A Group Discussion is a method used by an institution or an organization to gauge whether the candidate possess the group or team skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, a group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes of preparation time to collect their thoughts, and then asked to discuss the topic amongst themselves for 15-20 minutes.

Group Discussion - GD

Almost all tasks in B-Schools as well as organizations involve extensive interpersonal interactions through groups or teams. Through the Group Discussion, the institute or organization is aiming to asses the capability if its future students or employees to cope with and perform effectively in a group. In the Group Discussion the objective of the group is to accomplish a task within an unstructured situation. The task can be accomplished by establishing some semblance of order or structure in the course of the discussion. In this process, members of the group will reveal some of their personality characteristics. Some B-Schools also use the Group Discussion as a tool to screen candidates for the Personal Interviews.

The personality traits the Group Discussion is trying to gauge include:

• Ability to interact in a team
• Communication Skills
• Reasoning ability
• Leadership skills
• Initiatives
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility
• Nurturing ability
• Creativity
• Ability to think on one’s feet

Intricacies of a Group Discussion:
Typically for a Group Discussion you would be required to seat yourself in a circular, semi-circular formation, or round a rectangular table. If the participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as another. But if you are asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a position as close to the centre as possible. This simply ensures greater and easier visibility by all other members. Nevertheless, in case you are unable to get that position keep in mind that no one has any special advantage in a Group Discussion by being seated in one position or the other, as ultimately it is your content which will carry you through and that is not affected by the seating position.

The moderator will give you the topic. It could be on anything ranging from politics, social issues, economics, education, environment, ethics and law, technology, sports related or even an abstract topic.