2026 IIM Ahmedabad PGPX Extempore Topics: Latest Questions & Preparation Guide

The extempore round is an important component of the IIM Ahmedabad PGPX interview process. It is designed to assess how well candidates can think on their feet, organize their thoughts, demonstrate awareness of current issues, and communicate their views clearly within a limited time.

The topic itself does not necessarily have a “right” or “wrong” answer. Interviewers are more interested in understanding how you approach an unfamiliar subject, build an argument, consider different perspectives, and arrive at a balanced conclusion.

Based on recent PGPX interview trends and the kinds of current-affairs issues being discussed in India, the following are some important 2026 extempore topics candidates should prepare for.

2026 PGPX Extempore Topics

Is the Indian startup ecosystem overly reliant on foreign venture capital?
Is the Indian aviation industry’s pricing model unsustainable?
Has CSR become more of a tool for corporate self-promotion?
Should Indian Railways be privatized?
Is the government doing enough to support India’s startup ecosystem?
Should gig workers be given the same rights and benefits as full-time employees?
Are public-private partnerships the key to building India’s infrastructure?
Should India develop its own alternatives to platforms such as Facebook, Google and OpenAI?
Is real estate the biggest source of black money in India?
Should India refrain from purchasing oil from Russia?
Should B-school rankings be based primarily on student feedback?
Do private deemed universities operate primarily for profit?
Can India truly decouple itself from China?
Has mental health become an over-discussed topic rather than receiving meaningful attention?
Is GST 2.0 beneficial for the Indian economy?
Are startups over-hyped compared with traditional businesses?
Should AI and machine learning be integrated into examinations and education?
Are Make in India and Make America Great Again examples of economic policies aimed at reducing dependence on outsourcing?
Should real-money gaming be reinstated?
Should the India-Pakistan T20 match have been conducted following the Pahalgam attack?
What could be the impact of changes in the H-1B visa regime on India and the US?
How could changing US visa conditions affect your company’s revenue or business model?
What are the biggest challenges facing Gurgaon, and how would you address them as a policymaker?
Should India invest in high-speed rail when a significant section of the population still faces economic hardship?
Should students above the age of 15 be permitted to participate in part-time jobs or gig work?
Is the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 a step towards greater transparency or a potential example of excessive state intervention?
Do allegations of “vote chori” undermine public trust in India’s electoral system?
Disinvestment vs. privatization: What is the right path for India’s public-sector enterprises?
Will AI create more jobs than it eliminates in India?
Can India genuinely replace China as the world’s factory under the China+1 strategy?

How to Approach the PGPX Extempore

Remember that the objective of the extempore is not to demonstrate that you know everything about the topic. Instead, the interviewer is evaluating your ability to think logically under pressure.

A good response should ideally have a clear structure. Start by defining the issue or stating your position, then discuss two or three important arguments, acknowledge the counterargument, and conclude with a balanced view.

For example, if the topic is “Can India decouple from China?”, you could structure your response around three areas: India’s current dependence on China, the opportunities created by supply-chain diversification, and the practical limitations of complete decoupling.

This approach is usually much stronger than simply listing facts or presenting a one-sided opinion.

What PGPX Interviewers Are Looking For

During the extempore, interviewers generally assess:

Clarity of thought
Logical structuring
Awareness of current affairs
Ability to consider multiple perspectives
Quality of arguments
Decision-making under pressure
Communication and articulation
Ability to reach a reasoned conclusion

There is no requirement to take a particular political or economic position. A well-reasoned argument is more important than having the “correct” opinion.

How to Prepare for the 2026 PGPX Extempore

Do not try to memorize answers to every possible topic. Instead, build familiarity with major themes such as India’s economy, infrastructure, AI and technology, geopolitics, manufacturing, startups, public policy, education, governance and business strategy.

Also practice speaking for 1–2 minutes on random topics without preparation. The objective is to become comfortable creating a structure quickly.

A useful framework is:

Define → Take a Position → Give 2–3 Arguments → Acknowledge the Counterview → Conclude

The more you practice this framework across different subjects, the easier it becomes to handle an unexpected topic during the actual interview.

Final Takeaway

PGPX interviewers often test clarity of thought, structure, awareness and articulation through the extempore round. The topic itself does not have a predetermined right answer. What matters is how you think, how you structure your response, whether you can recognize different sides of an issue, and how effectively you communicate your conclusion.

Candidates should therefore focus less on memorizing model answers and more on developing the ability to analyze unfamiliar topics quickly and communicate their thoughts with confidence.

FAQs – IIM Ahmedabad PGPX Extempore

What is the IIM Ahmedabad PGPX extempore round?

The PGPX extempore is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet, structure their thoughts, analyze an issue and communicate clearly within a limited amount of time.

What kind of topics are asked in the PGPX extempore?

Topics can cover current affairs, business, economics, technology, geopolitics, public policy, social issues, infrastructure and management. Candidates may be asked to speak on both India-specific and global issues.

Is there a correct answer to an extempore topic?

No. The interviewer is generally more interested in your reasoning, structure and articulation than in whether you take a particular position. A balanced and well-supported argument is more important than giving a “correct” answer.

How long should my extempore response be?

The exact format can vary, so candidates should be prepared to speak clearly and concisely within the time provided by the interview panel. Practising 1–2 minute responses is a useful way to build confidence.

What should I do if I don’t know much about the topic?

Do not panic or make up facts. Start by defining the issue, identify the key dimensions involved, and build your argument logically using general knowledge and reasoning. Demonstrating structured thinking can be more valuable than having extensive factual knowledge.

What structure should I use for an extempore?

A simple structure is: Define the topic → state your position → present two or three arguments → acknowledge the counterargument → conclude with a balanced view.

Should I take a strong stand on controversial topics?

You can take a clear position, but avoid being unnecessarily extreme. On politically or socially sensitive topics, it is better to demonstrate that you understand multiple perspectives before explaining your own conclusion.

What current-affairs areas should PGPX applicants prepare?

Focus on India’s economy, AI and technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, startups, geopolitics, trade, education, governance, public policy, sustainability and major business developments.

Should I memorize answers to the topics?

No. Memorizing prepared speeches can make your response sound rehearsed and may leave you unprepared if the interviewer changes the wording of the topic. Instead, prepare frameworks and practise forming arguments quickly.

How can I practice for the PGPX extempore?

Pick a topic at random, spend 15–30 seconds organizing your thoughts, and speak for 1–2 minutes without interruption. Record yourself and evaluate your structure, clarity, pace, filler words and conclusion.

What do interviewers look for during the extempore?

They typically assess clarity of thought, logical structure, current-affairs awareness, ability to consider different perspectives, articulation, confidence and decision-making under pressure.

Can my professional background help during the extempore?

Absolutely. Your work experience can help you bring practical examples and business perspectives into your answers. However, avoid forcing every topic back to your industry; demonstrate that you can think beyond your immediate area of expertise.

What happens if I make a mistake during the extempore?

A minor factual or verbal mistake is unlikely to define your performance. Stay composed, correct yourself when necessary, and continue with your argument. The overall quality of your thinking and communication matters more than perfection.