Before you read the title and conclude that just because my CAT went glitch free, I'm pro-Prometric. That's not the case. My PC malfunctioned in the middle of my exam. But, why am I still complementing these buffoons called Prometric? Read on.
Computer Based Tests or CBT's are the future. If banks use online systems instead of logs, if the share market uses a centrally connected server for all transactions, and if we use iPOD's and mp3 players instead of gramophones, then why not CBT's? All the proceses in the world are going tech, so why should exams be left behind? The CAT is probably the most competitive test in the world, in terms of statistics - 2.4 lakh appeared this year and only around 1800 will finally get into the IIM's. The conversion ratio is higher even for top-notch B-schools like Harvard and Wharton. Thus it is imperative that it be technology-based, as this saves a huge number of resources such as paper and manual labour. CBT's are highly streamlined and they are ideally computer-adaptive, such as the GRE or GMAT. From experience, i can tell you that the GRE will give you an accurate analysis of your abilities. However, this year's CAT paper was not adaptive, thus the varying levels of difficulty in 20 papers over 10 days.
The hooplah over awarding the contract for CAT to Prometric has been massive only now, once technical glitches were noticed. Prometric has a great track record with the GRE, TOEFL, UBS, American Medical License exam etc., so no one complained when they were given the contract in the first place. But, conducting a Computer-Based exam in India is highly difficult - with the technology issues and high number of students appearing. I believe that Prometric has done a great job, with a highly simple and user-friendly interface, which allows the non-English speakers to understand the process with ease. The technical support staff at most centres have been very helpful, and tried their best to eliminate glitches. (to verify this, please check www.pagalguy.com, extensive analysis is done) The re-scheduling process has also been smooth for most people (the media only focuses on the few bad cases), and even the security checks have been very well-conducted at most places.
My personal testing experience was awesome. I entered the test centre hassle-free, with no long lines as has been predicted. The security was strict, but not to the point of frustrating the test-takers. The co-ordinators were helpful, organized and definitely knew what they were doing. The biometrics were much quicker as compared to the GRE, and the PC's were in good condition and functioning well. My only complaint lies with the IIM's, not Prometric. This is because the IIM's decide the format, difficulty level and overall percentile scoring bases for the paper. The IIM's chose to go with such easy papers, the IIM's chose to not take a test run before the actual CAT (btw Prometric does test runs everywhere), the IIM's decided not to disclose the scoring pattern, and the IIM's decided to keep only a short 10-day window. Thus most of the blame lies on their shoulders. But the actual testing experience was really commendable and well-planed for a massive number such as 2.4 lakh over 10 days.
The chief trouble-maker in the whole process is the media, with its exaggerations and extreme statistics. India TV, Aaj Tak, Star News, even NDTV were turning the CAT process into a massive sob-story. This is the root of most problems with Indian media today. Almost all of them mis-inform the viewer for that extra high TRP rating, thus turning news too into an extension of the sappy, emotional dramas that are the staple diet of most Indian audiences today (yes, even men watch these serials with an intense regularity :o ). Infact, even today's youngsters watch such stuff more frequently than they will want to admit. Its a pity that Indian Tv hasn't evolved over the years from serials and reality contests.
Coming back to the CAT debate, I sincerely believe that Prometric was the right choice to conduct the IIM CAT 09 and i hope that once the initial-teething in problems are settled this year, next year's CAT will be a breeze for all parties involved....though I do hope, I dont have to give it, cause my CAT this year was awesome :) :) (I guess im just being optimistic here :p )
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