Why students are fraidy CATS

Aspiring MBA students who have begun studying for the exam, which will be held online for the first time this year, say IIMs have been 'dilly-dallying' over the new exam format

Why students are fraidy CATS

Aspiring MBA students who have begun studying for the exam, which will be held online for the first time this year, say IIMs have been 'dilly-dallying' over the new exam format

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is seven months away, but aspiring management students are already jittery about the online format for the exams. Although the students have the option of appearing online for CAT for the first time this year, the IIMs have not come out with clear instructions for the same.

The anxiety among students who are preparing to appear online has only increased with reports that the CAT exams may remain an offline affair, as the institutes are facing obstacles in finalising vendors to conduct the exams on behalf of the IIMs. ETS Prometric, Pearson VUE, Eduquity Career Technologies, Attest of APTECH Technologies are shortlisted as hosts for the exams in Mumbai.

For most aspirants it is not unusual to dedicate a year to prepare for the exams. Charles Carvalho (26), a law graduate who has been studying for CAT since the start of the year, said, "Since we're the first batch, they should have announced a draft of the plan by now so that all glitches can be ironed out.

I'm placing everything on these exams and I'll feel hurt if my chances are spoilt because of confusion on the part of the institutes."

Many have also taken a sabbatical from work despite the ongoing precarious job scenario only to appear for the CAT.

Nikhil Rurappa (22), a software developer, has been on leave for a month. "The IIMs have been dilly-dallying about the exam format. I'm more confident about appearing for GMAT because the format is clearer," said Nikhil.

Tutors, however, say three months are enough for the students to get acquainted with the new system.
"We are preparing students to take their exams online, but there won't be a problem with a written paper either. I don't think there will be too many glitches," said Amit Deshmukh, regional manager for western India with Career Launcher, a training institute.

2.76 lakh
The number of students who appeared for CAT in 2008. The number is expected to cross 3 lakh in 2009