With CAT 2016 results out on January 9, those with a high percentile have their attention focused towards conquering the next hurdle, which is the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI) round. Candidates who’ll be able to crack this level will  finally realise their dream of gaining entry into the country’s most prestigious chain of colleges for MBA —The Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and other credible MBA institutes. However, clearing this round is no cake walk. It’s only natural for candidates at this moment to be nervous—with myriad doubts and questions running through their minds pertaining to the GDPI round. Thus, in its endeavor to solve candidates’ doubts and answer their questions, PaGaLGuY brings to you a week-long series, starting today, of important GDPI tips by MBA expert, Sidharth Balakrishna. 

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta,Balakrishna has worked for some of the world’s leading marketing, management consultancy and energy firms. He has also written a number of books and articles for various reputed publications, and given guest lectures and appeared at seminars across the country. He has also authored books, some of which are:

1.An Introduction to CAT: Tips from an IIM Alumnus •

2. Reading Comprehension for the CAT: A Winning Approach by an IIM Alumnus •

3.Case Studies in Marketing (Pearson Case Book series)

He is also a career counselling expert and a member of the interview panel to select students at various reputed MBA institutes. Additionally, he is a visiting faculty in several MBA and coaching institutes.

The first tip in the series is as follows:

The GDPI Tip for the Day

In GDs, it is very important for the candidate to be analytical, rather than just expressing opinions. This means that the candidate needs to put forth logical arguments in support of his/ her view or be able to justify what he/ she has said with facts and data.  

Also, I suggest you read magazines such as the Economist and Frontline. Here is a good article on an important topic for this year -Demonitisation from the Economist:
http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21713842-benefits-withdrawing-86-rupees-circulation-remain-elusive?fsrc=scn/fb/te/bl/ed/thehigheconomiccostsofindiasdemonetisation

You can read about how to be analytical and develop your capabilities in this skill from Sidharth Balakrishna’s GD/ PI preparation course that can be purchased from: https://www.prepathon.com/gd-pi-by-sidharth-balakrishna