GAT, PAT dates changed again

GAT, PAT dates changed again

By The Nation

File photo

THE NEW date for the general election has again affected the exam schedule of students preparing for university admissions.

With the election now scheduled for March 24, the authorities have decided to switch the exams back to the original schedule of February 23 to 26.

Last November, the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and the Professional and Academic Aptitude Test (PAT), which are critical for most university applicants, were moved to February 16-19 as the agencies concerned wanted to make sure the exams would not clash with the expected national voting day. The change was made, as it was widely believed the general election would be held on February 24. 

“I believe the change will be useful to students. They have one more week to prepare themselves,” Deputy Education Minister Udom Kachintorn said yesterday.

He was speaking after a meeting with the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, and the Office of Higher Education Commission.

Udom downplayed concerns that the change in schedule could cause problems for schools and test supervisors.

“We have already assigned the Office of Basic Education Commission and the Office of Private Education Commission to sort out the problems,” he said.

He added that Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin was already informed of the new GAT/PAT schedule. 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30362902