CMAT: One test, many apprehensions

BANGALORE:  The latest move by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to introduce a single, national-level Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) for entry into management programmes has got private management colleges up in arms.The test is likely to phase out PGCET and KMAT exams in the state, adding more worries to colleges.“Most students enrol into our MBA programmes through PGCET or KMAT. The CMAT is to be implemented in the very next academic year. How can one expect students to be aware of this exam at such a short notice? What if we do not get enough admissions through CMAT?” questioned director of G T Institute of Management Studies and Research Dr B G Satyaprasad.Many colleges fear the lack of awareness among students about this exam. “We are not against the concept of a single exam. The decision has to be implemented in a phased manner. We always bank on admissions from PGCET or KMAT. We fear that the CMAT may not guarantee admissions, considering its hurried implementation,” he added.AICTE wants to reduce the burden of students attending multiple examinations through CMAT, facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programs approved by AICTE for 2012-13. Moreover, colleges are fuming at the lack of clarity on the implementation of CMAT and its implications. “As of now, we do not know if CMAT is applicable for government or management quota,” said secretary of Karnataka Private Postgraduate Colleges’ Association Dr M Prakash.When Express contacted Administrative Officer of Karnataka Examination Authority S P Kulkarni, he said, “We have not received any official communication about the CMAT from AICTE.”“All I want to say is that the CMAT is for the benefit of students, and has been made mandatory from the next academic year. I am not sure whether PGCET or K-MAT would be phased out,” said Regional Director of AICTE (Karnataka and Kerala) Dr Krishnakumar.