Rules for the Group Discussion (GD) Round
Topic Disclosure
•
The topic will be announced by the moderator just before the GD begins.
•
Participants will be given 2-3 minutes of preparation time.
Speaking Order
•
The discussion will be open; there will be no fixed speaking order.
•
Anyone may initiate the discussion after the moderator’s cue.
Duration
•
Total time: 20-25 minutes per group (depending on group size).
•
Moderator may extend or shorten if required.
Participation
•
Every participant is expected to contribute at least once.
•
Quality of content will be valued more than quantity of speaking.
Respect & Conduct
•
No interruptions while another participant is speaking.
•
Disagreements should be expressed politely, without personal remarks.
•
Offensive language or behaviour will lead to disqualification.
Focus & Relevance
•
Arguments must stay on topic.
•
Repetition without adding value will affect evaluation.
Body Language & Engagement
•
Maintain confident body posture and eye contact.
•
Actively listen and acknowledge others’ points before countering.
Moderator’s Role


The moderator will not intervene unless the discussion goes off track or becomes one
sided.
The moderator’s decision will be final.
Evaluation Criteria
Criteria
1 (Poor)
2 (Fair)
3 (Good)
4 (Excellent)
Clarity of
Thought &
Articulation
Unclear,
disorganized, or
hard to follow.
Frequent pauses
or filler words.
Somewhat clear
but lacks
structure.
Occasional
difficulty
expressing ideas.
Clear and
logical flow.
Minor issues in
phrasing or
coherence.
Highly articulate,
well-structured,
and easy to follow.
Precise and fluent.
Relevance &
Originality of
Ideas
Ideas are offtopic, clichéd, or
lack depth.
Some relevant
points but
mostly
conventional
thinking.
Strong, relevant
ideas with
occasional
originality.
Highly original,
insightful, and
directly addresses
the topic with
depth.
Confidence,
Body Language
& Engagement
Nervous, poor
eye contact, stiff
posture, or
disengaged.
Moderately
confident but
inconsistent
body language.
Some
engagement.
Confident, good
posture,
maintains eye
contact, engages
audience well.
Highly confident,
dynamic presence,
excellent eye
contact, and strong
engagement.
Listening,
Respect &
Collaboration
Interrupts
others,
dismissive, or
does not build
on discussion.
Listens but rarely
responds or adds
to others' points.
Actively listens,
respectful, and
occasionally
builds on
others' ideas.
Exceptional
listener, respectful,
and constructively
expands on others'
input.