SIMULATION STAGE:
Round 1: Pure Merit-First Quota Allocation
In the initial baseline round, the algorithm processes all candidates in strict rank order (120 to 950). For each applicant's choices, it exhausts General Merit (GM) seats before falling back to Category quotas (1G, 2AG). In Round 1, GM cutoffs are strictly stricter or equal to category cutoffs.
📊 Live Candidate-to-Seat Flow
Real-time matching paths under GM-first merit & quota reservation rules
GM Quota Allotment
Reserved Quota (1G/2AG)
Locked Seat
Hover nodes or links to trace priority
📈 Closing Cutoff Ranks by Program
Observe General Merit vs Reserved Category closing rank trajectories
Standard KEA Upward-Only Policy
When disabled, tests counterfactual "Retroactive Quota Conversion" rule
📋 Candidate Allocation & Lock Ledger
Interactive preference lists, category status, and allotted bucket
| Rank | Candidate | Cat | Preferences (Top -> Next) | Allotted Program | Quota Bucket | Action / State |
|---|
⚡ Counseling Decision Log
Real-time trace of algorithmic quota allocation & upgrade stops
🎓 Algorithmic Explanation: Why GM Cutoff Can Exceed 1G/2AG
In student counseling forums, many believe General Merit (GM) closing cutoffs must always be numerically smaller (stricter) than reserved quotas. This simulator proves why that rule only holds in Round 1, and why subsequent rounds cause cutoff divergence without any software error:
1. Round 1 Baseline Saturation
In Round 1, higher-ranked reserved students (e.g., Rank 120, Rank 310) take GM seats if available. A mid-rank category student (Rank 480 in 1G) gets admitted into their desired program (e.g., BMSCE AI/ML) via the 1G quota because GM was full.
2. Round 2 Seat Locking (Choice 1)
The category candidate locks their seat (Choice 1). They enter an upward-only preference list for Round 3 (seeking only MSRIT CSE). They do not vacate their BMSCE 1G seat.
3. The Zero-Incentive Stopping Rule
In Round 3, a GM seat vacates in BMSCE AI/ML (e.g., higher rank surrenders). The algorithm checks the locked candidate for MSRIT CSE (higher choice). They don't qualify. The algorithm has zero incentive to convert their existing BMSCE 1G seat to GM because they already hold it.
4. Downward GM Drift to Lower Ranks
Because 0 category seats are vacated, the 1G cutoff stays locked at Rank 480. The newly vacant GM seat is awarded down to the next qualified GM applicant (e.g., Rank 620 or Rank 880). Hence, the GM cutoff drifts to 880 (higher number), while 1G stays at 480!