Prof. Dheeraj Sharma Advocates CAT in Regional & International Languages

In a forward-looking proposal that could redefine management admissions in India, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, has suggested setting up a dedicated “CAT Corporation” to oversee the Common Admission Test (CAT). The proposed body would be housed within one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and chaired on a rotational basis by different IIMs.

Prof. Dheeraj Sharma IIM Rohtak suggests CAT Corporation for multilingual exams

Making CAT Multilingual and Global

According to Prof. Sharma, CAT should not remain limited to English but should also be conducted in both Indian and foreign languages. Suggested languages include Arabic, Persian, Sinhalese, Nepalese, Burmese, and Thai, alongside major Indian regional languages.

He emphasized that the move would not only help domestic aspirants from rural and semi-urban regions but could also transform CAT into an international-level exam, attracting students from neighboring countries to pursue management education in India.

“CAT Corporation can allow the facility of taking the test in multiple languages and multiple times a year. The score can be used by international institutions, which may help India attract global students,” said Prof. Dheeraj Sharma.

Multiple Attempts, Global Recognition

In addition to multilingual access, Prof. Sharma has proposed that the exam be held multiple times a year, similar to other globally recognized entrance tests such as GMAT and GRE. This, he believes, would improve accessibility and provide flexibility to aspirants.

The idea aligns with his earlier recommendation of introducing CAT in regional languages, although discussions within IIMs are still ongoing.

Expert Views from Other IIMs

The proposal has generated debate within the IIM community. Prof. M.P. Ram Mohan, Chairperson of Admissions at IIM Ahmedabad, highlighted that since CAT is a joint exercise of six IIMs, any major change would require deliberation on capacity, competence, and resources.

He cautioned that the decision should be well thought out and not rushed, especially considering how students from different states might adapt to the new model.

Language Inclusivity for Economic Growth

Prof. Sharma has consistently argued that management education should reflect India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. He believes that regional language inclusion in CAT could have long-term benefits for the Indian economy:

• Empowering semi-urban and rural candidates who may struggle with English at the entry level.

• Helping future managers better understand local markets and socio-economic contexts.

• Expanding opportunities for students who can later enhance their English proficiency within the IIM system.

He added, “English is a skill that can be developed during the IIM program, but it should not be a barrier to entry. Starting with a few scheduled languages alongside English can create a more inclusive system, with scope to expand further.”

Significance of the Proposal

If implemented, the CAT Corporation and multilingual approach could:

• Democratize access to IIMs.

• Strengthen India’s positioning as an education hub for South Asia.

• Support the government’s vision of inclusive and equitable education.

Prof. Dheeraj Sharma’s vision reflects a broader understanding of how education, language, and economic development intersect—placing inclusivity at the center of India’s management education system.