On Sunday, the Common Admission Test (CAT) was conducted across the country, in about 130 major cities. Though the test was conducted without any untoward incident, it had the blunder of the symbol ‘Pi’ being displayed, instead of what should have been a ‘square root’ on the computer screens in the questions relating to quantitative ability (QA) section.
There is an increase in the number of candidates appearing for the computer-based test which helps in getting admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and many other B-schools in the country. The convener of CAT 2016, Mr Rajendra K Bandi, told the media that the total number of students who appeared for CAT on Sunday was 1.95 lakh which is 83.6% of all applicants, a 1.36% increase from last year’s figures.
When asked regarding the blunder of ‘square root’, there was no official response from the media coordinator of CAT. Candidates looked worried and were not ready to discuss it openly because of the non-disclosure agreement which they have signed and for which there is a punishment of imprisonment and a penalty of Rs.2 lakh. Some of them agreed to discuss the issue under secrecy. Unlike last year, this year the paper was without any surprises but the level of difficulty remained same for all 100 questions. The Director of Roots Education, Mr. Deekshant Sehrawat, agreed that due to the display of Pi instead of square root, candidates must have lost significant time and may get less marks.
Prior to the CAT exam, IIM - Bangalore had issued a warning
to the candidates regarding the code of conduct during the test. The aspirants
were not allowed to put mehandi which could affect the finger prints. Also
instructions were given not to carry watch, mobiles, earphones, fitness-bands
and to remove shoes and socks before entering the exam
hall.