Do Workex Candidate really have an edge when to comes to internships or placements than a fresher??

Not talking about just SIP shortlists on paper, but actual outcomes:

• better roles?
• better PPO chances?
• easier networking?
• more confidence in interviews?
• higher salaries?

Or is this “workex advantage” overhyped after a certain point?

Would love honest takes from:

• freshers who struggled or did well
• people with 1–3 years workex
• CAT repeaters with gap years
• MBA grads who saw the reality during placements

Also, where do CAT repeaters with a gap year stand in all this?
Does a gap hurt more than being a fresher?

Trying to understand the real picture before preparing again this year.