Samanwita Ghosh is a 2003-04 Hindi Journalism pass out. She is working as a producer in STAR NEWS.
Well for me it was a dream come true when I saw the first list of selected people for GD & PI and saw my name in it. I wasn’t unsure of the possibility but then when the selection is not amongst hundreds or thousands the chance becomes very challenging. It was then when I actually started preparing.
Getting selected in written exam is not so difficult, your know how on the current and important issues, your quality of picking up facts and seeing the issues in a balanced way, the style of expressions and ability to finish off the question paper in limited time can ease your tension of selection in written exam. I believe it’s the group discussion followed by the interview where they actually decide on whether to give you the entry ticket.
And for both the requirements presence of mind, eagerness to prove yourself and self confidence are the most essential things. GD topics can range from issues like global warming, women reservation, media hype to Sania Mirza's marriage, approach of media on issues like militancy to fatwa on Salman Khan, difference between print and TV in dealing with current happenings, naxals demanding their due, carnage of naxals in sildah of 24 EFR jawans and state govt. putting the blame on EFR, Indo-Pak relations, inflation and govt. role to handle it and etc.
You may have in depth knowledge on all the above said issues but you need to put forth your point in the GD and you need to be articulate enough, you may have applied for the print journalism course but in GD they do see how well conversant you are and how deftly you can put yourself forward when speaking among a peer group. Then comes the interview where in a panel of judges from different places - few from media, few from institutes and some of IIMC would be sitting in a row and welcoming you with a warm but yet subtly suggestive smile.
You shall be seated in front of the panel and your heart will give a little flutter. It is that moment when you need to compose all your thoughts and present the best thinking part of your personality. It is very difficult to appear absolutely cool, as they will ask questions on various topics and issues. Some may seem unrelated to the admission purpose directly- like what does your father do, or your mother is working, but don’t let that take you off guard. I guess that is just a way to measure that how focused you remain amidst distractions.
But please put one thing in your mind clearly that do not for once also try to fake your self. Not knowing something is no sin, but trying to portray that you have knowledge of the topic but just not recollecting it momentarily will take to more troubled waters. If you feel you don’t know a certain thing you either change the topic or say that you don’t know. And be prepared to clarify that learning is an endless process and that you are a quick learner too. A few witty replies to cheer everyone are a nice idea, but never cross your limits.
Well dressed candidates are always having a plus point. A little smile makes you look more confident. And do not forget to read the newspaper that morning and see the headlines. One question is a sure guess- do you read newspapers or watch news channel? Which ones? Why these? And then will pop the question that what was the headline of the newspaper you named? So before you name your choices be thorough with them. Once again reminding you don’t try to fake answers. Lastly, one little advise, we may be learned or well read enough but people sitting in the panel are there in the business for a long run, so we ought to give them credit and respect.
Rest is hard work. And may the best of the lot get the chance to read learn and live IIMC.
Cheers !!!
Samanwita Ghosh
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