A Strategic Approach to the IIM A PGPX Extempore- Updated for R3

The PGPX extempore is possibly the most feared part of the application process. Personally, I believe this distinctive evaluation method upholds IIM A's prestigious standing, even in the 1-year MBA format. From my experience in preparing PGPX applicants for R1 and R2 interviews, I have observed that those who excel in the extempore discussion aren't always individuals who've covered all current affairs, read every newspaper and editorial, or memorized every point from a list of over 100 available online topics. The best performing candidates in the extempore section are usually those who possess an "original" thinking style.

For those of you who've prepared earlier for UPSC exams, this closely mirrors what makes a UPSC candidate excel in essay writing during the prelims or in the interview later. Regardless of your breadth of knowledge or a private school or a convent educated background, the way you analyze problems defines the weight of your words more than your language skills. The panel is always looking for folks with a fresh perspective on things. The extempore goal is akin to assessing your ability to deconstruct a situation or issue from an analytical viewpoint. The strength in an extempore lies in authenticity, originality, and dissecting the topic into smaller elements to craft strong points.

Here, I am sharing a genuine account of an R2 PGPX extempore, as I recollect from discussion with my applicant and an R2 admit CO25. My advice here is not to prepare for the extempore based on what it isn't. During the PGPX interview, the extempore is akin to a debated topic of interest between the panel and the candidate. Breaking down the question statement into smaller, manageable sub-sections is key and it enhances the quality of your responses.

Debrief Begins

IIM A Hello, kindly pick your topic

Applicant (picks the first topic)- I'm not particularly confident about this topic. Would it be possible for me to choose a different one?

Iim A - sure you can. The second topic is

“Should transgender women be allowed to compete in women’s sports”

Applicant- OK. I am not extensively familiar with the technicalities of the term "transgender women," I believe it refers to someone born male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman.

Iim A- yes that is the correct definition.

Applicant- Ok. To decide whether transgender women should be allowed to compete with other women in certain sports, it's important to understand how their physical strengths or attributes acquired through being born or living as a man up to a certain stage might affect their performance in those sports. In addition, the effects of hormone therapy and the duration of the therapy should also be considered.

Iim A- Suppose you're tasked with making a decision regarding this matter within a sport. What specific attributes would you consider in order to arrive at your decision?

Applicant-
First of all, I would like to check the effects of testosterone and other hormone levels of sportspersons. This will help in leveling the playing field and averting potential advantages that might arise from varying hormone levels between the transgender and other sports persons.

Next, I would like to understand how former male physiology affects things like muscle mass, bone density, height and other physical attributes in this particular sport. I would like to understand whether these characteristics provide an unfair advantage in this particular sport.

I would also look at the numbers or empirical data if available and examine how athletic performance changes before and after the transition. This data could give us some real insights into any advantages or shifts in athletic ability.

I would also review existing guidelines and gather information from sports federations that have experience to create regulations that are welcoming to transgender athletes while ensuring fairness across the board.

Iim A- So do you indeed believe that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports could be unfair to the other women sportspersons.

Applicant-Broadly speaking, yes, due to the differing physiological characteristics.

Iim A- Alright, taking a slightly different approach, following that reasoning, would you then support the idea that men, being physiologically stronger and capable of more work, should receive fairer compensation and higher pay than women for the same job?

Applicant- If the job demands more hours to produce better results, then yes, fair compensation based on effort should be in place. However, regardless of gender, individuals directly contributing to the outcomes should be compensated accordingly.

Iim A- Is it fair to argue that in the pursuit of workplace equality, women should receive equal pay to men, even if their level of effort or contribution might not be equivalent?

Applicant-
The belief that men naturally work harder and longer than women and are therefore better paid reflects a stereotype rather than an accurate assessment of a person's abilities. Work ability varies from person to person and it's problematic to attribute this to gender alone. Everyone's personal drive, motivation, physical and mental abilities are very different, regardless of gender.

Gender should never determine a person's value or earning potential in the workplace. Instead, compensation must be based on the performance, expertise and tangible value a person brings to their job, regardless of gender.

Iim A- ok good. Lets move on to the next part.

End of Extempore Debrief

Also read
IIM A PGPX interview preparation strategy (non extempore part)


A more theoretical approach to the extempore topic for note taking in under one minute

Extempore is a key aspect of the IIM A interview process and serves as a litmus test for an applicant's ability to think quickly and communicate ideas convincingly. Often, these extempore topics involve "point of view" questions that require candidates to evaluate, dissect, and articulate their position on a particular perspective or argument.

In this writeup, I am suggesting systematic approach to answering "point of view" questions and provide you with a pre-determined framework to ensure that you remain composed and well-prepared as you structure your thoughts.

1. Identify the "core" and Analyze the question:

The first step in addressing an extempore topic is to carefully analyze the statement or question. Whether the extempore topic is in the form of a question or a statement, it is likely to have a key subject or argument at its core. Begin your speech by breaking down the topic into its constituent elements.

For instance, consider the statement: "Work from home leads to moonlighting, so work from home should be banned." Here, the key subject is "work from home leads to moonlighting."

Start by defining the core-“ moonlighting”, even if it seems well-evident, to demonstrate your structured thinking.

You may begin by saying, "Moonlighting refers to the practice of holding multiple jobs, typically in addition to a regular full-time position. Some might say that remote work arrangements, such as working from home, provide employees the opportunity and flexibility to engage in secondary employment without their primary employer's knowledge."

2. Point Out the Counterargument:

As a second step, you could point out the counterargument by highlighting flaws in the topic's argument or emphasize that the topic oversimplifies a complex issue. In this step, you can say that the topic requires a more nuanced discussion.

You may say: "Now, should we ban remote work because of the potential for moonlighting? I believe the answer is more nuanced than an outright ban. While it's true that some individuals may misuse remote work to engage in moonlighting activities, we must also recognize the significant benefits that working from home offers."

3. Present Counterargument Examples:

Support your counterargument with real-world examples to strengthen your stance. Provide concrete instances that illustrate the benefits or complexities associated with the topic.

You may quote a couple of examples-
Example 1: "Remote work has become a lifeline for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing businesses to continue operations and employees to maintain their livelihoods while adhering to safety guidelines."

Example 2: "Remote work has also provided a better work-life balance for many, reduced commuting times, and increased overall job satisfaction."

4. Propose Alternative Solutions or Approaches:

Now, incorporate alternative solutions or approaches to address the larger issue, if applicable. Explain the feasibility and potential effectiveness of these alternatives.

You may say for example: "Rather than banning remote work, we should focus on addressing the issue of moonlighting through effective policies and management practices.

Employers can implement clear guidelines regarding secondary employment and monitor employee productivity.
Additionally, technology can play a role in tracking work hours and tasks completed.
Moonlighting can also be a symptom of larger issues, such as inadequate compensation or job dissatisfaction. Addressing these root causes can reduce the motivation for employees to seek additional work."

5. Provide Conclusive Remarks:

Wrap up your speech with concise and persuasive concluding remarks. Restate the original extempore topic and offer a final remark that encapsulates your stance.

For example, you may say: "While moonlighting is a concern associated with remote work, banning work from home entirely would be an extreme measure that negates the many advantages it offers. Instead, we should work on refining our remote work policies and management practices to strike a balance between flexibility and accountability. By doing so, we can ensure that remote work remains a valuable option for both employees and employers while minimizing the potential for moonlighting."

In mastering the art of tackling "point of view" extempore questions, remember that your structured approach, clear communication, and ability to consider various facets of the issue will impress the IIM A interview panel. Practice is key, so hone your skills through mock sessions and build the confidence to excel in this challenging interview component.



Using the same approach- I am going to tackle another old IIM A extempore question-

“Fast Fashion industry is responsible for environment damage, should we levy heavy taxes on FFI to curb climate damage issues”

1. Identify the core and Analyze the Statement:

The core of the topic is -> “Fast fashion industry is responsible for environment damage”

You might begin by stating what Fast Fashion means-
“The fast fashion industry has transformed the way we consume clothing. It offers affordable and trendy clothing options, allowing consumers to stay in style without breaking the bank. However, the flip side of this convenience is the environmental impact.

Fast fashion is notorious for its disposable nature. Clothing items are produced quickly and inexpensively, designed to be worn for a short period and then discarded. This results in massive amounts of textile waste, contributing to landfills and pollution. Additionally, the production processes involve high water and energy consumption, further straining our natural resources.”

2. Point Out the Counterargument:

You might say-
“ Given the concerns regarding FFI, some believe that imposing heavy taxes on the fast fashion industry could incentivize more sustainable practices. Such taxes could fund initiatives to reduce textile waste, promote recycling, and encourage the use of eco-friendly materials. They may also discourage excessive consumption by making fast fashion less affordable.
While it's true that taxing can improve FFI’s impact on the environment, we must also recognize the potential consequences of the taxation”.

3. Present Counterargument Examples:

For example, you may say

1. High taxes on the industry might lead to job losses and economic impacts, especially in regions heavily reliant on fast fashion manufacturing.
2. Additionally, there's the question of whether consumers will be willing to pay higher prices for clothing, as affordability has been a key driver of the industry's success. “


4. Propose Alternative Solutions or Approaches:

You may say, “Its crucial to recognize that the fast fashion industry is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to environmental damage. Other sectors, such as transportation and agriculture, also play significant roles in climate change. Therefore, while taxing fast fashion may have its merits, it should be part of a broader strategy to combat environmental issues.”

5. Provide Conclusive Remarks:

You may say While I agree that the fast fashion industry contributes to environmental damage, taxation could be a tool to mitigate these concerns. However, any decision to impose heavy taxes should be made cautiously, taking into account potential economic repercussions and considering a holistic approach to environmental conservation. We must strike a balance between fostering sustainability and supporting economic stability.


Heres another-

“In the next 10 years the demand for digital education for post graduates will be more than traditional form of learning”

1. Identify the core (Digitalization of education” and Analyze the Statement:

You may say " The educational landscape has transformed with digital technology, enabling accessible postgraduate learning. Online courses, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms break geographical barriers.

Flexibility is a key driver for digital education's demand, accommodating work and family commitments. It attracts postgraduates seeking career advancement. Digitalization of education has also bolstered the popularity of digital postgraduate programs from prestigious institutions worldwide."

2. Point Out the Counterargument:

You may say "While digital education offers unprecedented accessibility and flexibility, traditional learning methods continue to hold value, particularly in certain fields."

3. Present Counterargument Examples:

You may say " Face-to-face interactions, peer networking, and hands-on experiences remain integral to certain fields of study, such as specialization in healthcare, engineering, and the arts. These disciplines require practical skills that may be challenging to acquire solely through digital means.

Additionally, some students thrive in the structured environment of physical classrooms, benefiting from in-person discussions and mentorship. Traditional education institutions have a long history of academic excellence and prestige, which can be a crucial factor in postgraduate education decisions. "

4. Propose Alternative Solutions or Approaches:

You may say " While I wouldn't assert that the demand for digital postgraduate education will surpass that of the traditional mode of learning, I do believe that the future of postgraduate education may entail a combination of both digital and traditional approaches. This hybrid model allows students to select the mode of learning that aligns best with their individual needs and aspirations.

Furthermore, with the growing emphasis on globalization, there is an escalating demand for pursuing postgraduate education abroad. This trend provides individuals with the opportunity to broaden their horizons and engage in an academic environment that offers a diverse and enriching learning experience. Additionally, global companies often prefer candidates with prestigious academic backgrounds and immersive global exposure, attributes commonly associated with institutions employing more traditional educational models. "

5. Provide Conclusive Remarks:

You may summarize if needed "Given the specialized requirements of certain disciplines, the value of networks and prestige, globalization and the demand for extensive global engagement, and the importance of the overall educational experience and various logistical factors, I believe that demand for postgraduate programs will continue to be a mix of traditional and digital models, with digital not completely dominating the postgraduate education sector. "




My picks for R1 Extempore
1. G20 Summit

Was the recent G20 Summit considered a successful diplomatic effort?
What key agreements or outcomes emerged from the G20 Summit, and how might they impact global affairs?

2. Coalition Politics and Democracy:

In a diverse democracy like India, coalition politics is common. What are the advantages and disadvantages of multiple parties forming alliances?
How does coalition politics influence the representation of different voices and interests in the government?

3. Sports and Diplomacy:

For India, what are the ethical considerations of participating in sports events, like cricket matches, with a country when there are ongoing conflicts or tensions?
How should the sports community navigate political disputes between nations while maintaining the spirit of the game?

4. Press Freedom and Political Parties:

What are the implications of political parties attempting to restrict or ban journalists from reporting on their activities?
How can a balance be struck between press freedom and responsible journalism in a democracy?

5. One Election in India:

What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of conducting a single, synchronized election for all levels of government in India?
How might a one-election system affect voter turnout and political campaigning?

6. CEO Salaries and Compensation:

Should CEOs consider taking a salary cut to redistribute resources and benefits to junior staff members?
What strategies can organizations employ to ensure fair and equitable compensation practices within their ranks?

7. Layoffs and Executive Compensation:

Is laying off employees the last resort for organizations, especially when top management receives substantial salaries and bonuses?
What alternative strategies can companies explore to manage financial challenges without resorting to layoffs?

8. To what extend should AI be used in class room and what are its effects?
9. Should India Consider Changing Its Name?
10. Uniform Civil Code. What's your opinion?
11. Should there be a limit to Media Freedom?
12. India Space Mission
13. Do we need more entrepreneurs than managers?
14. Is MBA necessary to be Successful in Business?
15. Should Business Lobbying be made legal in India?
16. Monuments of historic figures- Symbol of Pride or Wastage of Public Money?
17. Is nuclear disarmament mandatory to achieve World Peace?
18. Can Artificial intelligence replace Human intelligence?
19. Which one is more important – Creativity or Knowledge?
20. Is Stock Market similar to gambling?


Suggested Topics for R2

1. Is the use of military force an effective means to achieve long-term peace and stability? Or
Should international organizations have the authority to intervene in conflicts between sovereign nations? Or
Is humanitarian intervention a legitimate reason for one country to engage in war in another nation's internal conflict?

2. Use of government agencies to intimidate political parties. Or
Should there be stricter regulations to prevent government agencies from being used for political intimidation?

3. Electoral bonds- The electoral bonds system allows corporates to anonymously donate theoretically infinite amounts of money to political parties, triggering concerns that the ruling party will return the favour through corporate-friendly policy.

4. Pollution menace/ The rich are more responsible for the pollution than the poor. Or
Do the rich have a greater obligation to invest in sustainable practices and technologies to combat pollution? Or
Should governments impose heavier environmental taxes or regulations on industries and individuals with higher incomes?

5. The ethics of inflating company valuation: Should new-age brands face stricter regulations pre-IPO?

6. New Age Politicians: Champions of Change or Agents of Opportunism?

7. Social Media Influencers: Authentic Advocates or Marketing Pawns?

8. Neither here nor there policy has isolated India. Agree or disagree? Or
India's Role in Multilateral Organizations: Leveraging or Isolation?

9. Buy now pay later- convenience or a trap

10. Is technology increasing unemployment?

11. Central vista project- beneficial or a waste of public money. Or
Public spending on architectural redesigns: Necessity or wastage?

12. Fake news will kill the social fiber of India. Therefore social media and news must be controlled. Or
Is social media exacerbating communal tensions in India? Or
Should stricter laws and enforcement be implemented to curb hate speech and incitement of violence on religious grounds?

13. Can India benefit from China plus one strategy?

14. Work life balance is a myth

15. Global (and India's) climate crisis
Suggested read- The debate between CO2 emissions (developed nations) and Methane( agri and livestock based developing nations). Who has more onus for liability?

16. Increasing economic divide- India vs Bharat

17. Women empowerment bill

18. The Blame Game: Assessing Governmental Liability in Climate-Related Disasters

19. Without proper implementation of labor laws India's growth story cannot be sustainable. (with reference to the Uttarakhand mishap)

20. To become a maritime power India should invest in strategic ports globally.
OR Should larger nations provide financial aid to smaller coastal nations lacking allegiance?

21. Is cricket limiting other sports.

22. Affinity for culture and heritage are excuses for bad status quo. They should be foregone for creating a better opportunity.
( as supporting read, read about caste based reservation in Bihar)



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Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
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