Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-40242313-20191028045201/@comment-43403813-20191028180601

Besides, the ninja ranking system is a reflection of pretty much any system, it would never be 100% efficient and fair to absolutely everyone.

Threats such as Deidara, Kakuzu and Pain all lost to Genin (more or less), and a lot of the combat in those fights showed examples of great skill and strategy. It's like taking mock exams throughout the whole year and getting A grade results, but you end up bombing the final exam.

As for your point regarding the danger of the exams, they have to be dangerous. They are that way to make people understand that becoming a ninja is not a joke, they are merely reflecting what could happen out on the field. If students weren't ready for combat or strategy, they'd remain in the Academy or Genin at most.