CAT format might have small changes to help IIMs to attract diverse talent

The IIMs has recently declared the dates for CAT 2013, and IIM Indore will be hosting exam this year. Looking at the previous year’s trends and scenario the IIMs are planning to make some changes in the CAT exam to lure more students for the upcoming exam.

In 2012, the number of CAT applicants increased just marginal by 4.2% compared to the previous year, which clearly revealed the increasing interest of students and working professionals to pursue an MBA for great career opportunities.

A recently conducted survey with the help of their delivery partner Prometic resulted that the candidates are now comfortable with the computer-based testing format. CAT convenor, Rohit Kapoor, faculty in the institute's operations management and quantitative techniques area, said, “With the job market for MBAs remaining firm, I anticipate an increase in applications this year as well, though such things cannot be predicted.”

They are also planning to make some changes in the format of CAT exam in favour of students with quantitative abilities. He further mentioned that there will be no big surprises. He also mentioned that CAT is not for engineering or science students, but it is for each and every student who wants to pursue MBA or those with strong quantitative abilities.

The existing pattern of the independently-times two sections allows candidates to spend an equal time on quantitative and verbal sections and provides same opportunity to showcase their capabilities and skills. There might be some changes in the present format of the test in future and introduce some changes in subsequent edition that will help the IIMs more diversity and talent across all fields.