Common Admission Test to become round-the-year affair

Now, B-school aspirants can sit for Common Admission Test (CAT) throughout the year. After successful completion of the second online edition of CAT 2010 on Wednesday, organisers are planning to make CAT a round-the-year affair from 2012, for the convenience of B-school aspirants.

Organisers of the exam, Indian Institute of Managements (IIMs) and their US-based partner, Prometric India, took the decision after the successful completion of CAT 2010.

Sources at Prometric said that linear-on-the fly testing method, (as the round-the-year exam pattern is called) would be implemented by 2012.

In order to conduct exams during any period of the year, organisers need to have sufficient psychometrically tested questions.

Both IIMs and Prometric hope to prepare the required amount of questions by 2012.

The celebratory mood was quite palpable, as organisers of CAT 2010 came together to celebrate the successful completion of the exam in New Delhi on Thursday.

“We are happy that this year’s administration met, or even exceeded global standards,” said Soumitra Roy, managing director, Prometric.

“To test so many candidates, across such diverse geography and physical environments within a set period, is something that we are proud of. What is most satisfying is, overcoming the infrastructural challenges and delivering on our commitment of smooth and fair testing for all eligible candidates. All registered candidates who showed up with proper documentation and on time, have successfully completed their tests. This would not have been possible without support from IIMs and our delivery partners,” he said.

The IIMs declared that the results will be announced on January 12, 2011 and candidates can log in to view their results on the CAT website www.catiim.in.
“This has been a defining CAT testing process. It goes to prove that thorough preparation and professional expertise goes a long way in delivering highest value. IIMs are extremely happy and proud that we are paving the way for computer-based test (CBT)  in India, which would have positive wider implications for the future, both for candidates and organisations”, said Prof Himanshu Rai, convener, CAT 2010.