It was an embarrassing start for the ambitious online Common Admission Test (CAT) examination, being conducted for the first time in India. Thousands of students ended up staring at blank computer screens as servers crashed in as many as 11 centres in nine cities, forcing them to go home without taking the test on Day 1. The IIMs had entrusted the responsibility of conducting the online test to American firm Prometric, which also organises GMAT.
Technical glitches developed moments after the CAT exam began at centres located in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Pune. Students complained that the computers displayed a blank screen instead of questions. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) directors, however, claimed that the experiment was “fairly successful.”
Candidates were furious about the conduct of the CAT organisers. “It is irresponsible of the CAT organisers to not ensure that technical snags don’t occur on the day of the test. Why do they want to go online if they are not equipped to handle it?” said Anurag B, a candidate whose test slot at Garden City College (GCC), Bangalore got cancelled.
In centres where tests were cancelled, students were told that the exam was being postponed for “an indefinite period”. HRD minister Kapil Sibal, however, clarified that the tests for such students will be rescheduled and many will be accommodated on Sunday.
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