CAT 2025 Exam Day Guide: Essential Instructions, Do’s & Don’ts, Dress Code and Last-Minute Checklist

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025—India’s gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several top business schools—is set to be conducted on November 30, 2025. With thousands of aspirants appearing across the country, understanding the exam-day protocol is crucial. IIM Kozhikode, the conducting body for CAT 2025, has issued detailed guidelines to ensure a smooth and disciplined experience across all exam centres.

This comprehensive exam-day guide consolidates all the key instructions, session timings, dress code rules, permitted and prohibited items, and procedural do’s and don’ts that every candidate must follow. Use this as your final checklist before leaving for the test centre.

CAT 2025 Exam Schedule and Session Timings

CAT 2025 will be conducted in three sessions on Sunday, November 30. Each session will be of two hours, covering Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

The session-wise timings are:

• Morning Session: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
• Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Evening Session: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Your specific session, reporting time, gate closing time, and exam centre location are mentioned on your CAT 2025 admit card. Candidates must reach the centre well in advance as late entry is strictly prohibited.

Admit Card Requirements and Information on the Hall Ticket

The CAT 2025 admit card is available on the official website—iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must download it and take a clear, laser-printed copy on A4-size paper.

The admit card includes:

• Candidate’s name
• Application/registration number
• Exam date and day
• Session and exam timing
• Reporting and entry cut-off time
• Exam centre address with Google Map link
• Exam-day instructions

Candidates must also paste a recent passport-size photograph on the designated space. This photograph must match the one uploaded in the application form.

Checklist: Items You MUST Carry to the Exam Centre

You will only be allowed entry into the CAT exam hall if you bring all required documents. Here’s your exam-day kit:

1. Printed CAT 2025 Hall Ticket

• Must be on A4-size paper
• Should contain a pasted recent photograph

2. Original Government-Issued ID

Any one of the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Indian Passport

The ID must be original and valid—not photocopied or scanned.

3. Scribe Affidavit (If Applicable)

Candidates using a scribe must bring the official scribe affidavit as per CAT guidelines.

CAT 2025 Dress Code and Barred Clothing Items

CAT follows strict rules for clothing to prevent malpractice. To avoid unnecessary frisking or delays, follow this dress code carefully:

Avoid Wearing:

• Shoes or footwear with thick soles
• Clothing with large metal buttons
• Heavy jewellery or any metal accessories
• Smartwatches, wristwatches, fitness bands

A safe choice is simple clothing without metal elements and flat footwear like slippers or plain sandals.

Items STRICTLY Prohibited in the Exam Hall

The following items are not allowed under any circumstances:

• Mobile phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Smartwatches, digital watches
• Earphones, microphones
• Wallets, purses
• Calculators
• Any electronic or metallic gadgets
• Stationery items from home
• Sunglasses
• Pen drives or electronic storage devices

Carrying prohibited items may lead to disqualification.

Exam Hall Rules: Do’s and Don’ts Every Candidate Must Follow

To maintain fairness, IIM Kozhikode has prescribed detailed behavioural rules for the exam day. These guidelines are non-negotiable.

Do’s

1. Carry Admit Card and ID Proof for Verification

You must present your printed hall ticket and original ID at the entry gate and possibly again inside the hall.

2. Paste the Correct Photograph on the Admit Card

The photograph should match the one submitted during registration.

3. Deposit the Admit Card After the Exam

After the test concludes, candidates must drop their used admit card in the designated drop box.

4. Use Only the Provided Pen and Scribble Pad

Each candidate will receive:

• One pen
• One scribble pad

Both items must be returned after the exam.

5. Use Only the Mouse

This is extremely important—CAT is a computer-based exam, but:

• Keyboard use is NOT permitted
• Pressing any key may lock your computer system

All navigation must be done exclusively through the mouse.

6. Agree to the Non-Disclosure Agreement

Before starting the test, candidates must digitally agree to CAT 2025’s NDA. Under this agreement, candidates must not share, reproduce, record, or transmit any exam-related content by any means—verbal, written, or electronic.

Don’ts

• Do not attempt to enter after the gate closing time.
• Do not carry calculators, notes, books, rough paper, or stationery items.
• Do not communicate with other candidates inside the hall.
• Do not attempt to copy questions or take screenshots.
• Do not try to access the keyboard at any point.
• Do not bring bags or valuables; exam authorities may not take responsibility for them.

Violation of these rules can lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.

What Happens After CAT 2025?

Candidates who successfully appear for CAT 2025 and obtain a valid score will become eligible to apply for:

• Postgraduate Management Programmes at 21 IIMs
• MBA/PGDM programmes at over 100+ participating institutes

Each institute will release its own shortlist based on cutoffs, academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.

Final Exam-Day Tips for CAT Aspirants

• Sleep well before the exam; mental alertness is crucial.
• Reach the centre at least 60–90 minutes before the reporting time.
• Avoid last-minute revisions at the gate—stay calm and focused.
• Remember that CAT does not allow a calculator; rely on estimates and logic.
• Keep your admit card and ID ready in a transparent folder for easy verification.

Conclusion

CAT 2025 is not just another examination—it is a life-changing opportunity for aspirants aiming for India’s top management programmes. Following the official exam-day instructions meticulously will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth testing experience. Use this guide as your final reference and make sure you tick every box in the checklist before you leave for your exam centre.

Good luck to all CAT 2025 aspirants—may clarity, confidence, and calmness guide you toward your best performance!