Facts checked 29 September 2026 for the CAT 2026 cycle
WAT Topic: "The gig economy: liberation or exploitation?" - economic category, medium difficulty. Consider 2 perspectives for a balanced essay.
Open with the Code on Social Security, which came into force on 21 November 2025 and put gig and platform workers into Indian law for the first time. State that the answer depends on how well the rules are enforced, not on a one-word verdict.
Para 1: Benefits of flexibility with examples (delivery partners, freelancers)
Para 2: Exploitation concerns: earnings, job security and algorithmic control
Para 3: Regulation: the Social Security (Central) Rules 2026, state laws such as Karnataka's, and models abroad (UK, California)
Call for portable benefits and platform accountability while preserving flexibility.
NITI Aayog (2022) estimated 77 lakh gig workers in 2020-21 and projected 2.35 crore by 2029-30
The Code on Social Security came into force on 21 November 2025; the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 were notified on 8 May 2026
Aggregators are to contribute 1-2% of annual turnover to a social security fund; the exact rate had not been notified as of July 2026
A gig worker qualifies for benefits after 90 days with one aggregator, or 120 days across aggregators, in the previous financial year
Taking an extreme position without acknowledging nuance
Ignoring the worker's perspective entirely
Not providing concrete regulatory suggestions
IIM panelists value nuanced takes. Acknowledge both sides, then propose a solution.
Rhetoric (4th Century BC)
Insight: Persuasion requires ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) working together.
How to apply: Structure your WAT with logical arguments (logos), establish credibility through data/examples (ethos), and connect to human impact (pathos). IIM evaluators look for all three.
Made to Stick (2007)
Insight: Ideas that stick are Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and tell Stories (SUCCESs).
How to apply: Open with an unexpected fact or angle. Use concrete examples, not abstractions. Ground arguments in credible data. Make it memorable.
The Sense of Style (2014)
Insight: Good writing is about showing the reader something in the world, not performing your knowledge.
How to apply: Don't write to impress—write to illuminate. Avoid jargon and pompous language. Show you understand the issue, don't just list points.
Politics and the English Language (1946)
Insight: Clear thinking leads to clear writing. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
How to apply: Prefer active voice. Cut unnecessary words. If you can cut a word, cut it. Clarity beats complexity in 200-word essays.
Values original thinking and nuanced positions over conventional wisdom.
Tip: IIMA loves contrarian but well-reasoned takes. Don't be afraid to challenge the premise of the topic itself.
Practical, business-oriented evaluation. Values structured thinking.
Tip: IIMB appreciates when you connect topics to business/management implications. Always include "so what" for managers.
Rigorous analytical approach. Values data and economic reasoning.
Tip: IIMC loves numbers. Include at least one relevant statistic. Show you understand economic trade-offs.
Balanced evaluation of content and expression.
Tip: IIML values clear structure. Use explicit transitions and signposting.
Ethics-focused, values human-centric perspectives.
Tip: XLRI's Jesuit heritage means they value ethical dimensions. Always consider the human/social impact angle.
There's no "right" stance. What matters is taking a clear position and defending it well. IIM panelists value nuanced takes. Acknowledge both sides, then propose a solution.
Nobody outside the institute can say. IIMs set the essay topic on the day. This topic is tied to an issue that was current in September 2026, and the statistics on this page carry their source and date, so use it for practice.
Open with the Code on Social Security, which came into force on 21 November 2025 and put gig and platform workers into Indian law for the first time. State that the answer depends on how well the rules are enforced, not on a one-word verdict. Your body should cover: Para 1: Benefits of flexibility with examples (delivery partners, freelancers); Para 2: Exploitation concerns: earnings, job security and algorithmic control; Para 3: Regulation: the Social Security (Central) Rules 2026, state laws such as Karnataka's, and models abroad (UK, California).
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