IIM Lucknow IPMX WAT, Preparation Strategy & Sample Topics
- Career Simplified
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Format
You’ll be given one topic and asked to write an essay within a time limit (typically ~20 minutes)
Word limit is usually ~200–300 words. Typical word limit on a A4 sheet paper.
It’s pen-and-paper based at the test center.
Purpose: It’s not about “perfect vocabulary” but clarity, insight, and coherence
The test checks your ability to:
Think logically and critically
Structure arguments
Express ideas clearly and concisely
Balance viewpoints rather than overly emotional or one-sided narratives
What Types of Topics Are Asked
Topics generally touch on current affairs, management themes, social issues, and abstract concepts. You won’t get technical business analyses, but rather prompts that require you to think and present a viewpoint.
Sample Topics from Past IPMX/WAT Rounds
Current affairs / medium-level:“AI’s impact on employment in India”“Digital privacy vs national security”“Climate action: individual vs government responsibility"
Ethics / business philosophy:“Business ethics vs profit maximization”“Greed is good – discuss”
Society & policy:“Social media is leading to rising loneliness”“National security is a priority over the right to privacy”
Abstract / broad worldview topics:“Equity is utopia”“Markets are a great equalizer”
Country/structure themes:“India’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic diversity is a hurdle to economic development”
How They Evaluate Your WAT
Markers look for:
Clear structure: intro, body arguments, conclusion rather than disjointed points.
Conceptual clarity: you should demonstrate you understand the core issue and not just repeat definitions.
Balanced analysis: strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons, both sides of the argument.
Examples: simple real-world facts, statistics, recent headlines help, but they don’t have to be perfect.
Preparation Strategy That Works
Read Daily Current Affairs Choose high-quality editorial sources (The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times, etc.) and make notes on topics like:
Tech policy (AI, data privacy)
Economy trends (inflation, labour market)
Social movements and ethical debates
Practice Writing Essays
Write at least one mock WAT daily with a 15–30 min timer.
Focus on structuring:Intro (set context)2–3 paragraphs with balanced arguments Conclusion (your take with a forward or nuanced suggestion)
Keep your language clear, avoid overly long sentences.
Get Feedback After writing, check for:
Does each paragraph logically follow the previous one?
Are your examples relevant?
Does your conclusion summarize and add value?
Use a Simple Framework A mini-framework like:
Define the issue
Present for arguments
Present against arguments
Conclude with your reasoned stand
25 High-Probability WAT Topics for IPMX
A. Current Affairs and Policy
AI will create more jobs than it destroys
India’s demographic dividend is turning into a liability
Data privacy vs national security
Is UBI feasible for India
Climate change is an economic problem, not an environmental one
Startup culture in India is overhyped
Social media regulation is necessary in a democracy
Manufacturing push vs services led growth for India
B. Business, Leadership, Ethics
Profit maximization and ethics cannot coexist
ESG is more marketing than substance
Short term performance pressures hurt long term value creation
Leadership is about influence, not authority
Greed is good for economic growth
Corporate governance failures are systemic, not individual
C. Society and Work
Work from home has reduced productivity
Hustle culture is harmful for organizations
Diversity initiatives compromise meritocracy
Education system is misaligned with industry needs
D. Abstract and Philosophical
Equity is a myth
Freedom comes with responsibility
Change is the only constant
Technology is a double edged sword
Growth without inclusion is unsustainable
Rules are meant to be broken
Stability is the enemy of innovation
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