Sounak Banerjee Associate Content Manager
Associate Content Manager
GD or Group Discussion is an important and comprehensive approach used by the panel to view a candidate's suitability. It gives a holistic view of the candidate's behavior as well as thinking. A GD round is a very crucial step for MBA aspirants.
Many top companies, colleges, etc. use Group Discussions as a way of judging a candidate's adaptability and suitability. Thus, the GD forms an important part of the MBA admission.GD assesses a candidate's overall personality such as thinking, thoughts, behavior, as an individual as well as a group member. All the MBA aspirants have to sit for a GD round after their CAT results.
Many MBA Colleges undertake GD as a judging criterion of a candidate's personality. Group Discussion lasts for 15 minutes to 25 minutes in which a topic is assigned to a group and when the discussion continues panelists observe candidates for their communication skills, clarity of thoughts, presentation skills, convincing skills, leadership qualities. These states of skills are necessary for a candidate to become a successful manager.
There is a wide range of MBA GD topics that can form the theme of a group discussion round.
80 GD Topics for MBA
B-Schools judge a suitable candidate’s eligibility in many ways such as Entrance Exam, Extempore, Group Discussion, Personal Interview, Case Discussion, etc. After qualifying and entrance test a candidate is called for Group Discussion. The type of topics of a GD can be any of – Social Issues, Abstract, Business and Economy, and Current Affairs of which Current Affairs are the most opted types by B-Schools.
80 GD Topics for MBA: Current Affair Topics
Group Discussion topics on Current Affairs | |
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Impact of Corona Virus on the Global Economy | 5G: Pros and Cons |
Coronavirus Vaccination | What is the new Privacy Update of WhatsApp? |
Trump’s Impeachment. | India’s new Agriculture Bill. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Agriculture Bill |
Why Farmers are protesting against the new Agriculture Bill | New US President – Boon or Bane for India. |
What lies in H1-B Visa for India | What is the Paris Climate Accord? |
Why there was a Storming of Trump’s Supporters in the US capitol. | Judicial reforms and their need in India |
Recent Elections held or are going to be held and their Importance. | Tok-Tok Ban in India- Pros and Cons |
China Buying Rice from India | Importance of India's neighboring Nations |
What is the Citizenship Amendment Act? | What is the National Register of Citizens? |
Iran US Conflict | US-China Trade war |
Reasons for the Downfall of Air India. | Is India Ready to Become a Cashless Economy? |
Importance and Impact of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Bill | Is India Ready to Accept Homosexuality? |
How Good or Bad can Workplace Relationships be? | What is Jet Airways Crisis? |
National Education Policy Being Atmanirbhar Bharat going to help India? | How will the Abrogation of Article 370 improve the situation in Kashmir? |
What benefits of IIM 2017 bills for students? | Doklam Standoff |
Is Chandrayan 2 a mission success or failure? | Will the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code fix the Bank NPA Issue? |
How Good is Artificial Intelligence for India? | Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong |
Industrial Revolution 4.0 | Pros, Cons, and challenges of National Health ID |
80 GD Topics for MBA: Business and Economy Topics
Group Discussion topics on Business and Economy | |
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New US President – Boon or Bane for India. | Importance of Foreign Direct Investments in India |
Privatization- Boon or Bane for India. | Tug of War between Amazon and Reliance for Future Group |
What is Wrong with India’s Banking System? | Economic Impact of India Being Declared a Developed Nation |
Impact of GST in India | Can India Become a USD 5 Trillion economy by 2024? |
Demonetization and GST: What India gained and Lost? | Impact of Brexit on India |
Is Bank Mergers in India Good or Bad for the Indian Economy? | Is Universal Basic Income in India Good or Bad |
Is RBI’s Autonomy Under Threat? | RERA: Will it restore the trust of homebuyers? |
Is Disinvestment used as backdoor privatization? | Banking Scams in India |
Is the Mars Mission for India Justified? | - |
80 GD Topics for MBA: Social Issues Topics
Group Discussion topics on Social Topics | |
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Mental Illness in India | Work from Home- bane or boon |
Democracy vs Dictatorship | Online vs Offline classes |
Is India ready for Electric Vehicles? | Bullet trains in India- Boon or Bane? |
Is India a Dangerous Country for Women? | Free Speech an excuse to polarise |
How will 2020 shape 2021? | Importance of Ban on Chinese apps in India |
National Recruitment Agency- Pros and Cons | Telecom Sector trouble for India: Good or Bad for Economy |
Globalization: An Opportunity or Threat? | Is Social Media Bad for Society? |
Triple Talaq: Landmark Verdict for Muslim Women or an Eyewash? | Gender Equality in Workplace |
Advantages and Disadvantages of One Rank One Pension | Disaster Management in India |
Has reservation policy failed to address social inequities in India? | Censorship for OTT platforms |
Man-animal conflict | How useful will be Smart City Projects in India? |
Caste-based reservations are impediments to building a casteless society | Facts, Causes, Impact, and Solution of Poverty in India |
What changed after the #MeToo Campaign? | New Schemes Launched by the Government and their Importance |
GD Topics related to Covid-19
There are high chances that the panelists of the MBA colleges put forward GD Topics related to Covid-19. It would be better to prepare some of the highly probable topics related to Covid-19. Candidates undergoing MBA placements preparation can also go through the information related to the topic for better understanding. The following are the GD Topics related to Covid-19 along with some facts.
GD Topics related to Covid-19 | Facts |
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Impact of CoronaVirus on the Global Economy | The IMF has reported that the Global economy has shrunk by 4.4%, the highest decline since the great depression of the 1930s. Majority of the GDPs around the world shrunk during 2020. Indian GDP shrunk b 25%. China during this period however recorded the highest rise in GDP growth at 2.3%. Hospitality sector was hurt the hardest with 35 million hotels around the world repotinn a fal in business. |
Covid-19 and the importance on spending in Public Health | According to the NHP 2017, 2.5-3% of the GDP would be spent on public health care. The Finance minister reported that the health and wellbeing outlay in India has been increased by 137% due to covid 19. However, India currently ranks 145 out of 180 countries on quality of and access to healthcare |
Nationwide lockdown will dent the economy in India | Reports suggest nationwide lockdown for a period of 1 month, can lower the GDP by 2 %. Mumbai-based CRISIL, which had earlier pegged India’s economic growth for fiscal 2022 at 11%, has lowered its estimate to 8.2% in a worst-case scenario |
Lockdown due to Covid-19 has exposed Social Inequalities Among Indian | The private hospitals for the treatment of Covid patients remain out of reach from the poor as they charge INR 10,000-INR 25,000 per bed. The lack of social security system means that the million of migrant and daily wage earner lost their jobs during lockdown |
80 GD Topics for MBA: Tips for a GD round
We enlisted are some of the Dos that should be followed for Group Discussion.
- Listen to the Subject and Panellist carefully.
- Have a pen and paper with you.
- Note down the points coming in your mind on paper.
- If you know the subject well then only initiate the GD.
- Listen to other group members carefully.
- Support your points with facts and figures if you can.
- make a contribution of at least 3-4 points.
- Address group members respectfully and with dignity.
- Take and Give others a chance to speak.
- Don’t Increase your voice too harshly.
- Speak politely and pleasantly.
- Respect other group members Contributions.
- If you disagree with someone let them know politely.
- If you are not able to conclude, summarise the topic.
- End the topic, if you can, with everybody’s consensus summarising the topic.
- Be affirm with your body gestures.
We enlisted are some of the Don’ts that should be followed for Group Discussion.
- Do not start the GD if you are not aware of the topic.
- Do not interrupt other members of the group.
- Do not shout or argue with other members during the GD.
- Do not make an eye-contact with the evaluators.
- Do not talk irrelevant and don’t try to distract the discussion.
- Do not display low confidence or voice (be audible).
- Do not try to dominate the discussion.
- Do not show a lack of attention or energy.
- Do not criticize anyone’s viewpoints.
- Do not enter the private space of any group member while making a point.
- Do not give time-consuming details.
- Don’t be excessively expressive with hand gestures.
80 GD Topics for MBA: Important Skills
As GD is an Important Criteria for the selection of a suitable candidate following are the skills that are judged by invigilators for selecting that candidate.
- Communication Skills
- Behaviour in the group
- Listening Skills
- Leadership skills
- Decision-Making Skills
- Problem-Solving skills
- Awareness
- Creativity
- Confidence
80 GD Topics for MBA: Basic Etiquettes
Below is the list of Basic Etiquettes that should be kept in mind before appearing for a Group Discussion.
- Dress Formally and be on time.
- Take pen and paper for noting the key points.
- Organize your thoughts well before speaking.
- Keep your body language positive.
- Do not make too many hand gestures.
- Sit Straight and do not lean.
- Look aware and interested.
80 GD Topics for MBA: FAQs
Ques. Is Listing Down the points in GD necessary?
Ans. It is not at all necessary to note down the notes in a Group Discussion. However, this process might help you to jot down necessary information which you may forget at a later stage of Group Discussion.
Ques. How can I prepare for GD?
Ans. In a GD a candidate's interpersonal skills are judged to be good in this one should have a good command of English for which a person can go through daily newspapers, read articles, read a novel. To prepare for GD many institutes provide learning materials as well take classes for acing it. Reading a newspaper and reading and following General knowledge and current affairs of any website would suffice.
Ques. What is a Dress code for Group Discussion?
Ans. There is no specific Dress code for a GD however a candidate should wear formals in order to look disciplined. Girls can wear salwar along with formal shoes whereas Boys should wear White Shirt, Dark Pant, tie, formal shoes and a Blazer (Optional).
Ques. What type of Topics can I expect in a GD?
Ans. GD topics generally revolve around current happening in and around the country. It is important to be well aware of current affairs. Group Discussions can also have abstract topics in which a candidate can relate the abstract topics to a recent event and revolve the discussion around it.
Ques. From which area can I expect a GD topic?
Ans. There is nothing specific about what a GD topic contains. Group Discussions can be from Business, Economy, Government Schemes, Social Issues, Entertainment, Science, etc. therefore students should broaden their horizons in order to ensure that they are ready for the GD.
Ques. What if I get an abstract topic during the GD session?
Ans. Abstract topics may seem difficult in the beginning, but with little focus, it can be linked to a topic which s/he is well prepared with. The advantage of abstract topics is that it can be interpreted in many ways and can be given a new dimension to the topic.
Ques. What if I am not aware of the topic of GD?
Ans. In that case, for the candidates who do not have much knowledge about the topic, it is best to listen to the points made by other participants. By doing this, a candidate will get an idea about the topic and can chalk out some points to be delivered during the GD.
Ques. Is it necessary to take coaching for appearing for GD?
Ans. While it is not mandatory to take coaching for GD, but if a candidate feels it necessary, then s/he can opt for coaching to improve their General Knowledge and current affairs, speaking skills, manners to follow while speaking in a group, GD etiquettes, participation in mock GD, performance reviews, etc. But if a candidate is confident enough about his level of preparation he may not need coaching.
Ques. Will I get an advantage if I open in the GD?
Ans. The participant who makes the opening statement in the GD always has some advantages. Candidates are noted by the panelists for initiating the discussion, they can prepare the broad layout or direct the discussion into their areas of forte.
Ques. How can I leave an impact on my GD performance?
Ans. There are multiple ways in which a participant can create an impact in the GD. The first and foremost way is by initiating the GD. Next is by making regular comebacks with valid points. It would be best if the participants can present facts and figures, examples, and anecdotes while speaking during the GD. Also, if he/she can manage a GD that is turning into a cacophony or diverting from the main point, then also his/her performance is duly noted by the panelists.
Ques. Is it necessary to present an opinion during the GD?
Ans. Candidates may present their opinions on the topic during the GD, but they must ensure that there are proper justifications while doing so. Having an opinion gives the candidates' perception and thought process to the panellists, while at the same time, a strong opinion or bias should be avoided.
Ques. My spoken English is poor and GDs are just around the corner. Is there any solution to maximize my chances?
Ans. What is important is "effectiveness" rather than the ability to speak fluently or use big words. For example, if someone uses incorrect English in terms of grammar but can express a good thought or idea, this still can work. Also, people who can deliver their points effectively by using simple language can be appreciated when compared to those who do the same with complex constructs.
Ques. What if no new points are being made within the GD and other people are just stating the similar points during a round-about fashion?
Ans. This is a difficult situation but also an opportunity for you to display your creative skills. You can try new ideas and thoughts and can give a new dimension to the topic.
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