First day, first show of CAT 2010 today started all over India

CAT 2010 will serve as a test not just for the candidates, but also for the whole system of computer-based testing in India. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), along with their US-based partner, Prometric India, who are conducting the online test, are keeping their fingers crossed, in the hope of avoiding the technical glitches that marred the test last year. If technical problems recur this year, there would be great apprehension about the use of the online system of testing.

“Technical glitches last year raised doubts about the feasibility of using computer-based testing. CAT 2010 is a time for both IIMs and Prometric to redeem its lost glory,” said a retired professor of IIM Bangalore, who did not wish to be named.

There has been a significant drop in the numbers of candidates registered for the CAT this year. Prometric India released data that showed that 2,04,267 candidates registered for CAT this year; last year, the figure was 2,41,000.

The technical glitches also drew undue attention to the whole testing process. This year, many candidates feel a need to be equipped with information to navigate the online test. Some worry that their chances of admission to a prestigious business school might be marred not by poor performance in the CAT, but the inability to deal with the testing process.

“Last year’s test was a nightmare, hope this year the whole thing is better organised,” said Subodh Sen, a candidate.

Soumitra Roy, managing director, Prometric India, said that the problems that occurred last year were mainly caused by the use of unlicensed operating systems and out-of-date anti-virus software tools at many test centres. As a precaution, the organisers have taken special care to check that all centres administering the test have licenced and updated software tools. Even the hardware has been upgraded at the centres, said Roy. Over 9,000 computers spread across 240 laboratories in 78 test centres at 33 cities will be used to administer the CAT.

NDA and NA Examination 2011

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination - 2011 on 17th April, 2011  for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA for 127th course and for the 89th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 30th December, 2011.

The examination will be held at the following centers:
Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizwal, Allahabad, Bangaluru, Bareily, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Dharwad, Dispur, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvanathapuram, Tirupati, Udaipur, Vishakhapatnam

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Age limits, sex and marital status: Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 1993 and not later than 1st July, 1995 are eligible

2. Educational qualifications:
For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: 12th class pass of 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination conducted by a state education board or a university.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 cadet entry scheme of the Indian Naval Academy: 12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics, conducted by a state education board or a university. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th class under 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.

3. Physical standards: Candidate must be physically fit according to the physical standards for admission to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2011 as given in appendix-V of commission’s notice for the examination published in employment news/rozgar samachar dated 16th October, 2010.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Candidates can apply online using the website: http://www.upsconline.nic.in, detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the abovementioned website

Candidates can also apply offline in the common application form devised by the commission for its examinations which can be purchased from the designated head post offices/post offices (specified in appendix-III of the notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs 20/- (Rs twenty only).

Candidates applying online are required to pay a reduced fee of Rs 25/- (Rs twenty-five only) either by remitting the money in any branch of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI or by using Visa/master credit/debit card. Candidates applying offline (through common application form) are required to pay a fee of Rs 50/- (Rs fifty only) through central recruitment fee stamp only

Last date for Online Application :15th November, 2010.

However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote localities specified in the notice the last date for receipt of applications by post/speed post only (not by hand or by courier) is 22nd November, 2010. For further details logon to the website link: http://www.upsc.gov.in/exams/notifications/nda1-2011/indx.htm#PageTop