In order to make things fair for every CAT 2010 taker, the Indian Institute Managements and Prometric have jointly devised a formula to equalize the scores of candidates taking the varied versions of the test. Along with the technical glitches last year, CAT 2009 was also under the cloud of doubt as students were not sure of the level of difficulty of the papers as different sessions. This year, the IIMs will also allow management aspirants to change the date and the venue of sitting for the exam too.

But the IIMs have revealed how they will evaluate and give scores to the candidates in the CAT 2010. According to chairman of the CAT 2010 committee, Himanshu Rai, who is a professor with the IIM-Lucknow, ``This year we are allowing the students to reconsider and change the date, time and venue till September 30 and can change their options till then. But a new vanue and the time sought will be given based on availability.’’

But more than that has been the issue of ``fair’’ of assessment, which the IIMs now claim to have worked out a method. The IIMs are said to have worked out a method for fair evaluation, as the CAT will use multiple test papers.

Sale of CAT 2010 vouchers starts from August 30. The vouchers can be obtained from selected Axis Bank branches between Monday, August 30 to Monday, September 27, 2010 for Rs 1,400 (Rs 700 for SC/ST candidates). Visit www.catiim.in for the exact locations of these Axis Bank branches.

Please note that a candidate needs to buy only one CAT 2010 voucher irrespective of the number of institutes he/ she is applying to. Note that the Voucher must be bought only in the name of the candidate as it appears in the school leaving certificate. If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, the candidate must show the relevant document such as a marriage certificate and submit a photocopy at the time of the test, interview and at the time of joining a programme. SC and ST candidates must show a copy of their SC/ ST Certificates at the time of obtaining the CAT 2010 voucher from the Axis Bank branches.

IMPORTANT DATES:

* The CAT 2010 will be conducted during a 20-day testing window between Wednesday, 27 October and Wednesday, 24 November 2010.

* Sale of CAT 2010 Vouchers: Monday, 30 August – Monday, 27 September 2010

* Registration / Scheduling for CAT 2010: Monday, 30 August – Thursday, 30 September 2010

* CAT 2010 Testing Window: Wednesday, 27 October – Wednesday, 24 November 2010

* CAT 2010 Results: Wednesday, 12 January 2011