Does the Affirmmative Action in India work pretty much the way it works in the US? For example, white males can be the best qualified for a given competition, but they get passed over in favor of a female or minority. The greatest example of Affirmative Action for all to see in all its failure and stupidity is the Obama cabinet.
In the caste system, it doesn't matter how qualified the person is, they are not allowed to compete unless there is intervention.