Given that the AIIMS pie is tiny—only 50 seats each year, of which 34 are for general and only seven and four for SC and STs respectively—as compared to almost 5000 seats in the seven IITs, this also lends credence to the view that the larger the pie, the higher the chances that the principles of equity and excellence won’t come into conflict.

This also makes a strong case for an increase in the number of seats in higher-educational institutions.

Says K. Srinath Reddy, Head of Cardiology at AIIMS: “I am not surprised that the marks secured by the last qualified candidates are high, across the reserved lists as well. People forget that in addition to these entrance exam marks, there are qualifying marks, so all candidates admitted have 60 percent in their school-leaving exams, and at least 50 per cent in case of SC/STs. Failed or below par SC/ST candidates or General candidates are not chosen.”

Similarly in IITs. All those who have made it, General, SC or ST, have secured at least 55 percent in their 10+2 qualifying exam.