In what seems like a shocking turn of events and something which would force us to rethink our existing educational system, the CAT 2013 Results show that of the 1.74 Lakh candidates who appeared for CAT, 95,000 scored Zero or Negative marks. Some of the score cards released by IIMs show that some candidates who scored Zero marks had an overall percentile of 55%. A ‘0’ in QA and DI gives you a 53%ile and a 0 in VA and LR results in 57%ile.
Below is the score card of a candidate who did not attempt even a single question in CAT. The score card does not show 0 in both the sections as the CAT score is based on standard process of scaling and equalization.
The number of registrations for CAT this year were already low compared to previous years but the officials were expecting more number of serious candidates appearing. But the results are even more shocking as 55% of candidates haven’t been able to score even a single mark in the exam. Sure, the top IIMs will have the same stiff competition but the New Ones will have to compromise.
There has been a declining interest in doing an MBA mainly because of poor placements and increasing admission fees. With the current reservation criterion, already a lot of deserving candidates above 99%ile in the general category would not even get calls from many of the IIMs. Combine this with new provisions for Non-Engineer and Female Candidates which even though were initiated for the right reasons, reduced the chances of higher percentile candidates in the general category even further.
The percentile cutoff for Non Engineer, SC/ST candidates in many New IIMs and IIM Indore is around 55. So even if the aspirants were to the leave the entire answer sheet blank without answering even a single question, there is a good chance they would be considered for the next shortlist as a Zero score would result in a 55%ile. This is highly shameful for a competitive exam, considering that the CAT is considered to be one of the most highly selective exams in the world with a selection ratio of 1:80. These candidates without answering even a single question also clear the 50%ile section cutoff as a zero score in each section would also mean a 53 and 57%ile score in the respective sections.
Even though there have been tremendous advancements in the way CAT is conducted, the officials have a mammoth task ahead in the coming years to either change some of the rules of selecting candidates or generate enough interest in taking CAT more seriously. If this trend continues, the Newer IIMs would loose sheen sooner or later and wouldn’t be able to attract top employers at their doorsteps. Certainly tough times ahead.
Courtsey: TopTalent.in
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