As your final BE semester rolls around, Indian and multinational corporations start visiting your campus for recruitments. Or you may be in the middle of admissions to a business school. In either case, you are likely to face a group discussion or a GD round as part of the selection process.

So, what exactly happens in GD rounds and why are they so important?

In a typical GD round, candidates are divided into groups of 8 to 10 members. Each group of candidates is assigned a topic or a situation, allotted time to brainstorm, and then asked to discuss the topic among themselves for 15-45 minutes. A panel of judges tests each group. Every individual’s ability is evaluated by how they articulate their point of view and communicate it effectively with group members. So, what can your performance in a GD tell an evaluator about you? Quite a bit actually. Organizations rely on GDs as a screening tool because working and communicating seamlessly in a team is one of the biggest markers of your success as a manager. Not only that, but GD rounds also evaluate candidates for awareness, the ability to lead and listen, and the ability to conceptualize. While all this may seem a bit daunting, remember there is no reason to get intimidated by a GD. Preparing yourself in advance for a GD round is half the battle won.

How do I prepare myself for a GD?
Working on your communication skills goes a long way, not just in helping you prepare for a GD, but for your overall career as well. Stay abreast of current affairs and culture, form a definite point of view on the world around you, and articulate these with your peers. Learn to listen to the viewpoints of others patiently. Holding mock GDs with classmates is a great way of prepping yourself for the real thing. Research print and web sources for currently trending GD topics and ready points and notes on them, so you are not caught unawares. Here are ten hot GD topics for 2019, with detailed notes for three.