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

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

January 6, 2025

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Overview: Staying informed about key WAT topics for CAT, IIMs and top B-schools helps you prepare effectively for the main day. Check out the list of past and expected WAT topics!

  • Knowing the top MBA Written Ability Test Topics 2025 will help you ace the WAT round with a good score. The CAT 2024 and XAT 2025 are already over, and the next round of selections includes the WAT and PI rounds.

  • The Written Ability Test (WAT) evaluates candidates writing and creative thinking skills. The WAT topics for CAT exam revolve around current events, business trends, social issues and more.
  • The weightage of WAT topics for MBA is different for each college and usually ranges between 10-20 per cent.

Continue reading to get insights about the top WAT for CAT and how to prepare for WAT effectively here!

What Is Written Ability Test Or WAT For CAT?

What is WAT in CAT exam? The Written Ability Test, or WAT, is an important part of MBA admissions, especially for top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading business schools. 

During the WAT for CAT, candidates must write an essay on a given topic within a specific word limit. This task usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. 

The WAT occurs during the second round of assessments, including Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI). This round typically occurs from February to August after all management entrance exams have concluded. 

 cat toppers list 2024

 cat toppers list 2024

Important WAT Topics For MBA 2025 Admissions

The WAT topics for CAT and other MBA colleges generally cover various categories like current affairs (National and International), business, economics, finance, social issues, etc. 

Here are the key important topics for the Written Ability Test for CAT and other MBA exams:

WAT Topics On International Current Affairs

  • Global Impact of the Ukraine Conflict
  • Tackling the Climate Crisis
  • AI: Revolution or Threat?
  • Cryptocurrency: Boom or Bubble?
  • Navigating Global Conflicts
  • Space Exploration: Ethics & Future
  • Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
  • G20 Summit Impact
  • Covid-19 Pendamic
  • CORONA Virus 
  • Chandrayaan-3 Significance
  • AI & Job Market
  • Climate Action in India
  • Digital India Challenges
  • Economic Slowdown Analysis
  • Startup Ecosystem in India
  • Healthcare Reform Progress

Also Check: Reasoning Syllabus For CAT exam

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 CAT Percentile Predictor Tool

Previous Year WAT Topics Asked in CAT and Other MBA Exams

  • Implications of increased penalties for hit and run cases: Balancing justice and concerns of truck drivers.
  • Censorship on OTT content: Preserving artistic freedom or ensuring responsibility
  • Merging markets: Can India make progress without losing its heart?
  • Arguments in favour of online classes not being able to substitute offline classes.

Check | CAT 2025 Answer Key

Admission Process of Top B-Schools

Sample Important Topics for WAT for IIMs 2025

  • The Agnipath Scheme: A revolutionary step for India’s Armed Forces or a Misguided Endeavor?
  • Social media is the fifth pillar of democracy.
  • The impact of social media on democracy in advanced economies: A double-edged sword?
  • Should the government invest more in space exploration?
  • The urgent need for a comprehensive social security net in India
  • Aditya L1: India’s pioneering solar mission 
  • The complex history of the Israel-Palestine conflict 
  • The role of ethanol-blended fuels and electric vehicles in shaping India’s green future.
  • Addressing mental health issues in the workplace.
  • ChatGPT
  • DIigital payment frauds 
  • Fake feminism 
  • One nation one election
  • One nation one ration card
  • Tech Layoffs
  • Technology in the traditional market

Read More | CAT Exam Analysis Nov 26, 2025 [All Shifts]

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WAT Topics On Social Issues

  • Women's fight for equality worldwide.
  • Improving our education system for all.
  • Addressing mental health stigma.
  • Impact of immigration on a nation.
  • Influence of art & media on society.
  • Impact of global travel on perspectives.
  • Corruption in India and its effects.
  • Rising income gap and its consequences.

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 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

WAT Topics On Business, Economics, and Finance

  • Jobs of the Future: What's Next?
  • Understanding the Indian Budget
  • How Globalization Shapes Business
  • Startups: Driving Economic Growth
  • FinTech & Healthcare: The Future is Now
  • Doing Good Business: Ethics & Responsibility
  • Stock Market: Is it Really Like Gambling?
  • Your Data Matters: Privacy & Security
  • The Gig Economy: Work Reimagined
  • Central Banks: Keeping the Economy on Track
  • Remote Work: The New Way to Work?
  • Banks vs. Fintech: The Future of Finance
  • Universal Basic Income: A Solution for All?
  • Will Lowering GST Boost the Economy?
  • Cashless India: Is it Ready?
  • Corporate Taxes: What's the Impact?
  • Slowing Down: Challenges for the Indian Economy
  • E-commerce: The Rise and Fall of Brick-and-Mortar?
  • Trade Wars: Impact on Global Trade

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WAT Topics On Abstract and Ethical

Certainly, here are the modified WAT topics in a simpler and easier-to-understand language:

  • Finding Purpose in Life: Big Questions We Ask
  • Can AI Think? Exploring Consciousness in Machines
  • What is Real? Science and the Truth
  • The Future of Us: What Challenges Lie Ahead?
  • Social Media & Our Minds: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
  • Thinking Deeply: Questioning What We Believe
  • Are We in Control? Free Will vs. Destiny
  • Art in the Digital Age: Where Creativity Meets Technology
  • What is Truth? Finding Facts in a World of Opinions
  • Technology and Humanity: Are We Losing Our Touch?

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 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

How to prepare for CAT WAT Process?

After knowing the WAT topics for CAT and other MBA college admissions, knowing the right way to answer them is equally important. You can also use the 5 “Ws” method.

These 5 Ws will cover the entire topic in detail.  These include: Who, When, Where, What, Why and How

Creating your response using these points will make your answer more relevant and thoughtful. Ensure that you stick to the ifs and buts of the topic.

Do’s & Don't for WAT for CAT Exam 2025

How to improve WAT for CAT? Here are the dos and dont you should follow while writing the answer.

Do’s for WAT Topics

Don’ts for WAT Topics

Make A Structure: Start with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs summarising your points, and end with a conclusion. Maintain logic.

Watch the Length: Don’t exceed the word or page limit. Keep your essay concise.

Avoid Formatting Tricks: Stick to traditional paragraph writing. Avoid bullet points, tables, or other formatting styles.

Skip Long Introductions or Conclusions: Avoid lengthy sections that take up too much space.

Keep Sentences Short and Clear: Use short, direct sentences. Utilize punctuation like semicolons, dashes, and periods for better readability.

Simplify Your Points: Don’t overcomplicate ideas. Keep your analysis clear and straightforward.

Use Examples: Add examples in the body text to make your essay more personal and impactful.

Avoid Overly Complex Language: Use simple words instead of unnecessarily complicated ones.

Pay Attention to Punctuation: Be mindful of punctuation and limit conjunctions for better clarity.

Don’t Fabricate Evidence: Avoid creating false information to support your arguments.

Stay On Topic: Focus on the main point and avoid adding irrelevant information.

Be Original: Ensure your essay is entirely your own work and not copied from others.

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Why Does Written Ability Test Matter CAT 2025 Admissions?

In addition to checking exam scores like CAT, MAT, and CMAT, top business schools look for your general knowledge and business awareness.

 Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interviews help them see how you make decisions and communicate your ideas. 

Since effective communication is essential for good managers, your writing during the WAT on different topics is very important.

Read More: CAT Total Marks and Distributions

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

What is the Weightage of WAT In IIM Selection Process?

The WAT exam tests your essay writing skills and typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. 

It's an important part of the selection process, along with personal interviews and group discussions, making up about 10–20% of your final score.

After taking the CAT exam, start preparing for the next rounds, including the WAT. Focus on different topics for WAT, such as current events, analysing situations, and critical thinking.

Hot Topics for CAT Group Discussion Round

Conclusion 

Finally, preparing for the Written Ability Test (WAT) is essential for aspiring MBA students, especially those targeting top institutions like IIMs. 

You can enhance your writing skills and boost your confidence by staying updated on relevant topics, from current affairs and social issues to business trends. 

Practising essays on these themes will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and prepare you to tackle the varied challenges that come with the exam. 

Also Read: CAT Preparation Strategies in 5 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Written Ability Test (WAT)?

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How is the WAT different from Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI)?

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What type of topics are usually covered in the WAT?

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How important is the WAT score for MBA admissions?

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How can I prepare effectively for the WAT?

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