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.
Tags: Cat 2016
Cat
Glitches In Cat 2016
Common Admission Test
