CAT 2025 Exam Day Tips: What to Bring, What to Skip, and How to Rock It!
CL Team June 16 2025
Hey CAT 2025 hopefuls! The big exam day might still be a few months away, but being prepared now will help you stay calm and confident later. Success in CAT isn’t just about how well you study - it’s also about how smoothly you manage the exam day itself.
Every year, the number of CAT takers grows, making it one of the most competitive exams in India. But here’s the truth: even top scorers can lose out if they don’t follow the exam day guidelines. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!
This blog walks you through the do’s and don’ts, what to carry, and what to expect on exam day. Plus, we’ve included updated information about CAT 2025, including expected question pattern changes and the conducting IIM. Read till the end for a full checklist!
Key CAT 2025 Exam Updates You Should Know
vNo Major Overhauls Expected (But Small Tweaks Are Likely)
|
|
3 Sections in a fixed order:
1. VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
2. DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
3. QA (Quantitative Ability)
Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section
Total Exam Duration: 2 hours
vSlight Increase in Questions and Total Marks
CAT 2024 saw an increase in total questions from 66 to 68. This is expected to continue in 2025:
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
|
VARC |
24 |
|
DILR |
22 |
|
QA |
22 |
|
Total |
68 |
This also bumps up the total marks from 198 to 204, with each correct answer still worth +3 marks.
vMarking Scheme
lCorrect Answer (MCQ/TITA): +3
lIncorrect Answer (MCQ): -1
lIncorrect Answer (TITA): 0
lUnattempted Questions: 0
vPara Jumbles May Be Absent
Like in CAT 2024, Para Jumbles might not appear in the VARC section. Still, it’s smart to prepare for all question types - surprises are not new in CAT!
vConducting IIM: Likely to Be IIM Kozhikode
vTentative Exam Date: November 30, 2025 (Last Sunday of November)
vOfficial Notification Expected: Around July 30, 2025
Your CAT 2025 Exam Day Plan: Simple Steps to Follow
The CAT 2025 exam will be held in three slots on the exam day. Here’s how to get it right:
lBring your CAT 2025 admit card (printed) and original ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
lLeave behind electronics — phones, smartwatches, earphones, calculators, bags, even food or drink are not allowed.
lFollow the dress code: simple, loose clothes with no metal items or accessories.
lArrive 2 hours early to account for check-ins and biometrics.
lGo through security and verification: document check, fingerprint scan, and photo capture.
lFind your assigned seat, verify the details on-screen, and start the test after accepting the instructions.
lReturn the scratchpad and pen after the exam and leave the hall in an orderly manner.
CAT 2025 Exam Basics - Quick Recap
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Full Form |
Common Admission Test |
|
Organizing Body |
Likely IIM Kozhikode |
|
Level |
National |
|
Date |
November 30, 2025 (tentative) |
|
Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
2 Hours (3 Sections x 40 mins) |
|
Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree with 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
|
Courses Offered |
MBA/PGDM |
|
Application Fee |
General: Rs.2,500, Reserved: Rs.1,250 |
|
Expected Result Date |
Mid-December 2025 |
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Carry These:
lPrinted CAT 2025 Admit Card with your photo pasted.
lOriginal Government ID Proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
lPwD documents (if applicable): medical certificate, scribe affidavit.
lName change proof (if applicable).
Leave These:
lPhones, watches, calculators, headphones, bags.
lFood, drinks, water bottles (water will be provided).
lJewelry, hairpins, metal accessories.
lAnything with text/images that could hint at unfair means.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Do’s and Don’ts
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Arrive 2 hours early for your time slot. |
Don’t wear bulky clothes or metal accessories. |
|
Carry admit card & valid ID with your photo. |
Don’t apply henna or mehndi on palms. |
|
Wear simple, comfortable, pocket-free clothes. |
Don’t bring bags, phones, or smart devices. |
|
Use Google Maps to check test center location. |
Don’t argue with exam staff — follow instructions. |
|
Confirm exam details: name, registration number, etc. |
Don’t wear watches, caps, or sunglasses inside. |
Inside the Test Center: What Happens
1. Document Check: Your ID proof and admit card are matched.
2. Biometrics: Fingerprint scan, eye scan, and a live photo.
3. Assigned Seat: You’ll be guided to your computer station.
4. System Check: Confirm your info, read instructions, and start the test.
5. Exam Ends: Submit your answers and return all provided materials.
Final Tips for CAT 2025 Aspirants
lBuild a Strong Foundation: Focus on core concepts in VARC, DILR, and QA.
lUse Latest Pattern Mocks: Practice using the 68-question format.
lStay Adaptable: CAT often introduces subtle shifts in difficulty and structure.
lWatch for the Notification: Official details will be released in late July.
Need Help with Preparation?
We at Career Launcher Ghaziabad are here to help! From live classes to full-length mocks and expert guidance, we’ve got everything you need to crack CAT 2025 with confidence.
Call us at 8595342223, 9891868595
WhatsApp: 8595342223, 9891868595
Email: ghaziabad@careerlauncher.com
Visit: www.careerlauncher.com/ghaziabad/
Fill out the form to get access to live sessions, mock tests, topic-wise workshops, and more.
Good luck, CAT warriors! You’ve got this. Stay calm, stay sharp, and make exam day yours.
