After the CAT Results are out, the candidates will be supposed to appear for CAT WAT/GD/PI rounds of IIMs for admission into top colleges. However, the rounds are challenging and cannot be competed easily. Along with a high CAT percentile, the candidates must also complete these rounds with a good score.
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How tough are WAT/GD/PI rounds of IIMs? CAT WAT GD PI stands for the Written Assessment Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview round that is held after the results are announced. The CAT Results 2024 will be announced soon, and the candidates will be busy preparing themselves for the CAT GD and PI rounds. This is the final yet crucial step in the selection process.
Students are often confused by the difficulty level of the CAT GDPI rounds. Yes! These rounds are quite difficult, and aspirants need to prepare themselves fully and confidently. It has been noted that aspirants pass the CAT entrance exam, but fail to qualify these rounds. Passing these rounds will only ensure one's MBA Admission 2024. One must be aware of what to do and avoid during the CAT GD and PI rounds.
What are CAT WAT GD and PI?
CAT WAT stands for Written Assessment Test, GD stands for Group Discussion, and CAT PI is the Personal Interview round. These rounds have a combined weightage of 60% in many of the CAT participating colleges 2024. The test is held after the CAT entrance exam is conducted to give admission to top MBA colleges in India. The candidates are supposed to write at least 250-300 words within 20 minutes.
Also Read: IIM Selection Criteria 2025
Difficulty Level of WAT/GD/PI rounds of IIMs
GD, PI, and WAT are essential components of the MBA admissions process. These three tests are essentially personality assessments designed to evaluate a candidate's leadership abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are required for success as a manager. As top MBA colleges prepare for the PI round, you should also get ready to put your best foot forward.
The WAT/GD/PI rounds at IIMs are regarded as quite difficult, owing to their unpredictable nature, which necessitates not only strong academic knowledge but also excellent communication skills, critical thinking, confidence, and the ability to handle pressure in a group setting; essentially, they test not only your intellect but also your personality traits and leadership potential.
Also Read: Average Number of Aspirants Selected for CAT
Preparation Tips for CAT GD
The CAT GDPI preparation process involves important group talks to assess critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. Here's a step-by-step strategy for completing your CAT GD preparation.
1. Form a GD Study Group: Create or join a study group with friends or classmates to discuss current events and business issues. Conduct regular mock GD sessions on a variety of topics.
2. Participate in Online Forums: Join online GD forums or communities to get input from peers and professionals, which will help you improve your GD skills.
3. Analyse GD Videos: Examine recorded GD sessions to get insights into their conduct, successful techniques, and places for development.
Access online GD-GE-WAT practice sessions, which include institute-specific group discussions, exercises, and WAT. Additionally, offline Foundation Series Sessions will teach the fundamentals of GD-WAT-PI.
Also Read: Exams That can be Attempted after CAT Preparation?
Preparation Tips for CAT PI
Candidates can follow the tips mentioned below to prepare for the CAT personal interview round.
1. Self-Reflection: Make a comprehensive inventory of your qualities, weaknesses, and outstanding achievements. Practice as much as possible so that you can confidently answer inquiries about yourself.
2. Career Vision: Clearly understand your career goals and examine how an MBA can help you achieve them. Clearly and objectively express your vision.
3. Simulated Interviews: Set up mock interviews with mentors or professionals to gain experience and, more importantly, critical criticism.
Also Read: Too many failed CAT attempts? What next? Alternatives to Take
CAT WAT Preparation Tips
1. Prompt Understanding: Carefully read WAT questions to identify and comprehend the major idea and key areas for providing an appropriate response.
2. Draft and Review: Create an outline for your material before revising and proofreading to remove errors and improve clarity.
3. Feedback Loop: Gather input from peers or mentors to find areas for growth and fine-tune your writing style.
Also Read: How to Select the Best College Based on Your CAT Score?
Toppers Preparation Tips for CAT GD/PI/WAT
Here are CAT toppers' advice for excelling in CAT 2024 GD/PI and WAT.
- Stay informed about current events and prepare for CAT GD/PI questions.
- Know yourself well and frame your answers effectively.
- Prepare for 2-3 months and seek for excellent mentors.
- Always keep up with current events and daily news.
- Use the IIMs' question banks to prepare successfully.
- Examine scholarly questions that are typically asked in PIs.
- Stay current on CV-related topics.
- Review pertinent concepts from your UG course.
- Determine your own talents and weaknesses so that you may fully prepare.
Also Read: 5 Common Mistakes That Give Lesser Score to CAT Aspirants
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