XAT PI (Personal Interview)

XAT PI round is conducted to assess the personality traits of the candidate. A personal Interview (PI) has questions about the candidate’s background, academics, achievements, and motivation behind going for an MBA. The interviewers intend to gauge the candidates on their communication skills, content, confidence, and ability to think under pressure.

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XAT PI: Weightage of PI in Final Selection

XLRI gives weightage to XAT scores, PI scores, and other parameters like the past academic record, work experience, and GK and essay section scores in preparing the final merit list. The weightage of these parameters in the final merit list preparation is given below:

XAT PI (Personal Interview) Preparation

• Be Confident: This aspect does not come easily to everyone, and growing confidence out of nowhere is not possible. However, something that a lot of individuals swear by is to feign confidence - fake it till you make it. Just start speaking under the assumption that you are indeed confident in yourself even though you might not be. 
• Work on Public Speaking: As with Group Discussions, you need to work on your public speaking skills and improve them to perform well in front of a panel of individuals. While it will be very intimidating, once you have a bit of practice speaking in large groups it will take some edge off. 
• Listen to each question carefully: Sometimes the interviewers ask questions that can be hard to decipher at the moment, so always listen carefully when someone else is speaking. Do not speak over them, as it leaves a very bad impression. Wait for your turn to speak and if you did not hear something ask for clarification. 
• Do Not Argue with the Interviewers: This is important advice as some individuals have a tendency to be argumentative. Even if you are completely sure that the Interviewer is wrong or you disagree with their opinion, communicate it in a non-threatening and respectful manner.
• Manage your Anxiety: Anxiety can come in various forms especially during interviews. Practice deep breathing and grounding techniques before the interview. If you need clinical intervention, make sure you consult a licensed professional;. 
• Present Yourself Well: Dress Well, and be well-groomed. You do not need to look excessively good-looking, just make sure you look presentable. 

XAT Group Discussion

XAT Group Discussions are an integral part of the selection procedure of XLRI.

• The candidates are divided into groups of 8-15 participants, depending on the number of candidates shortlisted and the number of GD rounds in total that the institute wishes to conduct.
• Each group is given a topic for discussion. The time limit for each GD is about 15-25 minutes.
• The topics of XAT GD could be related to current affairs, politics, social issues such as women’s rights and emancipation, or any other issue concerning advertising, technology, education, or business in India.

XAT Group Discussion Preparation

• Be a Team Player: Group Discussions are all about your ability to work well within a group, and your ability to work with other individuals. Every person has to eventually work within groups, and being a good conversationalist will be extremely helpful in that regard. Participate in the conversation of the group, discuss your ideas and opinions on the subject and add to it. You can practice by participating in study circles, preferably in real life but online study circles also work fine. 
• Work on Leadership Skills: Another thing that the interviewer looks for in every candidate is their ability to lead. Some individuals are natural leaders and assume a dominant position in most group settings. If you have a different personality type, do not worry. Leadership is a skill like any other and can be worked on. Take on more projects, at work, school, college or any other social setting. Work on delegating tasks and mediate any group conflicts. 
• Practise Public Speaking: Some individuals have great difficulty when it comes to speaking in public settings, and this can be a huge impediment when it comes to group discussions. Again, like any other skill, it can be improved with ample practice and some patience. You can start by taking up more opportunities for public speaking and eventually you will not feel any fear while speaking in public. You can also start by speaking to a mirror. 
• Be a Good Listener: This is one aspect that many individuals gloss over when it comes to preparing for group discussions. It is absolutely crucial to be a good listener. When you make other people feel heard in a group setting, you are also improving your rapport within the group. You can also add to their ideas and this will benefit you greatly in the eyes of interviewers. You have to submit a summary of the group discussion towards the end, so it will help in that regard too.
• Personal Grooming: Dressing well and looking attractive can result in a huge difference in other people's perceptions of you. Dress in professional attire for the group interview. Regardless of your gender, a fitting pair of pants and a well-ironed shirt with a matching pair of shoes and belt can work wonders. Personal Grooming is also extremely important, do not step into the center with unkempt hair or a scraggly beard. Look neat and tidy. 
• Work on your Body Language: Practice open Body Language, as people might not be as receptive to you otherwise. Do not fold your arms or put your arms back. Maintain eye contact with other individuals but do not stare. Do not appear too relaxed either, maintain professional decorum at all times. Remember that being too cavalier can reflect poorly on you. 
• Be Respectful: This is crucial regardless of the situation, but always be respectful. If someone from the group disagrees with you do not react defensively or attack them. Have coherent, well worded, and respectful arguments to your rationale and convey them properly. 

XAT Group Discussion Topics

Given below are some of the most important GD Topics:

XAT GD-PI Preparation Books