Documents Required for CAT 2025: Complete Checklist of Important Things to Carry

Overview: Check the complete list of Documents Required for CAT exam 2025, including admit card, valid ID proof, and exam day essentials.

Important Events of CAT 2025 Exam!

• The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on 30th November by IIM Kozhikode. The online CAT registration will begin on 01st Aug 2025.
• It is essential to note that the last date to apply for the CAT 2025 entrance exam is September 20, 2025. Candidates should visit the official website to register.
• The CAT 2025 admit card will be available for download from November 12, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

The candidates applying for the CAT Exam 2025 must ensure they bring the vital documents required for the exam, such as their admit card and ID proofs, as outlined in this guide. Read on to know more!

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Documents Required for CAT Exam 2025

Here's the checklist of important things to carry for the CAT entrance exam.

#1 CAT Admit Card: Your Entry Ticket

The CAT admit card is the most important document required for the CAT Exam 2025. Without this, you will not be allowed to proceed further. You can download your CAT admit card from the official website "iimcat.ac.in".

• Get it printed, ensuring that all essential details, such as the candidate's name, application number, registration number, exam date and time, exam centre address, and PWD status, are clearly visible. 
• Affix the photograph used during the application process. 

#2. Government-Issued Photo Identity: Proving Your Candidature 

A valid government-approved photo ID is another mandatory item on the list of Documents Required for CAT Exam. Acceptable IDs include: 

• Aadhar card 
• Voter ID 
• UID
• Driving license 
• Passport 
• PAN card 

#3 Two- Passport Size Photographs

Along with the CAT admit card and ID proofs, two passport-size photographs are also required during the exam. So, ensure that you take the same photo uploaded during registration with you on the day of the CAT examination.

#4 Documents Related to Name Change

If your name has changed recently (due to marriage or other legal reasons), you must carry the relevant legal documents. This is one of the specific documents required for the CAT Exam to avoid mismatches in name verification.

#5 Medical Certificate

Candidates suffering from any medical emergency should carry a medical certificate issued by an MBBS doctor. This certificate will be required during a bio-break or any medical emergency.

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CAT 2025 Exam Day Checklist

• Essential Documents
• Printed Admit Card (A4, clear photo and details visible)
• Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or College ID)
• Passport-size photograph (same as uploaded, if required)

CAT 2025 Exam Day Checklist If Applicable

• PwD certificate or scribe approval
• Medical documents for permitted items, such as medicines or doctor’s notes
• Dress Code and Personal Items
• Wear simple, comfortable clothing without large pockets or metal parts
• Choose easy-to-remove footwear
• Avoid jewellery, watches, metallic accessories, and belts with large buckles
• Bring only essential personal items

CAT 2025 Exam Day Checklist Mental Preparation

• Ensure adequate sleep the night before
• Eat light before leaving for the exam
• Review your test-day strategy, including section order and timing
• Maintain a calm and positive mindset

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Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Forbidden Items

Some documents and items are banned at the exam centre, and you are not allowed to take them with you. These include:

• Watches 
• Mobile Phones 
• Calculators 
• Cameras 
• Electronic Gadgets 
• Headphones/Earpiece 
• Metal Jewellery 
• Pen/ Pencil Box

Note: Ensure you do not carry these forbidden items, which can lead to disqualification. 

Check | CAT Exam Syllabus

Special Provisions: Scribe Affidavit, Medical Certificates, and More 

• PWD candidates should furnish a valid medical certificate indicating their disability. Those requiring a scribe must carry the prescribed scribe affidavit.
• It's essential to have these documents verified at the exam centre before being allowed entry. 
• Moreover, candidates with specific conditions, such as name changes due to marriage or other reasons, should bring their respective legal and government-stamped documents. 
• Lastly, in exceptional situations requiring the need for certain forbidden items, a special authorisation letter approved by the MCI (Medical Council of India) should be obtained and presented. 

Know more: CAT Cut off for IIMS

Stationery: Keeping it Simple 

Since the CAT is an online examination, candidates must carry minimal stationery. While pens, pencils, and scales for rough work are permitted, the examination centre will provide rough sheets. 

Check | CAT Entrance Exam Marking Scheme

Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Authorisation Form 

• The "Authorisation Form" for the CAT Exam 2025 is a crucial document that candidates may need in specific situations. This form is essentially a permission slip that allows candidates to carry certain items into the examination hall that are typically prohibited.
• Under normal circumstances, items such as gadgets, food, and additional stationery are not permitted in the exam hall. However, there might be exceptional situations where a candidate may require these items due to medical reasons or other valid justifications.
• In such cases, candidates must obtain a special authorisation letter approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) that specifies the need to carry these items. This letter serves as a formal request and, if granted, allows candidates to bring the necessary items into the examination hall without violating the standard rules.
• It's important to note that candidates should only use this authorisation form when necessary and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the examination authorities. Abusing this provision may lead to disqualification from the exam. Therefore, candidates should exercise discretion and responsibility when requesting and using the Authorisation Form for the CAT Exam 2025.

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Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Documents Related to Name Change 

Documents related to Name Change are important for CAT Exam 2025 candidates who have undergone a name change due to various reasons, such as marriage, divorce, or other legal processes.

These documents are essential to ensure that the candidate's identity is properly verified during the examination.

Here's how these documents work:

• Legal Proof of Name Change: If a candidate's name has changed, they must carry legal documents that confirm this change. These documents can include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or any other court-issued document that officially records the change of name.

• Government-Stamped Proof: In addition to the legal documents, candidates must also provide government-stamped proof of their name change. This further validates the authenticity of the name change.

During the CAT Exam 2025, when presenting identification, candidates must ensure that the name printed on their admit card matches the name on the documents related to the name change. This process is crucial for preventing identity discrepancies and maintaining the integrity of the examination.

Check | Reservations in CAT exams

Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Document Verification 

The candidate’s admit card (affixed with the photograph) and original ID proof will be checked before entering the exam hall. The candidate's photograph and signature should be clearly printed and visible on the ID proof and must match the name printed on the Admit Card. 

Check | How Many Attempts Are There for CAT Exam 2025? 

Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Biometric Verification 

• Post document verification, candidates will move into the exam hall.
• They would be asked to proceed with biometric registration- IRIS and photo registration. 
• The candidate’s IRIS will be scanned, and a photograph will be captured. 
• Candidates will be required to sign the attendance sheet. 
• It's a standard procedure to ensure that the right candidates are taking the test. 

Read More | List of CAT Exam Centres in India

Documents to Carry for CAT Exam 2025: Additional Guidelines and Instructions 

Candidates are advised to: 

• Reach the examination centre well in advance. 
• Ensure you have the CAT admit card with you. 
• Review all details on the admit card. 
• Avoid applying Mehendi or similar items that might delay the checking process. 
• Cooperate with examination staff and invigilators throughout. 
• Do not forget to carry the required items, and similarly avoid the forbidden ones. 

Furthermore, candidates with specific needs, like those applying under the PwD quota, will receive added amenities such as extra time, separate rooms, or elevator access, among others.

Ensure you have all the necessary documents to carry for the CAT exam to utilise these provisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing the essential documents to carry for the CAT exam and other guidelines ensures a hassle-free experience. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates responsibility and serious intent, both qualities of an aspiring management student. 

Key Takeaways

• To ensure a smooth examination experience, candidates must be well-prepared with the necessary documents and adhere to specific guidelines.
• Essential documents for the CAT exam include the CAT Admit Card, which is mandatory for entry, and a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.
• Prohibited items in the examination hall include watches, mobile phones, calculators, cameras, and electronic gadgets. Carrying these items can result in disqualification.
• Candidates with special needs, such as disabilities or name changes, should provide relevant documents like medical certificates, scribe affidavits, and legal proofs.
• On the day of the CAT exam, follow a set of do's and don'ts to ensure a smooth and fair examination experience.
• Adhering to these guidelines not only demonstrates responsibility but also helps in avoiding any complications during the CAT exam, ultimately increasing your chances of success. 

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