The decision will benefit thousands of students who take CAT each year. Last year 2,30,000 students appeared for CAT and the numbers are expected to increase to more than 3,00,000 in 2008. According to sources, the IIMs are contemplating conducting CAT online for almost 15 days, during which students can choose when to take the exam. Initially the IIMs were contemplating a time period of 30 days.
“The initiative will be rolled out in 2009. The idea is to provide a time window, whereby students can take the examination within the stipulated period,” IIM Lucknow Director Devi Singh said. The last forum of IIM directors' was held at IIM Lucknow on February 21.
An additional reason to take the CAT online is to reduce the time spent on administration and evaluation process.
