you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
CAT Admit Card Date:05 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25
Are you getting ready to take the CAT 2025 exam? With its long list of CAT exam guidelines 2025, it can be a daunting task! Candidates should note that the CAT exam is a mind-based, time-sensitive entrance exam that can easily be cracked by applying the right strategy on exam day. The CAT 2025 exam will be held on November 30, 2025, at 170 test cities across India. Read on to find out what you should and shouldn’t carry with you on the big day so that you can ace your CAT test with flying colours.
This Story also Contains
In this article on CAT guidelines and 10 Dos and Don'ts for the exam day, Careers360 will help and guide candidates through the quick CAT 20254 exam day tips to be followed on IIM Entrance Test day to score better. Read the complete article to know the CAT guidelines 2025 and all that it takes to crack the entrance exam and convert to IIMs or other top B-schools.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
Candidates appearing for the CAT 2025 are advised to follow the CAT guidelines below. If any of you do not follow the CAT exam rules, they will be sent out of the centre.
Candidates who appear for the exam must be aware of the timings for the CAT 2025 exam so that they do not miss anything. This is the foremost CAT 2025 exam day tip. In the wake of increasing number of candidates appearing in the CAT exam, candidates are advised to reach the CAT exam centre well in advance, so that the authorities get enough time to check their documents.
Know all the dos and don'ts of the CAT 2025 exam day and things to carry or not carry to the exam centre on test day.
Read More on;
Let us look at each point one by one to understand what is mandatory and should be done by candidates on the day of CAT 2025:
Carry an Admit Card and Valid Photo ID Proof
Important CAT 2025 exam day tip- Carry a hard copy of the CAT 2025 admit card. Note that candidates without a hard copy of the hall ticket of CAT will not be allowed to enter the exam centre at any cost. A duly filled CAT 2025 exam admit card is a mandatory document. Test takers must ensure that the signature and photograph printed on the admit card is legible. Candidates are requested to check the following information on their admit card beforehand:
As an important do's of CAT 2025, along with the CAT admit card, candidates have to carry at least one photo ID as proof. Candidates must keep in mind that the photograph and signature provided on the ID proof should be visible and not be smudged or damaged by any means. Candidates who have (a) pacemaker or (b) implants (metal) or (c) other devices (s) for Medical reasons (s) are required to produce a medical certificate for the same. Any of the below-mentioned documents can be used by candidates as photo identity proof on exam day:
Note- No candidates were allowed inside the exam hall without an admit card, valid ID proof, and proper frisking. Frisking will be carried out without touching the body through Handheld Metal Detector (HHMD).
Read more- Know CAT evolution over the years
Be On-Time
As per the previous records, candidates are required to report to the exam centre one and a half hours before the exam. Time management is very important in the CAT exam 2025 be it in reporting time or completing the questions accurately. The last entry stops 15 minutes before the exam time.
CAT 2025 Slots and Reporting Time (will correctly be mentioned in admit card):
Sessions | Time Slot | Last Entry Time | Reporting Time |
Morning | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 8:15 AM | 7:00 AM |
Afternoon | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 12:15 PM | 11:00 AM |
Evening | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 4:15 PM | 3:00 PM |
Check Seating Arrangements In Advance
Once candidates reach the CAT 2025 exam centre, the first thing they need to do is find their respective seats. Lab numbers will not be displayed outside the centre to avoid any crowding at any one place in any situation. At the time of entry, barcode readers were available to scan the CAT admit card. Details about the hall/lab number will be communicated to candidates at the same time.
Verification of Documents
After getting inside the exam centre, an important CAT 2025 exam day tip is that the candidates must get their documents verified. This is an important process because it is only after the verification of the documents that candidates will be allowed to proceed to their respective exam labs to take the test. Candidates are required to paste passport-size photographs and sign on the attendance sheet.
Rough Work On Scratch Sheet
Upon reaching the exam lab, candidates will be provided with five rough sheets to do the calculation work. Candidates will not be allowed to leave before the total duration of two hours is complete. Candidates who answer the questions on the desk, hand, or anywhere else are subject to being penalised. Do your rough work only on the sheets provided by the invigilator. It is directed by the invigilator that candidates should write their names and registration ID on the rough sheets.
Obey The Invigilators
The examiner who is there to assist candidates before, during, and after CAT 2025 is the invigilator. Candidates will have to follow their CAT exam instructions if they do not wish their candidature to be cancelled. In case of any issues, like finding a seat while logging in, any hamper during the exam, submitting issues, etc., candidates can ask for the help of the invigilator. If you have any issues, ask for clarity.
Use Washroom Beforehand
Since time management is an important aspect, candidates are requested to carefully plan everything before the exam. If candidates are feeling uneasy due to sensitivity/exam day pressure, they are advised to use the washroom before the exam starts. As CAT is considered to be the toughest of all MBA entrance exams, candidates are not allowed to use the washroom during the exam duration.
Submit Admit Card, Writing Pad
On completion of the CAT exam 2025, the candidates are advised to follow this CAT 2025 tip: candidates must move out in an orderly manner, one candidate at a time. While leaving the exam lab/hall, candidates will have to submit the rough sheets provided by the invigilator along with a hard copy of their admit card for security reasons. Candidates not abiding by the CAT exam rules may face severe consequences.
Note: Test Day Exception Forms: In case any exceptional situation arises on the day of CAT, candidates will be required to sign an Exception Form.
People also search for;
Let us look at each point one by one to understand what is mandatory and should not be done by candidates on the day of CAT 2025:
Say Bye to Personal Belonging
To ensure proper safety measures, no candidate should keep any personal belongings with him/her. Personal belongings refer to the following items:
Do Not Sign Admit Card Beforehand
One of the important CAT 2025 exam day tips is not to sign the admit card for CAT without the presence of an invigilator. Sometimes candidates don’t read the CAT exam instructions and make the mistake of signing the admit cards beforehand. Note that, it is strictly required that candidates sign the CAT 2025 exam admit card in the presence of the invigilator only.
Any candidate’s admit card that is signed before the entry would be considered invalid. Also, candidates must ensure that the signature they provide matches the printed signature, i.e., the one they uploaded at the time of registration.
No Unfair Practices
In CAT 2025, no candidate should use unfair practices to crack the test and get good results. Carrying short notes, writing on hands with a pen/henna, or any such means are strictly prohibited. Any candidate found guilty will not be allowed to carry forward with the test, and their candidature will be cancelled immediately.
Seat Change Request
In no case, seat change requests made by candidates were entertained at the end. Candidates were required to sit only in the seat allotted to them. Before each shift started, the seating area was thoroughly cleaned; monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk, and chair.
No Bio-Breaks
Any request related to bio-breaks while inside the exam lab will not be entertained by the invigilators. Unless it is a medical emergency, candidates have no option left. Those suffering from diabetes or any other ailment must carry a medical certificate and produce it to the invigilator if any need arises.
Do Not Peek Into Fellow Test Taker’s Screen
No candidate should look or should be interested in what other/fellow candidates are doing. Keep your posture straight and look only at the computer screen provided. Do not peek into what others are doing or which answers they are marking. In case of any confusion/doubt, candidates should only clarify those doubts with the invigilators or test centre officials.
Do Not Apply Mehndi/Henna
This instruction is especially important for female candidates. Usually, in CAT, candidates have to do biometrics, and if mehndi/henna is applied on hand, it may create issues in completing the biometric process.
Don’t Wear Restricted Items
A complete list of items that are restricted/prohibited for candidates to carry/wear in CAT will be soon released by IIM Ahmedabad. Candidates must not wear jackets, jewellery, watches, electronic gadgets, or shoes. If candidates are wearing or carrying any of these items, you will have to deposit them at the entrance gate.
Do Not Waste Rough Sheets
Before starting the exam, the invigilator will provide a writing pad to the candidates, which has to be submitted back once the exam is over.
No Companion Allowed
Until and unless a candidate is a PwD candidate and has asked for a scribe, no friends/companions/relatives accompanying you were allowed to enter beyond the gates of the test centre.
Quick Links -
CAT Exam Timing | Activities | Approximate time for the activity | Remarks | ||
Shift 1 | Shift 2 | Shift 3 | |||
7:00 a.m | 11:00 a.m | 3:00 p.m | Arrive at the Test centre (candidate’s reporting time) | - | The gate closes 15 minutes before the test starts time. |
7.05 AM | 11.05 AM | 03.05 PM | Locate your Test Lab number | 1-5 minutes | The candidate checks the location of the Exam Lab from the Barcode Desk. |
7.10 AM | 11.10 AM | 03.10 PM | Scrutiny of admit card | 1-5 minutes. | The first scrutiny of the documents is done at the Entry gate. |
7.15 AM | 11.15 AM | 03.15 PM | Deposit personal belongings (mobile phone, bag, etc.) | 1-10 minutes. | Candidate deposit their personal belongings at the entry gate |
7.25 AM | 11.25 AM | 03.25 PM | Frisking of the candidates | 3-5 minutes. | Assigned Security staff to frisk candidates. |
7.30 AM | 11.30 AM | 03.30 PM | Document (ID card and admit card) checking at the Test Lab entrance | 1-10 minutes | Document verification is done. |
7.40 AM | 11.40 AM | 03.40 PM | Candidates reach their Test Labs | 1-10 minutes | Candidate reaches Exam Lab. |
7.50 AM | 11.50 AM | 03.50 PM | Candidates go to the registration desk and sign (manual) on the attendance sheet | 1-5 minutes | Candidate signs the Attendance Sheet available at the Registration Desk. |
7.55 AM | 11.55 AM | 03.55 PM | Registration Process | 1-10 minutes. | Candidate photograph and IRIS captured as per process. |
8.05 AM | 12.05 PM | 04.05 PM | Candidates check their photo in the registration terminal to ensure it is their photo | 1-5 minutes. | The candidate verifies the captured photo at the Registration Terminal. |
8.10 AM | 12.10 PM | 04.10 PM | The candidate receives the scribble pad from the invigilator and sits at the terminal | 1-5 minutes. | The candidate checks the allotted Console in the Exam Lab and collects the Writing Pad from the Invigilator |
8.15 AM | 12.15 PM | 04.15 PM | Login to the Test screen | 1-5 minutes | The candidate completes the first login. |
8.20 AM | 12.20 PM | 04.20 PM | Verify & confirm the profile information | 1-5 minutes | The candidate verifies and confirms the profile Information, which he/she had filled in during the CAT 2025 Registration. |
8.25 AM | 12.25 PM | 04.25 PM | Read & agree to the Declaration | 1-5 minutes | The candidate reads all the instructions given for the Exam and clicks on “Accept”. |
8.30 AM | 12.30 PM | 04.30 PM | Test Starts | 120 minutes | Exam starts |
10.30 AM | 02.30 PM | 06.30 PM | Test concludes & the candidate shares the feedback | 1-5 minutes. | After 120 minutes. The exam is over and the feedback page is displayed on the screen. The candidate shares his feedback. |
10.35 AM | 02.35 PM | 06.35 PM | Return scribble pad | 1-5 minutes. | The candidate returns the Writing pad to the Invigilator. |
10.40 AM | 02.40 PM | 06.40 PM | Exit the test Lab and collect the deposited belongings | 1-5 minutes. | The candidate exits the Exam Lab and collects belongings (if any) |
10.45 AM | 02.45 PM | 06.45 PM | Exit the CAT 2025 Test Centre | The candidate leaves the Test Center. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your fingerprints cannot be digitally scanned due to the use of mehndi/henna/ any cosmetic colours, you will not be allowed to take the test.
Each candidate is given a rough paper before the examination begins. It is usually a few pages bound together, and additional sheets can be requested if needed.
No, Items such as glasses, handbags, belts, hats, wallets, mobile phones, electronic gadgets, calculators, own stationery, and pens are prohibited.
Yes, CAT is a computer-based test with a duration of 2 hours.
On reaching the examination laboratory, candidates will be given five rough sheets to perform the calculation tasks.
On Question asked by student community
With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.
Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025
Thank You.
Hello dear candidate,
NO. your application for CAT will not rejected for wrong gender small mistake in the OBC NCL certificate. You will be considered as an OBC candidate.
you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.
Hello,
Here are some top MBA colleges in India with fees under Rs. 2 lakh and their exam/cutoff details:
SIMSREE, Mumbai – Fee around Rs. 1.3–1.4 lakh for 2 years. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, MAT, ATMA. Cutoff is very high, usually 99+ percentile in CAT/CMAT.
PUMBA (Dept. of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University) – Fee around Rs. 1.2–1.3 lakh. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, ATMA. Cutoff approx. 75+ percentile in CAT, 90–95+ percentile in CMAT, high scores in MAH-CET.
TISS, Mumbai (MA HRM & other management-related programmes) – Fee around Rs. 1.7–1.9 lakh. Accepts CAT for some courses. Qualifying cutoff is around 60–70 percentile, but final selection cutoffs are higher.
These are the main government institutes where the full MBA/PG programme fee is within Rs. 2 lakh. Cutoffs vary slightly each year and by category, but SIMSREE and PUMBA generally need high scores, while TISS has its own process along with CAT shortlisting.
Hope it helps !
Hey! With a NEET score of 344 in the ST category, it is highly unlikely to get admission in any government BDS college in Delhi through the All India Quota. The cutoff for government BDS seats in Delhi usually falls around 400–450 for ST category, so your score is below that range.
You can consider private dental colleges, state quota seats in other states, or reattempt NEET next year to improve your chances.
Hello dear candidate,
YES, with NEET score 344in the ST category you have high chances of getting admission in a BDS College in J&K through JKBOPEE counselling.
check the seat availability and next participate in JKBOPEE Counselling with all the necessary documents.
Thank you.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
AACSB, NBA & SAQS Accredited | H-CTC 41.55 LPA | Merit Based Scholarship
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR
NAAC A++ Grade | MBA program graded A** (National) by CRISIL | AACSB, ACBSP and BGA Member
India’s first Urban Multidisciplinary University | Case-based pedagogy | Industry-endorsed curriculum