Meet Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat, CAT 2023 Convenor: Know his Expertise & Role, and High Expectations from him

Apart from Directors leading the top 10 B-schools, if there is one high profile role that everyone looks up to, it is that of the CAT Convenor. With the fate of about 2.50 lakh students linked to their performance in CAT exam, everyone looks up to the exam Convenor. On July 14, MBAUniverse.com was the first media channel in the country to publish that IIM Lucknow’s Prof Sanjeet Singh will be the CAT Convenor 2023.

On the eve of CAT Notification release, which is expected on July 30, MBAUniverse.com reveals complete details on CAT 2023 Convenor Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat, and how he will shape the CAT Exam.

What are the Responsibilities of Convener?
Before we talk about Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat, let's take a closer look at how CAT exam is conducted, and the role and responsibilities of the CAT Convenor. Well, the CAT exam is conducted by one of the top 6 IIMs in a rotational manner, with each IIM assigned the responsibility once every five years. The designated CAT Convener, usually the admission chair of the conducting IIM, plays a crucial role in overseeing the exam's smooth execution and coordinating various aspects.

Key responsibilities of the CAT Convener include:

• Coordination with 20 IIMs: The CAT Convener collaborates with all the IIMs to decide on the exam pattern and key changes. A meeting is held involving representatives from all IIMs to finalize various aspects of the exam.
• Facilitating CAT Exam Paper Setting: The CAT Convener, in consultation with subject experts from all 20 IIMs and the CAT testing agency TCS, ensures the preparation of CAT exam papers for all slots, including reserve question paper sets, in line with the established trends and reputation of CAT. Notably, in CAT 2022, Prof Ashis Mishra reintroduced the 'Last Sentence completion' question in the VARC section.
• Coordination with CAT Exam Testing Agency for Glitch-Free CAT: The CAT Convener acts as the central figure around whom the entire CAT exam process revolves. They coordinate with the CAT Testing Agency, presently TCS, to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam without technical glitches. Additionally, they ensure the timely release of all exam-related deliverables, such as CAT notification, registration commencement, admit card release, mock test availability, glitch-free exam administration, answer key release, expert verification of objections, and timely declaration of CAT results. Each CAT Convener sets their own marking scheme for the exam, which is then adopted by the next Convener in the following year.
• Communication with Media and other Stakeholders: The CAT Convener is responsible for finalizing media releases across print, digital, and social media platforms to enhance awareness about CAT. They stay updated with all the relevant information to respond to media queries and interview questions effectively. The CAT Convener also has the authority to make important decisions regarding the inclusion of suggestions from other IIMs or participating B-schools in the exam conduct process.

Meet Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat!
Now it’s time meet Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat, your CAT Exam 2023 Convenor! So, who is Professor Sanjeet Singh… Prof Sanjeet Singh holds multiple responsibilities at IIM Lucknow including being Convenor of CAT 2023. You should know these 5 important things about him:

1. CAT 2023 Convenor on behalf of 20 IIMs: You already know by now that Prof Sanjeet Singh is your CAT Exam 2023 Convenor and he will work on behalf of all 20 IIMs
2. Professor of Decision Sciences Area at IIM Lucknow: Decision Science is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes various quantitative techniques to aid decision-making. It encompasses decision analysis, risk analysis, optimization, simulation modeling, and behavioral decision theory, drawing from operations research, microeconomics, statistics, psychology, and computer science.  As an expert in Quantitative and Decision-making Area, will Prof Singh make CAT 2023 Quant and DILR Section tougher? While it difficult to be 100% sure, it will be a safe guess that this section of the paper will have some innovative questions that can stump the students.
3. Chairperson of Admissions at IIM Lucknow: As the Current Chairperson of IIM Lucknow, Prof Singh has a complete understanding of student behaviour, strengths and weaknesses. This makes him an ideal person to organize CAT exam.
4. Former Chairperson of Admissions at IIM Calcutta: Prof. Singh has a substantial administrative experience as Chairperson, Admissions at IIM Calcutta in 2012-14, where he first brought important changes in the admission policy.
5. Former Scientist of Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO): Prof Singh has worked as Scientist in DRDO a premier agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, charged with the military's research and development.  

With his extensive background and expertise, Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat as CAT 2023 Exam Convener is ideally poised to conduct the exam.

Expectations from Prof Sanjeet Singh Phogat, CAT 2023 Exam Convenor
IIM Lucknow has conducted CAT exam many times earlier also and have taken leads from the previous exams. Based on MBAUniverse.com interactions with past CAT Convenors, and other stakeholders, Prof Sanjeet Singh’s key focus areas would be:

• Increasing CAT Registrations: According to MBAUniverse.com analysis, during the last ten years, CAT registrations have not grown by more than 1% CAGR. But, CAT 2022 saw a modest increase in registrations after many years. It is expected that this year too more candidates will apply for the exam. Prof Singh will have to leverage the IIM Bangalore Playbook, that they used last year to grow the numbers. 
• Changes in CAT Exam Pattern: Although not much changes are expected in Exam Pattern and Approach to attempt the exam, CAT Convener may make changes in the type of questions that appear in CAT exam. As an expert in Quantitative and Decision-making Area, Prof Singh may take special interest in Quant and DILR Sections. While it difficult to be 100% sure, it will be a safe guess that this section of the paper will have some innovative questions that can stump the students.
• Ensuring Smooth Conduct of CAT 2023: CAT is a computer-based test and the technical glitches that occur in the conduct of exam, cannot be ruled out. CAT convener will have to ensure with the testing agency that no technological issues at the test centers are there on the exam day and all the lakhs of computers installed in the testing labs across the country, are working smoothly.
• Engage effectively with Media and other stakeholder: Last year, IIM Bangalore effectively leveraged traditional, internet and social media to extend the reach of the exam. It is expected that Prof Singh will continue this tradition, and make the best use of media channels.

To conclude, CAT Convenor holds a highly esteemed position as the fate of thousands of students depends on the smooth conduct of the CAT exam. Knowing Prof Sanjeet Singh’s experience and expertise, MBAUniverse.com expects a great CAT 2023. First official announcement from Prof Singh is expected on July 30 when CAT notification gets release.