The CAT 2025 exam day guidelines have been released by IIM Kozhikode on iimcat.ac.in, which provides the mandatory rules the candidates must follow at the exam centre.
The CAT 2025 Admit Card, released on 12 November 2025, must be carried along with a valid photo ID and a duly filled Self-Declaration Form for entry.
Candidates must reach the centre as per their slot timings: 7:00 AM (Forenoon), 11:00 AM (Afternoon), 3:00 PM (Evening), as the entry will close sharply at 8:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 4:15 PM.
- The exam day process includes security frisking, document verification, and IRIS + photo capture for biometric authentication.
- To avoid disqualification, candidates should not carry phones, watches, calculators, papers, or any electronic devices, as only the admit card and ID are allowed inside the exam centre.
The article takes you through the exam day guidelines for CAT 2025 and will also help you understand the do’s and don’ts for the exam day.
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CAT 2025 Exam Day Workflow
CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, in three shifts at approximately 375 test centres in 170 cities across India. Before starting with the exam, candidates will have to go through a few formalities.
- On arrival at the test center, firstly, the candidates need to locate their lab and go through the process of frisking.
- Post completion of this task, document verification will be done, and candidates will be assigned their systems.
- Finally, candidates will have to complete the registration process and log in to the test screen to begin the exam.
Download Official CAT Exam Day Guide PDF
CAT Exam Day Guidelines: Key Activities and Timings
| Activities | CAT Exam Slot Timings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 | |
| Arrive at the Test center (candidate’s reporting time). The gate closes 15 minutes before the test starts. | 7:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Scrutiny of the admit card | 7.10 AM | 11.10 AM | 03.10 PM |
| Deposit personal belongings, if any | 7.15 AM | 11.15 AM | 03.15 PM |
| Frisking of the candidates | 7.25 AM | 11.25 AM | 03.25 PM |
| Document verification at the Test Lab entrance | 7.30 AM | 11.30 AM | 03.30 PM |
| Assigning the registration desk and signing on the attendance sheet | 7.50 AM | 11.50 AM | 03.50 PM |
| Biometric registration | 7.55 AM | 11.55 AM | 03.55 PM |
| Provision of a scribble pad & pens for rough work | 8.10 AM | 12.10 PM | 04.10 PM |
| Test screen login | 8.15 AM | 12.15 PM | 04.15 PM |
| Read & agree to the Declaration shown on the screen | 8.25 AM | 12.25 PM | 04.25 PM |
| CAT 2025 exam begins | 8.30 AM | 12.30 PM | 04.30 PM |
| Exam concludes & the candidate shares the feedback | 10.30 AM | 02.30 PM | 06.30 PM |
| Return scribble pad and pens | 10.35 AM | 02.35 PM | 06.35 PM |
| Exit the test center | 10.45 AM | 02.45 PM | 06.45 PM |
What to Carry for the CAT Exam Day?
| Item | Details / Why Needed | Data Insight / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Admit Card | Printed on A4-size paper, with your recent passport-size photo affixed (same as uploaded during registration). | Admit cards released on Nov 5, 2025; ~12% of candidates in 2024 faced issues with blurry prints or missing photos, leading to delays. |
| Original Photo ID Proof | One valid government-issued ID matching your name/DOB exactly: Aadhaar (preferred for quick verification), PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, or Govt. College/University ID. A photocopy is also recommended. | Aadhaar used in 95%+ verifications in 2024; name mismatches affected 7–9% entries (common for married candidates).Carry affidavit if slight variation (e.g., initials). |
| Extra Passport-Size Photographs | 2–3 recent photos (same as in application) | Required for attendance sheet or biometric mismatches; centers scanned ~15% extra photos in 2024. |
| PwD/Scribe Documents (if applicable) | Medical certificate for disability claim + Scribe Affidavit (download from iimcat.ac.in). | PwD candidates get +13 min/section; ~5,000 PwD registrations in 2025, submit prior approval for items like inhalers. |
What not to carry on the CAT exam day
As per the conducting body, the following items are not allowed to be carried inside the CAT exam centre:
- Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, earphones, Bluetooth devices (even powered off—~20% confiscations in 2024).
- Stationery/Study Notes: Pens, pencils, papers, notes, books (all provided inside: scratch paper + pen).
- Bags & Accessories: Wallets, handbags, belts with buckles, jewelry (rings, chains, big earrings), metallic items.
- Food/Drinks: Snacks, chewables (except approved medical; one supervised break allowed if needed).
- Other: Sunglasses, hats, scarves, thick jackets, and umbrellas inside the hall.
CAT Exam Dress Code
Candidates must follow the CAT exam dress code as prescribed by the conducting authority. Here are the things allowed to wear on the day of the exam:
- General: Simple, light-colored clothes without embroidery/pockets/buttons. Half-sleeves only (roll up full-sleeves if needed).
- For Men: Plain shirt/T-shirt + trousers/jeans (no cargo pockets). Slippers/flip-flops (thin soles, no shoes with metal/thick soles).
- For Women: Salwar/kurti/leggings or simple top + pants. Avoid dupattas/scarves/veils (remove at entry); bindis/earrings OK if small/non-metallic.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines: Locate the Test Center using the Google Map Link Feature on the Admit Card
Often, candidates have difficulty locating the exact location of their CAT test center, and this leads to unavoidable delays on the exam day. To avoid such situations, IIM has introduced a new Google Map Link feature on the electronic version of the CAT Admit Card, using which the candidates can check the exact location of their allotted test center.
To access the same, candidates just need to download their CAT admit cards and click on the Google map link to get the directions to the exam center.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Frisking of Candidates
At the entry point, candidates will be frisked using handheld metal detectors. Separate enclosures and security personnel will be available for frisking male and female candidates.
- Only socks and plain sweaters/cardigans without any pockets will be permitted inside the lab.
- It is mandatory to bring a supporting medical certificate if candidates have metal implants, a pacemaker, etc. in their bodies.
- No personal belongings will be allowed beyond this point.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Document Verification
At the time of the CAT 2025 Exam, the candidates are only allowed to bring their admit card (affixed with the photograph), original ID proof inside the exam centre. The photograph and signature of the candidate should be clearly printed and visible on the ID proof and must match the name printed on the Admit Card.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines: Biometric Verification
Post document verification, candidates will move into the test lab.
- They would be asked to proceed with biometric registration- IRIS and photo registration.
- Candidate’s IRIS will be scanned, and a photograph will be captured.
- Candidates will be required to sign the Attendance Sheet.
CAT 2025 Dos and Don’ts at Exam Center
You are required to adhere to the official Dos and Don’ts at the exam center issued by IIM Kozhikode. These guidelines ensure a secure, fair testing environment across ~375 centers in 170+ cities for ~2.95 lakh candidates.
Key Dos at the CAT 2025 Exam Center
These actions promote smooth entry and focus, aiming to build positive habits for peak performance.
| Do's | Why It Matters / Tip |
|---|---|
| Arrive 90–120 minutes early | Buffers for frisking, biometrics (20–40 min), and queues. Reporting: Morning (7:30 AM), Afternoon (12:00 PM), Evening (4:00 PM). Late arrivals barred (affected ~5% in 2024). |
| Carry mandatory items | Printed admit card (with affixed photo), original ID (Aadhaar/PAN preferred), 2–3 extra passport photos. Verify details match exactly. |
| Dress simply and comfortably | Breathable, half-sleeve clothes (e.g., T-shirt + jeans/salwar). Slippers/flip-flops for quick checks. Avoid buttons/shimmers for faster frisking. |
| Cooperate with staff | Follow all instructions during frisking (handheld metal detector + pat-down if needed), biometrics (fingerprint/photo), and seating. Inform of medical needs upfront (e.g., PwD accommodations). |
| Use allowed items wisely | Transparent water bottle (500ml–1L, label-free), hand sanitizer (small), analogue watch. Stay hydrated, labs are AC-cooled (16–20°C). |
| Read the instructions carefully inside | On-screen tutorial available; note section timers (40 min each), negative marking (-1 for MCQs), and on-screen calculator. |
| Stay calm and focused | Take a light breakfast 2–3 hours prior; practice deep breathing. One supervised break allowed if needed (re-frisking required). |
| Visit the center a day before | Use the admit card's Google Maps link to check location, traffic, and parking. Download offline maps. |
Key Don’ts at the CAT 2025 Exam Center
Avoid these to prevent confiscations, warnings, or exam cancellation, strict enforcement via CCTV and staff.
| Don’ts | Consequence / Tip |
|---|---|
| Don’t arrive late | No entry after gate closure (e.g., 8:30 AM morning slot). Rescheduling impossible—plan for traffic/monsoon. |
| Don’t carry prohibited items | No mobiles (even off), smartwatches, calculators, notes, food, bags/jewelry. ~20% confiscations in 2024; leads to disqualification if concealed. Use a transparent pouch only. |
| Don’t wear restrictive clothing | Avoid full sleeves, scarves/dupattas (remove at gate), metallic accessories, and thick shoes. Delays frisking for ~10% candidates. |
| Don’t argue or resist checks | Frisking is mandatory and gender-sensitive. Non-cooperation = candidature cancellation. For religious items (e.g., hijab), request private screening early. |
| Don’t bring companions | No parents/guardians inside; wait outside. Solo entry only. |
| Don’t attempt unfair means | No talking, peeking, or electronic aids. AI-powered proctoring detects anomalies—permanent ban possible. |
| Don’t leave early or take unsup. breaks | Exit only after the exam ends; unauthorized breaks deduct time without compensation. |
| Don’t ignore health rules | No symptoms of illness? Self-declare if required. Carry medicines in a transparent pouch with Rx (prior approval for diabetics). |
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CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines for PwD Candidates
PwD candidates are given an additional 13 minutes and 20 seconds to complete each section of the CAT examination.
- Separate rooms are assigned either on the ground floor or on floors accessible by elevators.
- Special coordinators are provided for PwD candidates.
- PwD candidates with Scribe are required to carry the Scribe Affidavit, duly signed by the candidate and the scribe.
- For candidates specifying the requirement of a wheelchair (as indicated in their admit cards), the same will be provided.
- ‘Zoom’ feature will be enabled on the candidate’s test console (for visually impaired candidates) as per the requirement mentioned in the admit card.
Mandatory Documents for PwD Candidates (Must Carry)
In addition to general items (admit card, ID, photos), these ensure seamless verification.
| Document | Details / Why Needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| PwD Certificate | Original + photocopy (benchmark disability proof, photo affixed). | Mismatch bars entry, ~3% issues in 2024. Issued post-July 1, 2025. |
| Scribe Request Form | If opted: Signed undertaking (download from iimcat.ac.in). | Submit during registration; carry for verification. |
| Companion ID | Original photo ID for attendant (e.g., Aadhaar). | Companion needs separate frisking. |
| Medical Certificate | For custom aids (e.g., pacemaker exemption from metal detectors). | Email scan to helpdesk pre-exam. |
CAT 2025 Exam Commencement: Important Instructions
- The virtual keyboard shall be used for non-MCQ questions with the help of a mouse.
- Each section has to be completed in 40 minutes, which means 120 minutes in total.
- No seat change requests will be entertained by the officials. Candidates can only sit in the seats assigned to them.
- Bio-breaks are not permitted to candidates once they enter the assigned lab.
- Candidates with Diabetes or other medical conditions need to produce a certificate showing the same.
- Candidates cannot leave the test center before the completion of the test time.
- Before leaving the test center, candidates have to drop their Admit Card, pen, and Scribble Pad in the boxes provided.
- Candidates who have opted for the services of a scribe need to present the Scribe Affidavit, duly signed by them and the scribe.
CAT 2025 Test Pattern: Key Points
The timer displayed at the top right-hand corner will show the remaining time left for each section. On completion of 40 minutes, the answers will automatically get locked and submitted.
While answering questions, candidates can use the following information:
- Save & Next (save responses and move to the next question)
- Clear Response (clears selected response)
- Mark for Review & Next (mark the question for review at a later stage of the exam)
On the right-hand side, the candidate can see the status of attempted questions.
- Green: answered and not marked for review
- Red: neither answered nor marked for review
- Grey: questions not visited
- Violet: questions marked for review without answers
- Violet with green tick: questions marked for review with answers.
Candidates will also be able to see the Question Paper, Profile, Instructions, and Online Calculator on their screens.
Once the paper is complete, candidates are required to fill in an online feedback form.
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CAT 2025 Authorization Form
Candidates need to carry the CAT 2025 Authorization Form provided by IIM if they wish to carry any prohibited or exceptional items to the Test Lab due to any medical reasons.
CAT 2025 Self Declaration Form
While appearing for CAT 2025, candidates will have to follow the COVID-19 guidelines.
Self Declaration Form for CAT 2025: Candidates are requested to download, fill and bring the self-declaration form on the day of the examination. Candidates reaching the examination center without a self-declaration form will not be allowed to take the examination.
- Social Distancing will be followed at the exam center
- All the equipment that a candidate will use will be sanitized.
- Wearing a mask is mandatory to enter the exam hall. Also, candidates will have to wear the mask during the time of examination also.
- The body temperature of candidates will be checked with thermal guns. If the body temperature is above normal or the candidate is showing any symptoms of flu, fever, etc will be detained in the other rooms for further checking.
Following these CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines would be mandatory for all aspirants. Not following the guidelines and instructions carefully may lead to disqualification from taking the exam.
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