CAT 2025 Exam: Last-Minute Checklist of Essential Documents and Prohibited Items to Avoid Disqualification
IIM Kozhikode has announced the official CAT 2025 Exam Day Guide for all candidates who will appear this year. The test is going to be held on 30 November 2025 in 170 cities all over India, which makes it one of the largest management entrance tests in India. The guide provides a clear understanding of everything - exam slots, reporting time, section-wise pattern, marking rules, allowed items, and the documents that you must have with you at the test centre.
As CAT is a highly competitive exam which has strict rules and timed sections, it is very important to know these instructions so as not to have last-minute problems. The updated guidelines are intended to enable candidates to enter the exam centre with a feeling of assurance and perform well on the test day.
CAT Exam 2025 Time Slot
Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes prior to the start of the examination, so candidates are required to be at the centre at least one hour before the time of reporting mentioned on the admit card. It is necessary to come early as many procedures need to be done, like depositing the unallowed items, security checking, document verification, and biometric verification.
Slot | Session | Exam Time |
Morning | Slot 1 | 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
Afternoon | Slot 2 | 12:30 PM - 02:30 PM |
Evening | Slot 3 | 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM |
CAT Exam 2025 Important Document
Each candidate should have a printed version of the CAT 2025 admit card. They also need to have a valid photo ID with them, such as:
Candidates should have a hard copy of the CAT 2025 admit card with them.
Paper or digital copies of the admit card will not be allowed.
Two hard copies of the admit card are compulsory, one each for the exam centre and the candidate.
Along with a valid photo ID like Aadhaar, passport, PAN card, voter ID or driving licence.
Carry a passport-size photograph (same as the one used in the application). The photograph should be pasted on both copies of the admit card.
Note: Do not sign the admit card before the exam. The signature must be done only in front of the invigilator at the exam centre.
Do not Carry These Items on Exam Day
There are a lot of things that candidates cannot bring with them to the CAT exam centre. Prohibited items are mentioned below:
Candidates are not allowed to bring bags, wallets, electronic gadgets, calculators, watches, Bluetooth devices, stationery, metal pieces, or pocketed jackets to the CAT exam centre.
Items that are not allowed at the centre should be kept outside the exam venue.
If a candidate is found in possession of a restricted item, they may be disqualified or removed from the exam.
No other items except the admit card and a valid photo ID are allowed in the exam hall.
The exam centre will provide writing pads and pens.
Clothing Rules and Biometric Guidelines
Clear Biometric verification is required for the exam, hence certain things can make the process slower.
It is a must for candidates to take off their shoes before coming into the hall, but socks can be worn.
Try not to put on a heavy jacket, metal jewellery or accessories as they may be the reason for your security check.
Women should refrain from using metal hair clips or jewellery, as these will have to be removed. Besides that, refrain from putting mehendi on your palms as it can interfere with the fingerprint scan.
What to do Before the Exam
Once you are at your place you have to use a computer to log in, check your personal details, and read instructions very carefully. The instructions displayed explain how to navigate through the test, how the questions will be graded, and the sequence of the sections. Not reading the instructions might cause you to have unexpected problems during the exam.
Each section lasts for 40 minutes and candidates are not allowed to switch between sections. After the time is up, the system will automatically move to the next section.
Time Management During the CAT Exam
CAT tests your ability to maintain a steady pace. According to the information released by IIM Kozhikode, there are 66 questions to be answered in 120 minutes, which means roughly one to two minutes per question. Both accuracy and speed are important. Rough sheets will be given, which have to be handed back after the exam. After the test, candidates should leave the lab and then the centre in an orderly way.
The last hours before CAT often bring anxiety and last-minute revision. Nevertheless, rushed studying on the exam day does not work. Staying calm is much better. Concentrate on questions that can be answered without a doubt and leave those that are not sure of to avoid negative marks.
The exam hall is a place with strict rules, and being aware of them is as important as your months of preparation. Most candidates will have a smooth exam experience if they follow these instructions carefully.
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Tanya Verma
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