JOIN USIIMs not sure how many will take retest
Prof Satish Deodhar, Convener, CAT 2009, said Prometric, the US firm in charge of conducting the computer-based CAT, had already begun emailing the affected candidates about the re-test date followed by subsequent e-mails.
He said: “By January 10, all the affected candidates will be informed by Prometric about the venue and the timings for the rescheduled test via email. Approximately 8,000 -10,000 students across the country will appear for the test but the exact number is not clear yet”.
A few days ago, the IIMs had announced that the results of CAT 2009 and the re-test will be announced by February third week.
Regarding the effects of re-test on IIMs admission process, Prof Deodhar agreed that the premier institutes will have to face the time crunch. “Yes, we (the IIMs) will have to squeeze into the prescribed schedule, but it is manageable. The results will be announced by third week of February. The delay will not affect the admission process for the academic year,” he said.
Citing an example, Prof Deodhar said, “In 2003, in a similar case, CAT was held in February the same year, but the IIMs were able to complete the admission process on time. The classes began as per the schedule for that academic year”.
However, students are worried if the technical problems of CAT 2009 will revisit the rescheduled test.
Expressing his apprehensions, Prajwal Sharma (name changed on request) said, “It is scary as students have given their valuable time in preparing for computer-based CAT. In CAT 2009, the system hung for nearly 20 minutes and students were clueless on how to proceed. The thought of another computer-based CAT is harrowing and students are hoping that IIMs will conduct the test in a better manner this time.”
Nearly 20,000 candidates were unable to complete CAT held in the first three days of November 2009 due to technical glitches across the country. The IIMs later announced that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 students were unable to take up the test.