Psychometric tests for citizen candidates

Personal interviews, psychometric assessment and practical tests are routine for 20-somethings dreaming of a seat in top management institutes. But now, citizens aspiring for a seat in the civic legislature might be asked to prepare for these tests.

Personal interviews, psychometric assessment and practical tests are routine for 20-somethings dreaming of a seat in top management institutes. But now, citizens aspiring for a seat in the civic legislature might be asked to prepare for these tests.

Mumbai 227 – a platform for independent candidates contesting the forthcoming civic elections - has laid down parameters, which applicants will have to fulfil to garner their support.

The organisation has appointed Grey Cells, a human resource (HR) consultancy to screen applications and conduct tests to help analyse and rate applicants.

HT Image

Of these, the psychometric test would be most crucial, and has 18-20 criteria to gauge a candidate’s suitability. “It will be done using principles of psychology to assess the personality of person and his suitability for the position. This is used to assess administrative service candidates, and in the private sector, to select higher managerial authorities,” explained Mehul Kuwadia, chief executive, Grey Cells. “This is the first time that this method is being used to choose electoral candidates.”

Each selected applicant would be assessed for around two hours on various factors such as personality, time management, decision-making ability, values, assertiveness, communication skills, and empathy.

There will be four rounds of tests before candidates’ names are sent to the selection panel.