A group discussion is a modern method of assessing a candidate personality. It is both a technique and an art and very comprehensive t001 to judge the worthiness of a candidate and appropriateness for the job in issue. It is a democratic method to judge suitability of a candidate in regard to a particular vacancy or a course of studies. In a group discussion comparatively there is a more relaxed atmosphere where participants feel at ease, comfortable, cheerful, free and friendly to one another. It is conducted by the participants themselves without any outside control and interference. The participants are more or less of the same age, qualifications, experience, social and family background. They sit closely round a big table to discuss among themselves some current topic, a problem of common interest or a subject of common concern. The group may consist of 7 to 10 or sometimes fewer number of candidates.
The topic of discussion is given by the Examiner who withdraws himself immediately from the scene after giving the subject for a group discussion. The Examiner may give the candidates a choice to choose any one from 2-3 subjects. He also determines the language and duration of the group discussion. Then they are free to conduct the discussion among themselves in a way they like. Who speaks first, next or last and for how much time is solely left to the group of participants. Thus, it is very informal with a touch of spontaneity and a lot of freedom. A candidate may speak at length, in brief or occasionally on the subject during the course of such a discussion lasting about 30 minutes. He may speak in favour or against or give his views in a balanced way highlighting both merits and demerits of a problem being discussed. One may even remain silent if one likes to.
