Long queues for CAT vouchers

Admission test likely between October 27 and November 24

"Parents and students queued up at the Axis bank branches right from the morning. There was a long queue till evening," said a spokesperson of the MG Road branch.

Last year, more than two lakh students had applied for the CAT. The test is conducted as a prerequisite for admission to various management programmes of IIMs. The premier business schools opted for a computer-based test over the paper pencil format last year.

Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will have to read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the option prefered.

Brisk sales were reported at various branches of Axis bank on Monday. Several students had to wait for two hours in the queue to buy the vouchers, priced at Rs.1,400 for general category candidates. Although candidates appreciated the brand new website of CAT, many found registering online  a problem.

"I had to wait for more than two hours in the queue to buy the voucher. Even the registration process was also not free from errors. I had to try multiple times to register online," said an aspirant.    

Hassles

Like last year, students can choose test date, test time and venue across 33 cities based on availability. If mistakes are made entering the application data, they can log on to www.catiim.in or www.iim.prometric.com and make changes to their personal details such as address, educational information or interview location.

Candidates can reschedule the location, date and time of test during/within the registration window. However, no rescheduling is permitted once the registration window closes.

Prometric, the testing agency, has also uploaded videos on YouTube to assist the candidates. From registration and rescheduling to test format, the videos offer complete information about the test.

The agency has also set up a helpline - 1-800-103-9293 for further assistance. Telephonic support will be available from Monday to Saturday, between 9 am and 6 pm. The sale of vouchers ends on September 27. The IIMs will conduct the Common Admission Test during a 20-day testing window between October 27 and November 24.