CAT 2025 Dress Code and Exam Day Guidelines: Important Rules for Test Takers

CAT 2025 Dress Code and Exam Day Guidelines: Important Rules for Test Takers

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 06 Jun 2025, 12:08 PM IST

CAT 2025 Dress Code: Common Admission Test is a national-level management entrance exam held for admission to IIMs and other top-level colleges. CAT 2025 exam date will be November 30, 2025. The CAT exam guidelines and dress code for the CAT exam will also be available on the CAT official website. Candidates appearing in CAT 2025 must follow the dress code for CAT exam and other important instructions. The CAT 2025 admit card will be issued tentatively in the first week of November 2025. The exam instructions and other rules will be given on the CAT admit card. Candidates who violate the dress code for CAT exam are not permitted to enter the CAT exam centre. Below are some of the guidelines regarding the CAT exam dress code.

CAT 2025 Dress Code and Exam Day Guidelines: Important Rules for Test Takers
CAT Exam Dress Code

CAT Exam Dress Code 2025 - Key Points to Remember

Check the following CAT dress code for male and CAT exam dress code for female for the MBA entrance exam which one needs to follow on the day of the exam. It will consist of what to wear and what to not. It is mandatory for all candidates going to take the CAT 2025 to follow the dress code. Those who don't follow won't be allowed to appear for the CAT exam.

1. Thick soles footwear is not allowed in the exam hall

As per the CAT dress code, wearing shoes/ footwear with thick soles and garments with large buttons is not allowed inside the CAT exam hall.

2. Clothes having pockets are not allowed

According to the CAT dress code 2025, candidates can wear any type of dress that has no pockets attached when going to give a CAT 2025. Candidates can wear any type of shirt, t-shirt, trousers or whatever they are comfortable in but they have to make sure that their clothes do not have any pockets otherwise they will not be permitted to the CAT 2025 exam hall.

3. Jewellery, metal or ornaments are strictly prohibited

At the CAT exam centre, candidates have to make sure that they are not wearing any jewellery or carrying any metal with them. Candidates have to avoid wearing earrings, nose pins, necklaces, anklets, bangles or any other metallic ornaments.

4. Unnatural marks and heavy makeup looks are prohibited

For the MBA dress code for female students, any type of unnatural marks, mehendi or tattoos on the body of the candidates would lead to their disqualification from taking the CAT exam. Also, students have to appear for the CAT exam with a simple and natural look and the heavy makeup look is also strictly prohibited. For girls, it is required to keep a simple hairstyle or they can refer to a simple ponytail or braid.

For boys, if they have uploaded their photo without a beard then they should make sure to appear on the CAT exam day with the same look.

5. Mobile phones and bags are not allowed

The candidates are not allowed to carry mobile phones or any electronic gadgets like calculators, smart watches, etc, and bags to the CAT exam hall as well. In case they are taking any of the prohibited items, they have to submit it to the CAT test centre staff outside the exam hall.

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Things to carry for CAT exam

  • CAT admit card 2025
  • Government-issued photo ID proof
  • Forbidden items for CAT 2025
  • Scribe Affidavit and Medical Certificate
  • Stationery Items that Can be Carried
  • Documents Related to Name Change
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Exam Day Guidelines for CAT 2025

The candidates who are all going to appear in the CAT 2025, should follow some exam day guidelines and the proper CAT exam dress code. If you are ready in advance, it will reduce your mental pressure. We advise all aspirants who are going to appear in the CAT exam 2025, while leaving their homes, to follow the CAT dress code 2025 prior.

  • One will have to reach the CAT test centre as per the reporting given on the admit card.
  • Candidates are advised to visit the CAT exam centre at least one day in advance.
  • Candidates will be required to carry two printed copies of the CAT 2025 admit card on an A4 size sheet.
  • They will have to show the CAT 2025 admit card to the invigilator at the time of the test.
  • A writing pad for rough work and a pen will be given to the candidates at the CAT exam centre and they will have to return it before leaving the examination hall.
  • Appearing twice for CAT 2025 exam will lead to disqualification and the candidature will be cancelled.
  • Friends, guardians and relatives will not be allowed to enter the examination centre.
  • Any request to change the CAT 2025 exam centre will not be entertained.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the dress code for the CAT exam 2025?
A:

As per the CAT exam authorities, do not wear closed shoes, jackets, jewelry made of metal, clothes with many pockets, or mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed but do not wear caps and hoodies.

Q: Does IIM have a dress code?
A:

There is no such dress code for the CAT exam, but candidates should avoid wearing such clothes that have many pockets. 

Q: What footwear to wear in a CAT exam?
A:

Candidates are required to wear simple and comfortable sandals or slippers; one should avoid shoes with thick soles. 

Q: Can I wear jeans to a CAT exam?
A:

Wearing jeans is allowed while appearing for CAT exam, but one should avoid the ones with too many pockets.

Q: Is belt allowed in CAT exam?
A:

No, candidates are advised to avoid wearing jewelry, and clothing with metallic trims, belt, and buckles.

Q: What not to wear in CAT exam?
A:

As per the CAT exam dress code, candidates have to make sure that they are not wearing any jewelry or carrying any metal item. Candidates have to avoid wearing earrings, necklaces, nose pins, bangles, anklets, or any other metallic ornaments.

Q: Do we carry pen to CAT exam?
A:

Yes, candidates can carry few stationary items such as pens, pencils, and a scale for rough work.

Q: Can I wear Kurti in CAT exam/ Are jeans allowed in CAT?
A:

Yes, Kurti and Jeans are allowed but one should avoid clothes which have too many pockets.

Q: Is there any dress code for CAT exam?
A:

Yes, there is a CAT exam dress code issued by the exam conducting body which a candidate need to follow on the day of examination.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

Here's why:

  • "a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.

  • "The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.

  • "an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."

  • "a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.

  • "the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."

Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

Here's the link: CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!