WAT/GD Topics of IIMs and other Top B-Schools

Top MBA colleges such as IIMs, FMS, and XLRI, have selection processes that involve GD, PI, and WAT rounds. Applicants must therefore concentrate on the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds in order to gain admission to leading MBA institutions. Many candidates struggle with deciding what concepts to prepare for. Here is a list of WAT/GD topics from which questions have been asked at some of the top B schools over the decades. This can help you in better understanding and preparation for the selection rounds. Consider the following WAT/GD topics from top B-Schools over the years.

List of WAT Topics for Questions asked at IIM A

WAT Topics (2021-2022)

• To stimulate economic growth, India should shift its focus away from Atma Nirbhar Bharat and toward large scale production.
• Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team's captain, has agreed to take parental leave and return back home following the first test series of the India-Australia Border Gavaskar Trophy. Several former players have criticised the Indian captain for this life choice. Sports articles equated it to soldiers who fulfill their role and responsibility for the country and do not abandon the battleground. They contended that cricket players are treated and respected equally in India, as opposed to the army, and that he should have stayed for the sake of the country.

WAT Topics (2020-2021)

• A two-person interview was made about the beneficial and harmful effects of social mainstream press, and candidates were asked to present our thoughts on the subject.
• The Gujarat government asked for PUBG to be banned because it causes students to act violently, become depressed, and lose focus on their studies and food. Examine how weak or strong the preceding debate is, and what new evidence (if any) should be offered to back up your claim.
• Our department for transport is opposed to enabling driverless cars in the country because it will result in the loss of millions of trucker and driver jobs.
• Solve the dilemma as to whether someone should be given an increment of 1% in their exam so that he doesn't have any issues in admission for higher studies.

WAT Topics (2019-2020)

• "Every news presenter is the same. They invite people to their exhibitions and ask confrontational questions such as, "In a country where leaders such as Gandhiji laid down their lives for the country, are you talking about potholes?" They try to sensationalise every problem. Government should control the news as soon as possible."
• A snippet about CSR Activity, implying that tobacco and alcohol companies should not engage in CSR because it is only for show.

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• Development in metro cities is resulting in broken families and making people insensitive towards one another.
• School uniforms should not be made compulsory as school cannot decide what to wear? Also, it restricts the individual thinking so at the first place uniforms in schools should be removed.
• A person agrees with Ramachandra Guha's statement that awarding the Bharat Ratna to MM Malviya posthumously was a mistake. He then goes on to make his own assertions and argues that giving it to anyone posthumously is wrong, firstly since even his descendants cannot 'cash in' on the popularity post receipt of the award, and secondly that many groups would raise demand for awarding it even to 17th-century heroes. Is the argument correct?
• An extract from a memorandum is asking foreign nationals not to invest in India as the land is being taken away from poor people. Analyze the argument.
• Explain the reasons stated. What are the assumptions on which it is based? Why is the argument weak? What other facts can further support the claim?
• The Kannada Development Authority recently protested against the conducting of a Staff Selection Commission recruitment exam in Karnataka and Kerala to fill the posts of clerks, assistants and data entry operators as the exam was conducted only in English and Hindi. The KDA felt that it would put the local aspirants at a disadvantage as they wouldn't be able to attempt it in their mother tongue. SSC countered by saying that the jobs being central government based, would be subject to transfer to other states, where they would be at a disadvantage. The conducting of a language test before moving to other states is not feasible. Hence candidates should know Hindi to attempt the test.

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Self-driving automobiles research project
• A scenario where Firm A has laid off a few workers and hiring manager at competitor Firm B indicates to employ those employees to retrieve corporate secrets.

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• A big data firm has created a model that correlates the number of flu search queries on its search engine with the number of people who are sick with it. Its parameters are the location from which it searches and the timing of searches... Provide three assumptions that boost their design and three arguments that undermine its validity.
• A case study of free expression. Should there be any restrictions?
• In the problem sheets, an anonymous author's argument was presented. It was stated that 24*7 channels do not have quality content and are responsible for distracting children, and that we should return to the old practice of having only a few channels. We were tasked with deconstructing the argument.

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• A current study on free expression Should there be any restrictions?
• Should Indian airports be titled after metropolises or after prominent celebrities?
• Case study of an employee's perspective on a research project. Determine the suppositions and assertions used to support and refute the statement.
• Direct cash transfers will help to reduce the issue of subsidy leakage.
• Organic food is beneficial to individuals but detrimental to society.
• Knowledge is not as important as imagination.
• Which of the world's advancements in science would you have liked to do/make, and why?
• Discussion: How social are social networks?

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• "In 2014, many Bollywood films earned more than 100 crores." Bollywood had a banner year in 2014." Examine the assertions.
• Discuss the issues that uneducated people face. What steps should the Indian government take to increase literacy rates?
• The telecom and communication services industry intends to impose a toll on voice-over-internet and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and others. Their statement is that there is a significant investment and maintenance costs that these apps are not required to bear. Analyze this and present two justifications, one in favour of the telecom company and one against it.
• 'Car for All' is a brand that manufactures low-cost vehicles. It is now considering accumulating a luxury product. While this is exciting, the company is concerned that its affiliation with low-cost cars will turn off clients. Analyse
• The contributions of ancient Indian scientists have not been adequately recognised. Indian scientists, according to ancient texts, created aviation technology a long time ago. However, the Wright Brothers are overly credited with inventing the aeroplane. Analyse.
• Human accomplishments can be classified into two parts: integral brilliance and the effect on life. Life today would be very different if Beethoven, Bach, and Shakespeare had not existed. However, life today would be very different if Galileo, Newton, and Faraday had not been born. Analyse.
• There are two types of human employment: one that requires manual tasks and the other that requires people to do their work. The first is painful and undervalued, whereas the second is enjoyable and well-paid. The second has the distinction of becoming advice or order. Aim for the second type of work if you want to be completely happy as a human being. Discuss or criticise the author's strong point of view.
• Any political party should not be affiliated with the students' union. Political party affiliation is the root cause of violence, unrest, and disturbance in the academic environment. Analyse.

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Entrepreneurship in India: A Case Study
• A college experience that shaped you as a person.
• Case Study GD: Town has all facilities, food shortage, money loan, minister assistance. What can we do as farmers?
• Case Study: a remote village with community farming. Discuss.
• Case Study: The RBI's initiative to withdraw the old currency from circulation.
• Essay Topic: A cultural monument that inspired you to think outside the box.
• Write an essay about such a mathematician or scholar who has influenced you.
• Case Study: GPS System – A boon or a bane? Should it be regulated or freely available in the market?
• Case study based on marijuana legalisation in India.
• Which cartoon character has most influenced you? (100 words).

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Humanity should put an end to war before war puts an end to civilization.
• Religion is a social blight.
• The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
• How would you put a stop to farmer suicides?

WAT Topics (2011-2012)

• Sensationalism in the media should be censored.
• Everything should be as simple as can be but not simpler.
• Indian agriculture sector.
• Profit is the only business of business.
• Direct democracy instead of representative democracy can solve the problem of corruption.

WAT Topics (2010-2011)

• India vs. Bharat- a nation divided.
• Layoffs can provide a fresh start.
• Is it possible to form an Asian Union?
• Concerns about child labour are a devious ploy used by Western economic interests.

WAT Topics (2009-2010)

• Foreign Direct Investment in Educational Institutions
• India requires the United States at this time.
• Red versus Blue

WAT Topics (2008-2009)

• Indian children's imagination is being stifled by the schooling institutions.
• Obama will bring about change, but only in the United States.
• In family-run enterprises, company management is merely rhetoric.
• Should Nehru's educational institutions remain elitist?
• After marriage, Indian women should adopt their spouses' surname.
• It is a waste of time to read theoretical physics.
• In Indian society, NGOs have yet to be given their due.

WAT Topics (2007-2008)

• In India, the female-to-male ratio is deteriorating.
• IPL's economic profitability
• You don't want to be India's Prime Minister because...
• CAT should be made available online.

List of Topics for Questions asked at IIM B

WAT Topics (2021-2022)

• Jeff Bezos flew into space for 11 minutes. Explain as to if humans can work and live in space based on this vision.

WAT Topics (2020-2021)

• According to an environmental activist, saving things is important.

WAT Topics (2019-2020)

• International Women's Day GoI 2022 mission on vocational education: how to improve technical education quality
• AI has infiltrated every aspect of human life. Mobile phones, smart cars, smart homes, and so on. However, Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking have both asserted that it can be destructive. Should artificial intelligence advancement be controlled?

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• In colleges, the male-female ratio is favourable. So why isn't it the same in business? Mention both the causes and the solutions.

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• India will overtake China as the world's densely populated country. What are your thoughts on the impact on agricultural production and apparel?
• Should artificial intelligence be regulated?
• Compare the benefits of conventional rote learning-recitation methods and contemporary activity-based, cooperative methods.

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• Who do you believe is the year's greatest competent leader?
• The Internet has an impact on every aspect of our lives, including utilisation, commute, and even philosophies. Do you believe this has ramifications on personal "social engineering" or "psychological manipulation"?

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Artworks frequently cause public upheaval. How can the rule of law be maintained while striking a balance?
• Who do you believe will be the most capable politician in 2015?
• Comment if dreams are more important than knowledge.
• India's healthcare system is in disarray.
• Write an essay about the most inspiring person you've ever met.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• In recent times, the closing time of bars in India was changed from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. What are the reasons for this, as well as the repercussions?
• Is there a need for international/IB schools in India?
• Do public figures have an obligation to use and believe in the brands and causes they promote?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• The significance of language
• Khap Panchyat – What is the role of the land system? Do you have any criticisms of the method?
• Is testing on animals in the name of technological discovery moral?

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Many third-world nations benefit from globalisation. Is it truly beneficial to the economically disadvantaged people who require it?
• Is schooling being devalued as the number of seats increases and the course load decreases?
• Renewable energy sources
• In India, are scarcities created artificially? People are starving despite surplus production! There are many graduates, but there is a severe labour shortage!

Also Read: List of Top IIMs Colleges in India 2022: Ranking, Courses, Fees & Seat Intake

List of Topics for Questions asked at IIM Calcutta

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• TV shows have begun to feature Indian mythology. Are they a good way to raise awareness about Indian mythology?

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• All species on the planet are suffering as a result of global warming. Should we colonise another planet? If not, propose ways to mitigate the disaster.
• TV shows have begun to feature Indian mythology. Are they a good way to raise awareness about Indian mythology?
• The threat of climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer is significant. Should it be mitigated by moving to another planet, or do you have any other suggestions?
• Corruption and poverty are inextricably linked.
• 'Anger and intolerance are enemies of correct understanding,' said Mahatma Gandhi. In the light of recent events, do you agree or disagree with the statement and why?

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• Allowing restricted use of performance-enhancing prescription medications in sports – advantages, and disadvantages
• In India, 368 people are killed in road traffic accidents every day. What steps are you planning to take to improve the situation?
• What is the current state of education in India, and how can it be improved?
• The widespread accessibility of loans has risen materialism in society's consumer culture. Long term, this is affecting the morale of the youth. What are your thoughts on this?

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Young people are less inclined to read books. Investigate the causes of this pattern. What are the possible negative repercussions of this?
• Reasons for the vastly disproportionate low amount of women in top management positions, and how to address this issue.
• Your thoughts on why so few women are in positions of power in corporations. Reasons and recommendations.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Why make laws to support the reservation system? Has it achieved its goals?
• Corporate socioeconomic duties entail simply overspending or discovering where it is spent.
• Surveillance vs. Invasion of Privacy
• Many bureaucrats and government employees are entering politics – do you think this is a good trend?
• What was the goal of reservation in India? Has it been accomplished?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Give your views on book launches, social hype around books, and bestselling novels.
• Unhappy is a country that has no leaders.
• Has the definition of heroes changed? How about heroes in India. Give your opinion.
• Suicides in colleges are on an increase. Analyze and give comments regarding this trend. How would you act to counteract this?
• People are not taking care of their old. Suggest how we can save our old

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• Sports Politicisation and Commercialisation: Real or Fake?
• Modern life is rife with corruption; how can an honest man advance as a businessman or civil servant?
• According to research papers, registration in Indian schools is increasing, and India ranks second from the bottom in learning and academic abilities. How would you describe the function of business schools?
• Is reading no longer a pastime? How has technological progress affected the concept of leisure?
• Is it still difficult for women to advance to senior leadership positions in the twenty-first century?

WAT Topics (2011-2012)

• Infection is caused by intimacy.
• The devil is in the particulars.
• Small is lovely.
• India vs. Bharat
• BPO is mainly motivated by profit.
• It's the season of the underdog.

GD Topics (2010-2011)

• Monopoly leads to a restriction of freedom.
• There will always be another day.
• Gandhi versus Gandhi
• Only poor people are to blame for their plight.
• Is there a need for an international men's day?
• Women have a 33% reservation in jobs. Should it be present or absent?

GD Topics (2009-2010)

• Should Indian politicians be judged on their political abilities before being nominated? If so, how so?
• Math is essential for artists.
• Proceed. Don't bother waiting for me.
• MBAs do not make effective business leaders.
• We are morally bankrupt because we are impoverished.
• Only poor people are to blame for their plight.
• Should there be a 33 percent reservation for women in jobs?
• Should students hire faculty?
• International Men's Day should be observed.
• Social media is a danger.
• Life is like a chair.
• There is no such thing as an island.

GD Topics (2008-2009)

• There were case discussions on issues such as dropout rates in companies recruiting students from B Schools due to multiple offers.

Also Read: IIM Lucknow vs IIM Indore: Which is Better?

List of topics asked at IIM Lucknow

WAT Topics (2018-2019)

• If censorship exists in films, why not in ad campaigns?
• Are women more resilient to stress than men?
• Loneliness is caused by social media.
• AI technology is the wave of the future. Comment

WAT Topics (2017-2018)

• Is financial inclusion dependent on social participation?
• Is women's empowerment a fad?

WAT Topics (2016-2017)

• The state has no authority to run businesses.
• Corruption and welfare dependency are inextricably linked.
• Cultural diversity is a hindrance to democratic rule.
• Everyone enjoys a good drought.
• Building historic sites to great leaders is a waste of public funds.
• Should the national anthem be performed in movie theaters?
• The advertisement is all glitz and no substance.

WAT Topics (2015-2016)

• Some aspects can only be learned by other entrepreneurs.
• Is higher pay a remedy to corrupt practices?
• Is it possible to draw a line between what is right and what is wrong?
• Be patient with both friends and foes.

WAT Topics (2014-2015)

• Should India's space programme budget be decided to invest in alleviating poverty?
• Nothing is right or wrong, and everyone has a different point of view.
• Is private ownership the only way of bringing down real power and electricity prices?
• In India, higher education should be free.
• What do I want to be when I grow up?

WAT Topics (2013-2014)

• Medical institutions are human suffering merchants.
• Cooperation results from competition.
• Alternative therapies.
• Do the means justify the end?
• Our errors are referred to as "experience."
• We make a living by giving, and we live by giving.
• The best ways to win are to subdue the enemy without resorting to actual assault.

WAT Topics (2012-2013)

• What good is the moon if it cannot be purchased?
• From the valley, the objects appear large, but from the mountaintop, they appear small.
• The more you learn, the more you realise how illiterate you are.
• Not only is also the one who earns wealth but so is the one who gives.

WAT & GD Topics (2011-2012)

• The terrible news flies the great news in time, and you are the pilot!
• The loss of scientific understanding is represented by intuition.
• Glory is fleeting, but obscurity lasts forever.
• The death penalty has been discussed in the past. What are the advantages and disadvantages of abolishing the death penalty?

WAT & GD Topics (2010-2011)

• Why not censor ad campaigns if there is freedom of expression in movies?
• Role learning is time-consuming but necessary.
• The Arab world will undoubtedly have an effect on India.
• Are women able to withstand more stress than men?
• A man is better in a positive environment and a disturbed family than in a great environment and a troubled family.
• Growth vs. inflation

For more such articles and information, stay tuned to CollegeDekho