Group Discussion (GD)

   GROUP DISCUSSION

The first task of GTO battery of test begins with Group Discussions on a debatable topic, which is usually given on a current event/ social issues. In the first group discussion the group is allowed to select one of the two topics offered.

In the second group discussion the topic is of the GTO’s choice. Each discussion will last for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Each candidate is expected to participate in the discussions. Remember that the discussions involve the exchange of ideas and thoughts. It is not a traffic of words.

TIPS TO EXCEL IN GD OF SSB

• Assessors are more interested in qualities, though the effect of knowledge and data cannot be neglected. So regular reading and practicing can help I n this regard.
• Logical reasoning and supplementation of it with useful example is liked by all as it helps in strong holding of your point.
• Confidence has always been the key to success, so see that whatever is presented, it is done with full confidence.
• There is nothing like that I will always speak for the topic or against it. Please understand the difference between debate, extempore and a GD. Here things are limited to expressing of views only.
• Body language is positive creates a altogether different level of awareness towards the other members of the group and they are always interested in listening.
• Being a god listener is always a sign of a good member of a group.
• Being a member of group your responsibility is to coordinate with the group and not to create a fish market. Even if others are contributing to create a fish market you have to emerge as a leader to get out of that situation and to facilitate proper discussion.
• Eye contact should be maintained with the group members only and don’t try to show off by speaking more. Balance the content with the knowledge and coordination.

FIVE COMMON MISTAKES IN GROUP DISCUSSION

1. Waiting for the right time: There will never come a perfect time to speak. You’ll have to snatch that time amongst the discussion. So wait for an opportunity where you can enter the discussion. This moment needs to be very appropriate, otherwise it’ll look like you are shouting and dominating. Wait for a chance where the volume of the whole group comes down a bit, then just speak in a firm, not rude voice. Make your voice count, don’t speak along with the group in a herd.

2. Not listening to others: Some candidates keep on speaking again and again thus not giving a chance to others to speak. While some candidates when start speaking, speak for a really long time. The audience gets bored due to this behaviour. Moreover you tend to repeat your points, making a negative impression on the GTO. When you speak more and listen less, the GTO barely gets chance to judge others, so you appear like a very dominant person. When you start speaking speak for maximum of 60 seconds to 90 seconds, and give others a chance to speak.

3. Trying to over-help: Candidates sometimes try to do charity by pretending to help others in the group. Thus they shout on other person’s behalf, let so and so chest number speak. Remember you are not there for charity, the so and so chest number made it till there without your help, and he/she is capable to do so now also. If you really want to appear like a leader, just listen to other people’s points without interrupting unnecessarily.

4. Speaking for the sake of speaking: Do not speak just for the sake of speaking. Some candidates speak just because they have to, not because they have a point. If you just repeat other’s points or speak irrelevant things, it’ll definitely go against you. So speak only the relevant things, and points which actually contribute to the discussion.

5. Not being themselves: Adopting extremes of behaviour, like getting up from the chair or shouting on others is definitely not accepted. Also if you speak in a made up accent or do too many gestures then you appear fake. So be yourself, think like you are discussing things with friends.

GROUP DISCUSSION TOPICS FOR SSB INTERVIEW

1. Lokpal Bill.

2. The Social Network – good or bad?

3. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail – good or bad?

4. Youth in politics

5. Should we have exams?

6. Should attendance be made compulsory in Engineering colleges?

7. Is Indian culture decaying?

8. Live-in relationship

9. Love marriage vs arranged marriage

10. Has democracy hampered India’s progress?

11. Commercialization of health care.

12. High oil prices – How to deal with?

13. Is remixing music a good trend?

14. Are MNCs better than Indian Companies?

15. Will India become a superpower by 2025?

16. Should educational qualification be made compulsory for politicians?

17. Advertising.

18. Privatization in India

19. Impact of Valentine Day on our culture.

20. Brain-Drain.

21. Skilled manpower shortage in India

22. Are space missions a wastage of resources for a country like India

23. Every cloud has a silver lining

24. Should Animals be used for testing drugs and medicines?

25. Impact of movies on teenagers.

26. Rules are made to be broken.

27. Is Globalization really necessary?

28. Is T-20 Cricket killing real cricketing skills?

29. Should there be censorship on the media?

30. Co-education – good or bad?

31. Poverty in 3rd world countries is due to prosperity in 1st world countries

32. Impact of western culture on India.

33. Should we change our national game?

34. Privatization of higher education.

35. Eve-teasing – who is responsible?

36. Do we need education to become successful?

37. Is computerization causing unemployment?

38. Should Internet be censored?

39. Live-in relationship

40. Love marriage vs Arranged marriage

41. Vegetarianism

42. Reservation in promotions.

43. Are engineers doing MBA a national waste?

44. Effect of computers on society

45. Housewife vs working women

46. Television – an idiot box or a useful resource?

47. Should journalism be censored?

48. Cloning of humans – is it ethical?

49. Chinese goods vs Indian Goods

50. Coke and Pepsi should be driven out of India.