Online Test Preparation

The most cost effective, targeted to higher score, convenient, and no time wasting method of test preparation.     Online Test Preparation

Pakistan Force Civil Services Selection and Recruitment - Group Discussion

Introduction:

Group discussion is very important for the recruitment of suitable persons in the Defense Forces of Pakistan as well as in the Civil Services of Pakistan. For the recruitment of officers in the Defense Forces of Pakistan the G.T.O. (Group Testing Officer) gives this test to the candidates as one of the various test given to the candidates at the I.S.S.B., Kohat to assess the suitability of the candidate. While in the civil services, the Federal Public Service Commission gives this test to the prospective candidates to assess their suitability in the various civil services of Pakistan. This test is a sort of public speaking where several members of a group take part. Here each member of the group is to express his opinion on the topic announced by the G.T.O. on the spot. This discussion is not preplanned but is a spontaneous conversation among the members of the group who are strangers to one another. This conversation or discussion can be compared to talk amongst a few persons, enjoying a cup of tea, traveling together in a dining car.

Background:

This test was first introduced for the recruitment of officers in the Army in the World War 1. Since then this test has proved its worth for the selection of suitable persons for the Army and has retained its popularity in the Defense Forces recruitment. It is observed that the officers at the various levels especially those of the Armed Forces have to attend various meeting and conferences and are called upon at a very short notice to discuss some serious situation and are required to give their quick decision on the spot. This requires the intelligence, alertness, potentiality and leadership qualities in the officers. For this purpose and to test the potentiality of the candidates, the Inter-Services Selection Board have included Group Discussion in its tests.

What is Group Discussion?

Group Discussion, is an informal, unscheduled chit-chat amongst a group of friends. For instance, if eight or ten students get together in the students’ ante-room or in the University Coffee House or in a picnic party or in a railway waiting-room, they will naturally not remain silent, but will talk about various matters, each one expressing his views freely. The subject discussed may relate to sports, rail travel, girl students, examinations, popular pictures, favorite film stars and so forth. In these discussions no one is formally appointed as the Chairman or President. There are no proposers, seconders, etc. No one is asked to take sides as in a formal debate. There is no question of voting or arriving at any decision. Each student just expresses his views on the subject, as he feels about it. If someone criticizes his views he may answer the criticism in a friendly manner. If he finds better views than his own are expressed by others, he may change his original views. The same factors are applicable to the Group Discussion organized by the G.T.O. The only difference is that the subjects for discussion are given by G.T.O. Secondly, definite time limit is provided in G.T.O’s Group Discussion.
This informal group discussion, first of all enables the members of the group to understand one another better. The candidates notice and compare unconsciously the verbal facility, depth of knowledge, breadth of ideas, logical reasoning and convincing ability of one another. The observer will see the impact created by each candidate on the group. He will note as to who expresses his ideas well, who has sound arguments, who shows keenness and interest, who has sufficient knowledge of the subject, who succeeds in convincing the group, who has a logical and systematic approach, who reveals the tendency to co-operate, who does the co-ordination, who is liked by the group and so on.

Why Group Discussion?

The candidate must know why he is tested as member of a group. If we realize that man is a social animal and no individual lives in isolation, we can at once see the importance of group testing. As generally man has to live in society, so a member of the Armed Forces has to live in company of his fellow members, whether they be his equals, superiors or subordinates. In group testing, the actual conditions which an officer of the services may have to face in his day-to-day life is stimulated with necessary modifications to suit the testing of the inexperienced candidates. This facilitates the assessment of the candidate’s personality in psychological terms it test the behaviour pattern of an individual as he reacts to varying situations. Further, individually a person may be a genius. But if he is not able to fit in socially with the other personnel in the organization, he is no good to the organization. In fact his inclusion in the organization may prove injurious to the realization of its aims or goals. Besides, certain individuals may be able to show great capacity for work , etc., when alone. But when placed as members of a group, they may become shy, inhibited or moody. Since the tasks in the services generally involve team work and co-operative effort. It becomes necessary to test the group-worthiness of the candidate.

General Method of conduct at the I.S.S.B.

The group of 8 to 10 candidates will be seated in the numerical order of their chest numbers in a circle, each facing the rest. The G.T.O. will take his seat outside the circle. First there will be mutual introductions and each candidate will introduce himself by saying a few words about himself such as the place he has come from, his educational qualification, his hobbies, games, etc. The G.T.O. will then give a brief outline of the G.T.O. tests. There after the Group Discussion exercise will start.
In this task, to begin with, generally two subjects will be read out to the candidates, e.g.:
(a) “Pen is mighter than sword.”
(b) “It is better to marry late than early in life.”
The candidates will then be asked to choose between themselves one of the two subjects for discussion. The subject favored by the majority of the candidates will be finally announced by the G.T.O. for discussion. Usually, about 20 minutes are given to discuss the first subject. After the time limit is over, the G.T.O. will read out another subject in URDU and ask the group to discuss the same. The time for the second subject will also be approximately 20 minutes. When the candidates are expressing their views and talking to one another, the G.T.O. will not interfere. Generally, he will remain as a silent observer, nothing what is going on and listening to what is being said. Depending upon the extent of participation by the candidates, the G.T.O. may alter the time limits or even given additional topics for discussion.

Advice to the candidates

1. Be active and interested in the discussion. You must be alive to what is going on in the group and should not allow your mind to wander away. Be cheerful and smiling. Look at the individual who is talking.
2. Listen to the briefing of the G.T.O. carefully. Grasp and understand correctly the subjects offered for discussion.
3. Take the lead if you can in determining the choice of the first subject. If someone else has taken the lead, you may express your views clearly and state why you prefer that particular subject for discussion. Do not say that you know more facts about that subject and hence it should be discussed. It is selfish and nobody is interested in what you want. You must argue as to why it is advantageous for the group and for others to discuss a particular subject, e.g., it is the burning topic of the day and the candidates will like to talk about it or it is an exciting and interesting topic and so on.
4. Naturally, every one will be keen to do the talking and impress the G.T.O. You must find the earliest opportunity to express your ideas. If no opportunity is given, you can request the whole group to give you a hearing, e.g., “Gentlemen, I have listened to the arguments you all have advanced. But there is one very important and interesting aspect to which I wish to draw your attention. Will you permit me to explain it?”
5. Another way to find an opportunity is to address yourself to the candidate, who is presently speaking, e.g., “No. 5, you have indeed given some very sound arguments. Nevertheless. I wish to add one important point which you all will find to be very interesting. May I….”
6. Talk with confidence and self-assurance. Speak to the whole group, looking each candidate in the eye in turn. Do not keep looking at the G.T.O. or address yourself to him.
7. Raise your voice as required, do not mumble or talk aside. Be forceful in your approach to gain the attention of the group. It does not mean bullying. Avoid monotonous tone. You must be crisp and energetic. 8. Speak slowly and deliberately. Do not rush your words. The group must understand what you are saying. Avoid being shied, hesitant or inhibited.
9. Do not worry about making some grammatical mistakes. It is the interest and the matter you put across that counts.
10. Think and marshal your ideas. You cannot talk unless you have something to say. What you say must be relevant and interesting. You will get plenty of ideas, if only you concentrate on what is being said on the subject by others. You will agree or disagree with the ideas expressed and soon you will start getting your own independent ideas on the subject.
11. There must be logic and reasoning your arguments. Otherwise you will not be able to convince others. Avoid self-contradictions.
12. Do not be rigid in your views. Accept criticism gracefully. Own your mistakes readily. Do not offended or sulky, if someone picks flaws in your arguments. Change your views willingly if your original opinions are proved to be unsound.
13. Be considerate to the feeling of others. Remember it is a friendly discussion and co-operation is more important. Do not shout at others. Be polite and genial. If someone has not spoken and wishes to say something, request others to give him a hearing. Be helpful, accommodative and give good encouragement to all group members.
14. Be accurate in your statements. Do not try to bluff.
15. Do not engage yourself in side or sub-group conversations. If more than one individual are taking at (the same time, politely request for order and appeal for co-operation. In such situations you must take the lead and do the co-ordination work.
16. Practice group discussion with your friends. Ponder and contemplate on the likely subjects. Gather information and expand your knowledge. Learn how to command attention of the group when you talk.
17. Although it is not a must that you should speak first, make use of the opportunity whenever you can. But it is absolutely essential that you do talk and express your views during the Group Discussion. What is more, you must talk from time to time and say as much as you can on the subject. Remember that you cannot impress others unless you talk effectively.
18. Avoid repetition and irrelevant material.
19. Ask questions from others if you have reasonable doubts. Seek clarifications where necessary.
20. Remember that ideas can rule the world only if they are effectively communicated. Speech is one of the most powerful means of communication. Physical deformities, irritating mannerisms, a bad way of standing or sitting, poor voice and all other such defects and drawbacks will be forgiven and forgotten, if speaker can put across intelligent and interesting ideas with enthusiasm and conviction.