Considered the country’s most demanding entrance examination, CAT 2009 will be computerised, enabling candidates to take up the test in the new medium. Nearly 2.76 lakh candidates appeared for the test last year, and the number of CAT aspirants for 2009 has been projected to cross over three lakh.
Test format
Clearing up the misconception that CAT is an online test, Prof Satish Y Deodhar, Convener, CAT 2009, said, “The test will be administered in a computerised format, and will not be online as misunderstood. CAT is not an interest-based test. The format of the test will not change and will be remain the same as before”.
Determined to make the test computerised and to handle the increasing number of candidates, Prof Deodhar said, “We have announced that the test will be computerised, and we will go ahead. The crux of the matter is the number of terminals capable to administer the test for the candidates. We are getting prepared to administer the test to the increasing number of CAT aspirants.”
The question paper format of the test will remain the same. Students will be allowed to take up the test only once in the prescribed ten-day window duration, he added
Vouchers cost Rs 1,400
“The CAT vouchers have been priced at Rs 1,400 and will be available at designated banks. Payment of CAT voucher will be through cash and not by other means as contemplated before. The advertisements for CAT will be put up by August end and in about three weeks. Another Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) set will be put up on the IIM website for the benefit of students,” he added.