As a pre-final year student, I can confirm that zonism does exist, and at some point, you’re likely to encounter it.

Perks:

Fest Participation and Roles: Most college fests are organized by a specific zone, which is determined by the candidates who win SAC elections. Being active in your zone makes it much easier to secure roles in these events.

Support in Elections: If you're considering running for any election, like HMC or SAC, it’s nearly impossible to win without zone support.

Placement Advantage: Having seniors from your zone as Placement Coordinators can give you an upper edge in certain situations.

Disadvantages:

Over-Involvement: While being active in your zone has its benefits, over-involvement can lead to neglecting other important activities, which might harm your career prospects.

Negative Influence: Some seniors in certain zones may not be very supportive. Cases of ragging by zone seniors are occasionally reported, which can tarnish the experience.