CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025 [New Guidelines & Policies]

Overview: CAT 2025 will be conducted according to strict guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all examiners and participants. Here’s everything you need to know about CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025! 

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• The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted on 30 November 2025 in three shifts by IIM Kozhikode across various centres.
• With so much curiosity and last-minute hustle, many candidates normally miss the CAT exam instructions.
• Keeping an eye on the list of do's and don'ts on the CAT exam day solves many last-minute confusions.

So, continue reading to learn the major CAT 2025 exam day guidelines for MBA aspirants for the CAT 2025 entrance exam!

Top 9 Common CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025

CAT aspirants should read the CAT exam day instructions carefully and prepare accordingly for the main exam day. Here are the standard CAT 2025 exam day instructions that every CAT aspirant must follow:

1. Check out Your Shift Timing

CAT 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on 30th November 2025 by IIM Kozhikode. The exam will be conducted in three shifts; therefore, candidates must know their assigned shift and arrive at the examination centre well in advance. Try to reach the exam centre 90 minutes before the exam.

2. Rechecking Your Admit Card Details

Your hall ticket or the CAT exam admit card is your entry pass to the exam centre. Therefore, ensure to thoroughly check the details mentioned on it as per the CAT exam instructions, like your name, DOB, shift timings, centre, reporting time, gate closing time, your photo, signature and more.

If you find any error in any of the mentioned details, then contact us immediately at the official helpdesk of the CAT exam centre help desk via email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in.

Read more: CAT Exam Cut Off [Expected & Previous Years]

3. Take the Colour Print out of your Hall Ticket

The next important point to consider when understanding the CAT Exam Day Instructions is to take a colour printout of the CAT admit card.

After rechecking the details on the CAT admit card, take two colour printouts of it. These hard copies of the CAT admit card must be presented on the examination day.

4. Keep Your Documents Updated

While looking for the CAT Exam Day Instructions, the next step is to keep all your documents ready. This includes your govt ID proofs like Aadhar card, PAN card, Driving License, voter ID, Passport and more. These IDs include:

• Aadhar card
• Driving Licence 
• PAN Card
• Voter ID 
• Passport

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5. Visit the Exam Centre A Day Before

If possible, try to visit the exam centre a day in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. You can use the Google Maps link to reach the location. This will keep you updated about the distance, time taken, and mode of conveyance.

6. Do not Wait for the Last-Minute Entry

The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted in three shifts, so the centres will observe chaos. Therefore, reaching the exam centre before the closing time is very important.

Although the reporting time is already mentioned on the CAT admit card, for the safe side, you should visit the centre at least 90 minutes before.

7. Wear a Comfortable Dress

Since the CAT exam is 2 hours, wearing comfortable and breathable clothing is essential. Do not opt for a dress with buttons, shimmers or any extra element, as it will violate the CAT 2025 exam day instructions.

You can go with a simple T-shirt, lower/pants and slippers.

8. Do not bring Prohibited Items

Do not bring any kind of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, calculators, watches, wallets, or other prohibited items inside the exam centre as per the CAT exam instructions. All these items are prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Read More| Documents to carry for CAT Exam 2025

9. Do not forget to Give Biometric Attendance

After entering the CAT exam centre, the invigilators will take biometric attendance. Do not forget to give your attendance, as it will lead to disqualification.

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CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025

The Exam Day Workflow for candidates appearing in the CAT exam is given below. 

• CAT 2025 is expected to be held in three shifts.
• Arriving on time for the CAT 2025 exam location is essential, preferably 90 minutes before the exam. 
• The last entry is 15 minutes before the start time.
• Carrying all required CAT exam day documents, including the CAT Admission Card, is compulsory.
• Observing the CAT exam guidelines for biometric attendance, seating selection, etc., must be done before the exam day. 

Check: CAT 2025  Exam Analysis

CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025 at the Exam Hall

These CAT exam instructions are as per the previous year’s brochure: 

• The time allotted for each Section is 40 minutes (53 minutes and 20 seconds for PwD Candidates).
• Some questions would be multiple-choice (MCQ), and others would be non-MCQ.
• As soon as the candidate starts answering a section, the clock (displayed in the top-right corner of the screen) starts ticking and shows the remaining time to complete the current section.
• At the 40-minute mark, the timer would reach zero, the current section would be auto-submitted, and the candidate would be automatically moved to the next section. The candidate can then start answering the next Section.
• The same process would be repeated for all three sections. For PWD Candidates, the process would be the same as above, except they would be given 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section. However, there would be an option to submit the answers to a Section at any point after 40 minutes.
• Candidates would be allowed to leave the Test Lab only after 120 minutes, and PwD candidates would be allowed to go between 120 and 160 minutes. 

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Things to Carry to the Exam Hall During CAT Exam 2025

Knowing what to carry to the exam hall ensures a hassle-free CAT exam.

It includes essential CAT exam day documents like the CAT admit card and government-issued photo ID, which are mandatory for verification.

Understanding these requirements as per the CAT exam instructions helps candidates avoid complications on exam day and focus on their performance.

Check | CAT 2025 Exam Centre List- Zone Wise

Things Not to Carry to the Exam Hall During CAT Exam 2025

Understanding what not to carry to the exam hall, as per the CAT exam instructions, is vital to maintaining the integrity and security of the CAT exam. Let's check the items to avoid in the CAT exam hall.

Read More | CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Dress Code as per CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025

Knowing the CAT exam dress code as per the CAT Exam Instructions for 2025 is essential to avoid violations.

Coming to the CAT exam dress code, it helps candidates choose appropriate attire without distractions, ensuring a fair and standardised examination environment.

Adherence to the dress code contributes to a smooth and compliant testing experience.

• You are not allowed to wear clothing with large buttons or shoes with thick soles. 
• Candidates are not permitted to carry a phone or other electronic device, wear jewellery, or wear watches.
• Candidates cannot wear closed-toed shoes, hats, jackets, or clothing with pockets or huge buttons inside the exam room.
• The exam hall does not allow socks, plain pullovers, sweaters, or cardigans (without pockets). 

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CAT Exam Day Time Slots and Guidelines 2025

CAT Exam Day Time Slots and CAT Exam Guidelines for 2025 include information about the expected three exam shifts and the importance of punctuality. Candidates should be aware of their assigned shifts and arrive well in advance.

The CAT exam instructions emphasise the last entry cut-off time and the need to adhere to specified safety measures and dress codes. Compliance with these CAT exam rules and regulations, guidelines is essential for a smooth CAT examination experience.

Enrol |  CAT 2025 Online Coaching

Can I Carry the Calculator to the CAT Exam Hall? 

Yes, you may use a calculator on the CAT exam. However, this does not imply that you can bring your calculator to the exam. You will be allowed to use an on-screen calculator. 

Conclusion

The CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025 provide detailed instructions for the CAT exam to help ensure a smooth exam day experience for all test-takers. All candidates are instructed to arrive at the testing centre with the appropriate ID and important documents and be prepared to follow the CAT exam rules and regulations.

By adhering to these CAT exam day instructions and tips, understanding the CAT exam rules and regulations, and ensuring you have all the required CAT exam day documents, you can approach the test with confidence and focus entirely on performing your best. Proper preparation and organisation are key to a successful CAT exam experience.

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