After CAT: how to prepare for GD, WAT and PI (the speaking rounds)
1 November 2026 · 2 min read
In this guide
The short answer: CAT gets you the call; WAT, GD and the PI get you the seat. Each B-school runs its own process (many IIMs use WAT and PI; some schools still run a GD), so check each school's admission policy. All three reward the same skill: making a clear point quickly, under pressure. Start speaking practice the week your CAT is done, not the week your interview letter arrives.
The three rounds
| Round | What happens | What they look for |
|---|---|---|
| WAT (Written Ability Test) | A short essay on a topic in a fixed time | Structure, a clear stand, clean writing |
| GD (Group Discussion) | A group discusses a topic or case | Contribution, listening, bringing the group forward |
| PI (Personal Interview) | A panel interview about you, your academics, work, and current affairs | Clarity, self-awareness, reasoning, composure |
The PI: answers that work
- "Tell me about yourself": present, past, why MBA, in 60 to 90 seconds. Practise it out loud.
- "Why MBA?" and "Why this school?": a specific reason tied to your past and your goal.
- Academic questions: revise your graduation subjects. "I don't remember" is worse than "I'm not sure, but I think…".
- Stress questions: pause, agree with what's fair, then give your view.
The GD: be useful, not loud
- Open only if you have a strong first point.
- Build on others: "Adding to Riya's point…"
- Bring numbers or an example.
- Summarise if nobody else does.
The WAT: one stand, three reasons
Take a side in the first line, give two or three reasons with examples, address the other side in one line, conclude. Our free communication test includes a timed writing task, which is good WAT practice.
A daily routine from now to your interviews
- One rated speaking question a day (60 seconds, scored). Get your rating.
- One current-affairs topic: speak for 2 minutes, pro and con.
- Once a week, speak to real people: a mock PI with friends, or a free SpeakingLab Open Mic.
Frequently asked questions
Do IIMs still have GD after CAT?
It varies by IIM and by year. Many use WAT and PI; some run a GD or group exercise. Check each institute's admission policy for the current cycle.
How do I prepare for the MBA personal interview?
Write and rehearse out loud your answers to "tell me about yourself", "why MBA" and "why this school", revise your academics and work, and do mock interviews with real people.
How can I practise GD alone?
Pick a topic, take a stand, speak for 2 minutes against a timer, then argue the other side. Record it. Then practise with people, because GDs are about listening too.