Pointers for WAT/PI prep

WAT:
Here is a general classification of topics normally in WAT
1. Current affairs
a. Topics could be based on events in the recent past
b. Newspaper headlines/ opinion articles will help
2. Ongoing events/affairs
a. Events that have continuously evolved into a phenomenon; eg: globalization,
consumerism etc.
b. Articles relevant to the modern day India
3. Abstract
a. Topics like Blue, dot, etc.
b. These can be looked up on sites like pagalguy where you might find a repository of such
topics
After a general idea of how topics normally are, let me briefly talk about the essay/task. Essentially, the
judging criterion could be:
1. Structure
a. A well-structured essay will help convey your ideas in a better way
b. Try to organize your points
2. Clarity of thought
a. Proficiency of language is not a necessity. How clearly you can express your thought will
be a criterion
3. Substance
a. Try to quote examples if possible. These will substantiate your claim

Bottom line:
Look up topics
Keep a time-check and practice writing on a topic
Keep a habit of targeted reading- focus on relevant topics for WAT

PI:
Prep could focus on 3 broad areas:
1. Personals
a. Questions like :
i. Tell me something about yourself
ii. Why MBA
iii. Strengths
iv. Weaknesses
v. Short-term and Long-term goals
Key to such prep: keep consistency in your background story. All these are supposed to reflect
your thoughts and life in general. While thinking about these points, try and come up with
incidents in life which could validate these points.
2. Work Experience/Academics
a. Try to think about the practical applications of theories/concepts learnt
b. Try and think how these difficult concepts could be explained to a layman
c. Try and link what you learnt/ what you work upon with your goals/why MBA Qs
Key to such prep: Relevant and precise answers will be expected. Brush up certain subjects you
liked in college. Think of the internships/ projects done in the early days.
For work-ex people, try to find out the latest happenings in your sector.
3. Hobbies/ Extra-curricular activities
a. Do think about what you did in recent days which can be classified as one of these, eg:
when was the last time you read a novel(and your hobby has been stated as reading)
b. This is home-pitch. They might try to gauge the amount of interest/passion you show
for such things
Bottom-line:
Go on a long walk and think of a story that could describe your life till date
Do work on such questions since they could expect any average person to have already given a
thought to most of these things
Keep consistency in your answers. One answer should not contradict the other.


Finally:
CAT was an eliminating step-to reject some candidates; this stage is a selection stage. The professors want
to select you. You have to just help them do that.
It is usually quite stressful during interview times. Try and give honest answers so that your true nature is
visible to the parties involved.

Best of Luck!
~PrepWell