WAT in IIMs: Weightage of WAT in Selection Process

Different IIMs designate different weightage to the Written Ability Test factor. An aspirant needs to attempt just one WAT .The scores of the same will be acknowledged by all the CAP participating IIMs.

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WAT in IIMs: Evaluation Criteria

Generally, Basic criteria for the evaluation of WAT assignment are the same for all the B-Schools. Though, the time given for the completion of a task is what brings changes in the evaluation. Which means, the panel expects better results when more time is given? While assessing the test, the board principally focuses around these four points:

• Clarity of Thought in the Written Ability Test
• Simplicity of Expression
• Comprehensiveness of Perspective
• Power of Reasoning

WAT in IIMs: Preparation Tips

While writing essays one has to take care of the format and presentation. The panel consists of learned beings and it is important for candidates to present their thoughts in the best way possible. Though not all can write an essay satisfying all the standards required. That is why all test takers advice is Proper Background Preparation. It is one of the most important steps while preparing for the test. Those who want to ace the test are the ones who practice writing on a continuous basis. It iss also important to have clarity of thought while writing while also being aware of all the happening in the surroundings

As numerous essays will be there in front of the panelists, aspirants should try to make sure that the very first paragraph is able to catch the attention and focus of the reader.

Given below are the tips which one can follow in order to prepare for WAT-

• WAT topics can range from any Current Affairs issues to static topics, case studies, even abstract ideas. The experts advise to draw an outline of the given topic while practicing. This won’t only make your essay presentable but also would help you to write in a more coherent manner.It is also advised to back up your points and arguments with proper data. This will show the strength of you statement and your knowledge too. Quoting experts and those who made noteworthy statements regarding the topic is also very useful. Thus maintain knowledge of quotes and information for various topics.
• The very first paragraph should not only be introductory but also should reflect the outline of the essay. Follow through on your argument and try not to contradict yourself while stating different viewpoints. Also try to avoid general statements.
• There are often topics which may contain different opinions and viewpoints. One must try to clearly and neatly present the viewpoints. It’s totally on the writer how he writes it. Though one hold never incorporate contradicting points in a single or even same paragraph
• Grammar is an important part while writing essays for WAT, and so is punctuation. If used incorrectly, it can change the whole meaning of the sentence and the overall point.
• Handwriting is another important aspect. As it is a pen paper test you should try to write neatly and clearly even while writing in hurry. One must also follow a proper format and use points and headings if necessary.
• Though, one would argue that using difficult words and heavy vocabulary would make an impression. One should try to use simple and lucid language and should focus more on presenting the viewpoints and ideas. If you decide to use complicated jargon, make sure it is placed correctly and in the right sense. Instead of using connectives such as ‘and, but’ etc, try using better transition words such as “Nevertheless/ Hence/ Therefore/ However”
• The concluding paragraph should summarize the entire essay and present your concluding remarks. Use of quotes from leading personalities can be used to support your viewpoint. Make a mental structure of your entire essay so that you have a semi-structured outline to reduce ambiguity. It is better to have a simple structure that can be elaborated well rather than a complicated topic that has very little substance
• The last paragraph is the concluding paragraph. It should not only summarize the whole essay but also should present the final point and takeaway of the essay. Aspirants are advised to use simple structures that can elaborate even simple ideas instead of choosing the complicated one.

Check CAT 2025 Preparation Tips & Plan

WAT in IIMs: Previous year WAT Topics

It is good to understand the range of topics beforehand. Given below are the topics which came in the WAT previous year.

1. The good old village is an obsolete, Utopian concept.
2. Global warming has adverse effects on all species on the planet. Should we migrate to another planet? If not, suggest measures to mitigate the disaster.
3. The ratio of males and females in colleges is good. Then why is it not the same in corporate life? Mention causes & solutions.
4. The current era is known as the “Age of the Man” concerning the usage of natural resources, atmospheric changes, flora & fauna. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
5. How do you prioritize when every work is a priority?
6. Five-year plan
7. Why should we protect data?
8. Income Inequality
9. Should the government be allowed to spy on its citizens on the pretext of security?
10. Effect of growth of e-commerce sites on retail shops and outlets.

WAT in IIMs: Suggested Reading Lists

One cannot write if he cannot read. Though writing an essay is just for the sake of the test, one needs to learn and practice a lot in order to prepare for it. Reading is thus very important for the candidates while preparing for the exam. Reading not only increases your knowledge on different topics but also increases your vocabulary which further helps in presenting your ideas. The more you read, the more you’ll come to know about different topics.

Written Ability Test also tests reading ability and information processing and presentation of the candidate. Given below are some of the recommended newspapers which are considered helpful for the preparation of WAT:

1. Economic Times
2. Business Standard
3. The Mint
4. The Hindu
5. Wall Street Journal

WAT Preparing Books

Reading books helps in increasing vocabulary, speed and context. Fiction, non-fiction, autobiography etc. all of these are considered necessary while preparing for WAT. Given below is the list of classics and modern books to read:

1. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
2. The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
3. The Namesake, Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
4. The monk who sold his Ferrari
5. The Freedom at Midnight
6. The Argumentative Indian
7. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
8. Steve Jobs
9. The Social Network

A few more books are listed below, which have been recommended multiple times by IIM alumni:

CAT 2025 Preparation Books Recommended by Toppers

WAT in IIMs: Important Topics

It is important for aspirants to have a general knowledge of topics which may appear in e the WAT. Though there are a variety of topics which may appear in the exam, given below is a general list of topics to practice for the WAT.

• Why Dollar is Getting Expensive Compared to Rupees
• Future of sports in India
• How does social media impact human behaviour and society
• Cashless Economy - A Boon or Bane
• India needs a uniform civil code- for or against?
• The success of Swachh Bharat Mission
• Should the Indian economy be privatized?
• Intellectual Property Rights Issues in India
• Is making Aadhaar mandatory a good idea?
• Privatization of Government Sectors - A Critical Analysis and many more.
• Values Challenged
• Media Influence
• President Rule vs Parliamentary Rule
• Corruption in India
• How do you measure success?
• India has a large pool of manpower but still very few patents.
• Allowing foreign universities in India will have a negative impact on the Indian education system.
• Patriotism vs Nationalism
• Demonetization in India: Decision is more appreciated than criticized
• GST: Aim to take the economy on a faster growth path
• "Make in India" Ground realities; India leaps to surpass China
• Rising Population of India could be turned into an asset
• Corruption is the root cause of current economic and social woes in India
• FDI in multi-brand retail is a boon or bane
• Ethics and morals cannot be taught in classrooms only
• Net Neutrality: Very Essential to Make India Digital
• Union Budget: Merging the General & Railway Budget will save exchequer from unnecessary spending
• E-commerce: Unrealistic Discounts are Dangerous
• Aadhar -Utility is more than perceived
• Smart City Project: India’s new urban vision
• Bank Recapitalization: Will it restore faith in Banking Industry?
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao will change the orthodox mindset?
• Law should be an instrument of Social Change
• Browsing at Workplace affects productivity
• Social Activism is necessary for the survival of democratic society
• RERA should win the trust of home buyers
• Moody’s Rating Upgrade to boost the economy of India

WAT in IIMs: Points to Remember

While attempting the written test, a candidate should focus on time management. For this test, you have to put a pen over paper, thus an article with a lot of cutting will send a wrong message to the panelists from IIM. Candidates have to visualize the entire article in their minds before they start writing. The following tips will help you to understand the dos and don’ts of WAT for CAT 2025

It is important for candidates to write within the given time frame and thus one must focus on time management. You must practice to not only write the essay completely but you must also have time to proofread it again and again within the given time. As it is an offline test candidates should practice writing using pen and paper. Aspirants need to train themselves to think clearly to reduce cutting and rewriting.

In the table below some points are given about dos and don’ts while preparing for WAT: