The Confusion and Controversy Behind COMEDK 2018 Rank Variations

With the release of COMEDK (Common Entrance Test for Medical Engineering Colleges) results in 2018, many candidates are left in a state of shock and confusion. What some see as an outcome of increased competition or a simple change in the difficulty level of the paper, others suspect could be due to technical errors or even fraudulent actions within the examination department. This article explores these theories and offers insights from various candidates who experienced significant discrepancies between their expected ranks and the ones announced.

The Theories Explained

Theory 1: Increased Competition
One of the most common explanations for the low ranks is the idea that the competition has increased substantially. However, the actual numbers tell a different story. According to official statistics, only 76,000 students registered for the exam, and fewer still appeared. An increase of just 6,000 students compared to the previous year is still not enough to justify such a drastic shift in rankings.

Theory 2: Paper Difficulty Level
Some candidates argue that the question paper was easier, which could explain why higher scores correspond to lower ranks. Yet, the highest scores observed are comparable to those from the previous years. The difficulty level of the paper in 2018, 2017, and 2016 was similar, making it unlikely that an easy paper could drastically change the ranking distribution.

Theory 3: Technical Error or Fraud
Considering the inconsistency, some candidates have speculated that there might have been a technical error or even fraud involved. If there was a significant error, it would impact a large number of candidates, affecting the overall rank distribution.

Personal Experiences and Insights

First Candidate
I scored 117 marks but ended up with a 6,000 rank, which was far lower than expected. Based on past years’ trends, I was anticipating a rank around 2,000. Some folks suggest that the increase in competition is the reason, but the actual numbers tell a different story. Another theory is that the paper was easy, but if that were the case, someone would have scored a perfect 180. The question papers from previous years were similar in difficulty, so this theory doesn’t hold water.

Second Candidate
Initially, I was getting 147 marks as per the final answer key. Physics had 46 marks, Chemistry 50, and Mathematics 51. Expecting a rank under 300 based on previous years' data, I was shocked when I saw the rank card indicating a rank of 507. This meant I wouldn't be able to get into RVCE, a college I was hoping for. I had predicted a rank of 2-4,000 based on rank predictors but the actual rank card showed 14,000. This left me feeling both overwhelmed and disheartened.

Third Candidate
After reviewing the provisional answer key, my initial score of 111 marks dropped to 105. Rank predictors suggested a rank of 3,000-3,500, but I knew these predictions were unreliable. When the results were released, my score was 110, but my rank was an astonishing 9,367. This discrepancy left me in a disappointing state. A friend of mine from the previous year got a rank of 4,604 with the same score, indicating a significant discrepancy. This further raises questions about the fairness of the examination process.

A Word to the Wise for COMEDK 2019 Aspirants

For future candidates, take the COMEDK exam seriously. Don’t solely rely on rank predictors for guidance. These tools are often inaccurate and might mislead you. Always be prepared for surprises and consider multiple scenarios when setting your expectations.