JOIN USAll will be well for IIM CAT hopefuls: Prometric
Technical glitches marred the first edition of the test last year. Several candidates were not able to take the examination and the testing window was also extended to accommodate them.
To avoid such problems, the competitive examination will be administered in 78 testing centres at 247 labs spread across 33 cities. “We will ensure that the infrastructure of every work station meets the quality standards. The agency would provide licensed versions of software and operating systems to the centres. Use of unlicensed antivirus software and OS was one of the reasons for last year’s problems,” said Soumitra Roy, Managing Director of Prometric India, the testing agency.
Changes introduced
Based on the inputs received from the previous year’s candidates, Prometric has introduced a few changes in the computer interface. This year, there will be a separate question screen as well as a review screen available for candidates. The review screen will show the test takers, number of questions attempted, skipped and marked by them.
In order to prevent students unintentionally clicking on ‘Quit’ button, the option has been moved to Review screen. Even if a student clicks on the button, they would have to confirm whether they want to quit taking the test or not.
Contingency measures
According to Prometric spokesperson, there would be contingency seats available in every testing centre. In case of system failure, the students would be given another system, on which they can continue taking the test from the same point at which it had stopped.
If candidates are not able to take the test on a specific day, they would be accommodated within the testing window. Applicants would be informed about the rescheduled date the same day.
Proxy test takers caught
The managing director also said that there were a handful of proxy test takers last year, who were detected due to biometric identification. This year, candidates will be asked to undergo biometric tests even after admission. Practice test available from October first week. To familiarise candidates with the test format, the US-based testing agency will upload a 15-minute practice test for MBA aspirants. The official website also hosts short videos which provide required information about the test.
Prometric has also started training test site for administrators and invigilators at the centre. The technicians will also have to appear for a test to be eligible for working in a test centre. There are more than 2,000 site supervisors across the country for the examination which uses a global testing model. The technicians would be trained by experts at the various regional hubs.
Necessary documents
Candidates should reach the test venue at least one-and-a-half hours early. They should bring CAT 2010 admit card, valid photo identification and CAT voucher. The Prometric spokesperson said sale of CAT vouchers have already crossed 1,75,000 mark. Activities of technology partners MeritTrac and Everonn would also be monitored this time.