Important Written Ability Test (WAT) Topics 2025 For IIMs and Other Top B-schools

About WAT, Types of WAT Topics, Weightage of WAT, List Of WAT Topics, How To Answer WAT Essays

Updated on 19th December 2024 | 2:47 pm | #MBAWATTopics

Top MBA Written Ability Test Topics 2025 - MBA aspirants must keep in mind that scoring well on the CAT or any other exam is just one part of the process; successfully navigating the other rounds is equally important. The MBA admissions process frequently includes the Written Ability Test (WAT), which is designed to evaluate your writing abilities and creative thinking. Current events, business trends, and social issues are often the topics of writing assessments in various B-schools.

Candidates can reflect their communication skills as well as command over the language through the Written Ability Test. The weightage of WAT may vary from b-school to b-school and is usually in the range of 10-20 percent. Different B-schools may refer to it differently, i.e., IIM Ahmedabad refers to it as the Academic Writing Test (AWT), while IIM Calcutta and Bangalore refer to it as the Writing Ability Test (WAT).

Need Assistance With Your GD-PI-WAT Prep? Speak To Our Counselor today!

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:


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:

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

  1. Ukraine war and global economic impact
  2. Climate crisis and potential solutions
  3. Rise of artificial intelligence and automation
  4. Cryptocurrency market trends and regulations
  5. International conflicts and diplomatic challenges
  6. Space exploration: ethical considerations and potential benefits for humanity
  7. Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in a digital age

WAT Topics On Current Affairs

  1. Upcoming 2024 elections and potential outcomes
  2. Economic reforms and policies under implementation
  3. Social issues like gender equality, healthcare, or education reform
  4. Technological advancements in India and their impact
  5. Demographic dividend in India: Myth or Reality?
  6. Increasing social media censorship and its implications for freedom of speech
  7. The Rise Of 5G Telecom
  8. National Education Policy

WAT Topics On Social Issues

  1. The ongoing fight for gender equality and women's empowerment globally
  2. Education reform and ensuring access to quality learning for all
  3. Addressing mental health issues and reducing stigma in society
  4. The impact of immigration on national identity and social cohesion
  5. The role of art and media in shaping public opinion and social movements
  6. The impact of global travel and cultural exchange on individual perspectives and understanding
  7. Corruption in India
  8. The rising income gap and its consequences

WAT Topics On Business, Economics, and Finance

  1. Future of work and evolving job markets
  2. Indian Budget
  3. Impact of globalization on businesses and economies
  4. Role of startups and entrepreneurship in economic growth
  5. Challenges and opportunities facing specific industries (e.g., FinTech, healthcare)
  6. Business ethics and corporate social responsibility
  7. Is the stock market similar to online gambling?
  8. The growing importance of data privacy and security in the digital age
  9. The gig economy and its implications for traditional employment models
  10. The role of central banks in regulating inflation and managing economic fluctuations
  11. The challenges and opportunities of remote work in a post-pandemic world
  12. The future of traditional banking in the face of the Fintech revolution
  13. Universal Basic Income: Solution to Poverty
  14. Reduced GST will impact the growth of the Indian Economy
  15. Cashless Economy: Is India Ready
  16. Corporate Tax Policy in India
  17. Slowdown of the Indian Economy
  18. The future of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses in the e-commerce era.
  19. The impact of trade wars on global trade relations

WAT Topics On Abstract and Ethical

  1. Meaning of life and philosophical questions
  2. Consciousness and the potential of artificial intelligence
  3. Nature of reality and scientific advancements
  4. Future of humanity and potential challenges
  5. Impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
  6. The importance of critical thinking and questioning assumptions in an increasingly complex world
  7. Free will versus determinism: do we truly have control over our choices?
  8. The relationship between art and technology in the digital age
  9. The concept of truth in a world of conflicting information and perspectives
  10. Does technology make us more or less human?

WAT Topics On Management-related

  1. Importance of soft skills in effective leadership
  2. Role of data analytics in business decision-making
  3. Leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics
  4. Managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  5. Challenges and opportunities of remote work
  6. Your definition of success and how you plan to achieve it
  7. Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
  8. 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

Don’ts For WAT Topics

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

Style and Technique

Additional Tips

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the Written Ability Test (WAT) at IIMs, candidates are required to express their opinions and thoughts on diverse topics related to international, national, social, and business events.

The word limit for WAT, or Writing Ability Test, can vary depending on the specific IIM institute and year. However, it typically falls within a range of 200 to 400 words.

The Written Ability Test (WAT) at IIMs involves writing short essays, typically within 15-20 minutes. Candidates express their views on various topics, showcasing their writing skills and opinions.

There is no fixed syllabus for the WAT (Written Ability Test) assessment round. The topics for WAT can vary widely, covering areas such as current events, social issues, philosophical concepts, or business and economic themes. Candidates are typically given 15 to 30 minutes to write an essay on the assigned topic, and the word limit usually ranges from 200 to 400 words.

Suggested Readings

IIM Admission Process What After CAT? PI Preparation Tips GD Preparation Tips