So Close I Can Taste It... Almost

Deepti Gahrotra is a serial procrastinator and professional imaginator. When is not out saving the world with her special powers of sarcasm, she works as the Communications Manager with a Delhi based NGO, Score foundation, or on her blog. She is currently a Member of the Central Committee of IIMC Alumni Association. For more questions about IIMC, feel free to connect with her on Twitter.

@DeeptiGahrotra | http://imjinxd.blogspot.in/

In a previous post in this blog, I shared some of my wisdom (just kidding I really don't have any) about the what's and how's of the entrance exams. For all of you who have cleared the written congratulations! For all of you who have cleared the ADPR written I'm impressed. I know who checked the papers and if you managed to clear it, rest assured you are the best of the best.

Having said that lets talk about GDPI. The written exam at IIMC carries 85% weightage in the overall scheme of things, so if you have made it so far the hard part is over. Having said that 15% marks dont really make THAT big  a difference over all. Why am I telling you this? Im trying to tell you relax! you have pretty much sealed your fate at IIMC and all the fretting in the world can't effect the outcome either ways now. So stop being nervous, you've done what you had to, so go in keeping in mind that you gave the written your best shot and this is your time to shine.

The GD is conducted alphabetically. Each GD group has around 8 people. You will get at least an hour before your GD (if you are lucky). So for god's sake please come early, try coming before time. Why? Let me explain, get to know the people who are likely to go into the GD with you and start talking to them. Observe what they have to say and what kind of people they are, in case they are outspoken be sure to make mental notes to sit farther down from them in the GD. These people tend to overpower the people on either sides of them. The GD topic can be current or abstract. More often it is current, so again I hate to say it, but please read a lot.

The GD is not about about being the loudest or the most obnoxious. Its about being the most valid. A good strategy is to try and start the conversation so that if nothing else at least you got the first word in. Then shut up and listen. Form a solid argument that is difficult to refute and just keep harping on it every chance you get. The trick is to bring in a point of view that nobody else thought of. If you keep talking during the whole GD, you will most likely make one good point (if you are lucky), a few ok ones and most "that makes no sense at all!" kind of points. Its important to listen to others. If you can make a point that refutes or weakens another persons argument. However DO NOT under any circumstances shout or lose your temper. Its a GD not the Parliament. You have to be cordial about it. That does not however mean be a pushover. Put at least one solid point across and if you manage to steal even 40 seconds of the total time to make a valid point you are through this round.

Then comes the PI. I wish I could be as systematic about this part. But there is no trick to the PI. Those 10 marks you have got to earn. I know of a very dear friend who actually had to dance for the PI. I on the other hand was asked some questions from the field. Its a different story that she topped the entrance and came either 7th or 11th... I don't quite remember. However last to last year quite a few people cried in the PI. The objective is not to scare you, but to remind you that you are applying to an ADPR course, grow a thicker hide! On the face of it each PI is different. Hence there are no words of wisdom that I can offer. Just be yourself and think before you answer. Mindful thinking is the key. So take a deep breath and just jump in. Remember IIMC is a magical place that you will love to call home for the next 9 months, for that however you have to first get in.

All the best to all the ADPR aspirants! Do us proud!!