Bureaucratic hurdles are not unheard of in India but when they derail academic plans, it becomes a matter of concern. Contrary to popular perception and as being commonly believed by all, the Common Management Test (CMAT) is not being held abroad. The Ministry of External Affair is apparently sill sitting on the file and not able to take a decision either way.
The 25-35 candidates who had registered for the exam in centres abroad are being refunded the registration money by AICTE.
AICTE had declared earlier this year that for the first time CMAT will be conducted at centres in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Kathmandu, Lagos and Kabul. This move was taken rather seriously within the education fraternity since it was CAT which was first expected to make its presence felt abroad. While CAT’s plans never materialised, CMAT gained a march.
According to sources within AICTE, the months prior to the exam were spent in hectic parleys to get the international centres sorted out and also seek permissions for the same from MEA. While the centres were identified and the work on that front settled, nothing moved at the MEA end. With no communication from the MEA till the last, AICTE was left with no option but to cancel plans to hold the exam abroad.
When asked, the AICTE chairman Mr SS Mantha confirmed that the exams are not being held abroad this time, as planned. He added that since MEA has not got back with a ‘no’ he hopes the ‘okay’ will come in time for the next exam. “Our proposal is still in the process,” said Mr Mantha.
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