.

General Tips for Group Discussion

A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren't at a loss of words on certain
issues. Understand the topic and analyse it mentally before speaking. Be clear about the purpose and
content of your viewpoint.
One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to  everyone. Be clear in
speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain confident.

Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence,
Correctness and Courtesy. You should mantain eye contact with all others in the group and not focus
on a particular person for he may benefit from that. Be responsive to ideas from other people and
seem to be very receptive and open-minded but don't allow others to change your own
viewpoint..

Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that important; what is important is
that you speak for a period long enough for you to be able to communicate your viewpoint. Always
mantain your calm and never get aggresive. If you haven't been able to talk then one can cut in
saying "Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that sort.

Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front.
Your attitude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict.
Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion.
Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend your views.

How is Evaluation Done in a Group Discussion

Winners' skills Group discussion is an important dimension of the selection process. Any institute
requires students to work with others for effective functioning. Therefore, people skills are an
important aspect of any MBA program.

In today's context, the educational institutes and organizations are interested in team players rather
than individual contributors. During the Group Discussion, the panel essentially evaluates the
candidate's potential to be a leader and also his/her ability to work in teams. Remember that institutes
are typically on the look out for candidates who will inspire to lead and succeed and for that you need
to be a good team player.

Here is a sample list of skills assessed during a group discussion:

Leadership skills:
Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them
achieve group's objectives. http://www.ChetanaS.com
Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially when
the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the
discussion.

Communication skills:
The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of  thought, expression and aptness of
language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.
Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily
understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using esoteric jargons in an attempt to show-off
your knowledge.

Interpersonal skills:
Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief
situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has
to be more people centric and less self-centered.
Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you by with personal comment, ability to
remain objective, ability to empathize, non-threatening and more of a team player.

Persuasive skills:
Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting
the group members.
Example: While appreciating someone else's point of view, you should be able to effectively
communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.

Problem solving skills:

Ability to come out with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one's own creativity.
Example: While thinking of solutions, don't be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk
high-return strategy.

Conceptualizing skills:
The ability to grasp the situation, take it from the day to day mundane problem level and apply it to a
macro level.
Example: At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few sentences
that present the overall perspective. Don't be disheartened if you don't make it after your first group
discussion. The best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn from one's past
mistakes...

Frequently Asked Questions / Doubts on GD

What is the normal duration of a GD?

A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

How many panel members are there to evaluate?

There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when
this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.

Should I address the panel or the group members?

Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other
members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD
is in progress. Just ignore their existence.
What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the
venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.

How should I address the other group members?

If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends".
Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting
the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".

Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone
else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is
judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.

Should I encourage others to speak up?

Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If
someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage
him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.
http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at
your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.

Dos & Donts of Group Discussion

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone
else's point and then move onto express your views.

Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect
your attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the
discussion personally.
Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: 'I strongly object' or 'I disagree'. Instead try
phrases like: 'I would like to share my views on...' or 'One difference between your point and mine...'
or "I beg to differ with you" Ch etanaS

Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does
not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the
blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their
views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can
learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence
of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and
creativity

Common Mistakes in a Group Discussion

Wise men learn from others mistakes, while the less fortunate, from their own.
Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:

Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on
women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an
opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other
candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general. What Rashmi
essentially did was to
* Deviate from the subject
* Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
* Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.

Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he
interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got
together to prevent him from participating in the rest of the discussion.
* Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
* Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
* The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.

Egotism Showing off

Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to
project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20%
of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so
on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them
as they perceived that he was cooking up the data.
* Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your
knowledge.
* Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
* Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
* You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people
skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an
atmosphere where different opinions are expressed.

Get noticed - But for the right reasons

Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic -
"Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety
to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing
the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who
then corrected his mistake. Che tanaS
* False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and
understand the topic before you air your opinions.
* Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have
thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
* Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner. Some
mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless
you have a great sense of humor.

Managing one's insecurities

Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good.
Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to
comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
* Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
* Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others
and your performance, participate in the discussion.
* Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good confidence is a
must to crack the GDs.

Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or
inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.

Probable GD Topics

1. US war on Iraq-justified or not.

2. Role of UN in peacekeeping.

3. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.

4. Environment Management.

5. Is China better than India in software.

6.Should SONIA gandhi be made the PM

7. BPOs in INDIA

8. Govt contribution to IT

9. Will punch lines rule the Advt

10. Prematial sex

11. Is China a threat to Indian industry

12. India or West , which is the land of opportunities

13. Water resources should be nationalised

14. Balance between Professionalism & Family

15. Effect of cinema on Youth

16. Education in India compared to Foreign nations

17. Is it necessary to ban COCOCOLA in India.

18. What is the effect of movies on youth.(is it good or bad)

19. Are studies more benifitial in India or in Abroad.

20.UN's peace activities and America's war on Iraq.

21.Environment-Whose Responisibility.

22.Is China a threat to the indian software industry.

23.Role of UN in Peace keeping

24.War on Iraq

25.About Hockey being the primary game in India.

26.Can America occupy Iraq

27.Cricket should be banned or not.

28.Is China a threat to India

29.Present state of Indian Cricket team.

30.Love marriage/Arranged marriage.

31.Advantages of Co-education.

Hot GD Topics

1.How to deal with international terrorism.

2.Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?

3.Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?

4.Are Mobile Phones Boon or Bane?

5.Love Marriage vs Arranged Marriage

Go through this GD topics please have a glance with them

1. Indian cultural values have nothing to fear from globalization

2. The impact of economic reforms has been that rich people have become richer rich and poor
people poorer.
3. Management education is only for the rich.
4. Reservation in parliament for women.
5. The US dollar is no longer a stable currency.
6. The impact of Internet on India.
7. Behind every man there is a woman.
8. Politicians are not interested in the future of our country.
9. Wisdom does not come with age.
10. Corruption is the main outcome of democracy.
11. Is the consumer really the King in India?
12. Globalization verses Nationalism.
13. Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane?
14. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for
protecting if not encouraging corruption.
15. Commercialization of health care: good or bad?
16. Should agricultural subsidies be stopped?
17. Do we lag behind China? Che tanaS
18. Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies?
19. Food comes first, ethics later!
20. To survive in the civilized world one needs to be a hypocrite.
21. Money is the sixth sense without which one can't enjoy the other five.
22. English language as a mode of instruction in primary level.
23. Men and Women are different.
24. Given the present state of affairs, India will remain a developing country forever.
25. IIM's and IIT's encourage only brain drain.
26. Whether reservation to women is beneficial?
27. There is no alternative to Pokhran nuclear test in present scenario.
28. Modern cinema is a boon to Indian society.
29. Should youth indulge in politics?
30. US war on Iraq-justified or not.
31. Role of UN in peacekeeping.
32. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
33. Environment Management.
34. Is China better than India in software?
35. Should SONIA Gandhi be made the PM
36. BPOs in INDIA
37. Govt contribution to IT
38. Will punch lines rule the Advertisements?
39. premarital sex
40. India or west , which is the land of opportunities
41. water resources should be nationalized
42. "BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"
43. Is it necessary to ban COCOCOLA in India?
44. About Hockey being the primary game in India.
45. Cricket should be banned or not.
46. Present state of Indian Cricket team.
47. Love marriage/Arranged marriage.
48. Advantages of Co-education.
49. How to deal with international terrorism.
50. Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
51. A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
52. What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
53. Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.
54. Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.
55. What India needs is a Dictatorship.
56. With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.
57. Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.
58. Beauty contests degrade womanhood
59. The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India
60. Six billion and one bronze!
61. Is dependence on computers a good thing?
62. Should the public sector be privatized?
63. Is India a Soft Nation?
64. Value based politics is the need of the hour
65. Religion should not be mixed with politics
66. How to deal with high oil prices
67. Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing
68. Why can't we be world players in industry as we are in software?
69. Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
70. Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).
71. Should there be private universities?
72. Do banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?
73. Are Big Dams Necessary? Che tanaS
74. A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly
75. Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.
76. The education system needs serious reforms
77. The impact of MTV on our psyche
78. Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television.
79. Let us legalize gambling
80. The objective of Management is to maximize profits
81. Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses?
82. The Internet is an exercise in hype
83. Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth.
84. Dot com or doubt com?
85. The Wheel is Turning Round and Round
86. There is no right way to do a wrong thing
87. Group Task: How can we have Mount Everest in India?
88. Do Beauty and Brains Go Together?
89. Marriage is a social trap
90. Secularism has become a tool to justify the wrongs done by the minorities.
91. Media is a mixed blessing/How ethical is media?
92. To fight Aids, stop being coy about sex education.
93. What should India strive for- Westernization or modernization?
94. Developing countries need trade, not aid.
95. Flexibility of labor laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.
96. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalization of politics.
97. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so that they can
elect the right aspirant by their own assessment.
98. India should go for the presidential form of democracy.
99. In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than doing.
http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
100. Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for
corruption.
101. Is the NPA ordinance too harsh?
102. Reforms have to grow up.
103. Is the consumer really the king in India?.
104. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for
protecting, if not encouraging, corruption?
105. Commercialization of health care: Good or Bad?
106. Is the US economy headed the Japanese economy way?
107. Economic freedom not old fashioned theories of development will lead to growth and prosperity.
108. Markets left to themselves encourage greed.
109. For globalization to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them.
110. Should businessmen run the finance ministry
111. Should important services like transport be left to market forces?
112. Is there any point in having a business strategy when the world changes from month to month?
113. Is the patents bill good for India?.
114. Globalization is good for developing countries
115. Public sector being a guarantor of job security is a myth
116. Is industry less growth here to stay?
117. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse?
118. How can business get rid of the bad name that it has earned?
119. Government pumping money into the economy is not the solution for our economic problems
120. Business ethics are no longer a luxury for corporates but a necessity?
121. How should privatization proceeds be utilized?
122. Will Mumbai's film industry ever evolve into a truly modern corporatised one?
123. Why not use a brand index to measure national prosperity?.
124. What we need to reduce scams is better regulatory bodies.
125. War rhetoric is misplaced in a country like India which is trying to globalize its economy.
126. Trade can help the poor ?
127. Steal a few lakhs and you're a criminal. Steal a few hundred crores and you become an
industrialist.
128. Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never match those learnt from experience
129. Democracy is hampering India progress http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
130. Religion is a private affair and should be of no concern for the state
131. Decreasing defense expenditure and increasing social expenditure is the need of the hour
132. Joint family is a blessing in disguise.
133. Higher education should be made possible only for those who can pay for it.
134. The weaker sex is the weakness of the stronger sex.
135. Women cannot successfully combine both career and home.
136. Developing countries should spend more on development than on defense.
137. Money is required to earn more money.
138. Classical Music Heritage And The Growing Pop-Culture
139. Nice Guys Finish Last
140. All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy
141. Bullet For Bullet: Is It The Right Policy?
142. Should India Break Diplomatic Ties With Pakistan?
143. Age and Youth: Experience And Young Talent
144. East Is East & West Is Where All The Action Is': Mark Twain
145. India Needs Gujral Doctrine For Better International Relations
146. Doctors' Accountability To Improve Health-Care
147. Universal Disarmament Is A Must
148. Indian Cricket Team Shouldn't Be Allowed To Play Abroad
SOME SUGGESTED GD TOPICS

Hi Chetanaites

This is especially to people looking for both on campus and off campus jobs.
Now that the campus recruitment has started in many colleges, here comes another important step in
acquiring that elusive step towards selection - Group Discussion's. I present here a few topics that I
have collected which I think will certainly help you all. These are topics that are generally asked or are
likely to be asked. Along with the topics I have also given the broad points along which these topics
can be discussed.

Suggested GD Topics:

1.         Is coalition politics here to stay?

2.         Does India need a dictator?
3.         Is India moving away from a secularist state?
4.         Education in India - or the lack of it
5.         What ails Indian sports?
6.         The Age of Information
7.         Is Philosophy just an armchair theory?
8.         Success is all about human relations
9.         Borderless worlds - Dream or reality?
10.      Quality is a myth in India.
11.      Education and success - Is there a correlation?
12.      We don't learn from history, we repeat it
13.      Do we need a global policeman?
14.      Indian villages - our strength or our weakness?
15.      Agrarian Economy in India - boon or bane
16.     if there were no armies in the world......
17.     Indian customs - are we in a time warp?
18.    "How green was my valley........". Is  nature paying the price ?
19.    Management Education - Is it necessary  to succeed in business
20.    The role of NGOs  in economics and politics
21.    NGOs - Do they serve peoples interests or are they pressure groups?
22.    Death of  Socialism
23.    Role of women in development
24.    Kids today are not what they used to be
25.    Casteless India - A pipe dream
26.    Should Trade Unionism be banned in India
27.    Repeated elections - Should taxpayers pay for it?
28.    Indian bureaucracy - foundation strengths or colonial hangovers?
29.    In India, the whole is less than the parts - Do we lack in team spirit?
30.    Generation X - Drivers of our future or are they our lost souls?
31.    Do we need a cut in the defence budget?
32.    "Dot.com" companies - Is there room for everyone?
33.    Artificial Intelligence - Will man be ever replaced by machines?
34.    if I were to choose my person of the millennium...
35.   All the world is a stage....
36.   when managers become Hamlets...
37.   If Patel were our first Prime Minister.......
38.   Materialism - Have we sold our souls to the Devil?
39.   You've come a long way, baby - The rise and rise of feminist power .
40.   Role of ethics in tobacco industry, liquor industry etc.
41.   Should gambling be legalised in India?
42.   Are we unfit for Democracy?
43.   Survival tools for the new millennium
44.   Examinations - has it killed education
45.   Cultural Invasion through the air waves
46.   Should doctors be tried in Consumer Courts
 47.   Abortion and Euthanasia - Is it morally right for society
48.   Are beauty pageants neccessary?
49.   The relevance of Gandhism today
50.   India and the WTO
51.  Did India handle the hijack issue properly?
52.   Is E-Commerce the best thing for India
 

Is coalition politics here to stay?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Nature of coalition politics.Indecisiveness of elections. No particular party is getting the peoples

mandate.Advantage of coalition politics in enabling formation of government. Flipside of coalition
politics- a party with a handful of seats become powerful.Government falls before tenure. Fresh
elections each time. Suggest a way out of this problem, for e.g.: once a party pledges support to a
coalition, it will not withdraw its support until it has watched a governments performance for atleast
three years...etc The future -will it only have coalitions, emerging political trends...etc...

Does India need a dictator?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

The current political structure.Drawbacks of it.Bureaucracy, layers in decision making, anarchy.

Dictatorship would mean centralised power and faster decision making.But, country run on whims and
fancies of an individual.Freedom on individuals could be clamped ..etc.. Present a balanced argument
for and against and take up your position on the issue. C h e t a n a S

Is India moving away from a secularist state?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Define secularism.Constitution calls our country such a state, but how things have changed over the
last 50 years.Spread of nationalism. Division into majority and minority groups-e.g. benefits given to
minority groups perceived as a threat by others. Role of non-tolerant neighbors in fuelling
fundamentalism. It is a passing phenomenon. We have the national character to overcome this..
Points along these lines can be discussed.

Education in India-or the lack of it.

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Discuss current education system. Discuss our sociological structure.Poverty which forces kids to
drop out to supplement family income.Vicious circle-poverty due to lack of education and vice
versa.Suggest solutions to get out of this-for e.g., governments are doing a commendable job with the
midday meal schemes but we need more of such efforts. Going down further, why restrict it to
government alone? why cant private people, NGOs and other voluntary bodies come forward to do
the same? How about tapping corporate funds for such causes .....etc.

What ails Indian sports?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

A nation of 950 million, we fail to produce great champions barring the occasional Vishwanathan
Anand or Geet Sethi. Sports system steeped in bureaucracy. Overriding popularity of cricket leading
to neglect in other sports.Traditionally, sports not accorded much importance by us as a career. Need
to develop sports from the primary school level- "catch em young". Various incentives to be given to
budding sportsmen like academic credits, sports in lieu of a few other subjects etc. Development of
sports infrastructure, making it amenable and affordable...etc.....

The Age of Information.

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Today a plethora of sources to provide information-Newspapers, radio, Television, Internet etc.  

Information available at the touch of a button. Greater decision making power to the individual. Also
easier decision making for the individual. Information is the key to ones success today. One who is
more informed forges ahead. The flipside-information overkill. At times deciding is tough due to too
much information ...etc.....

Is Philosophy just arm chair theory?

(This is an example of an abstract topic which is thrown up to students once in a while by the
examiners)

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Talk  what you know about this topic . Talk of its relevance in day to day life( or irrelevance if you feel
so..). Talk of its influence in literature e.g. Influence of Kant on the romantic poets especially
Wordsworth or of Bacon, Voltaire et al  on the "Enlightenment" period etc. Talk of its influence in
politics e.g. Influence of Nietszche on Hitler and subsequent genocide during Nazi regime etc. Talk  of
ethics and morals and their importance in life. talk of Indian philosophy. the Gita. Discuss whether we
use any of these in our lives and their importance in moulding our values...etc...

Success is all about human relations

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

The most important skill for success in to have people on your side. One can get a lot of work done by
superiority and hierarchy but one cannot be a leader of men unless one maintains excellent human
relations.Its importance not only in professional life but personal life too.Knowledge and expertise
does one no good if one cannot maintain proper human relations...etc.

Borderless worlds-Dream or reality?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Globalisation of business.Opening up of the various economies. Cross cultural exchanges. More and
more people getting an opportunity to work in different lands among different peoples and absorbing a
bit of their values and culture.This leads to greater tolerance and understanding of others' problems.
The other side-people despite all this have nationalistic and regionalist chauvinism. A world divided
into first, second and third worlds. People still talk of "their" economy and not world economy. Europe
has shown a step in this direction with EU but its feasibility remains to be seen.So while people
clamour for globalisation, they still think only in terms of their national interests...etc...

Quality is a myth in India.

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

The Indian products and manufacturing techniques. Why are we unable to sustain against global
competition.Our mindset towards quality. Indian attitude of "chalta hai" which leads to an
undemanding customer which in turn lets people get away with substandard products and services.
Today competition is forcing our industry to adhere to global standards so we are getting there in
terms of quality. Examples of our software industry which is recognised for its ability to meet global
standards etc. Since the topic is general, we can extrapolate it to our quality of life-the air , the water ,
the facilities we have, the infrastructure we have, the services we get and put up with ....etc......

Education and success-Is there a correlation?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

This is a topic which provides ample scope for dialectics. One can argue for and against it. One of the
best examples is Bill Gates who went on to become the richest man in the world despite dropping out
of hid education. Closer home we have the example of Dhirubhai Ambani. What a person learns and
what he really wants to do has no correlation many a times. A person succeeds only if he likes what
he does.The argument for education will be that, in practice, it is your marks and qualifications that
opens doors for you. While one can become successful without education, education brings about a
richness in one's life. One is able to appreciate many facets of life due to the extended knowledge that
education provides. It opens a new window and provides a different perspective towards things, ability
to distinguish between ethical and unethical, moral and amoral ....etc.
http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com

We don't learn from history, we repeat it

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Relevance of history. Reminder of our past telling us what to do and what not to do. Still we have
numerous examples which have occurred again and again  for e.g. Time and again we have had
innumerable wars and bloodshed,  Hitler made the same mistake as Napoleon and Napoleon in turn
the same ones as Alexander and all the three wanted to rule the world, countries making similar
mistakes in world war II as they did during world war I ....etc....

But despite this there are also many examples which have not been repeated ( or rather not brought
out to the fore as they were not repeated). This could mean we have indeed learnt from history and
avoided those mistakes. In fact that has been the purpose of teaching history so as not to repeat
them. Today fear of war is directly due to the record history places before us...etc....

Indian villages-our strength or our weakness?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

A typical Indian villages and its myriad problems. Lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. their
contribution to the economy both in goods and services vis-a-vis their urban counterparts. they could
be an even bigger drivers of our economy if they are made self reliant by improving infrastructure and
reducing the general disparities between cities and villages ...etc...etc

Agrarian Economy in India-boon or bane

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Speaking for the topic one can argue the following- time and again it has made us self reliant in food.
This increases our bargaining power tremendously in the world economy. Internally also food prices
can be kept low and this will have a direct bearing on inflation. This would bolster the economy and
provide us freedom from world bodies and other nations.

Against the topic-agrarian economy is at the mercy of climatic conditions. A bad summer, monsoon,
or winter could bring the nation down. It will have a spiral effect as increased prices will lead to
inflation and problems associated with it. World bodies and other nations will dictate terms..etc....

If there were no armies in the world......

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Wishful thinking indeed! It would be the key element for world peace. There will be no instrument to
wage a war. It will also remove fear and distrust among various nations. We wont have a defence
budget. This means more funds channelised into other productive areas. Reduced terrorism and very
little separatist groups

But the disadvantage could be imposition by one group, anarchy, laissez faire politics,
lawlessness..etc..

Do we need a global policeman?

The role of some countries in "disciplining" others. Assuming on itself to decide what is right and what
is wrong for the whole world. Bullying others into submission by its sheer economic power. Overriding
the brief of world bodies in world politics C he ta naS

Suggest alternatives like more authority to world bodies like UN etc which is more representative of
everyone's interests. More assertiveness to be shown by other nations to such policing nations .
making more nations self reliant so that we have less of "Big Brother" Syndrome....etc.....

Indian customs-are we in a time warp?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

Some undesirable practices over a long time. Dowry- prevalent even among the educated class, Sati-
recent example of a lady in North India, Child marriages- still prevalent in backward areas etc. Reason
on why do we still follow such customs. Traditional subjugation of women-present even in big cities
among upper class society. Allied problems due to such customs- intolerance, fundamentalism,
exploitation, etc http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com

Suggest ways out of this like education the masses, indicating the outmodedness  and irrelevance of
such practices today...etc...

"How green was my valley........".Are we paying the price of nature?

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

As every one tries to be one up on the other in the race for industrialisation, deforestation is taking
place on a large scale. This effect is more pronounced in developing countries. It has made a
perceptible difference in the last 50 years with rising temperatures. Global warming. Greenhouse
effect. Ozone layer depletion. El Nino type effects. Similarly it has affected other living beings-both
plant and animals driving many of them to extinction..etc...

But people have realised it now. A lot of NGOs and voluntary bodies are working on it. Infact there is
even a Greens party in Germany which has been winning elections using the environmental
plank...etc....

Management Education-Is it necessary  to succeed in business

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

This is again a topic where we can have for and against arguments. There are many examples of
great visionaries and leaders in business who have succeeded without any formal  management
education. People have simply done it by their will, passion and desire. But management education
has also produced many bigwigs. A management education gives a perspective towards analysis and
problem solving.It enables one to take decisions in a scientific manner, it enables you to handle the
stress and strains of a demanding job...etc...
The role of NGOs  in economics and politics

The following points could be discussed under this topic:

NGOs have become very powerful today. They have a major role to play in politics as they swerve
peoples opinion. They enjoy a lot of support and goodwill of the people. They can also make or break
a business. They protect the interests of the people and represent a collective voice against anything
that goes against their interests. Most of the times NGOs are more capable in securing a fair deal for
the general good. Also the NGOs have shown that they are in a better position to handle social issues
than most governments ...etc...

A Key Selection Tool

Organizations are trying to get the best human resource for their company. Reasons are not difficult
to find, on one hand there are abundant manpower available globally and moreover the recent
downturn has enabled the companies to hunt for those who have given pink slips and golden
handshakes. Companies, especially the ones which are willing to leverage this downturn for their
own advantages would definitely go out of the way to ensure that the best human capital is there in
the ranks, when the recessionary clouds are over. This would increase their competitive advantages
vis-à-vis the competitors. Earlier it was only the knowledge based industries like consulting,
information technology, information technology enabled services, training and development,
biotechnology which were emphasizing on the importance of human capital, now even the old
economy players like manufacturing and other heavy industries player are in the prowl to rope in
the best human resource. This calls for an excellent screening process so as screen the right man for
the right job at the right time at the right cost! Companies are therefore putting challenges in front
of the job aspirant so that they can know the exact capabilities before hiring a person.

There are many ways to do so. Few of the methodologies adopted by companies are group
discussion, written test comprising of domain knowledge, analytical ability, comprehension and
vocabulary, logical reasoning, stress interview, personal interview, case analysis, situation analysis to
name a few. This article presents group discussion and how the same is used by employers to
shortlist people in their rolls.

Objectives

The questions which would come to someone’s mind is ‘Why is group discussion required’, ‘what is
group discussion’, ‘how is group discussion handled’, ‘what should I do to succeed in a group
discussion’ and many other questions which may be creating a puzzle in the mind of the aspirant. To
put it plainly group discussion is one of the selection tool where people are made to sit in a group of
six to seven people and they are asked to dwell on a topic. Observers standing in a watching distance
notes down the points in terms of flow of thought, communication skills, knowledge quotient,
leadership skills, group dynamics, ability to hear, convincing ability, ability to maneuver a discussion
and many other qualities. It is one of the tried and tested models to shortlist candidates for jobs or
any other allied assignments. The topics given for discussion are generally topics which have
contemporary significance. This tests the knowledge level of the aspirants and also helps them to
square off with their competitors to get noticed by their employers or evaluators.
How to prepare

It is important for a job aspirant to prepare well for a job related group discussion as quite often this
is the first screening process and if one stumbles in this first step it’s all over for him/her. Preparing
for group discussion and does not call for rocket science like abilities. However, there are certain
traits which need to be imbibed if one is to be successful in a group discussion. One has to be a
voracious reader, or at least keep in touch with the latest pertaining to his own field or things which
are of common importance. It is therefore imperative for the person concerned to make him/her
aware about the latest via newspapers, magazines and internet. Once the knowledge gathering
process has started it is ideal to start the exercise. If one is getting the exposure in the college its
good otherwise it can also be initiated with like minded friends having the same goal of cracking a
group discussion for getting a job or for admission to a premium college. This simulation exercise
however has to be done with utmost sincerity, failing which the prime objective goes for a toss. The
friends can sit together in a group of six and seven people and decide a topic on which the
deliberation will take place. Once that is finalized two or three friends are appointed as critical
observers who would see the deliberation from a distance as external observers and grade the
individuals participating on various parameters like communication skills, flow of thoughts,
synchronization, leadership qualities on the basis of group management skills, team dynamics, ability
to initiate, language skills, knowledge, attitude, and many other allied characteristics. It is very
important for the observer to be critical so that the participants can know their actual standing. The
teams can be changed and the same exercise can be repeated with different topics and different
team members, which would result in increasing the ability to face a group discussion. It is also
important for every individual to record all the comments on a daily basis and work upon the same
so that the shortcomings are overcome with every effort.

Some important points

Here are some important points which help in handling a group discussion. They cannot be
considered the thumb rules as application of the same would vary from one situation to another.

1. Its better to initiate the discussion

2. Its always better to navigate the discussion especially when it goes off track
3. It is good to allow everyone to speak
4. It is not advisable to impose ones own thoughts and will on the other members
5. It is better to make notes of what the other members has to stay so that one can maneuver the
discussion accordingly
6. It is good to have a positive body language which compliments the verbal skills
7. It is ideal if one has not started the discussion to summarize the discussion at the end of the group
discussion
8. It is better to have a good grasping on the topics of importance especially the contemporary ones
9. It is better to learn from every other member in the group as a group exercise offers a good
learning opportunity.
How to handle group discussions
Group discussions tell an employer how a prospective employee can function in a team; whether the candidate is a
leader; and how the candidate is able to handle groups. Here, Ms. Hemamalini, an HR practitioner, shares her views
and experiences of group discussions - both as a candidate and as an employer.

"Some years ago, I had applied to an MNC for a job in their HR team. I was called to attend a group discussion. I was
part of an 8-member group, and found that most of the other group members were from premier business schools,
with a couple of years of experience more than mine. In comparison I was only a fresher. As the discussion began I
soon realised that they seemed to go by the book, as far as preparations for the discussion went!

Theoretically, the person who takes the lead in a group discussion is supposed to have an edge over the others.
However, I have found that taking the lead and speaking first is a two-edged sword: You can either be a
fantastic success and win the confidence of the group as well as the evaluating panel, or your attempt could make you
the laughing-stock of the group.

In this particular instance, two of the participants were straining at the leash, and both wanted to begin first! One got
in ahead by a few seconds, but the second made up for his delay in volume. As a result, there was utter chaos for a
couple of minutes, with each trying to out-shout the other. A few other members, realising what the matter was, tried
to join the fray. I was aghast but decided not to add to the noise!

After a few minutes, when there was a pause, I asked: `Now with all your support can we all get together to discuss
the matter at hand? Perhaps we could start by speaking in turn, so that everyone's opinion can be heard?' The others
looked blank for a moment, but realised what they were doing and spoke one after the other! By not joining the racket
and by getting the group to follow some discipline, I was acknowledged as the team leader. Later, I was told that my
calm and sensible behaviour had also impressed the evaluating panel. An unexpected outcome, as I only wanted to
get the discussion on track!

Another thing employers rely upon to learn more about you is your body language. A candidate who appears
professional (or is not too overbearing) is more likely to be noticed favourably by the panel. And, of course, language
skills are vital. Speaking fluently and clearly is an asset, but you must be able to organise your thoughts before
you speak. Your ability to conceptualise, throw new insights into the discussion are being evaluated.

Be polite - it never hurts to say `Please' or `Excuse me' - and it creates a good impression! Avoid phrases like `I
strongly disagree' or `Definitely not'. As an employer, I am more impressed by candidates who are able to lead subtly
than by those who get their way by being loud and abrasive. The candidate's knowledge of the field may be sound, but
a certain degree of maturity and wisdom are essential to effectively implement any task.

In my experience, employers are more impressed by a candidate whose analytical skills are sharp, who is focussed on
the matter at hand, and who is astute. Candidates who are receptive to others' opinions, and whose own opinions
are flexible enough to accommodate someone else's suggestions, are more likely to make it to the interview stage. I
have found that being assertive without being aggressive is an invaluable skill during group discussions.

While preparing for the group discussion, read as much as you can - there are plenty of books and magazines that
provide hints on how to handle group discussions. But remember these books and magazines are not any substitute
for your common sense and even instinct. My own personal experience only at the group discussion I mentioned
earlier reconfirms the same. …. While I made it to the interview stage, the initiators of the discussion did not make it!

How to handle group discussions and get selected

Recruiters consider group discussion as a handy tool which works on the principle of
elimination. You can evaluate a good number of candidates in a short period. If you can
understand what the recruiter is looking for half the battle is won.

Things You'll Need

1. communication skills
2. ability to think and express thoughts and opinions
 3. analytical skills
4. inter personal skills
5. leadership qualities

Steps
1

Be confident, clear and precise while communicating. It is  also necessary to have a good
vocabulary and pronunciation.  an individual who thinks clearly,forms opinions and
expresses the clearly and present his opinions convincingly stands a better chance.
2

how you interact with your future colleagues, the initiative you take, goes a long way in
forming an impression about you.it is very important how your project yourself personality
wise.
3

Many group discussions require you to analyze certain information or situation and present
your opinion.
4

last but not the least is your grooming which adds to the impression you have already created
with your active participation in the group discussion.
Tips

 Keep voicing your opinion once you have some thoughts on the subject
 If there is an argument, beg to differ and stick to your  point.
 You can also agree with somebody else’s point and expand it, or add a new angle to it.

Caution

 Get over with the quality of timidity if you want to succeed in group discussions.
 Don’t repeat the same set of ideas several times to prove your point.
 Don’t be aggressive or argumentative.
 Don’t create a scene if someone differs with your opinion.