The pre-recruitment test scores of the 2,264 candidates were analysed by MeriTrac to assess how they fared on the three tests in terms of the average percentage scores and pass-through rates.

The pass-through rates were calculated based on the pre decided cut-off for each test. These cut-offs are at par with  pthe average cut-off scores decided by companies in their recruitment exercises.

The threshold cut-off scores used in verbal ability, quantitative ability and reasoning were 45 per cent, 35 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

Overall average percentage score obtained by MBAs in verbal ability, quantitative ability and reasoning was 52.58 per cent, 41.17 per ent and 37.51 per cent respectively.

"While performance on verbal ability wassatisfactory, reasoning is an area where there is scope for improvement," the study noted. "Considering that the elements of the reasoning test (deductive logic, data sufficiency, spatial reasoning, and analytical reasoning) are crucial to making sound management decisions, this is a result which warrants closer attention," it added.

The total pass-through rate, which is an index of employability, at 21 per cent leaves scope for improvement considering that organisations hire from this talent pool for strategic roles and this is the managerial pool that companies bank on.

S Murlidhar, CEO and director, MeritTrac Services, says, "The report highlights the employability gaps across various competencies and =the need for scientific examinations and tests to align the candidate skills to employability metrics.''