End of CATastrophe?

On day four of online CAT exams, students face fewer problems

End of CATastrophe?

On day four of online CAT exams, students face fewer problems

Seems the CAT is finally stepping out of the mousetrap.

After the alleged virus attack and breakdown of server connection at online Common Admission Test (CAT) centres for the last three days, aspirants faced fewer problems on the fourth day of the tests on Tuesday.

Prof Satish Deodhar of IIM-Ahmedabad, who is also the convener of the IIMs' CAT committee, said except for a few minor issues like disconnection of server for a few minutes and computers restarting automatically, the examination was conducted smoothly.

"The two prominent viruses that attacked the system were Conflicker and W32.NIMDA. We are trying to find out if there are any other viruses which had affected the system," said Deodhar.

After the initial glitches, IIMs and Prometric, the American firm entrusted to conduct the tests, have met several times to rectify the problem.

The IIM official said, "We have been trying to find a way to protect the CAT system from such virus attacks. As there are six more days of exams to be conducted, the process should be made smooth so that students don't get affected any more. We are hopeful the results will show soon."

Meanwhile, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said the IIMs have failed to deliver on the online CAT examination format and has ordered an enquiry into the glitches.

However, he promised not to interfere with the IIMs' autonomy in conducting CAT. "This should not have happened. The government is concerned," Sibal said.

On Monday, IIM-A director Samir Barua assured students they will be able to take the computer-based test and if required the window period could be extended by two days. Prometric has been awarded a USD 40 million contract by the IIMs to computerise the prestigious CAT.

Testing times
The maiden computer-based CAT test had been marred by technical glitches from the very first day on Saturday. Students faced problems in opening the computers at exam centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Bhopal. On subsequent days also the problem continued.

The issue also figured in Parliament when the BJP's Sushma Swaraj said the problem was a shock for several talented students who had come prepared to take the examination.

The Other Side
"Several enhancements are being made to the testing environment including more advanced virus and malware protection and configuration changes that further protect the integrity of the exam. Several hundred additional technicians have been deployed throughout the country to assess the testing labs and additional training has been provided to the test centre staff," said Charlie Kernan, chief operating officer, Prometric.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels