Master of Business Administration

GD PI Live Chat Session 7 with Mr.Raj Joshi of IMS India

Published On: 08 Apr 2009

Welcome everyone to this Live chat on Group Discussion-Personal Interview topics and questions.
Team minglebox warmly welcomes the guest expert for the day, Mr. Raj Joshi from IMS.
Sir please take it from here. Students you may ask Mr.Raj your queries.

Rohit : Sir, Are there Any standard GD topics that you think we should be prepared for?
Mr.Raj, IMS : GD/PI patterns have changed since the last year. Last year, We expected controversial topics. However, we can expect fact based GD topics this year. Kind of Topics which can be asked in GD s are: Factual, Controversial, Abstract and Case Study type GD. Students must be prepared to speak in any of these GD formats.

Animesh : Sir, I'm from a Science background. Im unsure how I'm expected to answer when asked "Why MBA? How do you think your science background will help you during an MBA?"
Mr.Raj, IMS : You need think when answering why you are shifting away from your science background. You can always emphasize on how much more you will learn from an MBA. Body language plays a key role in any GD. Everyone needs to realize, No matter what your answer or opinion is - The only thing that is important is how you put your ideas across. You need be Confident, Speak naturally and not panic if things don't seem right.
Clear thought and clear speech to put your opinions across effectively - That should be the goal.

Anita : Sir How to answer questions like : "What you have learned from your previous experiences/mistakes?"
And, also What must one do if he/she does not know much about the topic given in the GD?
Mr.Raj, IMS : First part : You need to talk about what positives you gained from your past mistakes/experiences.
You can also explain what difficulties you encountered, How you dealt with them and what your learning from the entire experience are.
Second part: If students are not aware of the GD topic : Be calm, Wait before you open your mouth, Let everyone give their inputs and based on that, Make your decision about how you will speak about the topic. Observe the discussion very well before you put across each and every opinion and by this point I'm sure you will be sailing safely even If you had never heard of the topic.

Radha: Sir, During GD rounds how are marks alloted to candidates? Is it good to be the first person to start the GD/PI? Are there more marks for people who start first? And also, When asked about hobbies - How can we respond?
Mr.Raj, IMS : In any GD, Initiative and closure has the maximum points. So it is always good to be the one to start or close the GD. But do so only if you know the topic well and do so only with a valid points.
About hobbies, This is not a test question. Be honest and mention your own hobbies. It may something that is as simple as listening to music or watching TV. If you say Music... Then naturally, one must Expect questions like... What kind a music, who is your favorite musician etc. No matter what your hobby, you should expect questions about it. This way the interviewer knows if you are being honest.

Bubli : What are the traits an interviewer is looking for in candidates when he asks us to describe our personality or talk about ourselves in general.
Mr.Raj, IMS : Students can speak about themselves in any way they want to. Start with Basics like Name, Education Qualification, Family Background, Hobbies, etc.
There is no right or wrong way of introduction. The interviewer is trying to find out more about what kind of a person you are. So speak about only what you are comfortable talking about. Like your biggest influences or inspiration in life, your aims, your goals, your dreams, your strengths. Honest input about yourself does the trick in this question.

Nafisa : Sir, What is actually evaluated in GD round. The Individual's ability to interact with others, their communication skill, their leadership skills?
Mr.Raj, IMS : What matters in GD is Content, Clarity, Confidence, Knowledge of the topic and Body Language.

Yagna : Sir.How should i answer the question "Why do you want to go for a MBA program? "
Mr.Raj, IMS : This is an important question everyone must think about before GD s .
Answer it in this way:
A) What have done/accomplished until now?
B) How will this course help you accomplish your goals?

Akshata : Hello Sir! I want know the dress code for the GDPI sessions. What should I do if there are one/more dominant persons who are not giving me a chance to speak much?
Also, this year what topics can we expect. And finally, how can freshers assure the board that he/she can compensate for lack of experience.
Mr.Raj, IMS : There is no fixed dress code for GD-PI. However, formal dress code is always preferred for interviews. For women that can be both Indian wear/western formals.
This year we can expect current topics like elections, terrorism etc. Dont get irritated or behave in the same manner. You can re-take control of the GD by giving some good points to counter the argument or directly try to reduce the tension by saying "lets not get stuck on the same points, lets move on so that we can come to a conclusion sooner" and offer new points for discussion.
Freshers have to be academically strong. They must have knowledge of current industry happenings besides knowing about general knowledge topics.

Mohit : How can i crack CAT? Which subject to concentrate on? I also want to know about the difference PGDM and PGDBM? And in what way does it differ from MBA? And Sir, what good reasons could be given for low scores at 12th or in any section of the entrance tests like business GK or maths etc?
Mr.Raj, IMS : You need to know your basics very very well. Concentrate on Quantitative, Verbal and Logic. Practice makes perfect. So keep solving tests with the time factor in mind to get used to the pressure.
Colleges offering Management PG Degrees under Mumbai University will grant MMS Degrees and Colleges which run their own programs will offer PGDMs and Autonomous institutes will offer MBA.
Give the actual reason for not scoring. Be honest in an Interview it will help you.

Rita : Hello sir! I have a fear of speaking in public. I become tense and panic easily and stutter. I can write well and I'm comfortable speaking with my immediate circle. But the pressure in GDPI rounds, I have not been able to cope well at all Sir. Please Help! How do i present myself better in a GD-PI? What are the general GD topics?
What is the weightage given to GD performance and PI or is it a composite score considered for selection?
Mr.Raj, IMS : Firstly calm yourself. Take it like you are speaking amongst a group of your own friends, treat it like any other discussion with them. Start speaking logically on the topic and when you feel tense, Stop. Let someone else talk, collect your thoughts and start again.
Topics could be anything at all such as : America a big business country or not? Is Cricket The End Of Sports In India? Generally, Equal weightage is given to both GD & PI rounds.

Sameera : Hi, please let me know on what criterion is the GD topic decided. will it be on the current affairs or a generic one. What do I do if there are controversial GD topics? How will it be evaluated? And In the personal interview, when asked "Why do you want to do an MBA, how will it help you?" Is there any specific thing that the interviewer look forward to hear?
Mr.Raj, IMS : The most important things they look for are How confident are u? Do u really want t do an MBA? and whether you are convinced about your goals and ideas. Controversial topics are to see if anyone reacts badly - Its OK even if everyone is against the topic, All you have to ensure is why you believe otherwise & stick with it & support it with reasons.

Arun : How can academic achievements in field of science or experience of NSS camps and field work be added as asset in interview? And, I find it difficult to maintain eye contact in a group, is it a negative trait? And, how will it affect students if they have completed their whole education in Hindi, Will it affect them in GDPI?
Mr.Raj, IMS : As a science student, you are doing well with extra curricular activities. It will show how well you can manage both the things i.e., multitasking ability.
Please try to maintain eye contact. You are not wrong so why worry about something as simple as Good eye contact. B Schools like TISS have GDs in both Hindi and English. So no worries, however please try to improve English skills as it is an important asset.

Ankur : Which type of words should i use to succeed in GD?
Mr.Raj, IMS : The most simple form of English will help you put across your points clearly. You don't needs to use big words to impress interviewers. Use them only if you know what it means and if it the right word in context of the topic.

Kumari : Sir, I am going to face GD within a few days, Please give me some topics. If in GD, I have to start then how to start, from definition or anything else?If i get election topic in GD, is it ok to define any particular party?
Mr.Raj, IMS : You can start with proverbs, examples or about the topic directly. There are no hot topics, Please look above for more GD topic discussion. Be prepared for Slumdog Millionaire: A Reality or Myth?What measures should Government take to reduce Inflation. How can India come out of Recession?Should Taj attack be a learning lesson for all of us? About elections, Give a generic view and then support why u like a party.

Nafisa : Does voice modulation play an important role when speaking in a GD? And if someone has not been able to make a point during the course of discussion then what should he/she do?Does it mean that this person is disqualified?
Mr. Raj, IMS : Yes, Loud voiced people should tone down their voice and soft spoken people should speak loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room. No, that person is not disqualified he just have to ensure that he/she speaks and gets acceptance before the GD ends, so don't lose hopes. Voice your thoughts and opinions so you don't regret it.

Animesh : Sir, I am college topper at graduation. should i highlight this in interview. If yes, then where specifically? And also, I have done Physics(honours), how do I give the details if asked?If some one speaks very well in the GD, should i interrupt if i have better points?
Mr.Raj, IMS : Handle it very subtly and modestly, so the interviewer is happy to speak with u. Do not interrupt when others are speaking. Let him complete and then you give your point in a better way. Explain What subjects you studies? Which was your Favorite Subject? How will you deal with the change from Physics to MBA? etc.

Mihir : When I am asked about my goals or where i see my self after 10 years from now, then what could be safe answer for any student? Sir, what are the questions that a student should ask himself/herself to help bring clarity of thoughts about their career path, goals and also Why they choose MBA?
Mr.Raj, IMS : As said earlier, Interviewers are not looking for safe answers. Give honest answers: Why MBA ? what MBA from that particular college? What are you goals after MBA? It could be anything you aspire to be - A CEO, Line Manager, VP, Entrepreneur etc.

Students must improve His/her understanding about the course in general and what they can accomplish once they finish MBA. They must be ready to answer Why MBA now in current market conditions? How will he adapt to the Industry? What are their goals and Interests? How will an MBA help towards those same goals?

Answering all these questions beforehand will help students understand themselves and understand what they can achieve with an MBA. Think about your future guys, The answers are all there in your mind. That's all we have time for today. Thanks everyone and Good Luck!