Some standard procedures that you need to follow whilst participating in a Group Discussion are:

• Do not appoint a leader amongst yourselves. The leader emerges through the way he or she participates in the group discussion.
• Do not distribute time amongst yourselves, for a Group Discussion is not a debate or elocution; how long one speaks or is able to speak is dependant on he person concerned and the team.
• There is not need to ask for permission from the group before you begin. You would most likely not get the time to do so, besides, this would make you seem meek.
• If you are unable to understand the meaning of the topic, do not ask the moderator what it means. Instead of displaying your ignorance, it is better to wait for some other participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the first few minutes and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating.
• Do not attempt to memorize the names of other members. Its is better to refer them as “my friend here” or use pronouns, rather than names. If you mix up the names then it would be extremely embarrassing for you.

Mixing up names would be extremely embarrassing for you.

• You need not carry any paper to the Group Discussion. If you are given a few minutes prior to the onset of the discussion to jot down some points or if you were required to write a summary at the end, then the panelists would provide you with paper to do so. However, this is not a rule, and you might not need to write anything at all, and it would be strictly forbidden for you to carry any piece of paper.