Oxford University ends partnership with TCS citing ‘technical problems’ in online admission tests

University of Oxford announced that it has ended its partnership with IT services major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), following a detailed review of technical glitches experienced by students undertaking online admission tests in 2023.

TCS was responsible for running the online tests for the university at its affiliated test centres, and had entered into this partnership last year. This comes at a time when IT companies are already reeling under the impact of macroeconomic uncertainties and slower demand cycles.

In a letter addressed to the teachers and exam officers, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the university, Professor Martin Williams said, “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. The decision has subsequently been taken to end our relationship with TCS.”