UCQ 2004 - Pune elims

I was the (unwilling) local Pune coordinator for the UCQ written elims. The questions were typically Synergy-like, a good mix of all topics, a slant towards current affairs in all areas, 50 decent questions (not all entirely workable). Was quite appalled by the turnout, just 5 full teams from 4 colleges. VIT had two and FC, last year's city representatives AFMC, and SIMS making up the rest. No COEP, no AIT. Siddharth Natarajan informs me of the difficulty of getting 3 others, and I can only feel for him. Sad state of affairs.

Speaking in a personal capacity, I think FC have a great chance of qualifying. They're sure to do par and above in their elims as they have a good team in Kunal, Shakti, Ashish and Sangita. They also have several other "profile" related advantages - they're Arts students (not the usual mgmt|engineers), have a female participant (without detracting from your quizzing aptitude Sangita :-) ) and their college is fairly well-known. AFMC made it last year and their team doesn't seem to be as strong as last year. I'm sure the team of Ganesh-Salil-Siddharth-Kunal will do well in the elims too, but methinks their relative obscurity and common profile will require them to be in the top slice of the national standings to improve their chances. I really hope two teams are picked (actually, considering that MDI gave their test in Pune last time, they might have been the other Pune centre team). I don't know much about the other teams except for Anand, so won't speculate about their chances.

Whoever makes it through can expect a lot of support and aid (if required) from the other guys in Pune's quizzing circle. I may be able to help in spotting some typical Synergy patterns and BVHK would know a great deal more about UCQ and the best preparations for it.