MAT goes the CAT way: candidates can opt for online or paper-pencil format

After the much debated CAT 2009 computer-based test, the Management Aptitude Test follows suit. The MAT 2009 has become an online affair, but the old form of paper-pencil MAT exam has not been scrapped by the organizing body. Unlike CAT 2009, MAT 2009 test-takers will be allowed to choose either the online or the traditional paper-pencil format of MAT depending upon their comfort level, according to the All India Management Association (AIMA).

AIMA, the organizing body of MAT 2009, told MBAUniverse.com that the paper-pencil format of MAT will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2009 from 10 am to 12.30 pm. But those opting for the computer-based MAT will take their tests from Monday, September 7, 2009, onwards and they will be assigned different time slots, AIMA said.

Wing Commander Bejoy, Director, CMS, AIMA informed MBAUniverse.com that the duration and time slots of the computer-based MAT exam will depend upon the number of students registering for the same. Yes, the MAT exam to be held this September will offer both the paper-pencil and the online option to the candidates. Depending on the number of registrations for the online MAT exam, we will decide the final schedule, Bejoy said.
The MAT 2009 will be held in 60 cities throughout India, including two international cities, Dubai and Singapore. According to AIMA, while most of the test centers will give the option to choose between paper-pencil and computer-based exam mode, some of the centers will support only the old paper-pencil form of MAT.

AIMA also told MBAUniverse.com that although the computer-based MAT exam has been announced, candidates might be asked to appear for the paper-pencil form of test on September 6, 2009, if the registrations for the computer-based MAT exam is too less or limited. The AIMA also said that a candidate opting for the computer-based MAT 2009 will be allowed to appear for only one test on the date assigned by AIMA.

It is similar to all online exams being taken nowadays, just like the CAT. Computer-based MAT exam will need the candidate to operate the computer for answering the questions presented on the computer monitor, an AIMA spokesperson explained, and added, It is the responsibility of the candidate to acquire computer skills before appearing in the exam. AIMA cannot take responsibility for the same.

The AIMA will close its sale of online registration forms from August 10, 2009 and will stop receiving filled forms on August 13, 2009. In India, 172 MBA schools accept MAT scores. AIMA has been conducting MAT exams since 1988. MAT exam is held four times a year on February, May, September and December.