CAT Convenor rejects speculation over paper-based CAT at this point

December 9, 2009

As CAT-takers across the country find themselves puzzled by reports in a section of national media about IIM Directors planning to scrap the recently concluded online test and taking a paper-based retest, authorities at IIM Ahmedabad have categorically rejected any such indications having been released. Speaking to Advanc’edge MBA, convenor of CAT 2009, Professor Satish Deodhar revealed, “At this point in time, I have no instructions and the Directors' Forum has conveyed no inclination towards conducting a paper-pencil test.  As mentioned in our last-released press note, we will conduct the test on one more day, which will be announced by Prometric.  At this time, the Directors’ Forum is taking stock of the just-concluded test window.”

Incidentally, with widespread reports of irregularities such as system interruptions, cheating and other disruptions, even in cases where candidates could finally complete the test, speculation has been rife over whether IIMs would consider the 2009 online test to be valid. A section of the national media had reported that IIM Directors were definitely considering holding a retest this year in the paper-pencil mode and had even prepared additional tests for the purpose. However, at least from the official clarification above, it does not appear that candidates this year can immediately look forward to a return to a paper-based test.