TCS entered into a partnership with Oxford University just a year ago to offer technical services for the university’s admission tests.
Oxford University has terminated its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, which served as its admission test provider. The decision was made due to reported “technical problems,” based on feedback received from candidates, test centers, and parents.
In light of reported technical issues and feedback from candidates, test centers, and parents, Oxford University has opted to conclude its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as the provider for its admission tests. This decision aligns with Oxford’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and efficient admission process for all stakeholders involved.
The university, officially confirming the termination, has declared that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will no longer play a role in its admission testing procedures. This decision follows a brief one-year alliance during which TCS replaced Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing (CAAT) as the technical services provider for the university’s admission tests.
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The collaboration between TCS and Oxford had just surpassed its first year. TCS took over from Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing, becoming the provider of technical services for the university’s admission tests. The tests were managed by TCS iON, the unit of TCS specializing in learning, development, and assessments.
The university, through its website, announced that Martin Williams, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education“has recently written to all test centres to communicate our decision to end our relationship with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)”. “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,” Oxford added. “University institutions are very sensitive about the efficacy, security and reliability of their assessment solutions and this is really bad news for TCS, especially with Oxford being the UK’s most prestigious university alongside Cambridge,” said Fersht.
Meanwhile, prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the resources available on the individual test webpages, including past papers, which can be valuable for admission preparation.
The United Kingdom has emerged as a favored study abroad destination for Indian students. According to statistics from the UK Home Office, a substantial increase of 54% was observed in the issuance of sponsored study visas to Indians, reaching a total of 142,848 in 2023 compared to the year ending June 2022, marking a significant surge of 49,883 visas.
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In June 2023 alone, the UK issued nearly 500,000 sponsored study visas, reflecting a remarkable 23% increase from the previous year. Notably, Indians constituted almost one-third of this total, underscoring their growing interest in pursuing higher education in the UK.