CAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions: Rules, What to Carry, Do's and Don'ts

Among the most significant CAT 2025 exam day instructions is to carry the CAT 2025 admit card to the exam centre. There are certain CAT exam rules that you must abide by on exam day to have a smooth examination experience. The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on November 30, 2025, in three slots at over 400 test centres across India. You must not only report early but also understand what to carry and what not to carry to the exam centre. Arriving early allows you to enter the exam hall with a calm and focused mindset, and be fully prepared to approach each section with concentration. As the exam day approaches, make sure you're fully prepared by following these essential CAT 2025 exam day guidelines.

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Important ​CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines

In order to have a successful CAT exam day, you must follow certain guidelines that have been put in place to ensure the well-being of every test takers. Check out the CAT exam day guidelines mentioned below:

• You must make sure that you reach the examination center with ample time to complete all the formalities before the exam.
• You must not forget to carry your CAT admit card and the required government-issued Photo ID proof. To err on the side of caution, You should carry two copies of the required documents.
• You must not sign your CAT admit card prematurely. The admit card should only be signed in the presence of the CAT exam invigilator.
• The photo that you will attach to the CAT admit card must be the same as the one uploaded during the CAT registration process.
• You should also make sure that you do not have any rubbish or scrap paper in your pockets as only the CAT admit card and the Photo ID proof are allowed inside the exam hall.
• The writing pad provided for rough work during the CAT exam has to be returned after the examination is over. You should also make sure to write your name and registration number on the rough pad.
• Any kind of electronic gadgets are prohibited inside the CAT examination room. Thus, You must refrain from carrying such items to the examination center.
• Any kind of clothes with pockets, metal jewelry, and heavy footwear are also prohibited inside the CAT examination hall.
• Bags and other kinds of luggage are not allowed inside the examination hall. You must make sure you carry all the required documents in a transparent folder.
• If you have a medical condition and have metal inside your body like metal implants or pacemakers you will be required to submit medical certificates for the same at the CAT exam hall.

Do's and Don’ts on CAT 2025 Exam Day

Below are some important guidelines regarding the CAT 2025 that You must follow at each point for a hassle-free examination experience.

List of Do's for CAT Exam Day

• Bring your admit card and original ID proofs as specified in the admit card.

• Print the CAT 2025 admit card on an A4 size Paper. Check if the photo and the signature of the candidate are properly printed.

• You are requested to have the digital admit card on your mobile phones. In the digital admit card, there is a Google Maps link. You can reach the examination centre without much trouble using the Google Maps link.

• You must affix the photograph as required, there is an assigned space in the admit card where the photo has to be pasted with glue before handing it over for verification at the CAT 2025 test centre. You are requested to affix the same photograph that was previously uploaded during the CAT 2025 application process.

• Carry Self-Declaration Form

• Visit the CAT 2025 Exam Center beforehand

• Be punctual

• Verify the seating arrangements.

• Verify your documents.

• Complete all rough work on the scratch sheet.

• Use the washroom beforehand.

• The writing pad with all pages intact will have to be returned along with the pen after completion of the examination to the hall invigilator.

• The duly signed admit card has to be returned to the invigilator present in the CAT exam lab.

List of Don'ts for CAT Exam Day

• Do not try to appear for the CAT 2025 exam more than once to avoid cancellation.

• Any kind of gadget is prohibited in the exam lab. Do not carry them with you. Otherwise, the examination will be cancelled for you.

• Any attempt to cheat or copy answers from any peer is prohibited and will lead to paper cancellation.

• Do not use the keyboard ever during the examination; this will lock your computer system.

• No request for changing the test centre/console/exam lab on the exam day will be entertained.

• Do not waste writing pad pages as no extra writing pad will be given to you.

• Do not apply henna or mehndi on the palm side. This instruction is mainly given to girls attempting the examination. This is suggested as applying mehndi on the palm side will cause trouble in capturing your biometric fingerprint which is mandatory for entering the examination lab.

Also Read : Do’s & Don’ts for Writing the CAT 2025 Exam

What to Carry to CAT 2025 Test Centre?

If you are appearing for CAT 2025 must be aware of what to carry and what not to carry at the exam centre to avoid any hassle. Here is a list of things to carry for CAT exam:

• CAT Admit Card: The CAT admit card 2025 is mandatory to carry into the examination hall. The admit card is also known as the ‘Hall Ticket’ without which, you cannot enter the examination hall.
• Photo Identity Proof (Government)
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter ID
  • Driving license
  • Passport
  • PAN card
  • Employer ID
  • College ID
  • Identification affidavit
• Authorization Form: CAT authority will issue an authorization form, which is necessary to carry to the examination hall to get permission for special items.
• Name Change Document: If your name has changed as a result of any circumstance (such as marriage, a legal name change, or a divorce), you must have official documentation confirming the name change.
• Affidavit of Scribe & Medical Certificate: If you fall under the PwD category, you must bring a medical certificate substantiating your claim of disability as well as a scribe affidavit (on the form provided by IIMCAT) to the CAT 2025 examination hall.

What Not to Carry to CAT 2025 Test Centre?

The exam authority of CAT has forbidden many things inside the exam hall, and any student is not allowed to take the exam if found in the possession of those things. The following items are not allowed inside the CAT 2025 examination hall:

• Wristwatches
• Mobile Phone
• Purse/Handbag
• Log Tables
• Calculator
• Camera
• Wireless/Bluetooth Devices
• Other Electronic Gadgets
• Geometry/ Instrument/ Pencil box

Relief to Carry Accessories Against CAT Exam Day Authorization Form

Though you are not allowed to carry any accessories and electronics inside the examination hall, you can take them inside only if you are necessary for your medical health and prescribed by an MCI-approved doctor. In that case, the CAT authority will issue an authorization form, which is necessary to carry to the examination hall to get permission.

Reasons to Avoid Carrying Prohibited Items on CAT Exam Day

If you violate the CAT exam's dress code and prohibited item policies you risk severe repercussions, including exam disqualification. On the day of the CAT exam, carrying prohibited items could have the following consequences:

• Disqualification: You risk being disqualified from the examination if you are discovered to be in possession of prohibited items.

• Loss of personal belongings: Any personal items that you leave outside the exam room are your responsibility.

• Cancellation of Candidature: If you attempt to cheat or use unfair methods during the exam risk having your CAT applications cancelled.

Also Read : CAT 2025 Exam Day Mistakes You Must Avoid

Dress Code for CAT 2025 Exam Day

The CAT aspirants should take note of the following guidelines pertaining to the dress code to avoid issues at the time of entry:

• Metal jewellery is not permitted to be worn by anyone.
• Inside the examination hall, you are not permitted to wear closed-toed shoes, caps, jackets, or clothing with pockets or huge buttons.
• If you have metal implants, pacemakers, or other devices in your body must submit a medical certificate for those devices.
• The test lab allows socks, plain pullovers, sweaters, and cardigans (without pockets).

CAT 2025 Exam Day Workflow

From reaching the exam centre to exiting it, there is a certain workflow for the examination, which has to be followed. The staff at the examination centres and the invigilator will assist you through the process and help you. Following is the exam day workflow:

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How to Use Google Map Link on CAT Admit Card to Find the Test Centre?

There are often unavoidable delays on exam day since students frequently struggle to find the exact location of their CAT 2025 exam centre. In order to prevent this, IIM included a new Google Map Link feature on the CAT 2025 admit card that allows applicants to confirm the precise location of the test centre that has been assigned to them. You simply need to download your CAT admit cards in order to access the same, and then click on the Google Map link to acquire directions to the exam centre.

Verification of Documents and Biometric Registration

You must have your documents validated after entering the test centre and undergoing the frisking process (security check).

• The original ID proof and admit card, both of which are attached with photographs, will be examined on the desk. You will be requested to continue with biometric registration after your documents have been verified.
• The left thumb impression and picture of the candidate will be taken.
• The attendance sheet must be signed by you.

Exam Day Guidelines for PwD You for CAT 2025

• If you have disabilities (PwD) you will get an additional 40 minutes (total of 160 minutes) to finish the test.
• Separate rooms will be allotted to floors with elevator access or on the ground floor.
• PwD candidates will receive special coordinators.
• PwD candidates who have a scribe must carry an affidavit that has been properly signed by both the candidate and the scribe.
• A wheelchair will be made available to applicants who demand one (as stated on your admit cards).
• According to the specifications listed on the admit card, the "Zoom" option will be made available on the candidate's test console (for You who are visually impaired).

Also Read : 10 Last-Minute Tips to Crack CAT 2025

CAT 2025 Exam Day Key Activities and Time Slots

The following schedule has been created based on the schedule of last year’s CAT exam:

CAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions Basics

Here are some of the guidelines that the CAT 2025 aspirants must follow on the exam day:

Is There Any Dress Code for the CAT 2025 Exam?

No, there is no specific dress code for the CAT 2025 exam. However, you must wear simple and comfortable attire like light-coloured plain shirts or T-shirts. However, garments with multiple pockets, heavy printed outfits, thick-soled footwear, clothes with large buttons, and caps/hoodies are not allowed. Metallic buttons or embellishments are also not allowed. Simple sandals or slippers and socks are allowed but thick-soled footwear and shoes with metallic parts are prohibited. Additionally, heavy makeup, unnatural marks or mehendi, and visible tattoos are not allowed.

Do We Need to Carry a Photo for a CAT Exam?

No, you are not required to carry a photograph to the CAT exam centre. You are only required to upload your passport-size photograph while filling out the application form. The photograph must be in .jpg or .jpeg format, the dimensions must be 1200 x 1200 pixels; 35mm x 45 mm, and the file size must be <= 1 MB. Additionally, you also need to upload your signature in the .jpg or .jpeg format with dimensions 80 mm X 35 mm and file size <= 80 KB.

What Information Do I Need to Confirm on the CAT 2025 Admit Card?

You must confirm certain crucial information on the CAT admit card 2025 beforehand that include the Name of the candidate, PwD Status, Date and Day of Exam, Registration Number, Reporting/ Entry time at Centre, Gate Closing Time of Centre, Test Center address, Test City, and Time and Session of CAT 2025.

Is Pen Pencil Allowed in the CAT 2025 Exam?

Since the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted through online mode, you require minimal stationery. However, you are not required to bring your stationery to the exam centre. For rough work, pens, pencils, and papers are permitted, but the examination centre will provide you with rough sheets and a pen, which you must return with all pages intact after the exam has been conducted.

Is PAN Card Allowed for a CAT Exam? What are the Acceptable ID Proofs at the CAT Examination Hall?

Yes, you must carry your PAN Card to the CAT examination hall. The acceptable ID proofs at the CAT exam centre include Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, College ID, and Employer ID.

Can I Carry a Wallet in a CAT Exam?

No, you are not allowed to carry a wallet to the CAT exam centre. No personal items like bags, purses, wallets, or pencil boxes will be allowed.

Is Jewellery Not Allowed in the CAT Exam?

No, any jewellery or metallic item will not be allowed in the CAT exam including earrings and nose pins, necklaces and chains, all types of rings, bangles, bracelets, and anklets, any other metallic ornaments. Both male and female candidates must stick to these rules.

What are the Timings of a CAT Exam?

The CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, 2025, in three time slots. Slot 1 will be conducted from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Slot 2 will be held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Slot 3 will be held from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. You are advised to reach the examination centre 90 minutes before the exam begins.

You must follow these CAT exam instructions and take note of all the things to carry for the CAT exam.

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