CAT 2009: Test cancelled? IIMs answer FAQs

CAT 2009 has been a quite a rough ride for candidates this year. Various technical problems have presented themselves, leading to the cancellation and rescheduling of tests. To address students queries and doubts, the IIMs have issued answers to a list of FAQs students have:

I've heard that Prometric is rescheduling candidates. Is that true?
Some testing labs have been experiencing technical difficulties mainly due to viruses and malware. Prometric is continually assessing these labs and should testing not be possible for any session at specific labs (note that there could be several labs within one test centre and this is referred to as 'Site Code' on your Admit Card), affected candidates will be contacted by SMS and email. Rescheduling of these candidates will then be done and new appointments communicated again via SMS and email.

How will I know if my test will be rescheduled?
Affected candidates will be contacted by SMS and email should their original appointment need to be rescheduled. Candidates are advised to check their SMS and email messages prior to going to the test centre.

My friend is scheduled on the same day, same time and same test centre as me. He/she received a notification that he/she should not go to the test centre and will be rescheduled. I have not received any SMS or email. Should I still go to the test centre?
There could be several labs within the same test centre and this is reflected on your Admit Card as 'Site Code'. If your lab is affected, you will receive an SMS and email from CAT Candidate Care. If not, please turn up at your test centre as scheduled.

I am scheduled to take the test at a lab that is currently closed. Will my test still take place as scheduled?
Prometric has deployed additional technicians and hardware to rectify the issues at impacted sites. If the lab at which you are scheduled is not able to deliver the CAT on the day of your scheduled appointment, you will be contacted by SMS and email the day before. If you do not receive any notification, please proceed to your test centre as scheduled.

When will I receive my revised appointment?
As soon as we know that you are not able to test on your original date/time, Candidate Care will begin the rescheduling process. You will be contacted as soon your new appointment has been scheduled; however this could take up to 48 hours.

Will I have a choice of slot?
Rescheduled slots will be limited. You will be allocated the best available slot and the priority would be to keep your appointment at the same test location. Candidate Care will try and accommodate any requests for changes where possible. Please do not send an email, you must ring Candidate Care on 1800 103 9293 and speak to an agent.

Will I be scheduled to take the CAT before December 7?
We will try to reschedule all affected candidates within this year's testing window.

According to reports, IIMs have indicated that the testing could extend beyond December 7. Is this true? When will a decision be made?
We will try and accommodate all candidates within this year's testing period. If there is a need to extend beyond  December 7, IIMs will announce this as soon as a decision has been made.

Is it likely that I will be rescheduled to test the next day?
Prometric will allocated the best available slot to affected candidates and it is possible this could be as early as the next day. Candidates are advised to stay contactable by phone and email at all times.

What can I do if my revised schedule clashes with another exam?
Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate any requests for changes. Candidates may call 1800 103 9293 for such requests. Please do not send an email, you must ring Candidate Care and speak to an agent.

I was told that I will be informed of my new scheduled within 48 hours but I have yet to receive any SMS or email. What can I do?
If you do not receive your new schedule, you may contact Candidate Care at 1800 103 9293.

I was told my test has been rescheduled to a certain day but my name was not there when I get there. What should I do?
You should contact Candidate Care at 1800 103 9293.

Will I be able to change my testing location to another city?
Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate any requests for changes. Candidates may call 1800 103 9293 for such requests. Please do not send an email, you must ring Candidate Care and speak to an agent.

Will I be allowed to take the test with my old Admit Card?
Yes. You will receive an email confirmation of your new appointment. However, if you do not receive a new Admit Card, you will be allowed to test with the old one.

If I have successfully taken my test and I have received a new test date and time through email/SMS, should I go to take the test again?
No. In case you have taken the test successfully, kindly ignore the email/SMS sent to you.

I am a DA candidate and understand that only December 3 is the only day scheduled for us. What happens if my testing lab goes down on the day? Will I get to test this year?
Prometric Candidate Care will ensure that you are accommodated to the best available slot and priority would be to keep your appointment at the same test location. If you do get rescheduled, please bring along the assistive devices that you have been approved for, on your new date/time and/or new test centre.