Computer Based CAT Online Test(Exam) Ending a three decade old paper-pencil format for the Common Admissions Test(CAT), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) have decided to adopt a computer based model for CAT 2009. From now on, applicants will select a test date from a period of ten days towards the end of this calendar year.

“The CAT will be conducted at Prometric centers across the country. The locations of these centers will be determined only after all applications have been received. Students will get some idea about how to prepare for this year’s test when the CAT advertisements and booklets are released,” said IIM Bangalore (IIM-B) Professor Amarnath Krishnaswamy.

The primary reason behind this decision is the manifold increase in number of CAT applicants in recent years. Approximately 2.5 lakh candidates wrote the CAT in 2008 and this is an increase of 163 percent as compared to 2003 when about 95,000 students attempted this test. The IIMs have encountered difficulties in conducting the CAT in the past. In 2003, CAT question papers had been leaked and this resulted in a retest being held later that year.

The IIMs believe that a computer based CAT will result in flexibility in choice of selection date, ease of registration process, better physical environment and test experience. There will also be enhanced security in terms of biometric identification of candidates and video monitoring. Such a format is expected to improve communication between candidates and IIMs in terms of programme information, test delivery, receipt of admit cards, and receipt of score reports.