Tata Consultancy Services, which was roped in by the Oxford University to conduct its admission tests, will no longer be involved in the mega exercise, a Mint report said on Tuesday. When asked about the development, the Indian IT giant told Financial Express.com that it can neither confirm nor deny it at the moment. It should be noted that TCS was appointed as the test provider by the Oxford in April last year for smooth operations. However, the feedbacks from students, parents etc in October 2023 gave a different picture. According to a circular posted by the Oxford on its official site (see pic), the university had indicated that it will be ending the alliance with Tata Consultancy Services.
“We are now working on alternative options for 2024 and beyond and will communicate the new arrangements as soon as possible and no later than the start of the new admissions cycle in early Spring,” the Oxford said in the notice.
Last year, Tata Consultancy Services had replaced Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing (CAAT) as test provider for the students and aspirants of the Oxford and its affiliated colleges. One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford attracts students from many countries including India. There are over 30 colleges under it. Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Oxford has written (see pic) to all teachers and exams officers communicating them the development.
“I wrote to you last year following the technical problems experienced by some schools and colleges, test centres and candidates undertaking Oxford’s online admissions tests, which were delivered by a new provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Since then, we have undertaken a detailed review of the issues to better understand how and why these occurred and taken on board the expert and valuable feedback many of you shared,” Williams said in the mail.