What You’ll Learn
- XLRI WAT Topics: What Makes Them Different
- WAT Topics 2025 List: Actual XLRI Questions
- WAT Abstract Topics: The XLRI Ethics Twist
- WAT Business Topics: Leadership & Corporate Ethics
- WAT Factual Topics: Policy Through an Ethics Lens
- WAT Social Topics: Community & Responsibility
- WAT Technology Topics: AI, Privacy & Digital Ethics
- WAT Topics for IIM: How XLRI Differs from IIMs
- Unknown Topics WAT: Framework for Any Question
- Sample Essays That Scored 8+ at XLRI
- Frequently Asked Questions
XLRI WAT Topics: What Makes Them Different
“Integrity without knowledge is weak; knowledge without integrity is dangerous.” This Samuel Johnson quote captures exactly what XLRI evaluators seek in your WAT essay. Unlike any IIM, XLRI—India’s oldest private B-school with Jesuit foundations—doesn’t just want to see how you think. They want to see what you value.
At XLRI, the WAT isn’t a test of argumentation skill alone. It’s a window into your moral reasoning. The same topic that appears at IIM-Bangalore (“Should companies take political stands?”) requires a fundamentally different approach at XLRI. Here, you’re not just analyzing stakeholders—you’re revealing your ethical compass.
The XLRI Difference: Values-Based Selection
Unlike IIMs where WAT and PI are often separate evaluations, XLRI values consistency. A panelist who reads your essay arguing that “business must prioritize purpose over profit” will probe this in your interview. Don’t write positions you can’t defend verbally—evaluators are looking for authenticity, not performance.
WAT Topics 2025 List: Actual XLRI Questions
XLRI WAT topics cluster around five major themes: business ethics, social responsibility, workplace dynamics, technology ethics, and philosophical questions about purpose and values. Here are verified topics from 2024-25 sessions, plus predicted themes for upcoming seasons.
Verified XLRI WAT Topics (2024-25)
| Topic | Category | Key Tension | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Is profit compatible with purpose?” | Business Ethics | Shareholder vs. stakeholder capitalism | ★★ |
| “Does corporate social responsibility go far enough?” | Corporate Responsibility | CSR as genuine vs. performative | ★★ |
| “Can business be a force for good?” | Business Ethics | Profit motive vs. social impact | ★★ |
| “The ethical implications of AI in hiring” | Technology Ethics | Efficiency vs. fairness/bias | ★★★ |
| “Should companies take political stands?” | Corporate Responsibility | Corporate voice vs. neutrality | ★★ |
XLRI Topic Categories: Distribution Analysis
Most Common at XLRI: Business ethics topics dominate, testing your ability to navigate profit-purpose tensions.
- “Is profit the only responsibility of business?”
- “Should companies prioritize shareholders or stakeholders?”
- “Is greenwashing worse than doing nothing?”
- “Should executives be personally liable for corporate crimes?”
- “Is it ethical to profit from addiction (tobacco, gambling, social media)?”
- “Is aggressive tax avoidance ethical?”
XLRI’s Jesuit Focus: Topics on social impact, inequality, and community responsibility.
- “Is philanthropy an adequate substitute for fair wages?”
- “Should inherited wealth be limited?”
- “Is meritocracy a myth?”
- “Should the rich pay significantly higher taxes?”
- “Is cancel culture a force for good or harm?”
- “Should we prioritize equality of opportunity or equality of outcome?”
Especially for PMIR: HR-focused topics on dignity, fairness, and workplace dynamics.
- “The gig economy: Opportunity or exploitation?”
- “Is work-life balance a myth?”
- “Should companies mandate return to office?”
- “Is hustle culture toxic?”
- “Should companies allow moonlighting?”
- “Should salary be transparent within organizations?”
Emerging Focus: Technology ethics topics are increasing, especially AI-related.
- “The ethical implications of AI in hiring”
- “Is surveillance capitalism acceptable?”
- “Should AI development be regulated?”
- “Is privacy dead in the digital age?”
- “Should tech platforms be responsible for user content?”
- “Deepfakes and truth in the digital age”
Rare but Possible: XLRI occasionally uses abstract topics, but always with ethical undertones.
- “Does the end justify the means?”
- “Is it better to be feared or loved?”
- “What makes a life well-lived?”
- “Can money buy happiness?”
- “Is free will an illusion?”
Based on current trends and XLRI’s focus areas, expect questions on: AI ethics in recruitment and performance management, corporate responsibility during economic downturns, gig worker rights and social security, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) mandates—genuine or greenwashing?, and mental health in competitive work environments. The 2024 Hindenburg-Adani controversy may also inspire questions on whistleblowing and corporate accountability.
WAT Abstract Topics: The XLRI Ethics Twist
Abstract topics at XLRI are rare (only ~5% of questions), but they’re never truly abstract. Every philosophical question at XLRI has an ethical dimension waiting to be uncovered. “Does the end justify the means?” isn’t a thought experiment—it’s a question about corporate ethics, leadership decisions, and moral boundaries in business.
How XLRI Abstract Topics Differ
| Abstract Topic | IIM-K/L Approach | XLRI Approach |
|---|---|---|
| “Does the end justify the means?” | Philosophical exploration of consequentialism vs. deontology with creative examples | Business ethics angle: When can leaders cut corners? Enron vs. Tata’s long-term view |
| “Is it better to be feared or loved?” | Machiavellian analysis with historical leadership examples | Leadership ethics: Servant leadership vs. authoritarian management—what works ethically? |
| “Knowledge is power” | Information age, education, intellectual capital discussion | Power imbalance ethics: Data privacy, information asymmetry, corporate responsibility in knowledge access |
| “The grass is always greener on the other side” | Human nature, ambition, contentment exploration | Workplace ethics: Job-hopping culture, employee loyalty, organizational commitment vs. self-interest |
The 3-Step XLRI Abstract Framework
“Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan” → Accountability ethics in organizations
Tata’s ethical handling of the 2008 Mumbai attacks shows corporate responsibility in crisis.
“While [principle], the challenge lies in [tension]. The way forward requires [balanced approach].”
WAT Business Topics: Leadership & Corporate Ethics
Business topics dominate XLRI’s WAT—but not the kind you’d find at IIM-A or ISB. While those schools focus on strategy and decision-making, XLRI business topics center on ethical dimensions of corporate action. “Is profit the only responsibility of business?” isn’t asking for stakeholder analysis—it’s asking what you believe businesses owe society.
Core XLRI Business Topic Categories
| Category | Sample Topics | XLRI’s Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Profit vs. Purpose | “Is profit compatible with purpose?” “Should companies prioritize shareholders or stakeholders?” |
Moral obligation of business beyond legal compliance |
| Corporate Responsibility | “Does CSR go far enough?” “Can business be a force for good?” |
Genuine impact vs. performative virtue signaling |
| Leadership Ethics | “Should CEOs be activists?” “Are leaders born or made?” |
Moral courage, servant leadership, accountability |
| Corporate Accountability | “Should executives be personally liable?” “Should whistleblowers be protected?” |
Personal responsibility in organizational failure |
The XLRI Business Topic Formula
Here’s a proven structure for XLRI business ethics topics:
HOOK: Indian business example showing ethical tension (Tata, Infosys, recent controversy)
THESIS: Nuanced position acknowledging complexity (“While X, the reality is Y”)
ARGUMENT 1: Business case for ethical position (it’s also good business)
ARGUMENT 2: Stakeholder perspective (employees, community, environment)
COUNTER: Acknowledge practical challenges or opposing view
SYNTHESIS: Multi-stakeholder solution with specific actions (use verbs!)
XLRI-Style Business Topics: Practice Bank
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“Is profit the only responsibility of business?”
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“Is greenwashing worse than doing nothing?”
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“Should companies refuse to do business with unethical regimes?”
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“Is planned obsolescence ethical?”
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“Should executives be personally liable for corporate crimes?”
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“Is it ethical to profit from addiction (tobacco, gambling, social media)?”
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“Should companies take political stands?”
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“Is disruption overrated? (Consider workers displaced)”
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“Should family businesses prioritize professionalization over values?”
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“Is aggressive tax avoidance ethical?”
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“Should whistleblowers be protected or prosecuted?”
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“Is servant leadership effective in competitive industries?”
Go-To Examples for XLRI Business Topics
| Example | Use For | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Group | Ethics, nation-building, long-term thinking | Ratan Tata’s handling of 26/11 victims; Tata Steel’s community focus |
| Patagonia | Purpose over profit, sustainability | $3 billion company transferred to climate trust (2022) |
| Infosys (Murthy era) | Governance, transparency, Indian IT ethics | Voluntary disclosure standards above legal requirements |
| Theranos | Corporate fraud, ends vs. means | How “changing the world” became cover for deception |
| Enron/VW Emissions | Corporate crime, accountability | Systemic failure of ethics at organizational level |
WAT Factual Topics: Policy Through an Ethics Lens
Factual or policy-based topics at XLRI are never purely analytical. While IIM-B might ask “Should India implement UBI?” and expect economic analysis, XLRI’s version would probe the ethical dimensions: Does UBI preserve dignity? Does it create dependency? What do we owe our fellow citizens?
How XLRI Transforms Factual Topics
| Standard Policy Topic | IIM-B Expects | XLRI Expects |
|---|---|---|
| “Gig economy: Opportunity or exploitation?” | Economic analysis: GDP contribution, employment numbers, market efficiency | Ethics angle: Worker dignity, social security as moral obligation, power imbalance |
| “Should voting be compulsory?” | Democratic theory: Participation rates, implementation challenges, global examples | Ethics angle: Civic duty vs. individual freedom, informed consent, marginalized voices |
| “Is reservation policy still relevant?” | Policy analysis: EWS data, creamy layer, economic vs. social markers | Ethics angle: Historical justice, equality vs. equity, moral debt across generations |
| “Should India privatize PSUs?” | Economic efficiency: Performance metrics, fiscal benefits, global trends | Ethics angle: Public good vs. profit motive, worker welfare, essential services as rights |
XLRI-Style Policy Topics: Practice Bank
| Topic | Category | XLRI Ethical Angle | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Is meritocracy a myth?” | Social Policy | Privilege, systemic barriers, what people truly “deserve” | ★★★ |
| “Should India have universal healthcare?” | Healthcare Policy | Healthcare as right vs. privilege, state’s moral obligation | ★★ |
| “Is economic growth compatible with sustainability?” | Environment-Economy | Intergenerational justice, who bears the cost of progress | ★★ |
| “Should there be limits to free speech?” | Rights & Liberties | Individual freedom vs. collective harm, power of words | ★★★ |
| “Should organ donation be opt-out?” | Healthcare Ethics | Bodily autonomy, presumed consent, saving lives vs. choice | ★★ |
Gig Economy: 7.7 million workers, less than 5% have social security coverage
Income Inequality: Top 10% hold 77% of national wealth (Credit Suisse 2023)
Women’s Workforce: Female LFPR dropped from 32% (2005) to 24% (2020)
Healthcare Access: Out-of-pocket health spending is 55% in India vs. 11% OECD average
Climate Justice: India’s per capita emissions are 1/10th of USA’s, but bears disproportionate climate impact
WAT Technology Topics: AI, Privacy & Digital Ethics
Technology topics at XLRI are surging—up from 5% in 2020 to 15% in 2024-25. But unlike IIM-B’s tech-policy questions, XLRI technology topics focus squarely on ethics: privacy, surveillance, algorithmic bias, and the moral implications of AI. The question isn’t “Should AI be regulated?”—it’s “What do we owe people whose lives are affected by AI decisions?”
XLRI Technology Ethics Topics
| Topic | Key Ethical Tension | XLRI Focus |
|---|---|---|
| “The ethical implications of AI in hiring” | Efficiency vs. fairness, bias in algorithms | Can a machine judge human potential? Who’s accountable for bias? |
| “Is surveillance capitalism acceptable?” | Business model ethics, consent, data as commodity | Is attention truly “free” if it’s being monetized? |
| “Should tech platforms be responsible for user content?” | Platform neutrality vs. corporate responsibility | Where does free speech end and harm begin? |
| “Is privacy dead in the digital age?” | Convenience vs. privacy, surveillance normalization | What are the consequences of a privacy-free world? |
| “Deepfakes and truth in the digital age” | Technology vs. trust, information integrity | What happens when seeing is no longer believing? |
XLRI Technology Topics: Framework
1. IDENTIFY THE POWER IMBALANCE: Who has the technology? Who is affected by it? What’s the power differential?
2. TRACE THE ACCOUNTABILITY: When something goes wrong (biased AI, privacy breach), who is responsible? The developer? The company? The regulator?
3. CONSIDER THE VOICELESS: Who can’t opt out? Gig workers tracked by apps? Job seekers screened by AI? Citizens in surveillance cities?
4. PROPOSE ETHICAL GUARDRAILS: What specific actions (use verbs!) can companies, regulators, and individuals take?
High-Value Tech Statistics for XLRI
Technology Topics: XLRI Practice Bank
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“The ethical implications of AI in hiring”
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“Is surveillance capitalism acceptable?”
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“Should AI development be regulated?”
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“Is privacy dead in the digital age?”
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“Should tech platforms be responsible for user content?”
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“Is it ethical to track employee productivity digitally?”
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“Should individuals own their data?”
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“Will AI democratize or concentrate power?”
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“Is AI creativity genuine or mere pattern matching?”
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“Should there be algorithmic transparency laws?”
WAT Topics for IIM: How XLRI Differs from IIMs
Students often apply to both XLRI and multiple IIMs, assuming the same essay approach works everywhere. It doesn’t. The same topic at different schools requires fundamentally different treatment. Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted preparation.
XLRI vs. IIMs: Topic Philosophy Comparison
| School | Topic Style | Primary Focus | What Evaluators Want |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLRI | Ethics-focused, values-based | Moral reasoning, stakeholder impact | Nuanced ethical position, genuine concern for society |
| IIM-A | Case-based (AWT) | Business analysis, recommendations | Structured thinking, practical solutions |
| IIM-B | Policy-heavy, governance | Logical consistency, STRICT grammar | Systems thinking, evidence-based argument |
| IIM-C | Opinion-based, intellectual | Clear stance, academic rigor | Strong position with logical defense |
| IIM-L | Abstract, metaphorical | Creative interpretation | Unique perspective, metaphor use |
| IIM-K | Highly abstract, philosophical | Original thinking | Creativity, unexpected angles |
Same Topic, Different Schools: Treatment Comparison
Topic: “Should companies take political stands?”
Focus: Ethics of corporate voice, stakeholder impact, moral responsibility
Sample Thesis: “When Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard gave away his company to fight climate change, he demonstrated that some issues transcend neutrality. Companies, as powerful societal actors, have an ethical obligation to speak on issues that affect their stakeholders—but this voice must be grounded in genuine values, not marketing calculations.”
Key Elements: Values-based framing, stakeholder ethics, genuine vs. performative stance
Focus: Policy analysis, corporate governance, market implications
Sample Thesis: “The 2020s have seen a marked increase in corporate activism, with mixed results. While Ben & Jerry’s advocacy aligns with brand identity, Disney’s Florida controversy shows the risks of wading into divisive politics. Companies must weigh fiduciary duties against reputational risk.”
Key Elements: Policy framework, governance angle, logical pros/cons analysis
Focus: Clear stance with intellectual defense
Sample Thesis: “Companies should absolutely take political stands—not because it’s safe, but because silence is itself a political position. When EdTech platforms remained silent during NEP debates, their silence signaled comfortable acceptance of status quo. The question isn’t whether to speak, but whether you can afford not to.”
Key Elements: Strong opinion, intellectual argument, clear position early
XLRI-Specific Topic Types (Not Common at IIMs)
These topic patterns appear frequently at XLRI but rarely at IIMs:
1. Profit vs. Purpose tensions: “Is profit compatible with purpose?” • “Can business be a force for good?”
2. Workplace dignity questions: “Is the gig economy exploitative?” • “Should companies track employee productivity?”
3. Personal ethics in business: “Should executives be personally liable?” • “Is aggressive tax avoidance ethical?”
4. Social responsibility depth: “Does CSR go far enough?” • “Is philanthropy a substitute for fair wages?”
If you’re preparing for both XLRI and IIMs, allocate separate practice time for XLRI’s ethics-heavy approach.
Format Comparison: XLRI vs. IIMs
| Parameter | XLRI | IIM-A | IIM-B | IIM-C | IIM-L | IIM-K | IIM-I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 20 min | 30 min | 20 min | 15-20 min | 15 min | 20 min | 10 min |
| Word Limit | 250-300 | 300-350 | 250-300 | 250 | 200-250 | 250-300 | 200 |
| WAT Weightage | ~10% | 10% | 15% | 10% | 10% | ~10% | ~10% |
| PI Reads WAT? | Almost Always | Usually No | Sometimes | Often | Sometimes | Varies | Rarely |
Unknown Topics WAT: Framework for Any Question
What if you see a topic you’ve never considered? What if you have zero content knowledge? This section provides frameworks to handle any XLRI topic, even completely unfamiliar ones. The key insight: at XLRI, your ethical reasoning matters more than your domain expertise.
The XLRI Unknown Topic Framework
- Re-read topic word by word
- Ask: “What ethical question is this really asking?”
- Identify stakeholders who are affected
- Choose ONE interpretation and commit
- Political: Power dynamics, governance implications
- Economic: Who benefits? Who bears the cost?
- Social: Community impact, marginalized groups
- Technological: Digital implications, access
- Legal: Rights, regulations, accountability
- Ethical: Values, moral obligations, fairness
- Hook: “This topic asks us to consider…” (fallback opening)
- Thesis: Nuanced position acknowledging complexity
- Body: 2 arguments + 1 example (even general one works)
- Counter: Acknowledge opposing view
- Conclusion: Synthesis with specific actions (use verbs!)
- Check grammar and spelling (critical at XLRI)
- Verify your ethical stance is clear
- Ensure conclusion has actionable verbs
- Underline key points (helps tired evaluator eyes)
The “Yes, And” Principle for Unknown Topics
From improv comedy comes the most powerful principle for unknown topics: never reject what you’re given.
“Yes, And…” (Tina Fey, Keith Johnstone)
In improv, saying “no” kills a scene. In WAT, rejecting a topic kills your essay. When you see an unfamiliar topic:
❌ Wrong reaction: “I don’t know anything about this.”
✅ Right reaction: “Yes, this is challenging, AND here’s an angle I can explore…”
Your first thought is usually your strongest. Don’t second-guess for 5 minutes—start writing. A committed mediocre choice beats a hesitant brilliant one.
Emergency Fallback Templates for XLRI
| Opening Type | Template | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| The Ethics Frame | “This topic raises a fundamental question about [values/responsibility/fairness]. At its core, we must ask: What do we owe [stakeholder]?” | Any unknown XLRI topic |
| The Stakeholder Open | “When considering [topic], we must examine who benefits, who bears the cost, and whether this distribution is just.” | Business ethics topics |
| The Tension Frame | “[Topic] presents a tension between [value A] and [value B]. The challenge lies not in choosing one, but in finding synthesis.” | Dilemma-style topics |
| The Safe Universal | “This topic invites us to consider the ethical dimensions of [broad theme]. While simple answers are tempting, the reality demands nuance.” | Complete content blanks |
Content Generation When You Have Zero Knowledge
Example: “AI in hiring” → Companies gain efficiency, candidates lose transparency, HR decides, rejected candidates have no voice.
Autonomy: Do people have real choices?
Transparency: Is there hidden information?
Accountability: Who’s responsible when things go wrong?
Climate change: Works for any long-term vs. short-term topic
COVID pandemic: Works for any crisis, balance, collective action topic
“Companies must audit their practices. Regulators should mandate transparency. Individuals can demand accountability.”
Sample Essays That Scored 8+ at XLRI
Let’s see the principles in action. Below are annotated sample essays demonstrating what works at XLRI, plus one example of what doesn’t work. Pay attention to the ethical framing, stakeholder consideration, and actionable conclusions.
Sample Essay 1: “Is profit compatible with purpose?” (8.5/10)
When Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard transferred his $3 billion company to a climate trust in 2022, he answered this question definitively: profit and purpose aren’t just compatible—they’re inseparable for companies that want to endure.
Powerful hook with specific, recent example. Shows awareness of business-ethics intersection.Yet the question deserves nuance. Milton Friedman’s 1970 dictum that “the business of business is business” still resonates in boardrooms, and not without reason. Shareholders provide capital; they deserve returns.
Acknowledges opposing view immediately. Shows intellectual honesty—not preachy.The error lies in treating profit and purpose as a binary choice. Consider Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur operations: the company provides healthcare, education, and housing to workers not as charity, but as strategy. Lower attrition, higher productivity, and community goodwill translate directly to long-term profitability. Purpose becomes the engine of sustainable profit.
Indian example (Tata) showing purpose as strategy, not charity. Exactly what XLRI wants.Critics argue that purpose can mask poor performance—”purpose-washing” as the ethical cousin of greenwashing. This concern is valid: WeWork’s “elevating world consciousness” vision covered spectacular mismanagement. But the solution isn’t abandoning purpose; it’s demanding that purpose have teeth.
Counter-argument with specific example (WeWork). Shows critical thinking, not naivety.Companies must define measurable purpose metrics, boards must tie executive compensation to stakeholder outcomes, and consumers must reward genuine purpose over marketing slogans. The question isn’t whether profit is compatible with purpose—it’s whether we have the courage to demand both.
Strong conclusion with VERBS: “must define,” “must tie,” “must reward.” Actionable. Memorable closer.Sample Essay 2: “The ethical implications of AI in hiring” (8/10)
When Amazon scrapped its AI recruiting tool in 2018 after discovering it systematically downgraded women’s resumes, it revealed an uncomfortable truth: our algorithms inherit our biases, then scale them.
Specific, relevant example. Immediately establishes the human stakes.AI in hiring promises efficiency—processing thousands of applications in minutes, eliminating human fatigue and inconsistency. These benefits are real. But efficiency without fairness is not a virtue; it’s an accelerated injustice.
Acknowledges benefits before critique. Balanced, not one-sided. Strong ethical framing in second sentence.The fundamental problem is accountability. When a human recruiter rejects a candidate, that person can be questioned, trained, or corrected. When an algorithm rejects someone, who answers? The developer who built it? The company that deployed it? The vendor who sold it? This accountability vacuum is ethically untenable.
Identifies the ethical core: accountability. Rhetorical questions drive the point effectively.Moreover, those most affected—rejected candidates—often have no idea they were screened by AI. They cannot challenge what they cannot see. This information asymmetry violates basic principles of fairness.
Considers the voiceless—exactly what XLRI values. Short, powerful sentence for emphasis.The path forward requires action on multiple fronts: Companies must audit their AI tools for bias regularly. Regulators must mandate disclosure when AI is used in hiring decisions. Developers must build explainability into their systems. AI can enhance hiring—but only if we ensure it serves human dignity, not just human resources efficiency.
Specific actors + specific actions = Verb Test passed. Powerful closer linking to dignity.Sample Essay 3: What Doesn’t Work (5/10)
According to the Oxford Dictionary, profit is defined as “a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent.” Purpose is defined as “the reason for which something is done.”
Dictionary opening = instant eye-roll. Evaluators have read this 50 times already.In my opinion, profit and purpose can be compatible in some cases but not in others. It really depends on the situation and the company involved.
“In my opinion” = weak. “It depends” = classic fence-sitting. No clear position.Some companies like various organizations have shown that they can make money while also doing good. Many experts believe that this is the future of business. However, other companies are only focused on profits.
“Various organizations” = no specific example. “Many experts” = vague appeal to authority.There are both advantages and disadvantages to focusing on purpose. The advantage is that it makes employees happy. The disadvantage is that it might cost more money.
Generic pros/cons with no depth. No ethical framing at all.In conclusion, both profit and purpose are important for companies. Companies should try to balance both of these aspects. Only time will tell which approach is better.
Non-committal conclusion. No verbs, no actions, no synthesis. “Only time will tell” is surrender.Key Differences: What Separates 8+ from 5
| Element | Score 5 Essay | Score 8+ Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Dictionary definition, generic statement | Specific example with ethical hook (Patagonia, Amazon AI) |
| Thesis | “It depends,” “In my opinion,” fence-sitting | Nuanced position that acknowledges complexity but takes a stance |
| Examples | “Various companies,” “many experts” | Named examples (Tata, WeWork, Amazon) with specific details |
| Counter-argument | Absent or generic “there are disadvantages” | Specific opposing view, then thoughtful rebuttal |
| Ethical framing | None—treats topic as business analysis | Central—who’s affected, what’s fair, what’s our obligation |
| Conclusion | “Both are important,” “time will tell” | Specific actions with verbs: “must,” “should,” “can” |
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1XLRI Tests Moral Reasoning, Not Just IntellectAs a Jesuit institution, XLRI cares about your values. 85%+ of topics have explicit ethical dimensions. Approach every topic by asking: “What ethical question is this really asking?”
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2Business Ethics Topics DominateProfit vs. purpose, corporate responsibility, and workplace ethics form the core of XLRI WAT. Master these categories with Indian examples (Tata, Infosys) plus global ones (Patagonia, Enron).
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3Show Nuance, Not AbsolutismXLRI wants to see that you understand complexity. Acknowledge opposing views, consider multiple stakeholders, and avoid sounding preachy. “It depends” is weak; nuanced synthesis is strong.
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4Your WAT Will Be Read Before Your PIXLRI panelists almost always review your essay before interviewing you. Don’t write positions you can’t defend verbally. Be prepared to elaborate on your WAT stance with consistency.
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5End With VerbsThe Verb Test is especially crucial for XLRI. “Companies must audit,” “Regulators should mandate,” “Individuals can demand.” Action-oriented conclusions show you’re not just philosophizing—you want change.
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6Use the Unknown Topics FrameworkFor any unfamiliar topic, find the ethical core, identify stakeholders, apply universal ethics principles (fairness, accountability, transparency), and use the “Yes, And” mindset. XLRI values reasoning over domain expertise.