CAT Exam-Day Guidelines –CAT 2025 exam will be held on November 30 (TODAY).
The exam will be held in three sessions: 8:30 to 10:30 AM, 12:30 to 2:30 PM, and 4:30 to 6:30 PM. CAT 2025 exam admit cards are OUT.
As per an official notification (released by CAT officials on Nov. 4), 2.95 lakh candidates have registered for exam. To succeed in such a competitive exam, high intensity preparation is a must. But you must not overlook common mistakes that happen on exam day that can derail a well-laid out preparation ritual. For instance, if you get stuck in traffic and arrive late at the exam center, it can spike stress levels and unnecessary create tension, which is not conducive for D-day.
That is why we bring you CAT exam-day guidelines for a smooth and hassle-free exam-day experience. Like reach the CAT 2025 test center at least 90 minutes before the exam starts to complete security checks, document verification, and biometric authentication. Carry a printout of the CAT 2025 admit card and photo ID proof.
Biometric verification will be conducted to confirm identity, and all candidates must cooperate with the invigilators and follow instructions within the exam premises. Items such as mobile phones, watches, or study materials are barred inside the CAT 2025 center.
To avoid last-minute stress, familiarize yourself with the test venue and reporting procedures in advance.
Latest Updates:
- CAT 2025 Admit Card (OUT) – Download Link, Important Details
- How to prepare for CAT 2025
- To take official CAT 2025 Mock Test (OPEN) – Click Here
- Best Books to Prepare for CAT 2025 – Section-wise Study Material, How and What to Study
CAT Exam-Day Guidelines 2025 — Quick Reference
The following quick-reference table highlights everything you need to know for a smooth CAT 2025 exam-day experience — from what to carry and when to arrive, to conduct rules inside the hall.
| Category | Key Information / Instructions |
| Exam Date | November 30, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Exam Slots | The exam will be conducted in THREE sessions: Slot 1: 8:30 – 10:30 AM Slot 2: 12:30 – 2:30 PM Slot 3: 4:30 – 6:30 PM |
| Reporting Time | Report to the exam center at least 90 minutes before your slot (as per admit card) |
| Last Entry | 15 minutes before the exam starts (e.g., 8:15 AM / 12:15 PM / 4:15 PM) |
| Documents Required | Bring the following documents: 1. CAT 2025 Admit Card (2 color printouts) 2. Valid Govt. Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID / DL) 3. PwD certificate / scribe affidavit (if applicable) 4. Two passport-size photos |
| Stationery | Not required. Pen and rough sheet will be provided at the test center. |
| Allowed Items | Transparent water bottle, transparent-body pen, admit card, valid ID, and required medical aids (with declaration). |
| Barred Items | Mobile phones, watches, wallets, notes, calculators, food, jewellery, metallic items, or electronic gadgets. |
| Dress Code | Plain, light-colored, comfortable clothes. Avoid metallic buttons, belts, jackets, or printed attire. Simple footwear like sandals/slippers allowed. |
| Religious Attire | Allowed (e.g., hijab, turban, kada, kirpan, burqa) — but must be declared at entry. Additional frisking/verification may be done respectfully. Arrive early for extra screening. |
| Biometric Verification | Mandatory. Must cooperate for fingerprint and photo verification before entry. |
| Toilet Breaks | Not permitted during the test. Use the washroom before entry. If allowed for medical reasons, re-frisking and biometric re-verification will be done. |
| Rough Work | To be done only on the rough sheet provided. Return it before leaving. |
| During the Exam | Read instructions carefully, sit in the assigned seat, and begin only after the invigilator’s signal. Follow all directions calmly. |
| If Late | Entry not allowed after last entry time. Plan to reach at least 30–45 minutes before reporting time. |
| If Technical Issue Occurs | Raise your hand immediately — do not try to fix it yourself. Staff will assist or move you to another system. |
| If Feeling Unwell/Nervous | Inform invigilators immediately; stay seated and await assistance. Do not leave the hall without permission. |
| Post-Exam | Wait for the invigilator’s announcement before logging out. Submit rough sheets and exit in an orderly manner. |
| Baggage Counter | Not available at exam centers. Avoid bringing bags or valuables. |
Latest Updates on the CAT 2025 Exam
The admit cards of the CAT 2025 has been released – You can download it between November 12-30, 2025. However, to avoid last-minute issues, make sure to download the hall ticked as soon as possible. Importantly, after downloading the admit card, check that all the details in the admit card are correct. For instance, check if the name is correctly spelled, no information is missing or blurred. If there are any issues, contact exam officials immediately and get it rectified.
Upcoming – The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted on November 30, 2025.
Reporting Time, Exam Time & Last Entry for CAT 2025
The slot-wise breakdown of timings you must keep in mind for CAT 2025 is given below. Arrive early, adhere strictly to the cut-off for entry as your exam slot (will be mentioned on CAT 2025 admit card).
| Slot | Exam Time | Reporting Time (Approx.) | Last Entry Allowed |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
What if I reach the exam centre after the reporting time?
If you reach the exam centre after the reporting time but before the gate closes, you will still be allowed entry after completing security checks – but it’s strongly discouraged as it can cause delays and stress. However, if you arrive after the last entry time, you will not be permitted to enter the exam hall under any circumstances, regardless of the reason.
Tip: Plan to arrive at least 30 – 45 minutes before the reporting time to avoid last-minute issues due to traffic, document checks, or biometric verification.
CAT Exam-day Guidelines 2025 – Allowed and Prohibited Items
| Category | Allowed Items | Barred/Prohibited Items |
| Documents | CAT admit card (two colored printouts, unsigned before exam day) Valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) PwD medical certificate and scribe affidavit if applicable Two passport-size photographs (same as the one used for filling CAT 2025 application) Name Change Document, if applicable | All other documents like marksheets, notes, or printed materials are barred inside the exam center. |
| Stationery | None required — pen and rough sheet will be provided at the test center | Personal pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, geometry boxes, calculators, log tables |
| Personal Belongings | Transparent water bottle (if permitted) | Bags, wallets, purses, notes, books, papers, food items |
| Electronics | None | Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, electronic gadgets, fitness bands |
| Clothing & Accessories | Plain, comfortable clothing without metallic elements or large pockets | Jackets, hoodies, caps, shoes with metal parts, heavy jewellery, watches, belts with metal buckles |
Will there be a baggage counter at the CAT 2025 exam center venue?
There will be no baggage counter, nor will arrangement be made for depositing bags and valuables inside the CAT 2025 test centre premises. Nor will CAT 2025 exam officials at the exam centre take any responsibility for any items lost or damaged.
So, make sure that you don’t carry any unnecessary stuff, or valuables, to the exam venue. Or else, you will have to ask somebody to accompany you who can look after your belongings when you are inside the exam hall.
Dress Code for CAT 2025
Here’s a clear and well-organised breakdown of the dress-code guidelines for CAT 2025 — what you should wear and what you must avoid — so you’re fully prepared on exam day.
| Category | Allowed | Prohibited |
| Clothing (General) | Plain, comfortable clothes such as a simple T-shirt, kurti, shirt and trousers, or jeans (preferably without many pockets). | Garments with multiple pockets, large/metal buttons, heavy prints, jackets/hoodies with drawstrings/attachments. |
| Footwear | Sandals, slippers or other simple shoes with thin soles. | Shoes with thick soles, boots or footwear with metal parts or large buckles. |
| Accessories & Jewellery | Minimal or no jewellery; if religious articles required, ensure they are minimal and declared. | Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches (including smartwatches), belts with metal buckles, heavy metallic accessories. |
| Headgear & Other Wearables | Plain hair-styles, typical spectacles (if needed). | Caps, hats, hoodies, veils, goggles with tinted lenses, heavy makeup, visible fresh mehndi/henna on palms, visible tattoos on hands/arms. |
| Clothing & Accessories | Plain, comfortable clothing without metallic elements or large pockets | Jackets, hoodies, caps, shoes with metal parts, heavy jewellery, watches, belts with metal buckles |
| Religious Attire | Religious clothing and articles of faith (e.g., hijab, turban, burqa, kada, kirpan) are permitted, provided they are declared during security checks. Additional frisking may be conducted respectfully. | Concealing prohibited items within religious wear is strictly forbidden; failure to cooperate during verification may lead to denial of entry. |
Special Information on Religious Attire:
Candidates wearing religious attire — such as hijab, turban, burqa, kirpan, or kada — are fully permitted to do so under CAT 2025 guidelines. However, they must follow a few additional procedures for security reasons:
- Reporting Time: Such candidates are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their reporting time to allow sufficient time for proper security screening.
- Additional Frisking: The security team may conduct extra frisking in a private area, following gender-sensitive and respectful protocols. This is a standard process to ensure no prohibited items are concealed.
- Declaration at Entry: Candidates should inform the security staff proactively about any religious items they are wearing or carrying to avoid confusion or delay.
- Respectful Verification: All religious wear and articles of faith are checked in a manner that maintains privacy and dignity. Cooperation during this process helps ensure smooth entry.
Guidelines to Be Followed Inside the Exam Hall / During the Exam
Once you enter the CAT 2025 exam hall, it’s crucial to maintain discipline and follow all instructions given by the invigilators to ensure a fair and smooth testing process. Candidates are expected to adhere to the following rules throughout the exam:
- Read all on-screen instructions carefully before beginning the test. These include navigation rules, marking procedures, and the time limits for each section.
- Take your assigned seat immediately upon entry. Sitting in a seat other than the one allocated to you is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
- Do not break the seal of your workstation or start the test until permitted by the invigilator. The exam will begin only after an official announcement.
- Rough work must be done only on the rough sheet provided inside the exam hall. Using any other surface for rough work is not allowed. You must return the rough sheet to the invigilator before leaving the hall.
- Toilet breaks are generally not permitted during the test. Candidates are therefore advised to use the washroom before entering the exam hall. Leaving the hall mid-exam without permission will not be allowed. In the event that a break is allowed (for genuine medical reasons), the candidate may be required to undergo re-frisking and biometric verification upon re-entry to the hall.
- Do not attempt to cheat, communicate, or exchange gestures with other candidates. Any form of malpractice will result in immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilators throughout the exam. Non-compliance, argument, or disruption of the examination environment will lead to strict disciplinary action.
By following these guidelines and maintaining composure, candidates can ensure a fair and disturbance-free testing experience for themselves and others.
CAT 2025 – Post-Exam Guidelines
After the CAT 2025 examination concludes, remain seated and follow the instructions provided by the invigilators to ensure orderly exit and proper verification.
- Do not leave your seat immediately once the timer ends. Wait for the invigilator’s announcement before logging out or moving from your assigned computer terminal.
- After the exam ends, submit the rough sheet(s) provided to you. Ensure your name and registration number are written clearly on them before handing them over.
- Do not attempt to take screenshots, photos, or notes from the computer screen. Such actions are treated as serious misconduct and can lead to disqualification.
- Exit the exam hall in an orderly manner only when instructed. Avoid rushing, crowding, or discussing the paper within the premises.
- Refrain from talking to other candidates or using mobile phones until you have exited the exam center completely.
- Do not forget to collect your personal belongings, if any were deposited at the entry point, before leaving the venue.
- In case of any technical or procedural issues during the test, report them immediately to the invigilator – do not attempt to fix or reset the system yourself.
How to Attempt the CAT 2025 Exam Paper
Approaching the CAT 2025 exam strategically and calmly can make a big difference to your performance. Here are some essential pointers to help you handle different situations confidently inside the exam hall:
- Start with the easier questions: Begin with questions you find simple and are confident about. This helps you build momentum and boosts confidence early on. You can come back to tougher questions later using the on-screen navigation.
- If you get stuck: Don’t spend too much time on a single question. Mark it for review and move on. CAT is a time-bound test — managing every minute wisely matters more than attempting all questions.
- In case of a technical issue: If your computer freezes, the screen goes blank, or the mouse/keyboard stops responding, stay seated and immediately raise your hand to alert the invigilator. The technical staff will resolve it or shift you to another system — do not attempt to fix it yourself.
- If the paper feels easy or difficult: Remember, CAT is a percentile-based test, not a raw-score-based one. Your performance is evaluated relative to others. So, focus on accuracy and composure rather than worrying about the difficulty level.
- If a question seems wrong or unclear: Attempt it only if you can, and move on. The examination authorities later review and make corrections for any erroneous questions — you will receive due credit automatically if needed.
- If you feel unwell or nervous: Stay calm and raise your hand to inform the invigilator immediately. Assistance will be provided — don’t leave your seat or the hall without permission. Use deep breathing to settle nerves before restarting.
- If you need to use the washroom: Try to use the restroom before the exam starts, as toilet breaks are generally not allowed during the test. If there’s an emergency, inform the invigilator; permission is rarely granted and will be accompanied by supervision.
In short: Stay calm, manage time wisely, avoid panic, and follow invigilators’ directions. Presence of mind and composure often matter more than prior preparation during the two-hour test.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
A brief outline of CAT 2025 exam pattern is given below for quick reference (click on the link for detailed insights).
| Particulars | Description |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Slots | The CAT 2025 exam will be held in THREE sessions: Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Duration of exam | 120 minutes (40 minutes for each session). You can’t switch from one section to another while answering questions in a section. |
| Sections | The CAT 2025 question paper will have three sections: Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section III: Quantitative Ability |
| Number of questions | 68 |
| Question Type | MCQ and non-MCQ |
| Total marks | 204 |
| Marking scheme | +3 marks for correct answer -1 mark for an incorrect answer There is no negative marking for TITA-type questions. |
| Medium | English |