Dear aspirants
Hope you've come out of the CAT score hangover. Time to shift your attention to the IIFT GD- PI process. The below post gives you the gist of the process as well as the dress-code to be followed. It is in accordance with the questions posted by you in the google doc floated a few days back. Have a read.
GD Preparation
1.
Topics are general in nature. IIFT has one of
the longest GD processes. Read a pink paper (ET/Mint) to help you stay abreast with latest happenings and their business perspective.
2.
Each candidate gets two minutes to speak (in a
sequential order) before the floor is thrown open.
3.
This means, that if you're last to speak in the
sequential order, you have the least content. Hence, read as much as you can on
recent topical issues so that you have some new point to make that can improve
your chance of selection.
4.
Even if you don't have any new points to make,
improve the points made by your predecessor speaker rather than speaking the
same points again which don't add value to your candidature.
5.
Do not make sweeping statements. Elucidate your
points with examples/ anecdotes/ data.
A GD group comprises of 10-12 people generally as per past
year trends.
Past GD topics have been shared on the group already (in the
Comprehensive Admission document, in the files folder)
Some suggestive topics, keeping 2015-16 in mind
Is the
Chinese stock market crash a threat to the global economy?
Disinvestment
of PSUs is like selling the family silver!
Make in
India or Invent in India- Which is more important?
Technology
is killing human imagination!
Profit is
the only business of any company!
Net
Neutrality - Advantages and Disadvantages
Ban on
diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons
E -
Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages
Free
Basics- Pros and Cons
Tablets
should replace textbooks in Indian education system!
Marketing or Quality - What's more important to sell a
product?
National
wealth decides individual happiness!
Private or
Government School - Which is better?
Should
India have a one-child policy?
Is the
Chinese stock market crash a threat to the global economy?
Disinvestment
of PSUs is like selling the family silver!
Make in
India or Invent in India- Which is more important?
Technology
is killing human imagination!
Profit is
the only business of any company!
Net
Neutrality - Advantages and Disadvantages
Ban on
diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons
E -
Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages
Free
Basics- Pros and Cons
Tablets
should replace textbooks in Indian education system!
Marketing or Quality - What's more important to sell a
product?
National
wealth decides individual happiness!
Private or
Government School - Which is better?
Should
India have a one-child policy?
A GD lasts for about 30-35 minutes on average. You're not asked to moderate. Maintain a
proper posture throughout the GD and avoid unnecessary hand gestures. Utilize
the two minutes given exclusively to you to the fullest. Don't panic in a fish
market situation. Stay calm and composed. Easier said than done though.
PI Preparation
1.
PI revolves around the CV form for most
candidates. In case you have some conspicuous achievement, read more about it
and try to make it a part of you introduction answer.
2.
The most important starting question remains "
Tell me something about yourself". This is a deal-breaker question and your
entire interview rests on it. An interviewer takes cues from the statements you
make in this answer to cross-question you or ask you further question.
3.
More PI questions are given in the PI document
(shared in the Files Tab of this group).
4.
Those in final year of UG, do prepare atleast
two subject related to your course.
My advice would be to be thorough with the CV form. You must
know it inside-out. Also, try to quantify your answers with certain statistics.
Suppose, you are asked about your long-term goal, you should give stats
regarding the market of that sector/domain, its scope and why you want to tread
that path.
IIFT is not seeking marketing or finance scholars at this
stage but you should have at least the knowledge of your favorite subject/
domain/your life goal. Don't be pretentious. Be honest and say sorry, if you do
not know the answer.
Acads/Work Ex have no explicit weightage. But, if
highlighted during the PI, can help your candidature.
Time for the PI
cannot be estimated. It should be from 10-20 minutes but lower and higher
duration interviews have been reported.
WAT Preparation
For content, GD and
WAT prep is common. WAT just checks your written ability instead. Some
suggestive reads for WAT can be:
·
Growth and development, poverty, inflation,
unemployment
·
State of
national and global economy
·
Important
committees and bills
·
Recent budget and economic survey
In addition to this, past topics have been uploaded (in the
Comprehensive Admission document, in the files folder)
Trade related topics are seldom asked. Just acquaint
yourself with major trade summits/partnerships of the past year. That would
suffice.
WAT lasts for 20 minutes
Weightage of WAT, GD and PI have not been
disclosed. Last year it was as follows:
Score: 55, PI: 23, WAT: 10, GD:10, Gender: 2
Checklist for GDPI Process
1. GDPI Call Letter (If you did not receive it through post, get a copy of the
emailed letter)
2. ID Proof
3. 10/12/graduation certificates
4. Work-ex certificates/pay-slips if applicable
5. Category certificate if applicable
6. Certificates of achievements that u had mentioned in the form (use your best
judgment)
7. CV form Xerox (if you have kept one)
From
point 3 to 7 are needed to be on a safer side. They might or might not be
checked at all, but take no chances.
The dress code, quite predictably
is formals. A dark coloured suit over a plain light shirt would be good enough.
For those in Delhi, keep in mind how chilly is during that time, and prepare
yourself with any additional garments accordingly. Black/Blue is the preferred
color of suit.
For the girls too, it is advisable
to stick to formal trousers paired with a shirt. Add a blazer to that if you're
interviewing in North India (if it is still chilly, that is). If you're
comfortable with a skirt, go ahead. Just fyi, sarees can also be worn.