The unknown way of CMAT
The much discussed CMAT, a pan-India management entrance exam, spearheaded by the AICTE has fuelled confusions in the minds of already disordered students, who are in an ever constant analysis as to what all forms to fill.
The biggest hassle that students are facing is the lack of information that the AICTE has shared. There is no fixed list of institutions which will accept CMAT scores; moreover, the parameters to be evaluated in the exam are yet to be made public.
The frustration in the students could easily be sensed. Arjun Singh, who took CAT and a few of its brethren this year, said, “Already we have scores of different exams, with each premiere institute demanding separate applications. This is pathetic that now I have one more exam to worry about. And then, it would need applications all over again. If they really want to bring some uniformity to the system, why don’t they make a system in which taking an exam would mean an automatic application to all the institutes which accept the score of that exam. That will relieve us of some of the mental and financial pressure at least. What is a separate exam going to do, except diversifying our already abundant choices?” With the plethora of entrance exams coming up, the effect of nullification of JMET and FMS entrance exams might be lost. Students were hopeful of a dip in cut-offs this time around due to the prior cancellations, but the dream looks shattered now.
Even the institutes affiliated to AICTE have either no clue about the intricacies of CMAT, or are unwilling to consider it at this stage. Due to its late inception, it looks like there is a rough road ahead for CMAT this year. Various institutes begin accepting completed applications by November or December, and many even as early as October. They have thus, already stated their admission criteria, and are thus, unwilling to trace back on their earlier publicized notifications. Also, the exact exam dates for CMAT are yet to be announced, which leave no certainty for them to announce the next leg of their admission procedures.
Coaching institutes too have only a vague idea, if this exam will be a success or not. Aakash Singh, who is in this profession for the last 12 years, says, “Some sources tell us that this is the reincarnation of MAT, but we can’t really say. And it would be interesting to note how different it will be from CAT. Due to short notice, we as well as the students have no idea as to where to begin, and if at all this exam is worth taking. Also, without any guidelines on the content, it gets very difficult for us to predict the pattern, and subsequently, prepare the mock papers. I hope we get a bit more informed soon.”
Overall, there is a paranoid flavor in the way CMAT is being looked at. It is only for time to tell if it turns out as big as AICTE expects it to be.
Contributed by :
Nikhita Jain is currently a student,
who freelances for the district supplement of The Times of India, and has worked as a radio jockey for shows at Prasar Bharti.
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