IIMs, Prometric gear up for

glitch-free CAT 2010

Propose longer testing window, improved technology
BS REPORTER tocols that ensured a success-
Ahmedabad, 24 June ful administration during the
final days of testing.
aving burnt their fingers The US software firm has

H with the computer-based

Common Admission
Test (CAT) in 2009, the Indi-
also reviewed the performance
of the sites used during the CAT
2009, partners and, most im-
an Institutes of Management portantly, feedback from the
(IIMs) and Prometric — the US- candidates.
based firm which has been The CAT 2010 programme
assigned the task of conduct- claims to incorporate informa-
ing the exam — have proposed tion from the comprehensive
a few changes to ensure this audit that was conducted after
year’s exam is conducted with- the CAT 2009. “We are currently
out any technical glitches. finalising the list of local tech-
These include a longer test- File photo of students outside a test centre during CAT 2009 nology partners who will work
ing window to provide candi- with us in the areas of site readi-
dates with more choices, a ble step to ensure a successful wish to study at IIMs and over ness, test administration and on-
longer test-site preparation pe- administration for CAT 2010 can- 150 other B-schools, faced flak site technical support,” said Roy.
riod, an improved technology didates. To avert potential over- from various quarters last year This year, the computer-
for both registration and de- laps in schedule with college ex- after its new computer-based ver- based CAT will be conducted
livery, and fewer sites (online ams, Prometric has recom- sion was marred by a series of by IIM Lucknow and IIM Cal-
centres) to ensure a better test mended an earlier testing peri- technical glitches, followed by a cutta. In 2009, it was conduct-
experience for the candidates. od. The final dates and details on retest and delayed results. ed by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM
According to them, the re- registration and scheduling will To avoid a similar ‘failure’ Bangalore. Himanshu Rai, chair-
duction in sites will not com- be announced officially by the this year, Prometric has re- person (admissions) of IIM Luc-
promise the nationwide reach IIMs,” Prometric India MD viewed all the processes and know, will take over as the CAT
and availability of the test. Soumitra Roy said in a statement. technology employed during convener from Satish Deodhar,
“We are taking every possi- CAT, mandatory for those who CAT 2009, including the pro- who was convener last year.