What is the tragic truth about cut-offs in Banking exams?

Now that you are reading this blog, we need to tell you something very important--something that most toppers and achievers don’t prefer saying out loud. You burn midnight oil, by highlighting important topics, preparing study plans, watching topper strategies and somewhere deep inside, you tend to think that your hard work guarantees success. But what if we say that it doesn’t always work for you. It might seem disappointing and demotivating right? It is not because you are not capable, but because there is a certain silent factor that usually decides your faith now, you might be thinking what that could be so without any suspense that factor is cut off.

It begins with students going to Best Bank Coaching institutes with a sparkle in their eyes. They dream of this path of hard work, marks, selection. But it's not always so simple. Cut-offs are not fixed, they are fluid and impacted by competition, job prospects and other factors. And thus the myth breaks down.

Let's look into the true reality of cut offs:

• Cut-offs aren't all about you

It's possible to put in your best, get most questions correct but still fail. Why? This is because cut-offs are also about unanswered questions. If the test is highly competitive, even a little shift in the overall performance will result in an increased cut-off. This can make the cut-off a bit less human and a bit more mathematical at times - like you are a part of a bigger algorithm.

• Competition is a really harsh mistress

Students also take SSC Coaching classes, and become better prepared. While this may seem a good idea, this also increases competition. So, now you are not only competing with mediocre aspirants, you are competing with well prepared aspirants too. Don’t lose hope, still you can achieve success if you tend to manage everything. Your success is fully dependent on how aware you are about every possible occurrence while preparing for the government exams. 

• Vacancies dictates 

This is the bitter reality. If the vacancies of the exam decreases, the cut-off will automatically rise. This does not have any relation with whether the paper was extremely hard or easy. The limited number of seats always raises the cut-off. We know that you have prepared so hard to clear your desired exam. However, the number of vacancies are now deciding your future. Like you, many other students are also applying and studying day and night to clear the exam. This usually raises the competition level because every other student is working aggressively to achieve the desired seat in the exam.

• Coaching can help in certain aspect

Coaching can improve your knowledge, speed and confidence. But it cannot affect other variables like cut off, paper difficulty and competition. Some students think coaching is a guarantee, and are disheartened when their results don't reflect this. Yes, a right Bank Coaching can help you hold a great grip on every topic and they can help you stay ahead of the competition. But you need to worry about the cut offs.

• Normalization can be unpredictable

Exams shifts can be tougher than others. This is supposed to be compensated for by normalization, but it still may not be perceived as fair. Candidates feel, while they may have done well in the difficult shift, they are not rewarded adequately for it and can affect the cut-offs.

• Double study causes stress

Some students take double study (banking and SSC) to increase their chances. This is good but also divides attention and fatigue. Ironically, trying to get two or more chances may undermine your performance in one, which can undermine your ability to obtain the cut-offs. The cut-offs can take their toll. It breeds doubt, fear and helplessness. Even the best students doubt themselves and don't realise that the majority will be eliminated.

What does this all mean for you?

Firstly, don't be disheartened, be informed. Understanding cut-offs will benefit you. Be not "just" good, be extremely talented and build a margin for safety. Rehearse not only with accuracy, but also agility. Second, don't be a single basket. SSC Coaching Classes will help you, but you'll learn from self-analysis and mocks. Similarly, if you are taking coaching, then use it to strengthen your fundamentals, not to split your attention. Lastly, remember that cut-offs are not gold. They might delay the train, but do not hold the ability to stop the train. The truth is ugly but it's also freeing - for once you know the game and now you can win it with full awareness.