CAT 2010 is being coordinated by IIM-Lucknow, with IIM-Calcutta supporting it. Last year, 2.5 lakh students took the CAT. Apart from the eight IIMs, there are more than 120 management schools that use CAT scores for admissions. The dates of the examinations have been advance: CAT 2009 had began on November 28 and continued for 10 days, whereas CAT 2010 will begin from October 27 and go on till November 23, a 28-day period.  Here is an interaction with Soumitra Roy, Managing Director, Prometric India on CAT 2010.

1. When is CAT scheduled this year?

A) Common Admission Test CAT 2010 will be held from 27 October to 23 November, 2010.

2. What has been the reason for making it a 20 day window?

A) We have not decided on the exact number of days that CAT 2010 will be conducted. It depends on the number of applicants we have for CAT 2010 and the seating capacity we need. Yes, we are going to have more testing days in 2010 to ensure that candidates have enough choice to choose their test dates and testing sessions.

3. When would the application forms be available?

A) The details for applying for CAT 2010will be announced in all leading dailies. The advertisement is expected to appear around the end of August/ early September. It is the sole discretion of IIM's as to when would they make the forms available through a designated bank’s branches across India.
4. Any difference from last year with respect to applying online?

A) Yes, the registration system for CAT 2010 will be different from last year. We are redesigning the online application form.. We are working with a globally known usability consultant for the development of the form in an effort to make it more candidate friendly. We have taken feedback from students, academicians and educators

5. Has Prometric taken care of the last year glitches? What are the preventive measures taken?

A) Our effort in coordinating CAT2010 is to ensure a seamless examination process for the candidates, starting from the distribution of the application forms till the results are declared. We have incorporated several improvements. Some of the main areas are::

Site Readiness &Preparation: We will be implementing a longer period to prepare and test all the sites that will be used to conduct the CAT 2010. Verification of site infrastructure and technical requirements for the test centre will be done prior to selection of the test centres. The test centres will be quarantined from the start of the readiness process. We have set an extended duration to include technical readiness and extensive operational trials.

Application &Registration: A new registration and scheduling website is being developed using improved technology to ensure candidates have a smooth experience. Please refer to 4 above.

Delivery: The actual test delivery platform is also being improved, with increased security to ensure that the issues that were experienced in the first few days of testing during the CAT 2009 will not be repeated and new ones will not occur. More intensive training will be provided to all test centre staff who will also undergo a certification programme.

6. Any major changes that has been kept as surprise for students from last year? Anything else that has improved from last year?

A). The steps taken towards improvement in some key areas are mentioned above.

7. How many questions can students expect?

A) This is the sole discretion of IIM's

8. Will it be a 2 hr 15 min exam or 2 hr 30 min exam ?

A) It will depend on the number of questions and the format of the paper which is again at the discretion of IIMs. There is a panel of experts working on the question paper and the time of examination depends on the format they finally develop.

9. Which are the cities where CAT would be held this time?

A) CAT 2010 will be held in all the 32 cities like last year.

10. Tell us about the toughness level of the paper?

A) Cannot comment. At the sole discretion of IIMs.

11. When can we expect the results?

A) The results declaration depends on several points. Once the sale of application is announced, the candidates will get to know the date of results too.