SSB Coaching | GROUP DISCUSSION (GD)

Conduct of the Group Discussion

The GTO will conduct two GD’s, one after the other, with a very small time gap between the two. Both GD’s will be of 15-20 minutes.
The GTO will give two GD topics for the first GD but candidates have to decide within one minute, the topic which they would like to discuss.
While choosing the topic, the candidates must decide the topic based on its relevance to them and also on the currency of the topic.
The second topic is decided by the GTO himself, based on the performance of the group.
Both topics are common in nature and do not require any specific knowledge, facts and figures.
The topics are given in a descriptive form and list out three options; a candidate has to discuss the option that he/she finds more apt as compared to the other options.
All options are workable. The candidate has to express as to which amongst all options is better as compared to the others.
The fourth option is ANY OTHER, the candidate need NOT be stuck with the three provided options, he is at liberty to proceed with any viable option coming to his/her mind.

What is Expected

The candidate should have self confidence.
Candidates should be able to express himself fluently and rationally.
Candidates must have sufficient knowledge of the topic being discussed.
Candidates should not be rigid in his ideas.
The candidates should be adaptable and should be able to react rationally under stress.
The candidates should be logical in his approach.

The candidates needs to be cheerful and not look stressed up.

Some Typical GD Topics

1. Social Networking Sites

Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, email, and messaging are becoming popular among the youth as they are means of fast communication. What in your opinion is the major consequence of this revolution?

It provides more and effective power to the youth.
It has increased threat to the National security and peace.
The youth waste valuable time on networking.

2. India as an International Player

India is fast emerging as an international player both in economic and military fields. In order to play a more effective role India should develop better contacts with:

Developed countries
Developing countries
Neighboring countries
Any other country you dream fit

3. India Facing Energy Crisis

India facing energy crises which affects adversely our industrial growth economy. If you were to advise the Prime Minister, which of the following sources of energy will you recommend for greater priority:

Hydel Power
Nuclear Power
Renewable sources of Power
Any other

4. Man’s Greatest Discovery

Man is the most enterprising being on Earth. He has even engaged himself in improving his lot from early ages. What according to you has been his greatest discovery/invention:

Wheel
Fire
Agriculture
Any other

Additional GD Topics

Naxallism
Nuclear reactors in our nation.
Is it good to quit nuclear reactors in our country like Germany.
Alternative source of energy other than nuclear reactor.
Nuclear agreement with U.S.
Nuclear agreement with Russia.
Does Nuclear head of Pakistan a threat to the nation.
World Peace
Pros and Cons of Science.
Increase in technology increases life span of man’s life.
Compulsory Army training.
33% reservation for women.
Youth in politics.
Unemployment in Bharat.
Alternative source of fuel.
Role of press in Bharat.
Permanent seat in UNO for our nation.
Permanent seat in G8 for our country.
Bharat the super power by Defence or Agriculture.
Bharat in Space Research.
Success rate of wind power and solar energy for power.
Computer and its Pros and Cons.
Internet and its Pros and Cons.
T-20 cricket changes the cricket style.
Which is best Test match of T-20.
Importance of Sex Education.
Common syllabus for School in our nation.
Common Entrance test.
Ragging in college good or bad.
Wearing helmet on road.
Should we improve defence technology or not.
Who saves nation more Police or Army.
BPO jobs in our country.
Love marriage or Arranged marriage.
Co-Education in nation.
Number one state in Bharat- The Gujarat.
Removing of Alcoholism is a revenue loss for our country.
Government bars in states of our nation is good or bad.
Population of the country.
Child growth is influenced by friends, teachers and parents?
Joining of Rivers in our nation.
Construction of check dams to save river water is successful?
Inflation Rate of economy in Bharat.
Quota system in our nation.
Kashmir issue and LOC.
Terrorism.
Role of Communication in our country.
Sports in Bharat.
Hockey the national game.

Domination of cricket over hockey.

The GTO Looks for the Following in the Candidates’ Personality

Communication Skills.
Listening to the group members point of view, and ability to speak in relation to what has been said.
Leadership and Coordination with the group members.
Expressing oneself truthfully and logically in the group.
Depth of Knowledge on the given topic and maturity of views.
Sharing of knowledge with the group members and willingness to Learn, listening to share and ability to understand their views.
Running the group along the given point.

Participating in a friendly manner.

Communication Skills

The most important thing in the G.D is effective communication. To be an active member of the group, candidate should be able to put his point of view before the group and should make the group agree to his/her views as far as possible. For this a candidate’s communication skills should be effective to be able to influence the group, based on sound logic/reasons.

Effective communication results in getting the attention of the group members.
If you communicate well, then your point will be given weightage and everyone will discuss around your point.
Make the G.D. as GD and don’t turn it into a debate.
Don’t always comment negatively about others point, even if it is wrong—overcome that negative aspect with a positive point of view.

Useful Phrases to Interject:

Excuse me, gentlemen, I have something to say.
Excuse me, gentlemen, I agree with your point but want to add one more point.
I agree with your point, but there is another way of looking at it.
Excuse me, my solution for this issue is…

Listening to the Group Members Point of View

The candidate should be accommodative to ideas expressed by others. One should not be rigid about one’s ideas.

A good leader should also be a good listener.
By listening to others you will:
- Relax and put your mind to fresh points.
- Pick up hints and add more points.
- Work out essence of others points and give a conclusive point.

Encourage others to listen to you.

Leadership and Coordination

In GD, leadership quality is analysed by the GTO by noticing the:

Initiator of the group.
Listener of the group.
Person helping the silent/hesitant member to talk.
Supporting the good point of other group members.
Ability to analyse and prioritise the good point from other members of the group.
Explaining others point by giving his/her own example.
Ability to overcome equally competent candidates with knowledge and communication.

Expressing Oneself Truthfully and Logically

Defend your position without being adamant.
Truthful candidates show conviction.
Logical candidates take an objective view of both sides before concluding.
Do not get carried away by emotions.

Depth of Knowledge on the Given Topic

Quality of what you speak matters more than quantity.
Watch national news discussions, read editorials to gain depth.
Analytical approach is valued more than raw facts.

Sharing of Knowledge and Willingness to Learn

GD is not about forcing your point.
It is about carrying the group along.

Show ability to learn from others while sharing your own knowledge.

Initiation in Group Discussion

Techniques:

Defining the Topic
- Example: If the topic is “India’s Space Programme”, define it as “launch vehicles and satellite programmes separately.”
Interrogatory Opening
- Example (Good): “Why does India want nuclear reactors instead of alternatives?” (Then support with positive points).
- Example (Bad): “What happened in Japan shows nuclear reactors should be abolished.” (Negative, no support).
Starting with Hot Issues

Example: In “Preservation of Wildlife”, start with recent news of VIPs involved in poaching.

Important Tips for Group Discussion

Listen to GTO keenly and grab the essence.
If confident, start; else wait and then contribute.
Maintain eye contact with group, not GTO.
Stay updated on national issues.
Avoid making debates or forming groups.
Read newspapers, watch English debates, and practice discussion with friends.