What Is Written Ability Test Or WAT For MBA?
The Written Ability Test is referred
to as WAT. Writing an essay takes 20 to 30 minutes and is a crucial component of the admissions process for many
MBA programs, especially at the top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other esteemed B-schools.
As the name implies, the candidate must write an essay on a specified topic under a predetermined word count in
this round.
The second round, including the GD-PI-WAT assessment, takes place once all the management entrance exams are
over, typically from February to August. MBA aspirants should start preparing for current and trending WAT
topics soon after taking their entrance exams in order to enhance their writing skills and creative thinking.
The WAT round at these top B-schools can be a little challenging as some candidates find it difficult to
articulate the thoughts they have in their minds. Thus it is important to practise WAT well in advance to have a
strong hold on frequently asked WAT topics, as mentioned in this article.
Why Does Written Ability Test Matters in MBA Admission Process?
Besides the usual exam scores (CAT, MAT, CMAT), top business schools want to see your General & Business
Awareness and how well you express your opinions. WAT and Personal Interviews provide insights into how well you
can formulate decisions and express them through your writing and communication skills. Since good managers need
to communicate effectively, how you write in WAT on various topics and events is crucial.
The Weightage of WAT In IIM Selection Process
The WAT exam evaluates your essay writing abilities and often lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Along with personal
interviews and group discussions, your WAT performance is also given a lot of weightage. Approximately
10–20% of the final selection choice is based on this combined evaluation.
Following your CAT exam, you should begin preparing for subsequent entrance rounds, such as WAT. Work on a
variety of WAT themes, like current events, situation analysis, and critical thinking.
Different Types Of WAT Topics For MBA 2025
There are various types of Writing Assessment Test (WAT) topics on which you will be required to write a
coherent piece, either fact-based or opinion-based, within a timeframe of 20 to 30 minutes.
These WAT topics for MBA admissions at IIMs or other top business schools can fall into several categories,
including:
- Current Affairs
- Business, Economics, and Finance
- Social and Political Issues
- Sports-related News
- Abstract Topics
How To Answer WAT Topics For MBA 2025?
Writing for the MBA 2025 WAT (Written Ability Test) requires you to focus on your ideas rather than just data,
like you would in a report. The "5 Ws and 1 H" strategy is a simple framework that ensures your
writing is thorough and understandable and is a great way to organize your ideas.
The "5 Ws and 1 H" stand for:
- Who: Who is involved or affected?
- When: When does this take place?
- Where: Where is it happening?
- What: What is the main issue or topic?
- Why: Why is this important or relevant?
- How: How does this happen, or how can it be addressed?
Above questions can be kept in mind so that all the essential aspects of the topic are covered to make your
answer well rounded and complete.
Important WAT Topics For MBA 2025 Admissions
Generally WAT topics fall into the category of Global and Indian Current Affairs, Business, Economics and
Finance, Social Issues and abstract topics, although these might not be same for IIMs and other B-schools.
WAT Topics On Global Current Affairs
- Ukraine war and global economic impact
- Climate crisis and potential solutions
- Rise of artificial intelligence and automation
- Cryptocurrency market trends and regulations
- International conflicts and diplomatic challenges
- Space exploration: ethical considerations and potential benefits for humanity
- Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in a digital age
WAT Topics On Current Affairs
- Upcoming 2024 elections and potential outcomes
- Economic reforms and policies under implementation
- Social issues like gender equality, healthcare, or education reform
- Technological advancements in India and their impact
- Demographic dividend in India: Myth or Reality?
- Increasing social media censorship and its implications for freedom of speech
- The Rise Of 5G Telecom
- National Education Policy
WAT Topics On Social Issues
- The ongoing fight for gender equality and women's empowerment globally
- Education reform and ensuring access to quality learning for all
- Addressing mental health issues and reducing stigma in society
- The impact of immigration on national identity and social cohesion
- The role of art and media in shaping public opinion and social movements
- The impact of global travel and cultural exchange on individual perspectives and understanding
- Corruption in India
- The rising income gap and its consequences
WAT Topics On Business, Economics, and Finance
- Future of work and evolving job markets
- Indian Budget
- Impact of globalization on businesses and economies
- Role of startups and entrepreneurship in economic growth
- Challenges and opportunities facing specific industries (e.g., FinTech, healthcare)
- Business ethics and corporate social responsibility
- Is the stock market similar to online gambling?
- The growing importance of data privacy and security in the digital age
- The gig economy and its implications for traditional employment models
- The role of central banks in regulating inflation and managing economic fluctuations
- The challenges and opportunities of remote work in a post-pandemic world
- The future of traditional banking in the face of the Fintech revolution
- Universal Basic Income: Solution to Poverty
- Reduced GST will impact the growth of the Indian Economy
- Cashless Economy: Is India Ready
- Corporate Tax Policy in India
- Slowdown of the Indian Economy
- The future of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses in the e-commerce era.
- The impact of trade wars on global trade relations
WAT Topics On Abstract and Ethical
- Meaning of life and philosophical questions
- Consciousness and the potential of artificial intelligence
- Nature of reality and scientific advancements
- Future of humanity and potential challenges
- Impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
- The importance of critical thinking and questioning assumptions in an increasingly complex world
- Free will versus determinism: do we truly have control over our choices?
- The relationship between art and technology in the digital age
- The concept of truth in a world of conflicting information and perspectives
- Does technology make us more or less human?
WAT Topics On Management-related
- Importance of soft skills in effective leadership
- Role of data analytics in business decision-making
- Leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics
- Managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Challenges and opportunities of remote work
- Your definition of success and how you plan to achieve it
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
- What are your ethical considerations when making business decisions?
Predicting exact WAT topics for specific IIMs is tricky, and this is not an exhaustive list and specific WAT
topics for IIMs and other B-schools can vary. The key is to stay informed about current events, be familiar with
business and economic concepts, and be able to think critically and express your ideas clearly.
Do’s & Don't Of Writing Essays For MBA 2025
When it comes to writing your WAT (Written Ability Test) essay for MBA admission, it's important to make a
strong impression on the panelists. Since they will read many essays, your introduction should really grab their
attention. Here are some helpful guidelines to craft a quality essay:
Do’s For WAT Topics
- Make A Structure: Start with an introductory paragraph, the opening of your essay, followed
by two body paragraphs that summarize your main points, and end with a conclusion. Make sure you don't fall
out of logic while writing
- Avoid Formatting Tricks: Don’t use bullet points, tables, or other formatting styles.
Stick to traditional paragraph writing.
- Keep Sentences Short and Clear: Use short, direct sentences to make your points clear.
Utilize punctuation like semicolons, dashes, and periods to enhance readability.
- Use Examples: Using examples with your body text adds a personal touch to the entire essay,
thereby making it more impactful.
- Pay Attention to Punctuation: Be careful with punctuation and try to limit your use of
conjunctions to improve clarity.
- Stay On Topic: Focus on the main point and avoid adding irrelevant information.
Don’ts For WAT Topics
- Watch the Length: Don’t exceed the word or page limit. Keep your essay concise.
- Skip Long Introductions or Conclusions: Avoid lengthy introductions or conclusions that
take up too much space.
- Simplify Your Points: Don’t make your main ideas overly complicated. Allow room for
analysis without confusing the reader.
- Avoid Overly Complex Language: Don’t use complicated words when simpler ones will do.
- Don’t Fabricate Evidence: Never create false information to support your arguments.
- Be Original: Don’t copy someone else's work. Your essay should be entirely your own.
- Check for Errors: Make sure to proofread your essay to avoid mistakes in grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
By following these dos and don’ts, you'll be better prepared to impress the reviewers with a well-crafted
WAT essay.
Writing & Preparation Tips For WAT
While there's no single "perfect" essay for every WAT topic, there are strategies and elements you can focus on
to write a strong and impactful essay.
Content and Structure
- Understand the prompt: The topic needs to be carefully understood keeping in mind the key
idea so that you aren't deviated from the same while writing your essay.
- Develop a clear thesis statement: This is your central argument or opinion on the topic.
State it explicitly in your introduction paragraph.
- Build a strong body: Support your thesis with relevant arguments, evidence, and examples.
Use facts, figures, statistics, or even personal anecdotes to strengthen your points.
- Consider different perspectives: Briefly acknowledge opposing viewpoints or
counter-arguments, and demonstrate why your position is valid.
- Conclude with impact: Summarize your key points and memorably reiterate your thesis
statement. Avoid weak endings like "In conclusion..." or "I hope I have answered the question."
Style and Technique
- Maintain a formal tone: Avoid informal language, slang, or contractions. Aim for a
professional and objective writing style.
- Write concisely and clearly: Avoid unnecessary jargon or flowery language. Get your point
across with simple but effective language.
- Vary sentence structure: Use a mix of sentence lengths and structures to keep your writing
engaging. Short, punchy sentences can emphasize important points, while longer sentences can add depth and
nuance.
- Proofread carefully: Check for grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes. Ensure your
essay is polished and error-free.
Additional Tips
- Practice regularly: Write essays on different topics to improve your writing skills and
critical thinking. Time yourself to simulate the actual WAT conditions.
- Get feedback: Share your essays with friends, teachers, or mentors for constructive
criticism. Identify areas for improvement and refine your writing based on their feedback.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself updated on current affairs, social issues, and general
knowledge. This will give you an idea of WAT topics to draw on and support your arguments.
- Be confident: Believe in your writing abilities and express your thoughts with conviction.
A confident tone can make a significant difference in the impact of your essay.
There's no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect WAT essay. However, by focusing on these elements and
practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your writing skills and increase your chances of writing a
strong and impactful essay for the WAT.