Coaching institutes like IMS, TIME, and Career Launcher rarely do rigorous backend verification of claimed CAT scores before publicity; they typically rely on candidate-submitted scorecards and trust-based confirmation. The thread's case exposes this weakness: IMS allegedly ran YouTube interview videos and promotional material about a "204/204" candidate without backend cross-check against IIM CAT database. When IIM Calcutta's official topper list didn't include his name, IMS had to quietly pull down videos and initiate internal review.
The business model incentivizes quick publicity: a "100 percentiler" gets clicks and enrollments, so institutes move fast to capitalize on claimed scores. Honest coaching institutes should verify: official CAT scorecard PDF with QR/authentication link, check CAT registration ID online at the IIM portal, get signed declarations, and optionally request IIM admission letter if claimed. The thread noted "IMS would have made at least 1000 extra enrollments due to him" reflecting the financial incentive misalignment.
For aspirants researching coaching, don't blindly trust topper marketing: check the institute's historical topper list across years (consistency matters), look for official CAT scorecard screenshots (not selfies holding marks paper), cross-check with multiple sources, and value teaching methodology over marketing claims. Reputable institutes like TIME and IMS do have genuine toppers, but verify specific claims independently. For IIM A aspirants (Rs 27.
5L fees, Rs 35.22 LPA avg), focus on preparation quality, not topper PR. Check your eligibility at collvera.