Introduction
A Group Discussion (GD) or a Group Exercise is a simulated exercise. This chapter presents a few tips on SBI PO Group Exercises and how to handle them to ensure a positive outcome.
How Most Group Exercises Work:
- Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group and are given a specific situation to analyze and discuss within a given time limit.
- The group may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem.
- The group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same.
- A panel will observe the proceedings and evaluate the members of the group.
GE
Category wise merit list will be drawn on the basis of the aggregate marks scored in the Main Examination. Candidates numbering up to 3 times (approximately) of the category wise vacancies will be shortlisted for the SBI PO Group Exercises & Interview from the top of the merit list subject to a candidate scoring minimum qualifying score in aggregate.
SBI PO Group Exercises are conducted to ascertain whether a candidate has certain personality traits that an organization wishes to see in its members.
Below listed are some of the topics of Group Exercises
A Group Exercise group consists of 3 to 4 panelists (jury members) to monitor the discussion and 10 to 12 candidates. The panelists will present the candidates with a topic, mostly based on current affairs or other events, to the group of candidates to discuss.
Each individual is given a maximum of 2 minutes to express his/her views on the topic in English or Hindi (English preferred). The panelists can question the participants during the discussion. The candidates will be handed a pen & paper to make notes during the discussion.
How are the candidates evaluated?
The candidates are evaluated on the following:
- Knowledge about the topic
- Leadership skills: How well they manage the group discussion, how well they interact with the other candidates.
- Ability to handle pressure
- Command over their language
- Knowledge in current affairs, banking & financial awareness
- How well they express their opinion and listen to the others
- How well they conclude the topic
Topic-based GD topics can be further categorized into three categories:
1. Factual Topics
Require familiarity with day to day issues, trends over the years, facts & figures, etc. These test a candidate’s ability to analyze & gather information. A thorough understanding of the current affairs combined with good interpersonal skills is what is required.
2. Political/ Controversial Topics
Based on Politics. Try to convince others and at the same time know that others have opinions too. Gradually build your point and do not lose your temper. It’s a discussion, not a debate. So, one should speak cogently, whenever they do.
3. Abstract Topics
Abstract topics can be random. They test the candidate’s ability of lateral thinking, creativity and spontaneity. The scope in abstract topics are immense. Pay attention to what others are saying and try to build up on it.
- Look presentable: Be presentable at the Group Discussion. Dress neatly in a formal attire, have a good body language and give the panelists a good first impression.
- Exhibit your leadership abilities: One of the factors you will be evaluated on is your leadership skills. It’s a good idea to start a discussion, but it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to participate in the discussion, listen to the others and manage the discussion well. Start the discussion if you have a fair knowledge about the topic, if not wait for others start it.
- Start with a strong argument: When it’s your turn to express your views, start with a strong argument or quote of an expert from the industry to make an impact. It’s better if you include some data/statistics.
- Be patient: Be calm and wait for your turn to speak and do not cut anyone while they’re speaking. Let others express their opinion. If someone presents the point you were planning to make, present the same point with a different perspective and wider viewpoint. Do not get into arguments. Etiquettes are important in Group Discussions.
- Stick to the topic: Avoid getting carried away while presenting your facts. Stick to the topic & talk in context and stay relevant. Don’t beat around the bush too much, make your point and be concise. Avoid asking questions to other candidates. This might give them a chance to contradict you.
- Be factual: Panelists are more impressed when you present your point with facts & statistics. Read newspapers every day and memorize facts & numbers and speak flawlessly.
- Control your voice: Do not shout or raise your voice. Have the right pitch and be polite. Actions such as unfriendly gestures or raised voices are considered impolite.
- Listen & interact with others: The panel pays special attention to how you listen and interact with your fellow candidates. Make sure you listen to others, and interact with them. It’s a good idea to make notes of other candidates’ points and incorporate them when you express your views. It shows the panelists you were attentively listening.
- Conclude the discussion: Be the person to conclude the discussion. The ability to conclude a discussion gives you an edge over the other candidates.
- Follow the instructions: Be punctual & follow all the rules and guidelines laid down by the panelists.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Be as natural as possible. Be yourself. | Do not try and be someone you are not. |
| A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak. | Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject. |
| Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say. | Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally. |
| Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject. | Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. |
| Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views. | If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain. |
1. Need of India to go nuclear
2. Digital India
3. Make in India
4. E-commerce
5. One rank one pension
6. Man ki baat
7. Swachh bharat
8. ISIS
9. U.S. presidential election
10. BRICS
11. SAARC
12. Smart city
13. Bullet train
14. Surgical strike
15. Role model
16. GST
17. BREXIT
18. Sansad adarsh gram yojana
19. Beti bachao beti padhao
20. Namami Gange
21. Indian performance in Rio-Olympics
1. Financial inclusion
2. Money laundering
3. PM Jan-dhan yojna
4. Atal pension yojna
5. Fasal bima yojna
6. Kaushal vikash yojna
7. Stand up india start up india
8. FDI & FII’s
9. Gold bond schemes
10. PM Jivan jyoti yojna
11. Mudra banks
12. Payment banks
13. Small banks
14. C.B.S.
15. NPA
16. Priority sector lending
17. KYC Norms
18. Merger of public sector banks
1. Reservation in jobs and education.
2. Education system in India is suitable or it need any modification
3. Should capital punishment be abolished?
4. Social media is envading our privacy
5. Child labor
6. Terrorism