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! 

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

• The CAT exam 2025 will be conducted on 24 November 2025 in three shifts. Around 3.29 lakh candidates have registered for CAT 2025.
• 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 exam guidelines for MBA aspirants for the CAT 2025 entrance exam!

Read More | CAT 2025 Exam Admit Card Direct Link to Download 

Top 9 Common CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025

The CAT aspirants should read the CAT exam day instructions very clearly and should prepare accordingly for the main exam day. Here are the common CAT exam day guidelines that must be followed by every CAT aspirants:

1. Check out Your Shift Timing

CAT 2025 is expected to be conducted in three shifts. 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 like your name, DOB, shift timings, centre, reporting time, gate closing time, your photo, signature and more. 

If you find some 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 Colour Print out of your Hall Ticket

After rechecking the details mentioned in the CAT admit card, take two colour printouts of the same. These hard copies of the CAT exam admit card needs to be presented on the examination day.

4. Keep Your Documents Updated

Keep your govt ID proofs ready for the main exam day. These ID's include:

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

Check | CAT 2025 Exam Slot Timings- Shift Wise

5. Visit the Exam Centre A day Before

If possible, try to visit the exam centre a day before to prevent any last-minute hustle. 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. So, 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 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 exam guidelines.

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, and other prohibited items inside the exam centre. All these items are banned and will lead to disqualification.

Read More| Documents to carry for CAT Exam 2025

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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.

Know more | Detailed CAT Exam Preparation Strategy

CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025

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. 

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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 of multiple-choice type (MCQ), and some would be of non-MCQ type.
• As soon as the candidate starts answering a section, the clock (displayed at the top right corner of the screen) starts ticking and displays the remaining time available to complete the current section.
• On completion of 40 minutes, 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 that they would be given 53 minutes and 20 seconds for each 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 leave between 120 and 160 minutes. 

Check | CAT Exam Marking Scheme

Check | CAT Exam Pattern 2025

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 rules andregulations

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 helps candidates avoid complications on exam day and focus on their performance.

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

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

Check | CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Dress code as per CAT Exam Day Instructions 2025

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

Coming to CAT exam dress code for CAT 2025 exam, It helps candidates choose appropriate attire without distractions, ensuring a fair and standardized 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, and cardigans (without pockets). 

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Check | CAT Exam Cut Off 2025

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 emphasize 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.

Also Read | CAT Previous year papers

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In conclusion, the CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2025 provide detailed CAT exam instructions 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

Download Documents to Carry on the CAT Exam Day

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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

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 organization are key to a successful CAT exam experience.

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