CAT 2013: Frequently Asked Questions

With less than ten days remaining for the country's largest management entrance exam to commence, Prometric as well as IIM-Indore provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by CAT takers this year. Read on... Illustration by Dominic Xavier

If you are a CAT aspirant and are planning to take the management entrance test this year, some questions must have definitely bogged you -- from the probability of having a single day examination to the issue with the CAT centres.

Here we've listed a few such Frequently Asked Questions that were answered by officials from both Prometric as well as the Indian Institute of Management Indore.

There is always an issue with CAT centres every year?

Prometric: We follow a working process that has been decided mutually by Prometric and IIMs. We work very closely with the IIMs in delivering the CAT examination for a smooth candidate experience. Prometric selects only those sites which meet our physical and technical infrastructure requirements.

IIMI : We did tell Prometric that we wanted to see all the CAT centres before the exam but it could not be done because there is not enough time. But we are doing our best to ensure there are no problems with the centres this year.

Is it true that Prometric was not too keen on online vouchers?

Prometric: As mentioned above, we are committed to ensure a smooth CAT experience for all CAT takers and support our client in their endeavor to do the same.

IIMI: Some of the bank's branches were facing issues with physical vouchers as it was too much of work. Besides, we thought with people buying so much online, why will they not buy vouchers so went for it.

Are 40 different papers really prepared? Why can't the exam taken on one day by all?

Prometric: As in previous years we will conduct the CAT 2013 administration over 20 testing days during morning and afternoon sessions.

This provides candidates with flexibility to opt for a test date of choice.

Having a number of forms delivered over a year is a standard practice in computer-based testing, although delivery schedule patterns and policies around retesting vary.

IIMs require a single window delivery.

Prometric ensures that sufficient capacity is recruited at 40 locations to facilitate this.

IIMI: We have thought of the idea of having the exam on a single day. It can happen some day if given proper thought.

Why can't candidates see their raw scores?

Prometric: The pattern and process of CAT examination is decided by the IIMs.

IIMI: It will lead to confusion since the raw scores are not what get translated as the result. Percentiles are relative and there will be a difference in raw scores and percentiles. Providing raw scores will lead to confusion.

Prometric seems rather low this year? (we wonder whether it is because this is Prometric's last year with CAT)

Prometric: We have been communicating with the media and disseminating relevant information to candidates through the medium.

IIMI: We have asked for fresh tenders for next five years. Prometric is as eligible to apply as other test providers.