ISB Written ability test (WAT) Topics & Strategy

ISB Written Ability Test (WAT): Preparation Guide

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is an integral part of the Indian School of Business (ISB) admissions process. It evaluates how effectively you can think, analyze, and express your ideas in a clear, organized, and persuasive manner.

Typically, candidates are given two topics and 20 minutes to respond. There’s no fixed word limit, so the focus is on clarity and coherence rather than length.

To excel, it’s important to balance content quality with presentation style. This guide outlines how to approach the ISB WAT strategically—with practical tips, tested frameworks, and examples of relevant topics.

What is the ISB WAT?

The ISB Written Ability Test is a brief, time-bound writing task meant to evaluate your ability to construct a logical, well-reasoned argument on a given theme. Unlike a traditional essay, WAT answers are short, precise, and impactful.

• Duration: 15–20 minutes

• Mode: Usually administered in person at the interview venue (sometimes online)

  
  

Why Does ISB Conduct the WAT?

WAT helps the admissions panel look beyond your application form and test scores. It offers a quick glimpse into how you think, reason, and communicate. Through your written response, ISB assesses your ability to:

• Think clearly: Grasp the topic quickly and form a logical stance

• Organize ideas: Present points in a structured, easy-to-follow flow

• Stay informed: Show awareness of social, political, or business issues

• Think critically: Evaluate a subject from multiple perspectives

A well-written WAT can positively influence your interview outcome and strengthen your overall profile.

How to Prepare for the ISB WAT

1. Understand the Topic

• Take a few seconds to interpret the question accurately.

• Mentally restate it to ensure your essay stays relevant and focused.

2. Follow a Clear Structure

• Introduction: Open with context and state your position or main idea.

• Body: Present 2–3 strong points backed by examples, facts, or logic.

• Conclusion: End with a concise summary reinforcing your argument.

3. Prioritize Clarity and Brevity

• Avoid filler words or jargon.

• Keep sentences crisp and to the point.

4. Practice Writing Under Time Pressure

• Simulate test conditions.

• Review your work and gather feedback to refine your writing style.

5. Stay Updated on Current Topics

• Read credible news and editorials regularly.

• Analyze national and global issues critically to build perspective.

6. Polish Your Language

• Maintain grammatical accuracy.

• Use appropriate vocabulary—formal yet simple.

7. Offer a Distinct Viewpoint

• Draw on personal or professional experiences where relevant.

• Explore different dimensions of the issue to showcase depth of thought.

ISB 2025 WAT topics in round 1

• An employer that has hired you and your classmates for MBA internship is sharing high value gifts for successful completion of a project. some of your friends have accepted the gifts. what would you do?

• sudden under performance of otherwise reliable team member is affecting team performance . what would you do?

• Your team in case competition wants to use confidential competitor strategy. what would you do?

• A Team member frequently is late and taking time off affecting team's progress what would you do?

  
  

Same topics for preparation and practice

Professional & Ethical Dilemmas

1. Your manager asks you to modify data in a presentation to make project results look more favorable. What would you do?

2. You find out that a teammate has taken credit for your idea during a client presentation. How will you respond?

3. You discover that a vendor has offered your colleague a commission to finalize a deal faster. How will you handle it?

4. You notice your classmate using generative AI tools to complete internship assignments that are meant to be original work. What would you do?

5. Your client offers you a personal favor in exchange for prioritizing their project ahead of others. What is your course of action?

Teamwork & Leadership Scenarios

6. Two team members strongly disagree on the project approach, and the conflict is delaying progress. As team lead, what would you do?

7. One of your teammates is not contributing equally but expects equal credit. How will you handle the situation?

8. You are leading a virtual team, and communication gaps are affecting deliverables. What would you do?

9. Your team has missed multiple deadlines due to lack of coordination. How would you take corrective action?

10. A team member is technically very strong but frequently dominates discussions, discouraging others. How would you handle it?

Integrity & Decision-Making

11. You are offered an opportunity to publish a paper using restricted company data that could boost your profile. Would you proceed?

12. You find errors in a financial report just before submission, but your manager insists there’s no time to fix them. What would you do?

13. You are asked to mentor a friend for a competition where you are also a participant. How will you balance fairness?

14. A social media post from your team is getting negative attention for insensitive remarks made unintentionally. What would you do?

15. You are expected to support a business strategy you personally disagree with on ethical grounds. How would you respond?

Campus & Professional Life Scenarios

16. You find that your peer has plagiarized parts of a group assignment. What steps will you take?

17. A classmate is struggling with academics but hides it out of fear of judgment. How would you help?

18. You’re the only person in your group to identify a major flaw in a plan approved by seniors. What would you do?

19. During an internship, your manager takes credit for your idea. How do you react?

20. Your team wins an award, but you know the success heavily depended on an outsider’s contribution. How would you handle recognition?

    
    

Here is a set of additional curated set of WAT topics , ISB PGP has 2 parts to the interview process. 1) Written ability test ~ 20 mins and 2) Interview ~ 30 mins

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Easy topics/prompts:

1. Business/Economics: “Remote work will become the dominant model for organisations globally.”

2. Social/Political: “Free speech is under threat on social media platforms.”

3. Current Affairs: “India’s demographic dividend will drive its growth for the next two decades.”

4. Abstract/Philosophical: “Change is the only constant.”

5. Business/Economics: “Role of startups is more critical than large corporations in India’s growth story.”

6. Social/Political: “Mental health should be a mandatory subject in India’s higher education.”

7. Current Affairs: “5G rollout will transform India’s economy more than any other infrastructure upgrade.”

8. Business/Economics: “Data privacy is today’s biggest challenge for businesses.”

9. Abstract: “Critical thinking is more important than ever in an age of information overload.”

10. Social/Political: “Corruption remains the single biggest barrier to India realising its potential.”

11. Current Affairs: “Universal Basic Income is a viable solution for poverty alleviation in India.”

12. Business/Economics: “Traditional banking will become obsolete in the next decade because of fintech.”

13. Abstract: “Does technology make us more or less human?”

14. Social/Political: “Diversity and inclusion aren’t optional for effective leadership—they’re essential.”

15. Business/Economics: “Brick-and-mortar retail stores will vanish as e-commerce dominates.”

Moderate (20 prompts)

16. Business/Economics: “Gig economy will reshape employment paradigms globally.”

17. Current Affairs: “Global trade wars are permanently reshaping the world supply chain.”

18. Social/Political: “The rise of social media has done more harm than good for society.”

19. Business/Economics: “India should prioritise localisation over globalisation in its economic strategy.”

20. Abstract: “Free will vs determinism—do we truly control our choices in modern business?”

21. Current Affairs: “Climate change is the defining challenge for the next generation of business leaders.”

22. Business/Economics: “Startups must prioritise profitability over growth to be sustainable.”

23. Social/Political: “Art and media influence public opinion more than political campaigns.”

24. Business/Economics: “Remote work is here to stay—organisations must adapt or perish.”

25. Current Affairs: “Transitioning to a cashless economy is overdue for India.”

26. Abstract: “The pen is mightier than the sword—even in the 21st century.”

27. Social/Political: “Gender equality can only be achieved through policy and quotas.”

28. Business/Economics: “The future of work will be defined by automation and artificial intelligence.”

29. Current Affairs: “Space exploration is a luxury India cannot afford when there are urgent issues at home.”

30. Business/Economics: “Business ethics must become core strategy, not just compliance.”

31. Abstract: “Success is a ladder you cannot climb with your hands in your pockets.”

32. Social/Political: “Education reform is the foundation for India’s next phase of growth.”

33. Business/Economics: “The gig economy represents an opportunity—and a risk—for traditional employment sectors.”

34. Current Affairs: “Cyber-security threats will define the competitiveness of nations in the next decade.”

35. Abstract: “In a world of conflicting information, the concept of truth is under siege.”

Challenging (15 prompts)

36. Business/Economics: “Central banks are losing their relevance in managing the next financial crisis.”

37. Social/Political: “Immigration challenges are reshaping national identities in the 21st century.”

38. Current Affairs: “Artificial intelligence and automation will create more problems than they solve.”

39. Business/Economics: “Globalisation is dead; localisation is the new mantra for business growth.”

40. Abstract: “The relationship between art and technology defines the future of creativity.”

41. Social/Political: “Technology has changed power dynamics in society more than any other factor.”

42. Business/Economics: “Does the growth of fintech represent a systemic risk to global economies?”

43. Current Affairs: “Is space exploration ethically defensible when global inequalities persist?”

44. Abstract: “In an increasingly digital world, what does it mean to be human?”

45. Business/Economics: “Should governments intervene more aggressively in shaping the business models of the future?”

46. Social/Political: “Global travel and cultural exchange are undermined by nationalism and protectionism.”

47. Business/Economics: “Is the stock market becoming more like gambling than investing?”

48. Current Affairs: “Will quantum computing redefine national strategic power?”

49. Abstract: “Leadership today requires more than authority—it demands empathy, agility and purpose.”

50. Business/Economics: “When data becomes the most valuable asset, governance frameworks must evolve faster than business models.”