Decision-Making and Eligibility Criteria: Tabulate the Conditions, Then Apply the Exceptions

Decision-Making: The Eligibility-Criteria Format

In this format you play the selection officer. The question lists the conditions a candidate must meet for a post, usually four to six of them, followed by one or two exceptions. Then it describes several candidates and asks what should be done with each.

The usual answer choices are: the candidate is selected, is not selected, is referred to a named higher authority such as the Director or the Chairman, or the data are inadequate to decide.

Nothing here needs outside knowledge. Every mark depends on reading each condition precisely and checking each candidate against it without assumptions. The format punishes speed reading: "at least 60%" and "more than 60%" give different verdicts for a candidate with exactly 60%.

The next cards show how to tabulate the conditions, work through five sample candidates, and avoid the traps that cost most marks.

1. In an eligibility-criteria question, a candidate fails exactly one condition, and the exception attached to that condition is fully met. What is the decision?

2. A candidate meets every stated condition except that the case description does not mention the interview score, which is one of the conditions. What is the decision?

3. Conditions for a Clerk post: (i) graduate with at least 55% marks; (ii) aged at least 20 and not more than 28 years; (iii) at least 45% in the written test. Exception: a candidate who fails only (i) but scored at least 70% in the written test is referred to the Chairman. Asha is 24 years old, a graduate with 60% marks, and scored 50% in the written test. What is the decision?

4. Conditions for a Clerk post: (i) graduate with at least 55% marks; (ii) aged at least 20 and not more than 28 years; (iii) at least 45% in the written test. Exception: a candidate who fails only (i) but scored at least 70% in the written test is referred to the Chairman. Vikram is 26 years old, a graduate with 50% marks, and scored 74% in the written test. What is the decision?

5. Conditions for a Clerk post: (i) graduate with at least 55% marks; (ii) aged at least 20 and not more than 28 years; (iii) at least 45% in the written test. Exception: a candidate who fails only (i) but scored at least 70% in the written test is referred to the Chairman. Neha is 30 years old, a graduate with 65% marks, and scored 60% in the written test. What is the decision?

6. Conditions for a Clerk post: (i) graduate with at least 55% marks; (ii) aged at least 20 and not more than 28 years; (iii) at least 45% in the written test. Exception: a candidate who fails only (i) but scored at least 70% in the written test is referred to the Chairman. Imran is 22 years old, a graduate with 56% marks, and scored exactly 45% in the written test. What is the decision?

7. Conditions for a Clerk post: (i) graduate with at least 55% marks; (ii) aged at least 20 and not more than 28 years; (iii) at least 45% in the written test. Exception: a candidate who fails only (i) but scored at least 70% in the written test is referred to the Chairman. Pooja is 25 years old and a graduate with 58% marks. Nothing is said about her written test. What is the decision?

8. Many residents of a town fell ill after drinking water from the public storage tank. Which is the most appropriate course of action for the municipal officer?