CAT online registration process deadline extended to October 11

The Common Admission Test (CAT) for entry into the IIMs and 150 other BSchools has witnessed 27% drop in applicants this
year. As per IIMs, the number of candidates registered for CAT has been around 2 lakh mark, even as online registration process that was earlier scheduled to close on October 1 has been extended to October 11.

Last year the number of CAT applicants was 2.76 lakh. While the number of CAT applicants has been rising 10% every year, the last three years saw a 20-25 % increase in number of candidates appearing for the exam.

Online registration process for CAT admission began on September 9 and was scheduled to end on October 1. However, the CAT committee has now extended the date to compensate for bank holidays that halted the process, which it feels may have resulted in lesser number of candidates registering for the test.

Experts feel bleak placements scenario across tier 2 and 3 B-schools may have dissuaded a large chunk of candidates with work experience from pursuing MBA. Apprehensions about computer-based test among candidates coming from smaller towns may also be a reason, they said.

CAT's online registration faced teething troubles , which were later taken care of by IIMs and Prometric, the testing and assessment services provider for computer-based CAT this year.

The first couple of days created panic among students who were unable to edit any wrong information put by them in the online form. For instance, the 'edit' feature itself was introduced only on September 18.

“As of now, the number of candidates registered for CAT has crossed 2 lakh. To provide exact figure at this point is difficult but this may be due to bank holidays because of which candidates could not purchase vouchers required for registration. Also, it is hard to guess if the number of candidates appearing for CAT this year will be above last year,” said CAT convener and IIM-A faculty, Satish Deodhar.

The committee has allowed candidates to edit their profile till October 11. The sale of CAT vouchers at Axis bank branches has been extended until October 8.

“Even if CAT will be computer-based this year, we have taken steps to familiarise candidates with the new format. We have given enough space for candidates to familiarise themselves with the new format. There is demo and video clip on the CAT website. The test pattern will be similar to what it was last year,” Mr Deodhar added.

CAT experts believe the number of candidates applying for the test may not be as high this year as anticipated . “One reason may be that candidates from upcountry regions and small towns are not keen on taking computer-based CAT, or are aspiring for institutes that are not necessarily the best or admit students through CAT. A large number may have felt discouraged to pursue MBA after seeing last year's placements scenario,” said Career Launcher director Shiva Kumar.

“The latest placement scenario may have led to a number of CAT aspirants defer their plan to join a B-School , as institutes apart from top-ranking ones were the worst hit in terms of placement due to recessionary economy ,” said TIME Bangalore director Ajay Arora.

CAT 2009 is scheduled between November 28 and December 7, 2009, will be conducted in 32 Indian cities through 105 secure computerbased testing centres specially prepared for the CAT examination.

Summary:

• CAT witnessed 27% drop in applicants this year

• As per IIMs, around 2 lakh candidates registered

• Online registration process closing date pushed to October 11th from October 1st

• Last year number of CAT applicants was 2.76 lakh

• Number of CAT applicants has been rising 10% every year, with 20-25% increase in last 3 years

• CAT committee feels bank holidays halted the process

• Experts blame bleak placements scenario across tier 2 and 3 B-schools and fear of computer-based test among smaller towners

• Candidates may edit profiles till October 11

• Sale of CAT vouchers at Axis bank branches has been extended untill October 8

• CAT 2009 scheduled between November 28 and December 7, 2009

• Will be conducted in 32 Indian cities through 105 centres

Courtesy : Eonomictimes.indiatimes.com