Group Discussion
WHAT IS GROUP DISCUSSION? AND THE REASON WHY GD HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN SSB?
Major evaluation parameters in GDs are Content, Communication, Group Behavior and Leadership Skills.
- The group of 8-10 are seated in semi circle in an open area. To begin with the GTO reads out 2 subjects. The candidates will then be asked to choose between themselves one of the two subjects for discussion. The subject favored by the majority of the candidates will be finally announced by the GTO for discussion. A candidate can take max of 1/1½ minutes for his projection. After the time is over, the GTO will appreciate their lively discussion and then give another subject (compulsory) for discussion.
- Sometimes, participants are given a case and asked to propose a solution to a problem that the case highlights. Certain topics call for a solid knowledge base (e.g., “successive governments in India have not done enough for the development of the North East”, while others “Love marriages are major failures in a country like India) can be handled even without a great deal of research work.
- The group discussion is not carried out as per the seniority of chest numbers and no chance is given to the candidate to speak automatically, but the candidate has to get his chance to speak at his own.
- Although it is not a must that you should speak first, but the candidate with greater initiative and confidence starts the discussion. The earlier a candidate takes his turn (first/second/third) in the discussion, the better it is for him, as otherwise the arguments he has in mind may be made use of by some one else, thus forcing him to take resort to less convincing arguments or he will be at a loss to say anything fresh or original. If he doesn’t get a chance to lead or speak, he should not behave aggressively. Remain calm and confident. Let not the situation go out of control.