CAT 2025: What candidates must know before they step into the exam hall; check important guidelines here

CAT 2025: With two days left for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, the attention of most candidates has shifted from preparation to procedure. CAT is one of India’s most competitive management entrance examinations, taken by thousands of applicants seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading business schools. The test, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode this year, will take place on 30 November, 2025 across three sessions in more than 150 cities.The final stretch before the examination is not about new concepts or rapid revision. It is about understanding how the day will unfold, what the examination hall demands, and how small procedural lapses can affect performance. The rules are straightforward, but ignoring them can lead to consequences far out of proportion to the mistake.Every candidate must carry a printed copy of the CAT 2025 admit card and a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar, passport, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, voter identity card or driver’s licence. Digital or photocopied versions of the admit card will not be accepted. Two print-outs are required: one will be submitted at the centre and the other retained by the candidate. A passport-size photograph, identical to the one uploaded during the application process, must be affixed to each copy.Important: The admit card must not be signed in advance. The signature is to be provided only in the presence of the invigilator.CAT will be held in three slots:Entry gates will close 15 minutes before the examination begins. Candidates must reach the venue at least 60 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Early arrival allows time for a sequence of checks: depositing prohibited items, locating the assigned lab through the notice board, security frisking, document verification and biometric capture. Only after these steps will candidates be guided to their designated system.Most items are prohibited inside the CAT examination centre. Bags, purses, electronic devices, calculators, watches, Bluetooth-enabled accessories, stationery, metal objects, jackets with pockets and similar items must be left outside. Candidates found carrying restricted items risk being barred from the test.Inside the examination hall, only the admit card, identity proof and approved certificates (if applicable) are permitted. Scribble pads and writing instruments will be provided at the desk.The test requires clear biometric capture. Shoes, heavy jackets, metallic jewellery and accessories may delay the process. Candidates must leave their shoes outside the hall, but socks are allowed. Women candidates should avoid metal hair clips and jewellery, as these will need to be removed during security checks. Mehendi on palms is discouraged since it can interfere with biometric verification.Once seated, candidates must log in to the system, verify their profile details and read the instructions displayed on screen. These instructions govern navigation, marking and the order of sections. Missing even one point can lead to avoidable disruption.CAT is a computer-based examination divided into three sections:Each section is timed at 40 minutes, and movement between sections is not allowed. The system automatically transitions when the allotted time ends. Candidates should rely solely on the mouse; touching the keyboard may cause the screen to freeze.CAT is a test of controlled pace. With 66 questions spread across 120 minutes, each question permits roughly a minute of attention. Attempting more than one can handle is counterproductive, especially with negative marking for incorrect responses. Accuracy matters as much as speed. Rough sheets will be provided and must be returned after the test. Once the examination ends, candidates must exit the lab and then the centre in an orderly manner.The final hours before CAT are often crowded with anxiety and last-minute study. Yet sustained learning does not come from hurried revision on the morning of the test. A calm approach helps more than rushed preparation. Candidates should focus on questions they can answer confidently and leave others unattempted rather than risk penalties.The exam hall is a space governed by procedure. Understanding these rules is as important as the months of study behind them. For most candidates, the difference between a smooth attempt and a disrupted one will lie in how carefully they follow these instructions.