Types of Group Discussin
GDs can be topic-based or case-based.
Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-
1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics
Factual Topics:-
Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary
person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about
socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the
news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives
a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his
environment.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State
of the aged in the nation.
Controversial Topics:-
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in
nature. They are meant to generate controversy. In GDs where these topics are
given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers
flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity
the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and
logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and
emotional.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better
managers
Abstract Topics:-
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics
are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out.
These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The
number 10
Case-based Gd:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation.
Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as
a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect
answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to
think about the situation from various angles.
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based
discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.