Is It Possible for General Category Candidates to Secure Admission to IISERs with 91 Marks in SCB 2018?
The process of securing admission to the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) through the Subject Cadre Categorization (SCB) exam can be both challenging and unpredictable. Many students with various scores in the past have wondered about their chances, especially regarding whether a candidate from the general category can achieve an admission with a score of 91 in the SCB 2018 exam. Based on the provided information and experience, this article aims to provide insights and guidance.
Understanding the Cutoffs and Your Scoring Chance
No definitive cutoffs are provided for IISER admissions, and they can vary significantly from year to year. However, based on the experience and scores mentioned in the original query, it seems that obtaining a score of 91 in the general category can be quite competitive. Here's a breakdown of the possible scenarios:
1. Pune IISER
The Pune IISER has historically had a competitive cutoff and is known for its rigorous and demanding academic environment. A score of 91 in the general category might be too low for direct admission to Pune IISER in a competitive year. However, it is not impossible. Similar past scores of 75-80 in this category, for example, have had limited success in securing admission in the general round.
2. Mohali IISER
The Mohali IISER, particularly in the general category, is an avenue worth considering. With a score of 91, it's plausible to secure admission in the first round. Many students have managed to get into Mohali with scores slightly above or below this range. The first round admission to Mohali can be a significant achievement for a candidate from the general category.
3. Kolkata IISER
The Kolkata IISER, being a highly sought-after institution, generally has higher cutoffs. Based on past data and experience, a score of 91 might be slightly too low for Kolkata IISER directly. However, if the competition is less fierce or if you have strong preferences, it is still a possibility, albeit less likely.
4. Additional Options
Besides Mohali, there are other IISERs that might have been within reach. Considering the historical performance and given the score of 91, you can expect to be admitted to some of the other IISERs, especially if you are one of the top candidates for them.
Personal Success Story
Let's consider the mentioned success story of a candidate who scored 96 in the general category and secured admission to IISER Bhopal after the first round. This indicates that a score of 91 is competitive but may require a fortunate outcome in the subsequent rounds. In fact, last year, the same candidate secured admission to IISER Bhopal with a score of 72, demonstrating that lower scores can still lead to admission.
Advice and Final Thoughts
All the best in your application process. Remember, candidates from the general category have secured admissions with lower scores in some years, illustrating that your aspiration and self-belief play a crucial role in the outcomes. It is also important to focus on the second and third choices, as not getting your first choice is part of the process for many candidates.
The journey to IISER admission can be fraught with uncertainties, but with determination and a strategic approach, securing a coveted spot is achievable. Make sure to keep an eye on the official IISER website and application deadlines. Good luck!