As the name explains, a group discussion consists of a group of individuals having an intellectual discussion based on specific and usually trending topics related to tech. The key to being good in group discussion is improvisation and keeping up on your toes.

Preparation

A key component of group discussions is current awareness. If you have been keeping up with all the innovations in the world of tech, then you are well prepared for group discussion.

The aim of the format is to think deep and provide innovative perspectives & arguments on the given topics. Dependent on the organizers, participants are given ~10 mins prior to a round to research and note down their arguments.

The purpose of the competition isn't to brute force your arguments on other participants (it's not a debate), instead you have to direct the discussion towards your arguments and explain it to both the judges & audience as to why your perspective on the issue is the superior one.

Dependent on the levels of moderation, one might also be required to direct other competitors to moderate the discussion (otherwise everything boils down to a fish market, which the judges hate and will cause the entire group to collectively lose points); which requires one to establish general rapport with other competitors.

The 1st round of most GDs require participants to record a video of themselves, presenting their arguments on a pre-determined motion. To prepare for this, speak a few times in front of a mirror; arrange your points in the following order : Introduction - Extrapolation - Conclusion; and record in a well-lit environment. The time limit for these videos ranges from 1-5 mins.

Formats

Group Discussions generally follow a Bracket Model or Round-by-Round Elimination Model.

Bracket Model

The total no. of participants are divided into (usually) 2 groups (4 is rare) of ~6-8 members each, after which the top 2-3 participants from each group get promoted to the next round. This continues until the pre-determined no. of finalists are selected (~6).

Elimination Model

All the participants are assimilated into one large cohort, assigned one topic and are instructed to begin discussions. As the rounds of the discussion progress, 1-2 participants get eliminated. post-this, the topic either remains the same or gets changed, and a similar process ensues. This continues till either a final group of ~6 members is left or a 1v1 discussion.

However, under the umbrella of group discussions, a few variations exist:

• Moderated Discussions: ****Discussion take place in a turn-by-turn manner. Each speaker is given 60-90s per turn to present their arguments. Dependent on the organizers, Q & A rounds and cross-questions are allowed.
• Unmoderated Discussion: These discussions aren't moderated and its up to the participants to steer the direction of the discussion. Speaking time can vary (attempt to maximize your time. If you feel that you can't speak, attempt to interject and steer the discussion with your arguments. Ignore the protestations of your fellow competitors, but don't begin a monologue which prevents all discussion).
• **Turncoat:** Turncoats essentially require one to present both sides of the motion. Usually a part of individual debate formats, Turncoats in GDs require to both flip your stance & at the same time discuss with other competitors. Since Turncoats are usually introduced as surprise elements in GDs, there often isn't enough preparation time to present the arguments from the opposite stance, requiring one to carefully navigate the discussion by asking a lot of questions and more importantly, not cannibalizing one's previously made arguments.
• Roleplay/Boardroom: A creative take on the GD, in this the participants are assigned roles and given a theme. Participants are then required to take part in the special setting and present arguments, keeping in mind the pre-ordained stance of their assigned character and/or their character's powers/abilities in the scenario.

Group Discussions can last from anywhere between 10 mins to 1 hour per round.