Wednesday, September 26, 2007

INTERVIEW'S INNERVIEWS


-
SAJID ALI KALMANI


 

"Dedicated to Those candidates who prepare sincerely and Yet don't succeed "


 


 


 

INTRODUCTION

    

" Given with all the facilities would you like to work in a team or as an individual?"

"Sir... as.... an individual"

This was my answer when Infosys HR manager had asked me in my first interview. It's not unlikely that you don't do such mistakes in your initial interviews and loose the golden chances. Initially I didn't have even a rough idea about how the campus interviews are conducted, what they require, what to prepare, how to face etc. Those were my series of debacles, which taught me the finer tunes of the interviews. It took me around 10 interviews to finally cross the hurdle. I tell you 10 is a very big number.


 

I only want that a capable candidate should not suffer because of his ignorance. I don't want others to follow the series of failures as I underwent. Keeping this point in mind, I have tried to show the inner views of the campus interviews, which are also generalized for walk in interviews. I have tried to portray my experiences, my approaches and the steps that I think are apt for one to succeed.


 

Here my aim is not just restricted for the people to know only about interviews, but also to aim at improving ones overall personality.


 

My special thanks to Mr. Syed Salahudddin who encouraged me consistently to take up the project and worked parallel with me to finish this. I owe a great deal to the officer.

I thank all my classmates and hostel mates esp. Mushtaq, Majid, Sawood and Nishant who stood by me and gave their full support and help.


 


I request you to take these things seriously and read every time before you go for any interview. I also want this material to be forwarded to the people who could get benefited. These are just the views of one person, which might be wrongly interpreted also. So I want you to meet experienced people and try to generalize the things. I wish all the best for your endeavours. Thank you.


 

Sajid Ali Kalmani

WIPRO PATTERN

WIPRO PATTERN AND PAPER ON 23rd JULY 2006  AT GIET, RAJAHMUNDRY

 
 

 
 


 

       1.Written Test

       2. Technical Interview

       3. HR Interview

 
 

SECTIONAL CUTOFF IS THERE.

Written Test:

           Written test consists of 3 sections :

                 
 

                           1. General English

                           2. Aptitude

                           3. Technical Questions

 
 

         English was very easy. All sentence completions, active voice to passive voice, comprehensions like that. Anyone with good english can easily cross this section. Refer to Barrons for sentence completions and comprehensions.

         Aptitude was too very easy. It just consists of questions like reasoning, basic physics, ratio-proportions, percentages, profit-loss...refer to RS.Agarwal.

         Technical questions will be easy for a student with computer science background. Non-CS please dont worry, you will have a lower cut-off in this section when compared to a CS student. Questions from DBMS, OS, C, Java, Unix, Computer Networks, General keyboard shortcuts will be asked.

 
 

Technical Interview:

         I am student from Computer Science, so I felt it easy. Questions asked were :

               1. What do you do in leisure?

               2. Why Wipro?

               3. What is DBMS...and some queries on DBMS....

               4. What is JDBC....and one program on JDBC

               5. Advantages of Java over C...

               6. What are signals in Unix?

               7. What are TSRs in C?

               8. And some questions about my activities in various college events and student clubs.

       
 

 
 

HR Interview :

         Here comes the dangerous round. It was just around 1 min my HR interview was finished. I was asked these questions only...

           1. Why should I hire you?

           2. What are your strengths?

           3. What is Six-Sigma?

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Fact Personnel Pvt Ltd

Job Description

M.Tech/M.S/B.Tech/B.E  in  Electrical  Engineering,  Computer  Engineering  or  Computer  Science 
2  to  5  years  of  experience  in  designing  and  development.
HTML,  CGI,  and  User  interface  design  skills.
Good  Experience  of  C++  and  Java  programming.
System  software  development  (processes,  threads,  interprocess  communication  mechanisms,  etc)
Scripting  experience,  preferably  Perl,  for  both  Linux  and  Windows  targets.
Good  Knowledge  of  network  protocols:  TCP,  UDP,  IP
Ability  to  work  largely  independently  with  minimal  supervision:  design  through  verification
Understanding  of  how  web  servers  work.
Good  communication  skills,  verbal  and  written.

Desired Profile:

Debuggers  (VC++,  gdb/ddd)
Memory  analyzers  (eg.  Purify),  Profilers
Understanding  of  GEHC  software  development  processes  for  medical  devices
Clearcase,  DDTS.
A  background  in  real-time  embedded  medical  systems
Exposure  to  Six-sigma  methodologies  &  concepts

  

About Company

One of the Reputed Company of the Fact

  

Additional Information

   

  

Experience:

1 - 7 years

  

  

Education:

B.E/B.Tech

  

  

Job Category: 

Production/ Engg/ R&D

  

  

Job Location:

Bangalore

  

  

Key Skills:

Design Engineer/Senior Design Engineer

  

  

 

Bangalore Google

Software Engineer - New Grad - Bangalore


Position based in Bangalore, India.


"Search is already solved." Some people think so, but we respectfully disagree. Consider the kinds of problems we tackle at Google: Natural language processing. Artificial intelligence. Distributed computing. Large-scale system design. Machine learning. Data compression. UI. Information retrieval. The list goes on - and with the help of clever, curious, problem-solving engineers, the work, and the fun, goes on too.

Requirements:

  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related technical field.
  • Experience with Unix/Linux or Windows environments, C++, Java, distributed systems, machine learning, information retrieval, TCP/IP and network programming and/or developing large software systems a plus.
  • Knowledge of Perl, Python, or other scripting languages a plus

Google India Jobs

Product Manager - New Grad - Bangalore


Position based in Bangalore, India.


Do you have a passion for creating great products? Are you eager to make things work better and do something with impact? You will be a member of a dynamic product team committed to making Google an example of the best products in the industry. On the product team, we strive to make Google's products ultimately useful.

Responsibilities:

  • Working with engineering on new products, as well as enhance existing products.
  • Managing the product throughout the execution cycle.
  • Gathering product requirements.
  • Defining product vision.
  • Creating preliminary design concepts.
  • Working closely with engineering to implement and iterate.

Requirements:

  • Degree in a CS field required. MSCS, PhD CS or MBA preferred.
  • Product design or product management experience.
  • Experience developing Internet products and technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience in gathering design requirements into a product vision.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a team to rapidly produce prototypes and iterations.
  • Entrepreneurial experience and familiarity with business issues (or a willingness to learn).
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Quantitative analytical abilities.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Understanding of the search engine space

Sunday, September 23, 2007

SATYAM PAPER

SATYAM PAPER ON 9th JUNE AT COIMBATORE

Hi all,

I am Nithya.A from SNS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-Coimbatore (2008 batch)became SATYAMATE as i got selected in Satyam after a much struggle. This is my 3rd company. I have not even cleared the written test in wipro and infosys. Friends my only advice to you is don't lose hope. Try and do hard work till you succeed

 
 

First of all I would like to thank the owners of this wonderful group FreshersWorld and all the members who have been providing valuable information about companies from time to time. I would like to thank god and my parents and my dear most brother karthik.A (HCL-HARIDWAR), Teachers, Relatives and Friends for this smallest achievement.

SATYAM Recruitment pattern:
1. Written exam 

2. Group discussion
3. HR and Technical interview


Eligibility criteria:

X:   65% (aggregate)
XLL:  65%(aggregate)        
BE: 68% (aggregate)

Well coming to the point I would like to tell you about the pattern. Actually it is a 30 min test and there are 15 questions. The most important thing is time management. Questions are very easy.

I did not remember the questions


1: Aptitude test:
CLOCKS

TRAINS

TIME AND WORK

SI AND CI

PYRAMID PROBLEM

NO SERIES, ODD MAN OUT

PROBLEM BASED ON CRICKET

PROFIT AND LOSS


 

2: Group discussion

MY topic was  "WESTERN CULTURE IS NECESSARY OR NOT?"

I neither initiated nor summed up the session .But in the middle I make many valuable points. My +se points: I did not watch the SATYAM person, I have spoken thrice. When some of my team members were struggling during the discussing I have managed their inconvenience by agreed their points and started adding my points on it. Some topics can be spoken for or against; in such cases it is better to start with the description about the topic.

Don't interrupt or argue with your team. We were 10 members before entering into GD we all decided not to quarrel with others and allow all of them to talk in 10min. I'm the lucky person because the person who judged our GD session is the one who interviewed me.  He is MR.R.K. SWAMY working in SATYAM Chennai branch at present he got 6 years of experience. Since I have done my GD well it paved the way for my selection.


 

Some other topics for my friends are,

Marriages are made in heaven.

Is China better than India in software
Education in India ?

Are women a better managers?

Media


 

To initiate a GD

i.    Quotes

ii.    Definition

iii.   Facts, Short story

iv.   figures and statistics

Summarizing a discussion:
1.    Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
2.    Avoid raising new points.
3.    Keep it brief and concise.
4.    It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
5.    If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
6.    Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

Sub-skills:
·     Clarity of thought
·     Conflict handling
·     Listening
·     Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
·     Openness and flexibility
·     decision making

Correct way to proceed
·     Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
·     Respect the contribution of every speaker.
·     Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
·     Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

Group discussion consists of:
1.    Communication Skills
2.    Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3.    Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4.    Exchange of thoughts
5.    Addressing the group as a whole
6.    Thorough preparations

3: HR and Technical interview

I have already collected some information's about SATYAM and also listened the PPT session well, which helped me to know more about satyam

The time was 3.00PM (9.6.07)

I entered into the room

Interviewer: Sit down

Me: thank you sir

Interviewer: Asked my name and hall ticket no(without seeing)

Interviewer: Tell about yourself

Me: Briefly explained about a minute and I'm a district level volleyball player I have mentioned at that time

Interviewer: You are lean then how can you make the game

Me: It is not the matter the appearance it is the matter of the skills in playing

Interviewer: then

Me: (I did not done any project so far )I have explained about my in plant training at ROOTS INDUATRIES LIMITED – Coimbatore

Interviewer: What are all the products produced over there

Me: Answered

Interviewer: About your family

Me: Said about father, mother, brother and their occupation

Interviewer: Asked about my brother

Me: Working in HCL

Interviewer: Then why you need SATYAM

Me: HCL is the dream company for my brother and for me it is satyam

Interviewer: (He expected only this answer from me)

Interviewer: Why SATYAM

Me: Answered

Interviewer: Lean well all the best

Me: stud up, came two steps back and told that "thank you for spending the time with me and I'm waiting for your positive reply" Once again I thanked him and left "He was very cool and friendly"

 Actually it was an on campus to our college. On 8.6.07 the have decided of completing the first two rounds, but due to their delay in flight they announced the results on 9.6.07 this helped us to prepare much better

NO OF PERSONS ATTENED TEST: 450(approx)

NO OF PERSONS SELECTED: 42

 
 

Bye see you all @ satyam


 

Saturday, September 22, 2007

SATYAM PAPER ON 9th JUNE AT COIMBATORE


 Paper Type     : Whole Testpaper

 Test Date        : 9  June  2007 

 Test Location  : SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore

 Posted By        : Nithya. A

SATYAM PAPER ON 9th JUNE AT COIMBATORE

Hi all,

I am Nithya.A from SNS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-Coimbatore (2008 batch)became SATYAMATE as i got selected in Satyam after a much struggle. This is my 3rd company. I have not even cleared the written test in wipro and infosys. Friends my only advice to you is don't lose hope. Try and do hard work till you succeed

 
 

First of all I would like to thank the owners of this wonderful group FreshersWorld and all the members who have been providing valuable information about companies from time to time. I would like to thank god and my parents and my dear most brother karthik.A (HCL-HARIDWAR), Teachers, Relatives and Friends for this smallest achievement.


 

SATYAM Recruitment pattern:
1. Written exam 

2. Group discussion
3. HR and Technical interview


Eligibility criteria:

X:   65% (aggregate)
XLL:  65%(aggregate)        
BE: 68% (aggregate)

Well coming to the point I would like to tell you about the pattern. Actually it is a 30 min test and there are 15 questions. The most important thing is time management. Questions are very easy.

I did not remember the questions


1: Aptitude test:
CLOCKS

TRAINS

TIME AND WORK

SI AND CI

PYRAMID PROBLEM

NO SERIES, ODD MAN OUT

PROBLEM BASED ON CRICKET

PROFIT AND LOSS


 

2: Group discussion

MY topic was  "WESTERN CULTURE IS NECESSARY OR NOT?"

I neither initiated nor summed up the session .But in the middle I make many valuable points. My +se points: I did not watch the SATYAM person, I have spoken thrice. When some of my team members were struggling during the discussing I have managed their inconvenience by agreed their points and started adding my points on it. Some topics can be spoken for or against; in such cases it is better to start with the description about the topic.

Don't interrupt or argue with your team. We were 10 members before entering into GD we all decided not to quarrel with others and allow all of them to talk in 10min. I'm the lucky person because the person who judged our GD session is the one who interviewed me.  He is MR.R.K. SWAMY working in SATYAM Chennai branch at present he got 6 years of experience. Since I have done my GD well it paved the way for my selection.


 

Some other topics for my friends are,

Marriages are made in heaven.

Is China better than India in software
Education in India ?

Are women a better managers?

Media


 

To initiate a GD

i.    Quotes

ii.    Definition

iii.   Facts, Short story

iv.   figures and statistics

Summarizing a discussion:
1.    Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
2.    Avoid raising new points.
3.    Keep it brief and concise.
4.    It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
5.    If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
6.    Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

Sub-skills:
·     Clarity of thought
·     Conflict handling
·     Listening
·     Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
·     Openness and flexibility
·     decision making

Correct way to proceed
·     Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
·     Respect the contribution of every speaker.
·     Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
·     Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

Group discussion consists of:
1.    Communication Skills
2.    Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3.    Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4.    Exchange of thoughts
5.    Addressing the group as a whole
6.    Thorough preparations

3: HR and Technical interview

I have already collected some information's about SATYAM and also listened the PPT session well, which helped me to know more about satyam

The time was 3.00PM (9.6.07)

I entered into the room

Interviewer: Sit down

Me: thank you sir

Interviewer: Asked my name and hall ticket no(without seeing)

Interviewer: Tell about yourself

Me: Briefly explained about a minute and I'm a district level volleyball player I have mentioned at that time

Interviewer: You are lean then how can you make the game

Me: It is not the matter the appearance it is the matter of the skills in playing

Interviewer: then

Me: (I did not done any project so far )I have explained about my in plant training at ROOTS INDUATRIES LIMITED – Coimbatore

Interviewer: What are all the products produced over there

Me: Answered

Interviewer: About your family

Me: Said about father, mother, brother and their occupation

Interviewer: Asked about my brother

Me: Working in HCL

Interviewer: Then why you need SATYAM

Me: HCL is the dream company for my brother and for me it is satyam

Interviewer: (He expected only this answer from me)

Interviewer: Why SATYAM

Me: Answered

Interviewer: Lean well all the best

Me: stud up, came two steps back and told that "thank you for spending the time with me and I'm waiting for your positive reply" Once again I thanked him and left "He was very cool and friendly"

 
 

Actually it was an on campus to our college. On 8.6.07 the have decided of completing the first two rounds, but due to their delay in flight they announced the results on 9.6.07 this helped us to prepare much better

NO OF PERSONS ATTENED TEST: 450(approx)

NO OF PERSONS SELECTED: 42

 
 

Bye see you all @ satyam

GD FAQ's

GD FAQ's

What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.

Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.

What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.

How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".

Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.

Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.

Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.

Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down important points?
Normally you are, but there may be instances when it is specifically forbidden to carry paper.

Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the participants?
If participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as another. But if you are asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a position as close to the centre as possible.

Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves?
No. You should not. Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one's performance in a GD.

Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to ensure that everybody gets a chance to speak?
Since a GD is not a debate or elocution, the participants should not resort to the strategy of distributing time amongst themselves.

Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD, switch over to another stand?
Yes, provided you do it the right way. In a GD it is quite likely that some other participant's counter-argument convinces you to your point. If this happens, then it is best if you accept his argument and explain to the group how your previous argument was true within a narrow range, and how the new argument is applicable to a broader range. Naturally, it is safer not to make any rash statements for or against a topic before you learn the facts of the argument. Blindly taking a stand will definitely lead you to trouble. This does not mean you should sit on the fence. You may participate actively by pointing out both sides of the issue in a reasonable and logical manner.

If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the moderator to explain it to us?
No. You cannot. Instead of displaying your ignorance in this manner, it is better to wait for some other participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the first few minutes and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating in the discussion.

Should we address the other participants by their names or their assigned numbers?
As far as possible, you should try and avoid names or numbers. It is better to use pronouns such as "he", "she", "you" etc. while referring to the members of the group.

Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we come up with something radical?
By all means you can. It would demonstrate your creativity and originality. Just make sure it is relevant to the topic.

If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings?
It is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD. If you react emotionally you are likely to lose control over yourself during the group discussion. You have to be calm and logical, not emotional in a GD.

Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the group?
If you have to use technical terms, please do not use abbreviations. After mentioning the term in full take time out to explain to the group what it means. It is quite likely that other participants of the group have a different academic background from you, and you should make sure you are all on a level playing field.

Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so?
It is not likely that you will get a chance to ask for such permission. It may also go against you (as appearing weak on your part).

What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?
In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is at its peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD during the trough period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not occur at all. In such cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are being discussed and enter the GD irrespective of the noise level.

How do I participate when the noise level is too high?
You could try the following strategy - Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note down the points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter supporting the powerful speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the noise.

Do I have to be cautious about other participants' feelings (on sensitive issues like religion, caste etc)?
You certainly do. Insensitivity to others displays a lack of maturity and viciousness. It will act against your favour.

Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion?
Being the first speaker is a high risk, high return strategy. If you can make a good opening statement, which is relevant and sets the tone for the GD, it will go in your favour. If you do this well, you may automatically become the group leader. However if you bungle it up (by speaking for the sake of speaking, not really having anything pertinent to say), it will be remembered and will go against your favour.

How critical is my fluency in English to my performance?
Command over English is certainly advantageous but will not compensate for lack of good content. If your content is good, then even if your English might not be great, you must speak it out, rather than be inhibited by lack of good English. You will get credit for soundness of ideas.

How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?
Use of examples is helpful in elaborating your point, and helping others understand your idea better. But please remember to keep it short and simple because in a competitive GD nobody has the patience to listen to long, drawn out examples.

How much or for how long should I participate?
In a 20 minute GD with 10-12 participants, you should try and participate at least 4 times with each entry lasting at least 25-30 seconds. You could participate more depending on your comfort level and the need for participation.

Is it good to be humorous in a GD?
Depends on the situation. In a GD that is fairly relaxed, it may be acceptable. But in a competitive situation, where the participants are tensed up, your attempts at humour may fall flat.

Should we make an interim summary?
An interim summary is a way of directing the group mid-way through the GD. It helps the group to pick out and focus on the most important points and thus use the remaining time more effectively. However it is not necessary to make an interim summary, if the discussion is already well focused.

What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say?
You have two choices:

  1. Agree with the point made by that person and add on to it by displaying the applicability of the argument to different situations. By doing this you will have broadened the scope of the argument.
  2. Drop the point and think of fresh points.
    To avoid getting into a situation where someone else has already spoken your points, do speak up in the first 4-5 minutes of the GD. If you wait longer, it is almost inevitable that someone would have spoken your points.

Is the use of slang/colloquialism permitted?
It is best to avoid using slang.

Can I use a language other than English to drive home my point?
No. You will have to stick to English.

How is aggression taken and measured in a GD?
The moment you notice people reacting to you negatively or strongly, you may take it that you are being too aggressive. The degree of the reaction is the measure of your aggression.

What level of aggression is seen acceptable?
There is a very thin line between aggression and assertiveness. You should always aim to sound assertive and not stubborn.

Is it true that the person who speaks the most in a GD is the one who is most successful?
This is a myth. Generally the person who has a sound knowledge of the topic and is a clear thinker speaks more. This leads the students into believing that whoever speaks most is successful. But just speaking for the sake of speaking will not take you far.

Will I be quizzed about my (or others) participation in the GD?
You may be. Therefore it helps to be alert all through the GD.

Is it true that the GD is used more as an elimination technique rather than as a selection tool?
Depends on the institute. In most premier institutes it is used as a selection tool, not as an elimination technique.

What is the level of accuracy desired in the facts and figures you quote during the GD?
An error margin of 5% is acceptable.

Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favourably?
Depends on how it is done. If you openly request someone to speak, you may be putting the other person in a difficult spot, and the evaluators will not look that upon favourably. It is therefore better to use other means of motivation, such as agreeing with a halting speaker, adding on to their points, implicitly supporting and giving them direction.

Does the moderator have any biases or preconceived notions about the topic?
Ideally the moderator is supposed to be unbiased and neutral. But being a human being, the moderator cannot be totally free from bias. Since this is not a factor within your control, there isn't much point losing sleep over it.

Can we expect the moderator to stop or cut short the GD much before the stipulated time is over?
This may happen if the GD becomes too noisy and if the level of discussion deteriorates abysmally.

Can I be aggressive with a lady participant?
A GD is not the place to demonstrate chivalry. Being rude to any participant (male or female) is downright unacceptable. You need not extend any special privileges to a lady.

Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD?
It is alright to ask questions for the purpose of clarification but not for the purpose of playing the devil's advocate and proving them wrong. By playing the devil's advocate you hamper the flow of the GD. The pointed questions unsettle the other participant and the quality of the GD deteriorates. This would reflect badly on you and will go against your favour.

Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated time?
Ideally a group is supposed to reach a conclusion. Normally the time constraints do not allow the group to do so.

Is an end-summary absolutely essential?
No. If the group has not reached a conclusion, then it would be good if someone puts the whole discussion into perspective by summarizing. But if there isn't sufficient time, a summary may be avoided.

Do we have to write a synopsis of the GD once it is over?
Some institutes insist on this, but it is not universal.

Is voting an acceptable method of reaching a consensus?
Certainly not. A GD is not a debate.

How should a group select a topic if asked to?
The group should brainstorm for about two minutes and narrow down the list of topics to 3-4. After this the group should prioritize them based on the comfort level and ease of discussion of the topics. This could be done by asking each participant to rank the 4 topics and the most popular choice should be taken.

Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the participant?
No. Topics are usually general in nature to give a level playing field to everyone.

What do I do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?
You could use any of the following methods.

  • Ignore him and address the other members of the group.
  • Be assertive and tell him that his argument is faulty.
  • Point out to him that his point is well taken and that the group must progress further by discussing the ideas presented by others.

What are the acceptable ways of interrupting somebody else, so that I may make my point?
You can interrupt in any of the following ways:

  • "Excuse me, but I feel that what you are saying isn't universally true ..."
  • "Yes, I agree with your idea, and I would like to add on to it …"
  • "Yes, I think you are right when you say that, but could you clarify what if …"

How to Face GD

A group discussion consists of:

  1. Communication Skills
  2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
  3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
  4. Exchange of thoughts
  5. Addressing the group as a whole
  6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

 A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole

In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation

Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared. 

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember

  • Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
  • Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
  • Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
  • If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
  • A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
  • A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
  • Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
  • Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
  • Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
  • Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

Types of GD

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.
Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-
1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics

Factual Topics:-

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.
Controversial Topics:-
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers
Abstract Topics:-
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10
Case-based Gd:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles.
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.

Friday, September 21, 2007

TCS Placement Paper

Quantitative Section 1. There are 150 weights .Some are 1 kg weights and some are 2 kg weights. The sum of the weights is 260.What is the number of 1kg weights?

Ans. 40

2. A is driving on a highway when the police fines him for overspeeding and exceeding the limit by 10 km/hr.At the same time B is fined for overspeeding by twice the amount by which A exceeded the limit.If he was driving at 35 km/hr what is the speed limit for the road?

Ans. 15 kmph

3. A moves 3 kms east from his starting point . He then travels 5 kms north. From that point he moves 8 kms to the east.How far is A from his starting point?

Ans. 13 kms



4. A car travels 12 kms with a 4/5th filled tank.How far will the car travel with 1/3 filled tank? Ans. 5 kms

5. The sum of the digits of a two digit number is 8. When 18 is added to the number, the digits are reversed. Find the number?

Ans. 35



6. The cost of one pencil, two pens and four erasers is Rs.22 while the cost of five pencils, four pens and two erasers is Rs.32.How much will three pencils, three pens and three erasers cost?

Ans. 27

7. Fathers age is 5 times his son's age. 4 years back the father was 9 times older than son.Find the fathers' present age.

Ans. 40 years

8. What number should be added to or subtracted from each term of the ratio 17 : 24 so that it becomes equal to 1 : 2.

Ans. 10 should be subtracted



9. What is the 12th term of the series 2, 5, 8, ....

Ans. 35



10. If 20 men take 15 days to to complete a job, in how many days can 25 men finish that work? Ans. 12 days



http://placementpapers.net/helpingroot/TCS_Quantitative_PSYCHO_Technical_Paper

INFOSYS paper at Hyderabad.

The test was started at 10:00AM in the morning after finishing the all
formalities.
As you know the test duration was 1.5hrs.
Logical reasoning

1 hourEnglish Test 1/2 hour
Logical Reasoning:

This section contains complete puzzles.
I think the puzzles they had given were very easy.
3 marks - 3 puzzles Shakunthala Devi puzzle books - 2
4 mark2 puzzles
5 marks - 2 puzzles Puzzles and Teasers by George Summers
6 marks - 1 puzzles
8 marks - 2 puzzles

In 10 puzzles they had given, 4 to 5 questions came from previous papers only.
I will give some questions that I remembered.

1) There is a book with some number of papers with numbers on the book were cut. So a boy counts the number of pages and given numbers to that book. He got 3 digit numbers 61 times. Then find the number of pages in that book.
Answer: 160

2) Two boys are playing a game each other say A & B.If the currently playing game won by B then, A and B win same number of games.If the currently playing game won by A then, A won the twice the number of games that B won..Then find the number of games played by each other before playing the current game.
Answer: A - 3B - 2

3) Two hands of a clock are meeting each other after every 65 minutes. Then find whether the clock is gaining or loosing the time and by how much???
Answer: gaining time by 5/11 minutes

4) Some number of boys is peddling cycle around a fence. I saw that 1/3rd are in front of me and 3/4th are behind me. Then find the number of boys in that circle.
Answer: 13

5) This question was 6 marks one. I didn't able to answer it.It contains 5 no. of people. They gave 5 conditions and asked to find the ranks of the 3 people.
Tough One

6) There are seven books T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.A boy wants to take 5 books from those given number of books.
Some conditions were given.i) If T comes then X doesn't com.ii) If V exists then X is must and should.iii) If U comes then Y is compulsory.

Based on the 3 conditions he gave 4 multiple choice questions.These were very easy. He asked directly from above conditions. If you have little thinking then you can get 4 very easily. It was 8 marks problem.

7) It was a race problem. A beat C. C is not last. D was beaten by C and E. E is not first. And some other conditions were given and asked who won the race.Medium type problem.

8) Four persons Clark, Morgan, Smith and BobFour positions Butcher, Grocer, Policeman and Druggist.

They gave 8 conditions and asked the positions of each one.It was very easy one to answer.

9) A man went to a resort for holidays. He stayed there for 6 days. One day he asked the weather man that what the temperatures of last 5 days are? He replied with smile, I didn't remember the exact temperatures but they are all different values and their product is 12.Can you find out the temperatures?
Answer: -2, -1, 1, 2, 3

10) Four persons and five positions were given.
A, B, C, D and Clerk, Manager, Buyer, Floorwalker and some other position.
Conditions were given reference to positions.a) Two of them will go to lunch b/w 11:30-12:30b) Three of them will go to lunch b/w 12:30-1:30Three more conditions were given and asked to find the positions of four persons.

11) There is a train from NY to Washington every 1/2 hr and 1 hr. there is a train from Washington to NY every 1 hr. (constant speed assumed) it takes 5 hrs from NY to Washington and 5 hrs. to come back. On your way from Washington to NY, how many trains will cross you?

Ans: 19 trains

Medium type problem.These were the puzzles they asked. If any mistakes were present plz excuse me.Hope these will be useful to at least one person.Attend the written test with full confidence. Don't make under estimate yourself.
English Test:It contains 5 parts. You have to complete it rapidly.They give 45 questions to be complete in 30 minutes.


1. Comprehension passage.They will give big passage. Don't fear and don't do it first. Do it after completing all other sections. They had given 6 questions on it.

2. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.I think this as Vocabulary Section contains 4 questions.

3. They gave a situation by leaving some blanks in it. Completely based on usage of Verbs and Tenses. Be prepare strongly for it. 7-9 questions.

4. Correction of spellings -- some what easier. 6 questions

5. Again the questions based on verbs.

So for English go and prepare well. It was simple but difficult to answer.
I'm not selected in the written test because lack of English knowledge. I did puzzles well and got 8 questions right