AIMA likely to bag CAT rights

The common admission test (CAT) may soon be in the All India Management Association's (AIMA) bag.

The examination body of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which conducts the CAT exam, is in talks with AIMA to conduct the test, tabulate marks and take up other formalities. The IIMs, however, will retain the right of setting the question papers.

AIMA is an apex management body which conducts the management aptitude test (MAT), for entry into a host of management colleges across the country.

"The deal for CAT is still in its exploratory stage but a beginning has been made and we are hopeful regarding it," said Sudhir Jalan, president, AIMA. An AIMA team, he said, would approach the IIMs' examination body soon.

In fact, AIMA also plans to take the CAT exam online in the near future. "We conduct MAT online and plan to do the same for CAT as well," said Jalan.

The MAT exam is the most widely accepted form of entrance testing for all management schools in India. This year the AIMA has also broadened its test facilities to include corporate testing, especially for public sector companies.