When numbers lose all meaning

We hear the word “inflation” and think of prices (of food, fuel, medication, rent). But inflation’s reach goes far beyond markets, and can seep into how we measure worth itself.

- Kashyap Kompella

Titles, grades, even achievements may have started to expand more rapidly than substance. Think of college admission cutoffs and the trend becomes instantly clear. Let's start there.

Grade inflation: Straight As and a distorted reality

In my year, the Andhra state board Class 10 topper scored 546 on 600. With a score of 536, I ranked ninth.

Three decades on, this year’s Class 10 topper scored 600 on 600. Cutoffs for Delhi University often hover near perfection. Are students dramatically smarter, or have we tampered with the scale?

Grade inflation works the way price inflation does: when too many top scores are issued, the base shifts. In the same way that people become more willing to pay more for the same car, teachers, under pressure from parents, peers and superiors, grade a little higher. And presto, 95 becomes the new 75.