The Oxford University has decided to terminate TCS ion’s services within a year amid technical glitches faced by some of the candidates during online admission tests in 2023, affecting schools, colleges and other test centers. Professor Martin William, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, declared University’s decision of ending ties with TCS to test centers after having a detailed review of the issues and considering expert opinion.
The UK-based university assured affiliated schools and colleges that they are committed to streamlining the process and minimizing the burden on teachers and exams officers as much as possible. Professor Williams conveyed this assurance in a letter addressed to all affiliated teachers and exams officers.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had announced on April 10, 2023, that it was chosen by Oxford University to administer the majority of the university’s admissions tests starting from 2023. However, in October 2023, several candidates took to ‘X’ about facing issues via TCS ion while giving their online admission tests, including frozen screens, server crashes, besides other issues.
Subsequently, local media also reported that Oxford University has opted not to consider the results from its problematic online admissions tests for admission to next year’s English courses.
Furthermore, Balliol College of Oxford University released an official statement addressing the technical issues faced by students, particularly in ELAT, CAT, and MAT tests.
According to the official statement schools and test centers have been instructed to inform their issues involving students’ performance during the admissions test, if it get affected, through the Special Considerations Form. They also mentioned in the official statement that certain tests got more affected than others and that applicants those who were selected to take the English Literature Test (ELAT) or the Classics Aptitude Test (CAT) should have received the University outlining steps taken to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged by the difficulties faced.
The university is currently exploring alternative options for the year 2024.
Furthermore, Oxford’s admissions tests include CAT, HAT, ELAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, AMELAT, and the Philosophy test. In addition, a new Geography Admissions Test (GAT) was introduced for the year 2023.
