CAT-Online

The online Common Admission test (CAT) pattern is likely to throw up surprises as the new platform will bring many new dimensions in the test, known for its innovative and competitive exam pattern. A 16-member committee is giving a final shape to the computer-based CAT. The committee, consisting of seven IIM directors and admission chairpersons, is expected to come up with the new modalities by the end of summer.

CAT committee is also considering an upward revision in the exam fees from Rs 1,300 for CAT 2008. Candidates paid Rs 1,000 for CAT in 2004 and 2005, and Rs 1,100 in 2006 and 2007. Further, the candidates will no longer get a copy of their paper, a practice followed since 2003. The CAT examinations will be more on the lines of GRE and IIMs, being educational institutions, will be able to concentrate on teaching rather than arranging for CAT. We have a strong security system in place like biometrics and video monitoring so that we do not encounter any rigging.

CAT applicants are growing by nearly 40,000 a year and computer-based test would make the task easier for CAT organisers and three lakh applicants this year