MBA group discussion is one of the most critical components of the MBA admission process. A successful GD can add the final polish to your application and make all the difference between a “yes” or a “no” from the admissions committee. Unfortunately, despite the intense preparation for placement interviews and group discussions, many candidates face rejection by recruiters. This rejection is due to a lack of knowledge about effectively tackling group discussion topics for MBA and b) using unsuitable/uninspiring examples or illustrations.
You need to understand that GD is a skill that has to be learned, practiced, and cracked over time. And this will not happen in one go. It has to be addressed systematically and with all disciplines. In today’s time, where careers are at stake and competition is cutthroat, it is crucial to have exhaustive knowledge of group discussion topics for an MBA.
So, let’s take you through the complete journey of GD, give you some group discussion do’s and dont tips and make you aware of what it takes to become a potent candidate. We will then equip you with the latest group discussion topics for an MBA.
Itinerary
- Skills that will be judged in a GD
- Preparation and correct approach
- Structuring of a GD
- The reason behind mediators winning GDs
- Components of a successful GD
- Types of GDs
- GD Topics for MBA Interview
1. Skills judged in a GD
During placement season, the companies you will interview are looking for strong leadership skills, communication abilities, and team players. Employers also want to see candidates who can listen to new ideas, think critically and solve problems, manage time well, and remain calm under pressure. Overall, they are looking for well-rounded professionals.
2. Preparation and correct approach
Remember that a group discussion is not a solo performance. When interviewing, companies are looking for team players who can work effectively as part of a group to solve problems. Therefore, if you want to go to the next round, your goal shouldn’t be to beat out other students; it should be to put up a stellar performance as a team that dazzles recruiters.
Also, students can practice with others in their batches for group discussions by familiarizing themselves with the arguments based on case studies or generic topics.
3. Structuring of a GD
Try using the predefined models for the perfect structuring.
1. For Case-based GD- Strategy, Targets, and Positioning is most commonly seen in a case. Remember to include an explanation of Kotler’s 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) (1), so the analysis is comprehensive.
2. For common topics- To explore an issue from every angle, find examples of the PESTLE model (political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental) or the 5Cs (context, company, competitors, customers, and collaborators).
4. Reasons behind mediators are winning GDs.
As you know, a mediator is someone who brings people together to solve a problem or address an issue. They help keep the conversation focused and on task, remind people of time constraints, facilitate conflict resolution, and generally guide the discussion. Recruiters love this in applicants because it shows that you are the kind of person who can get things done without being a jerk about it, who can remain calm under pressure, and who can lead from behind without being bossy. And this is the reason why these people end up winning GDs.
5. Components of a successful GD
An excellent GD has the following parts:
1. The preliminary initiation- As any experienced GD candidate knows, it’s a good idea to initiate the group discussion. It shows leadership and helps ensure that you don’t miss any points. You can get the conversation going by defining key terms or introducing a topic with an adage, famous saying, quote, anecdote, or rhetorical question (2).
2. Interlinking- It is always good to refer to a point made earlier and link issues together during group discussions. It is essential for the debate not to stray from its focal point and move forward logically and smoothly.
3. Wrapping up with a smooth conclusion- In this stage, the group discusses every angle of an issue and reaches a solution. Good communication skills and good content are essential to impact a group discussion. Statistics and facts can give you an advantage in the group, but only if you know how to use them correctly.
6. Types of common group discussion topics asked in MBA placement.
There are various categories for current topics for gd for MBA. Broadly dividing, they are as follows:
- Current burning issues
- Some abstract issues
- Business & Economy topics
- Social Issues
7. Current GD Topics for MBA
Here, we have got you 21 burning GD topics that will help you to prepare in the best direction beforehand.
| Sr. No. | Topics | Category |
| 1 | COVID 19 effect on the global economy | Current |
| 2 | A sneak peek into post COVID world | Current |
| 3 | Emergency in Canada | Current |
| 4 | Data is the new oil | Current |
| 5 | Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Current |
| 6 | The power of self-motivation | Abstract |
| 7 | Is work-life balance a myth? | Abstract |
| 8 | Innovation vs Invention | Abstract |
| 9 | Is being spiritual necessary? | Abstract |
| 10 | Technology or Ethics | Abstract |
| 11 | Bitcoin/cryptocurrency | Business & Economy |
| 12 | Cashless Economy | Business & Economy |
| 13 | GST impact on the Indian Economy | Business & Economy |
| 14 | Demonetisation- Pros & Cons | Business & Economy |
| 15 | Privatisation in the banking sector | Business & Economy |
| 16 | Is social media a boon or a curse? | Social |
| 17 | Rural vs Urban India | Social |
| 18 | Women empowerment | Social |
| 19 | Should the national anthem be played in theatres? | Social |
| 20 | Is the smart city project practical? | Social |
| 21 | How successful is Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? | Social |
| 22 | Should bullet trains be introduced in India? | Business & Economy |
| 23 | Pollution growth/Climate change | Social |
| 24 | The challenges agriculture faces | Business & Economy |
| 25 | An Overview of Indian Poverty | Business & Economy |
| 26 | Technological impact on jobs | Current Affairs |
| 27 | Scams in the banking industry | Current Affairs |
Conclusion
So, it was all about current topics for gd for MBA and the GD tips that we could have brought forth. We hope you had a good time reading the post and imbibe the relevant information. All you need to do is practice these current topics for gd for MBA thoroughly, and we are sure that you will get admission into your dream B school.
You can also read our other blogs –
