Is NC-OBC or Any Other Reserved Category Really Helpful in Getting into IIMs?

Yes, the NC-OBC Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other reserved categories do play a significant role in being admitted to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The reservation system is designed to provide equal opportunities to historically marginalized communities. Here's an in-depth look at how the reservation system impacts admission to the IIMs and its implications.

Reservation System in IIMs

Category-Based Quotas

IIMs adhere to the reservation policy set by the Government of India, which allocates a certain percentage of seats for various categories. These categories include:

Percentage of Seats

Typically, around 15% of seats are reserved for SC candidates, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC, and 10% for EWS candidates. The exact percentages may vary slightly across different institutions.

Advantages for Reserved Category Candidates

Lower Cut-off Scores

Candidates from reserved categories often benefit from lower cut-off scores in entrance exams such as the CAT (Common Admission Test). This means they have a better chance of qualifying for the next stages of the admission process compared to general category candidates. For instance, an OBC candidate might have to secure a lower CAT percentile than a general category candidate to get a seat.

Increased Opportunities

The reservation policy increases opportunities for candidates from historically disadvantaged groups, allowing for greater diversity within the student body. It is a step towards creating a more equitable educational environment.

Support Programs

Many IIMs offer special support programs and mentorship for students from reserved categories. These initiatives help them adjust and succeed in a competitive academic environment. These programs are designed to provide additional support and resources tailored to the needs of these students.

Conclusion

While the reservation system provides advantages for NC-OBC and other reserved category candidates, it is important to note that admission to IIMs is still highly competitive. Candidates must perform well in entrance exams, group discussions, and interviews to secure a spot. The system aims to create a more equitable educational environment, but individual effort and merit remain crucial components of the admission process.

The Reality of the Reservation System

Some argue that the reservation system is essential for fairness, while others believe that true merit should be the sole criterion for admission. For instance, many families belonging to reserved categories opt to waive off their quota to prove their merit. Here's an inspiring story of a candidate who chose not to use his OBC NC quota:

When I was in undergraduate engineering, and even more so in my professional life, people would often ask me if I had the OBC NC quota advantage. Initially, I had it, but my father voluntarily gave up our reservation by opting out of it because he believes that we are not socially or morally that backward to seek the quota for backward classes.

There is a provision if you belong to any of the reserved categories but are in a condition where you are not socially challenged and you think you and your family are not that backward to need a quota to get admission, you can write a letter to waive off the quota for you and your family members. I am very proud of my father for that.

Unfortunately, during my preparation for IIM, I had to work harder and harder. Unlike most of my quota friends, who may find it a cakewalk, I had to achieve a very high percentile to secure a spot. This experience taught me the importance of hard work and meritocracy.

On the day I struggled between my job and preparation, I called my father and expressed my frustration. He reminded me of the struggle a chick faces to break out of its shell:

When an egg is about to hatch, the chick tries hard to break the shell. With its tender beak and weak muscles, it's an arduous task. Even in some cases, the chick was too weak and gave up, succumbing to asphyxia inside the egg. However, this first struggle of a chick's life opens up its muscles, providing it the strength to fight in its life and to fly and face all the challenges that nature lays in its path. The parents never open up the shell from outside. However, when controlled hatching is done under human observation, scientists sometimes notice that the chick is having a hard time breaking open the shell and break it from outside. But these chicks are never ever in their lives able to fly, because their muscles didn't open up that first phase of nature's test. Reservation would have done the same thing to you! You might feel that you are having a hard time breaking open the shell, but once you face the outside world, this struggle will help you succeed and come out with flying colours.

These words made me realize the truth. Reservation might make the process easier, but it doesn't enable you to develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed in a competitive environment. True success comes from facing challenges and overcoming them, not from shortcuts.

Conclusion: If you fall into any of the reserved categories, the cutoff percentile for IIMs would be really low for you. However, it is essential to strive for excellence and not to rely solely on quotas. Use the provided resources and support to excel in your preparation and in your academic journey.