Know Thyself: Ultimate Key to Crack GD/PI Round

Tanima Banerjee, topped from the IIMC, Dhenkanal campus in English Journalism of Batch 2012-13. She is 3rd topper of EJ among all six campuses. Graduated in English Literature from Lady Shriram College for Women, Delhi University. Worked as an Intern at The Asian Age, New Delhi. Presently works as Sub-editor at Business Standard, New Delhi. Regular blogger at Youthkiawaaz.com. Is a trained classical dancer and a complete book worm and movie buff.

First and foremost, a hearty congratulation to everyone for cracking the entrance examination, which is like more than half the battle won.  A good score in the written test will, in all probability, secure a place for you in India’s premier journalism institute. Yet, all’s not over.  A lot hinges on the GD/PI round, which will not just test your answers, but you as an individual.

For English Journalism, mostly a personal interview is held. But just in case you have a group discussion round, just remember a few things. Be calm and patient. Have respect for the views and opinions of your fellow groupmates. The GD topics would be very general, topics which bring out the pros and cons of the issue. You need to place your opinions smartly and suavely, without ending up in a tussle with any other group members.

In order to frame such opinions, I advise you to watch Newshour debate on TimesNow or We, the people on NDTV. These shows will also help you in your personal interviews, and help you not only in framing an opinion about an issue/event but also facilitate communicating those opinions. Do not haul or shout your views, as it posits a really bad impression on your selectors. Being a good listener, and giving logical arguments based on facts is the key to crack these group discussions.

For your interviews, the most important thing that you must remember, is that there is nothing to be intimidated about. You may see your peers with notes and newspapers, looking either too peeved or extremely over-confident. Shut your senses to these people, and believe in yourself. There is no reason to be nervous, because an interview examines you on what you know, and not on what you don't know.

You need to have a clear head before entering the interview room. Be smartly dressed in formal/semi-formal. Seek permission from your panel to enter the room. Don't forget that pleasant smile as you greet , acknowledging each and every member of your panel present in that room. The beginning of your interview would comprise of basic questions, pertaining to yourself, academic qualifications, your hometown, or the classic "Why journalism?" Make sure you are prepared with these answers mentally in your head. You don't have to give pretentious or amusing answers using flowery language. Just be true to yourself, and present yourself in a way that shows the panel your passion for this profession, and your willingness to seek training and guidance from an institution of national and international repute. If the panel gets the slightest hint that you are not sure of what you really want, or why you are here, that scraps your chances completely.

Soon the panel would get into asking questions based on your subject, or current affairs. In order to prepare yourself for these questions, you just need to read the newspaper daily, or watch news on television. Reading editorials and magazines will help you frame opinions and help to strengthen your answers with logic and facts. They usually ask your take or opinion on any incident or happening. Just deliver your answers confidently. In case you get bumped by a question whose answer you don't know, there is nothing to worry about. Just tell them whatever you know, or simply be honest to them and tell them you don't know. Also, its okay if you stammer or made some mistake. Either correct yourself with a 'sorry about that' or just go on with your answer. The panel will move on to some other question in your domain that you might be comfortable in answering.

An interview for the course of journalism will not only test your knowledge, but your communication skills. Enrich your vocabulary by reading novels and newspapers. Watch English news channels and English movies to improve your pronunciation and enunciation. A poor spoken English will not have a very good impression on your interviewers. Make sure you have eye contact with all the members of your panel while answering. Don't make unnecessary hand gestures while answering, or get too loud or too soft. Adopt a normal, conversational tone and engage your interviewers with clear, to-the-point replies.

Finally, the biggest assets you possess in  order to crack these interviews is your self-belief and self-confidence. If you truly desire to enter into the field of journalism, there is nothing that can stop you. Your ambition, confidence, sincerity and dedication will automatically reflect in your interview if you just be yourself. That's the key to crack the final code of Mission IIMC.

Best of luck everybody!