Nurturing Career Opportunities Beyond the 60% Cutoff for MNCs
Many aspiring professionals often find themselves facing the challenge of meeting the minimum eligibility criteria set by multinational corporations (MNCs). The popular belief is that only those with a minimum score of 60% in their 12th grade can apply for positions in companies like TCS, Wipro, and Infosys. While this is a common misconception, it's not entirely true. There are many avenues and strategies that you can pursue even if you don't have a 60% score. Let's delve into what this means and explore other options available.
Understanding the Cutoff Criteria
It's important to understand that the cutoff is not set by the national education boards or the exams like eLitmus or AMCAT. Instead, these exams are used by various MNCs to shortlist candidates for their recruitment processes. The cutoff is typically set by the companies themselves, based on their internal criteria for candidate selection. The eLitmus and AMCAT are only tools used by the companies to evaluate and screen candidates. Their primary purpose is to highlight other skills and competencies that a candidate might possess beyond academic performance.
Alternative Options for Recruitment
Many companies indeed have a lower eligibility cut-off mark than 60% for certain positions. This is particularly true for entry-level roles and certain specialized positions where the focus is more on skills, experience, and innate talent rather than academic perfection. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Entry-Level Roles
For roles in IT support, data entry, and other non-technical positions, a lower percentage isn't always a major barrier. These positions often prioritize skills like punctuality, attention to detail, and adaptability. Moreover, companies like TCS offer thorough training programs which can significantly boost your skills and make you eligible for higher positions in the future.
2. Specialized Roles
For specialized skills like programming, software development, or data analytics, the focus is often on practical experience and project work, rather than the exact percentage in your 12th grade. Hence, roles in startups, smaller enterprises, and IT consultancy firms can be viable options even if your 12th grade percentage is below 60%. The main criteria here are often your skills and your potential to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly.
3. Companies with Lower Cutoffs
There are many companies that have lower eligibility cut-offs than 60%. Some of these companies include companies like TCS, Wipro, and Infosys themselves, when it comes to certain entry-level positions. Additionally, there are numerous other companies such as Tech Mahindra, Larsen Toubro InfraBrain, and others that have less stringent academic requirements for specific roles. These companies may focus more on performance in the eLitmus test, AMCAT, or other assessments.
Strategies for Navigating the Job Market
To pave your way to a successful career, it's crucial to adopt a proactive and multifaceted approach:
1. Focus on Skill Development
Spend your time enhancing your skills and gaining practical experience. Participate in coding competitions, online courses, and workshops to hone your abilities. When your resume reflects a solid skill set, it will outweigh any academic drawbacks.
2. Leverage Online Platforms
Utilize platforms like eLitmus, AMCAT, and Pearson Vue to improve your test scores and qualifications. These platforms offer ample practice tests and resources. Moreover, certain positions or companies may not even require these tests and may base their decisions on your performance in actual assessments or interviews.
3. Networking and Internships
Build a strong professional network by attending industry meetups, webinars, and other events. Internships and project work can provide valuable experience and can open doors to job opportunities. Consider internships in IT startups, where the focus is more on your abilities and skills rather than academic performance.
4. Continuous Learning and Adaptability
The tech industry is highly dynamic. Develop a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and tools. This can make you a highly desirable candidate, irrespective of your academic background.
Conclusion
The notion that you need a minimum 60% to secure a job in MNCs is a common misconception. Many companies have low eligibility criteria, focusing on potential, skills, and experience. By prioritizing skill development, leveraging online platforms, networking, and staying adaptable, you can open doors to numerous opportunities and build a successful career in the tech industry. Always remember, it's the company who has to hire you, and your performance in the selection process matters more than your 12th grade percentage.
Wishing you all the best on your career journey!
References
All the information cited is based on the common practices in the tech hiring industry. Companies like TCS, Wipro, and Infosys themselves provide detailed information about their recruitment processes on their official websites, which can be useful for a deeper understanding.