CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Preparation for exam days is as crucial as academic preparation to reduce the already elevated exam stress and anxiety. Thus, it becomes important to be thoroughly prepared for the D-day! Adhering to the CAT day exam guidelines would help exam takers focus entirely on the exam, avoiding last-minute hassle.
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CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Exam Day Protocols
IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT Exam 2025 on 30th November 2025, i.e., the last Sunday of November. The exam duration is 2 hours and is conducted in three slots – 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM at about 400 centres in 150+ cities across India
Every year, the IIMs release the detailed guidelines for the CAT exam day on the CAT admit card and CAT official website. These include important information about frisking, reporting time, documents to carry and permitted items. Make sure to read these details carefully to avoid last-minute stress.
Also Read – CAT 2025 Last 10 Days Revision Plan
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Key Documents And Reporting Time
- Make sure you carry your CAT admit card, which contains your name, photo and other exam details.
- Carry original photo ID proof issued by the government, such as Aadhaar card, a passport, a voter ID, etc.
- Make sure that if you are carrying a water bottle, it must be transparent.
- Report at least 45 minutes early to avoid any last-minute delay.
- Follow the signage and instructions about the exam.
Download CAT admit card 2025 and check your slots and centre. Don’t forget to carry your CAT admit card on the exam day.
Things to Carry for CAT 2025 Exam
Candidates appearing for CAT must ensure they carry these mandatory documents and allowed items to the exam centre.
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Printed CAT Admit Card:
Carry a clear, A4-size printout of your CAT admit card with your photo and signature visible. Make sure the photo is not blurred and all details are legible. -
Valid Photo ID Proof:
Bring any one original government-issued ID such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence. The name on the ID should match the name on the admit card. -
Passport-Size Photograph:
Keep one recent passport-size photo, preferably the same one uploaded during the CAT registration. You may need it for verification at the exam centre. -
Transparent Water Bottle:
A simple, transparent bottle of water is usually permitted. No labels, no steel or opaque bottles. -
PwD/Scribe-Related Documents (if applicable):
Candidates availing extra time or scribe support must carry their PwD certificate, scribe affidavit, and any documents approved by CAT authorities. -
Medical Certificates & Prescribed Items:
If you have a medical condition, carry necessary documents such as doctor’s prescriptions, medicine strips, or health aids like inhalers, glucose tablets, etc., as permitted. -
Self-Declaration or Health Form (if required that year):
Some exam cycles require a self-declaration about health status. Carry it if instructed in the admit card guidelines. -
Face Mask / Sanitizer (If Allowed):
Depending on the year’s guidelines, you may be allowed or required to carry a mask, small sanitizer, or other hygiene items. -
Other Essential Approvals:
Any special permission email or document received from CAT authorities (e.g., for name mismatch correction, photo correction, PwD approval) should be carried as a printed copy.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025: Do’s And Don’ts
| CAT Exam Day Dos | CAT Exam Day Don’ts |
| Verify all the details on your CAT admit card before you take your place in the exam hall. | Mobile Phones, Wallets, Jewellery, Smart Watches, Metallic Items, bags, purses, calculators and paper notes are strictly prohibited in the exam centre. |
| Listen carefully to what the invigilator says. In case of any question, don’t hesitate to ask. | Candidates need not carry a pen. They will be provided with one pen and one scribble pad for rough work. |
| It is mandatory for the candidates to carry their CAT admit card 2025 and a government-issued ID card. | Only in case of a medical emergency are candidates allowed to bring the eatables; otherwise, no food items are allowed inside the exam hall. |
| Only non-digital wristwatches are allowed inside the CAT exam centre. | Avoid discussions with the fellow candidates, which can induce anxiety. |
Also Read: CAT 2025 Slot timings || CAT Exam Analysis 2025
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CAT Exam Day Guidelines: Inside The Exam Hall
Candidates must follow the prescribed exam day rules and regulations carefully to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
- Verification and Frisking: Before Candidates enter the examination hall, they are thoroughly verified and frisked to check the unauthorised items.
- Admit Card And Seat Allocation: The invigilator will check your admit card and guide you to your assigned seats.
- Online screen Instructions: There will be a certain set of instructions listed on the screen. Read them carefully.
- Submission After Section: Candidates cannot switch between sections and can only move to the next one after the allotted time for the current section is over.
CAT Exam Day Tips 2025: After The Exam
- Candidates are not supposed to leave their seats until the invigilator has announced.
- After the exam concludes, candidates are typically required to submit their signed admit card (or as directed by the invigilator) before leaving the test centre.
- It is advised that candidates are to keep their admit cards and other documentation safe for the forthcoming results and selection rounds.
Last Minute Tips for CAT Exam Day 2025
- Sleep early the night before the exam so that you wake up well rested.
- Have a light and healthy breakfast.
- Leave early to avoid last-minute delays.
- Keep yourself calm and believe in your preparation.
- Avoid unnecessary social media scrolling or checking forums before the exam.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025
The CAT exam includes specific dress-code instructions as part of its exam-day guidelines, designed to help maintain fairness and efficient entry procedures across test centres.
- Light, plain T-shirts or shirts without pockets or metal buttons.
- Simple trousers or salwar pants, avoid clothing with too many layers.
- Flat footwear such as sandals or slippers (no heels or boots).
- Avoid jewellery, watches, metal accessories, or smartwatches.
- Avoid Jackets, hoodies, or clothing with large pockets.
- Shoes with thick soles or metallic parts are not allowed.
Also read: CAT 2023 Question Paper | CAT 2024 Question Paper
Conclusion
The CAT exam day is as much about composure as it is about preparation. Following the CAT 2025 exam day guidelines, from reporting time, documents, and dress code to exam hall protocols, will ensure a smooth experience without last-minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What documents are required on CAT exam day 2025?
You must carry your CAT 2025 admit card (with photo affixed) and a valid government photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
Q2. Can I carry a smartwatch or calculator to the CAT exam centre?
No. Electronic gadgets, including smartwatches, calculators, mobile phones, and earphones, are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. However, students can access the on-screen calculator.
Q3. What items are allowed inside the CAT exam hall?
You are allowed to carry only your admit card, a valid ID proof, and a simple transparent water bottle. Everything else (including stationery) will be provided at the test centre.
Q4. What is the reporting time for the CAT 2025 exam?
Candidates must report at least 90 minutes before their respective slot time — Slot 1 (8:30 AM), Slot 2 (12:30 PM), and Slot 3 (4:30 PM). Late entry is not permitted after gate closure.
