WAT Topics for IIM - CAT PDF Download

The Written Ability Test (WAT) holds significant importance in the final selection process for MBA programs at IIMs and other top MBA colleges. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many IIMs did not include WAT in their final selection process for admission in 2021 and 2022. Nevertheless, for MBA admission 2023, IIMs have reinstated WAT as an essential part of their final selection round, with considerable weightage. It is now crucial to prepare for WAT to secure a place in the final merit list of IIMs.
To excel in the WAT 2023 round, it is vital to understand how IIMs conduct the test and familiarize oneself with the key topics that the Written Ability Test covers. Additionally, it is essential to develop effective writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. With proper guidance and practice, one can score high in the WAT 2023 and increase their chances of admission to top MBA colleges.

What is WAT?

The MBA admission process in India involves a Written Ability Test (WAT) that assesses an applicant's writing skills. Here are the key points to note:

• Only candidates who meet the institute's CAT cutoff are eligible to take the WAT.
• The WAT is a pen-paper exam that typically lasts 10-15 minutes.
• The topics for the WAT can vary widely, from current events to case studies or abstract ideas.
• The weightage of the WAT in the admission process is determined by each institute separately, based on other criteria they use for evaluation.

There are four main criteria that the panel considers while evaluating the WAT:

• The ability to express oneself clearly in writing
• Conciseness in expression
• Depth of perspective
• Reasoning that can withstand scrutiny.

WAT topics for MBA Admission 2023

Various categories of WAT topics have been devised to serve as effective evaluation tools for MBA admissions. Typically, these topics for WAT in MBA 2023 can be classified into three categories. The table presented below provides an overview and insights into the diverse range of topics covered in the WAT for MBA 2023.

Other expected topics for WAT MBA 2023

• Why should digital marketers care about net neutrality?
• Is the stock market similar to online gambling?
• Cashless Economy- Is India ready for it?
• Should IPR for life-saving drugs be granted or not?
• Is the smart cities initiative in India a failure?
• Demographic dividend in India- Myth or Reality?
• US-China Trade Talks: A political drama or renegotiation of rules of the game?
• Strong leaders emerge when institutions are weak.
• Economic growth is more important than Ecological Protection.
• Is linking Aadhaar with bank accounts a good idea?
• Indian economic slowdown reasons
• Caste-based reservation impedes a casteless society.
• Challenges to higher education in India.
• Should we be concerned about Global warming?
• Is the banning of Pakistani actors justified?
• How will National Education Policy give a complete overhaul to the Indian education system?
• How has technology changed the world of jobs?
• Reliance Jio is a sustainable business model in a country like India- agree or disagree?
• Will the reduced GST aid in the faster growth of the Indian Economy?
• Right to education - A boon or a curse?
• Are indefinite stay orders rotting the essence of the Indian Judiciary?
• Does the Federal Reserve need to stop printing money because it's creating an unsustainable bubble?
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector is good for India- agree or disagree?
• Ethics and Business- Is it an ideal combination?
• What can be done to reduce income inequality?
• Impact of coronavirus on the tourism industry.
• How urgent is the requirement for bullet train services in India?

Preparation tips for WAT 

Important tips for WAT preparation include researching significant WAT topics for MBA 2023 and focusing on improving one's written English to create a successful and creative WAT preparation strategy.

For more Preparation tips for WAT, refer to the EduRev Artcle Tips to Ace WAT for IIM. 

Tips for Answering WAT Topics in 2023

• Who 
• When 
• Where
• What
• Why 
• How 

should be included as they form the fundamentals of every well-written news article. These core W-H terms are often cited as key components and considered the gold standard in creative writing. By asking these questions with the 5Ws and 1H initials, a write-up can be made perfect.

Do’s and Don’ts for WAT 2023

How to prepare for CAT with EduRev Infinity?

EduRev Infinity Package for CAT includes:

• Subject-wise Courses: Courses for all the 3 subjects: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Aptitude & Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI). Each course offers topic-wise video lectures, detailed notes & online tests for each topic.
• Mock Test Series for CAT Preparation: Mock Test Series for CAT Preparation course on EduRev offers section-wise & complete mock tests.
• Level-wise Tests for CAT Preparation: This course offers level-wise tests for each topic to help you prepare exhaustively for the CAT exam.
• Previous Year Question Papers & Archives: EduRev also offer previous year question papers & topic-wise questions for each topic, which have appeared in different CAT exams in the last 5-10 years.
• 100 RCs for CAT Preparation: This course offers 100+ RCs to help you prepare & master in RCs, which will give you an edge in the CAT exam and move a step closer to your IIM dream.
• Shortcut Techniques, Formulas, CAT Crash Course & Others: Along with the above courses, you also get shortcut techniques, formulas & others in various courses of EduRev.
• Mock Test Series for Other MBA Exams: You also get Mock Test Series for other MBA Exams like SNAP, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, TISS-NET & others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on WAT for MBA

What are the things to keep in mind during the WAT round?

• Ensure the first paragraph of your essay is compelling, since evaluators have to read a lot of essays.
• Include an introduction, two body paragraphs that restate the main points, and a conclusion in your essay.
• Avoid unnecessary details and focus on proving your main point.
• Don't exceed the word or page restriction.
• Make sure to avoid grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in your essay.

What are some expected WAT topics for MBA admission 2023?

Some topics expected to be asked in WAT for MBA admissions in 2023 are as follows.

• India's poor performance in sports and whether the government should allow corporate companies to train athletes.
• The involvement of corporations in sports infrastructure development.
• The adverse effects of medical advancements on demographics due to longevity.
• The relevance of ancient war strategies from epics in modern business.
• The current era being known as "Age of the man" and whether you agree or disagree with it.
• The effect of e-commerce sites on retail shops and outlets.

Are philosophical questions asked in WAT round of IIMs?

Yes, philosophical questions are asked in WAT round of IIMs. These topics are usually based on famous quotes or sayings and require supporting information or a background story.

How to structure my essay in the WAT round?

In an opinion type essay, declare your viewpoint at the beginning and use the PESTEL framework to describe the impact and justify your perspective.
In a problem-type essay, identify the problem at the outset, describe its sources and effects, and present a potential solution.

What is the weightage of WAT in IIM?

The weightage given to the candidate’s performance in WAT combined with their performance in other rounds like the GD-PI is around 10-20% by the IIMs.

What are some important WAT topics for MBA preparation?

Some important WAT topics for MBA preparation include Budget 2023, National Education Policy (NEP), RBI Digital Rupee, Gati Shakti Master Plan, Agnipath, 5G Telecom, Gig Economy, Demonetization, GST, Make in India, Bank Recapitalization, Need of Bullet Train in India, Farm Bills 2020 and Farmers’ Protests, and Covid-19 Impact & Vaccination.

What is WAT for IIMs?

WAT is a paper-pen based writing test that lasts 15 to 30 minutes, conducted by IIMs and other top B-schools to evaluate writing abilities. It is conducted just before the personal interview and serves as a replacement for Group Discussion (GD) in the final selection round.