ICFAI Business School replaces GD with micro presentation for 2025 session; evaluation criteria

NEW DELHI: ICFAI Business School (IBS) has announced the replacement of the traditional Group Discussion (GD) with a new evaluation format—Micro-Presentation—for the MBA/PGPM program admissions for the February 2025 intake across its nine campuses. This change is part of the institution’s ongoing efforts to better assess the key skills necessary for success in management education and beyond.

The selection process for the MBA/PGPM program will now consist of two main components: the Micro-Presentationand the Personal Interview, each carrying 25 marks. This new format is designed to comprehensively evaluate candidates on essential aspects like communication skills, quick thinking, and overall aptitude for management.

Micro-Presentation: A new way to assess communication skills

The Micro-Presentation aims to test the candidates' ability to think quickly, organize their thoughts efficiently, and present them clearly. Here’s how the process works:

1. Topic Selection: Candidates will first select a number between 1 and 100, with each number corresponding to a pre-assigned topic.
2. Preparation: Upon selecting the number, the candidate will be given the topic and will have 1 minute to prepare their thoughts.
3. Presentation: After the preparation time, candidates will deliver a 3-minute presentation on the chosen topic.
4. Flexibility: If the candidate finds the initial topic difficult, they may request a second topic by choosing a different number. However, they are allowed only one topic change. Topics are randomized after each selection to ensure fairness.

Key features of the micro-presentation

• Individual Exercise: Unlike a Group Discussion, the Micro-Presentation is an individual task. Only the candidate presenting the topic will speak, and there will be no interaction or discussion with other candidates during the presentation.
• No Q&A: Candidates will not be posed any questions during or after their presentation, allowing them to showcase their ability to organize and express their thoughts without interruption.
• Audience: Each candidate will present in front of a group of 9-11 peers and 2 panel members, making it an ideal platform to demonstrate communication, confidence, and clarity.

Evaluation criteria for micro-presentation

The Selection Panel will evaluate candidates based on:

• Quick Thinking: The ability to organize thoughts rapidly and present them within the time limit.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Delivering information clearly and succinctly in 3 minutes.
• Communication Skills: How effectively the candidate articulates their thoughts.
• Logical Reasoning: How logically the candidate structures their presentation.
• Relevance to the Topic: Staying focused and addressing the core elements of the topic.
• Body Language and Confidence: Maintaining appropriate body language and showing confidence while presenting.

Personal Interview: A deep dive into aspirations and skills

After the Micro-Presentation, candidates will face a 5-7 minute Personal Interview. The interview panel will focus on:

• Attitude and Aspirations: Assessing the candidate's attitude towards management and their long-term goals.
• General Knowledge: Understanding the candidate's awareness of current events and their knowledge base.
• Communication Skills: Evaluating the clarity of thought, articulation, and overall communication during the interview.
• Aptitude for Management: Determining the candidate's suitability for a career in management based on their responses.

Guidance for candidates

To excel in the Micro-Presentation and Personal Interview, candidates are encouraged to:

• Prepare Key Points: Use the 1-minute preparation time to outline key points and organize thoughts.
• Stay Focused and Concise: Deliver the most relevant information succinctly within the 3-minute limit.
• Practice Speaking: Work on speaking at a steady pace to ensure clarity and impact within the time frame.
• Maintain Confidence: Focus on keeping calm, confident, and maintaining appropriate body language throughout the process.