CAT Exam Dress Code 2026: Mandatory Guidelines for Male and Female Test Takers

Overview: The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on 29th November 2026. Continue reading to know what the CAT exam dress code is and what guidelines you need to follow on the D-Day! 

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• The Common Admission Test is one of the prestigious MBA entrance exams conducted once a year across India.
• The aspirants taking the CAT exam should be well prepared regarding the CAT exam dress code and important guidelines before reaching the exam centre. 

Brief Note on CAT 2026 Exam

CAT 2026 was conducted in multiple sessions across the country. Early CAT exam analysis 2026 shows that the exam had a moderate difficulty level, with the Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation section being the most time-consuming, while the Verbal Ability section was manageable for well-prepared candidates.

Continue reading to learn the recommended dress code for the CAT exam and the must-follow CAT exam instructions for candidates here!

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What is the CAT Exam Dress Code 2026?

The CAT exam is one of the leading MBA entrance exams, with more than 3.29 lakh candidates taking it across India. Candidates need to be aware of the CAT 2026 exam dress code for both males and females to ensure they comply.

Here are the key pointers of the CAT exam day dress code for 2026:

1. Try Not to wear thick-soled footwear to the Exam Hall

• The first point to remember regarding the CAT exam dress code is to avoid wearing shoes/footwear with thick soles.
• Also, according to the CAT dress code, garments with large buttons are not allowed inside the CAT exam hall.

2. Avoid Wearing Clothes with Heavy Pockets

• The CAT 2026 dress code permits candidates to wear any comfortable clothing, such as shirts, t-shirts, and trousers, as long as they do not have pockets.
• Candidates wearing clothing with pockets will not be allowed into the CAT 2026 exam hall.

3. Do not Wear Jewellery or any type of Ornament to the Exam Hall

Candidates taking the CAT exam are prohibited from wearing any jewellery or carrying any metal, including earrings, nose pins, necklaces, anklets, bangles, and other metallic ornaments.

Read More | CAT Admission Process 2026 

4. Unnatural marks and heavy makeup looks are prohibited.

• The CAT exam dress code for female MBA students prohibits unnatural markings, mehendi, or tattoos, which may lead to disqualification. 
• Students must maintain a natural appearance; heavy makeup is not allowed. Hairstyles should be kept simple; a ponytail or braid is recommended.
• Male students who uploaded a photo without a beard must appear for the exam clean-shaven.

5. Mobile Phones and Bags are not allowed

• Candidates taking the CAT exam are prohibited from bringing mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any other electronic devices into the exam hall. Bags are also not allowed.
• Prohibited items must be deposited with the CAT test centre staff before entering the exam hall.

Also Read | CAT exam eligibility criteria

What Things to Carry on CAT 2026 Exam Day?

Apart from the CAT exam dress code that students must follow, there are several other important items they must carry on the CAT 2026 exam day

1. CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card is an essential document that must be brought to the exam center. Entry will be denied without it.

• Before November 24th, each candidate has to download their admit card from the official website and attach a passport-sized photo that matches the one on their CAT 2026 application form. 
• It is also advised to print two copies of the admit card and bring both to the exam hall.

Important Note: The CAT admit card must not be signed beforehand. It has to be signed at the exam center in the presence of the invigilator.

Read More: CAT Exam Photo Size Specification

2. Photo Identity Proof

• To prevent fraud, you must present a government-issued photo ID along with your CAT 2026 admit card at the exam center.
• Acceptable forms of photo ID include your passport, PAN card, voter ID, Aadhaar card, driver's license, employer ID, or college ID (if accompanied by a valid debit or credit card).

3. Name Change Document 

• Suppose a candidate's name has changed due to marriage, a legal name change, divorce, or any other reason.
• In that case, they must provide a supporting name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, along with a notarised photocopy.

4. Medical Certificate and Scribe Affidavit

• Candidates with disabilities must bring a medical certificate and a scribe affidavit (prescribed by IIMCAT) to the CAT exam center.
• Officials will verify these documents after frisking. Candidates cannot proceed to their computer system without document verification.

Check | CAT Score vs Percentile 2026

What Things Are Banned from the CAT 2026 Exam Centre?

There are some things that are completely banned from the CAT 2026 exam centre; these include:

• Bags/purses/pencil boxes
• Beepers
• Wristwatches
• Calculators
• Mobile phones
• Electronic devices
• Scanners
• Cameras and wireless/Bluetooth devices. 

Candidates found with these items will be disqualified. Notepads and written material are also prohibited.

In addition to following the CAT exam dress code, Candidates will be provided with a pen and scribble pad for rough work. Before exiting, they must return the pen, scribble pad (with all pages intact), and one copy of their admit card.

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Conclusion

Being prepared for the CAT exam goes beyond studying; adhering to the CAT exam dress code and related guidelines is equally crucial for a smooth, hassle-free exam day.

Remember to choose comfortable clothing, avoid heavy accessories, and leave prohibited items at home. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, like your admit card and photo ID, ready to present at the exam center. 

By following these instructions, you can focus your energy on doing your best. Good luck with your preparation, and we wish you great success on exam day!

Learn More | How Many Students Appear for CAT Exam Every Year