CMAT is a national level computer based test conducted by NTA for admissions into all management programs in AICTE-approved B-Schools. The paper consists of Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections. The first CMAT was conducted in 2012. The next step in the admission process is the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) round, which varies from institute to institute.
For more details, you can refer to the official CMAT notification at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
Group Discussion
Group Discussion or GD is used by B-schools to assess personality traits such as communication skills, leadership, teamwork, logical thinking, and knowledge.
In most CMAT-accepting institutes (including JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, GIM Goa, BIMTECH, Welingkar, SIMSREE, etc.), GD topics are based on current affairs, social issues, economy, business, or abstract/general themes. Some institutes like Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and a few others combine the same topic for Essay Writing (WAT) and Group Discussion.
Topics in recent years (2024–2026 cycles) have included:
- AI and its impact on jobs
- Work from home vs Work from office
- Climate change and sustainable development
- India's economic growth vs inequality
- Social media's role in democracy
- Startup ecosystem in India
The average duration of a Group Discussion is 10–15 minutes. Groups usually have 8–12 students (sometimes up to 15), with 2–3 panelists observing.
Key tips from actual experiences:
- Do not be overly aggressive or argumentative.
- Contribute meaningfully 3–4 times with relevant points.
- Listen actively, support good ideas, and summarize if possible.
- Demonstrate knowledge, clarity of thought, good communication, and teamwork to clear this round.
Essay Writing (WAT)
In many CMAT colleges, Essay Writing (also called Written Ability Test or WAT) follows or replaces GD. Candidates are given 15–20 minutes to write 200–400 words on a given topic.
Essay topics often overlap with GD themes and are linked to current affairs, for example:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Success or failure?
- Impact of low voter turnout on Indian democracy
- Global warming and individual responsibility
- Digital India: Opportunities and challenges
- Role of women in modern India
- Mental health awareness post-pandemic
A good essay must have:
- Clear structure: Introduction, body (2–3 paragraphs), conclusion
- Balanced views with facts/examples
- Good language, grammar, and logical flow
- Original thoughts and proper organization
This round tests written communication, knowledge, and analytical ability.
Personal Interview
The Personal Interview is your chance to showcase your personality, fit for the program, and clarity of thought. Panels (usually 2–3 members) evaluate confidence, communication, goals, and awareness.
Common question types from recent CMAT college PI experiences:
- Personality-based: Tell me about yourself, strengths/weaknesses, biggest achievement/failure, why MBA, why this college?
- Academic & Extracurricular: Questions on graduation subjects, projects, internships, hobbies, leadership roles.
- Current Affairs & GK: Recent news (economy, politics, international events), government schemes, business trends.
- Career & Goals: Short-term and long-term goals, why this specialization?
- Stress/HR questions: Handle pressure situations, ethical dilemmas, or rapid-fire questions to test composure.
Some institutes (e.g., KJ Somaiya, BIMTECH, Welingkar) may ask graduation-specific technical questions or case-based scenarios.
Preparation tips from actual candidates:
- Be honest and confident.
- Prepare a strong "Tell me about yourself" (1–2 minutes).
- Stay updated with current affairs (read newspapers, follow business news).
- Know your resume inside out.
- Practice mock interviews to handle stress and cross-questioning.
GDPI rounds in CMAT colleges are generally moderate in difficulty and focus on personality and awareness rather than extreme grilling. With good preparation, clear communication, and genuine responses, most candidates perform well.
Good luck with your CMAT 2027 GDPI preparation!
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