Online CAT: Picture not clear

[Kalyan]

Online CAT: Picture not clear

Aspirants have several queries regarding CAT, but IIMs yet to finalize the format.


What does it mean to have an online Common Admission Test (CAT)? Well, this is the question most students are asking a day after premier IIMs decided to go online for one of the toughest entrance test in the country — CAT.

Though the kind of question paper for the computer based test (CBT) is yet to be decided, one thing is clear: candidates may not be able to see the entire question paper in one go.

Students are also wondering whether it will be a computer adaptive test or a computer test. In the adaptive method, if a student answers a question right, then the next question has a higher level of difficulty. If the student's answer is wrong, then the next question is of a lower level of difficulty.

In a computer test, on the other hand, it will be a simple computer-based pre-programmed format. The questions do not vary depending on the answers. However, IIM Bangalore, PGP admission chairperson Subhashish Gupta said that instead of using paper and pencil formats, computers will be used for the test.



courtesy : economic times

[Kalyan]

Candidate-Friendly

"Since we are starting this year, it's unlikely that we may introduce the adaptive method. We are yet to decide whether the candidate will get one question at a time or a series of questions. The time limit might be similar to previous years. There won't be reduction in the number of centres, instead there might be an increase," he said.

The test will be conducted in a window of about ten days at the end of the year.

It will be a candidate-friendly test in terms of flexibility in the selection of test date, ease of registration process, better physical environment and test experience, and enhanced security in terms of biometric identification of candidates and video monitoring.

CBT format also would improve communication between candidates and IIMs in terms of programme information, test delivery, receipt of admit cards, and receipt of score reports.







courtesy : economic times

[Kalyan]

Reason for Online Test

In 2003, 95,000 candidates appeared for CAT. The number rose to about 250,000 in 2008, indicating a rise of a whopping 163 per cent.

This has resulted in severe strain on the administrative system of IIMs to conduct CAT in its existing format. CBT is a natural culmination of the modernization CAT has undergone.


courtesy : economic times

[Kalyan]

How are coaching centers gearing up?


Long before the IIMs announced that CAT would be held online, coaching centres had already made necessary arrangements, as they were anticipating the move for some time now.

Career Launcher, which offers coaching for CAT, has begun shifting its content to the website. "We have a Student Information System (SIS), where students can attempt tests on their own. Lot of students have already started practising on the net," Shivakumar R, director, Career Launcher said, adding access has been provided for the students.

"We have around 150 centres across the country and all these centres are well-equipped with computers."



courtesy : economic times

[Kalyan]

What the coachig centers say?

Shivakumar said a e-learning concept has been created which captures a typical classroom atmosphere. Student will not only be exposed to learning but will also learn to work on the computer, he said.

At TIME, another coaching centre, students will be given a few online tests. "We might give CDs to the students and ask them to practice at home. In case a student doesn't have a computer, he/she can practice at the centre . We are working on this," Ajay Arora, director-Bangalore Centre, TIME, said.

At IMS Learning Pvt Ltd, besides the tests, the students' performance will also be evaluated online. "However, there will be no change in preparation itself. The students may not be able to see the entire paper in one go," says Vinay Raj, academy head, IMS Pvt Ltd.

courtesy : economic times

[Kalyan]

Examinee Speak

An online CAT may put pressure on students. We may have to answer all the questions, unlike in the previous CATs. Earlier, we had the option where we could answer the easy questions first and then the others. Moreover, we could see all the sections. Now, we have to answer all the questions one after another.

Mukhunthan G | Businessman

It's going to be a different experience altogether and one has to approach it with a open mind. However, we have to answer all the questions, which is a disadvantage. For instance, even if we don't know the correct answer to a question, we'll be compelled to answer it.

Abhilash Kumar | Final-year BA student, Christ University

I'm already used to online tests at my coaching centre; we are practising for CAT 2009. You can take the test from anywhere.




courtesy : economic times