CAT in Gujarat problem-free so far

The first computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT), which is being conducted from today across the country, has kicked off with around 6,500 students appearing on the first day in the state.

According to sources, so far around 6,500 students have appeared in the test on the first day and no technical problem has been reported from anywhere in the state.

"So far, the process has been very smooth in Gujarat," a top source in IIMA said.

The students adapted to the new system quickly so there was not any hitch so far, the source said.

The IIMs for the first time have entrusted the task of conducting the CAT to Prometric, an American firm, which is organising the computer-based test over a period of ten days.

The test is being conducted at 105 centres in 32 cities across the country. Students can appear in the test at these centres during the 10-day window period.

There will be two rounds of test each day. The first round will start from 10 am to 12.30 pm while the second round will be from 3.30 pm to 6 pm, Prometric said.

The aspirants will be evenly spread during the ten-day testing for smooth conduct of the entrance.

A total of 241,582 students have registered for the exam this year, which is a marginal drop as compared to last year when 246,000 students appeared for CAT exams.

While the pattern of the exam -- the questions and the weightage of subjects -- will remain unchanged in the new format, the test does away with paperwork. These candidates will vie for around 2,000 seats in IIMs.