This document discusses group discussions as a selection criteria. It explains that a group discussion involves 8-15 people discussing a topic without interference from evaluators. Evaluators assess candidates based on their knowledge, analytical skills, leadership, teamwork, communication and other qualities. Candidates should focus on the topic, listen to others, express their views respectfully, and not interrupt or dominate others. Good preparation includes knowledge of various topics, strong listening and presentation skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

1. GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Dr. MALA PANDURANG
Dr BMN College of Home Science Matunga, Mumbai
NAAC Reaccredited A Grade with CGPA 3.64/4
College with Potential for Excellence

2. GROUP DISCUSSIONS
 When a group of people come together
to share and exchange information on a
given subject, it is called a group
discussion

3. G.D AS SELECTION
CRITERIA
 An opportunity to observe and form an
opinion about a large no. of candidates
in a short span of time
 Opportunity to assess skills not
possible to observe in a C.V

4.  Group of 8 – 15 persons
 Candidates are quite free to discuss the
topic without any interference from the
evaluator
 No one is appointed the leader and no
one is the follower

5. QUESTIONS THAT
EVALUATORS POSE
 Did the candidate speak at all?
 What is the knowledge level?
 What are her analytical skills like?
 Was she able to provide leadership?
 Did she antagonise the group?
 Is she a team player?

6.  Is she a good communicator?
 Is she a good listener?
 Does she respect the opinion of others?
 Did she speak sense?
 Is she able to quickly focus on crucial
issues?

7. QUALITIES THAT ARE
EVALUATED
 Leadership
 Interpersonal skills
 Analytical skills
 Team spirit
 Verbal & non-verbal communication skills
 Problem solving skills
 Ability to handle people

8. DOs
 Focus attention on the given topic
 Don’t speak first if you are unfamiliar with the topic. Speak at the
most opportune moment
 Try to speak something new which has not been said by others
earlier
 Listen to others attentively so that you may express your viewpoint
in favour or against a particular argument
 Allow other members of the group to express themselves to their
satisfaction

9.  Try to put your case in such a way that
your line of argument becomes the
centre of discussion
 Use dignified language at all times
 keep in mind the importance of non-
verbal communication

10. DON’Ts
 Do not interrupt others when they are speaking
 Do not go overboard with enthusiasm
 Do not impose yourself upon others
 Do not get irritated/emotional at any point of time
 Do not make fun of others/put others down
 Do not deviate from the subject given for discussion
 Do not feel shy to express yourself if you have an
unorthodox view
 Do not hesitate to disagree if you have sound

11. PRE-REQUISITES
 Knowledge
 Listening skills
 Presentation skills
 Ability to initiate
 Communication skills

12. KNOWLEDGE
 Well read and capable of expressing
views on a wide range of subjects
 Able to give examples to support one’s
ideas

13. LISTENING SKILLS
 Listening makes you a better speaker
 Listening helps to generate ideas and
formulate thoughts
 Listening encourages other candidates
to express their views

14. BODY LANGUAGE
 FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
 EYE CONTACT
 SITTING POSTURE
 TONE OF THE VOICE

15. TYPES OF GROUP
DISCUSSION
 Fact based topics : need a sound
knowledge/must have an opinion
 Excellent reading habits of various
socio-economic topics

16. INTUITIVE GROUP
DISCUSSION
 Tests one’s ability to present thoughts
in logical manner
 Participants have more or less same
amount of knowledge
 Eg. ‘Should beauty contests be
banned’

17. CASE STUDY G.D. TOPICS
 Specialized type of technique used for
recruitment for prof. Organizations/iim
entrance exams
 A business situation/decision prolbem is
depicted
 Participants discuss and recommend
course of action

18. Sample topics
 Position of women in India in 21st
century
 Effect of cinema on youth
 Are studies more beneficial in India or abroad
 Will the odd/even rule in Delhi for traffic work?
 Advantages of co-education
 Have values of Indian youth evolved