CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions - Rules, What to Carry, Do's and Don'ts

CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions must be known by every CAT aspirant before they appear for the exam. Every year, more than 2 lakh students apply for the CAT exam and work their fingers to the bone to crack it. However, no amount of preparation or any strategy will help you pass the exam if you’re not aware of the CAT 2024 exam day instructions. There are certain CAT exam rules that candidates must abide by on exam day, including the do’s and don’ts. From carrying the CAT 2024 admit card to the exam center to dressing up properly, students need to pay attention to some important things for a smooth exam experience.

The CAT exam this year will be conducted onNovember 24, 2024, in three slots as per the CAT 2024 notification which was released on July 28, 2024. IIM Calcutta will release an official test guide containing all the important CAT 2024 exam day instructions on the official website. To ensure a hassle-free experience, here are all the CAT exam instructions and rules that you must follow on exam day. You can also find a detailed CAT 2024 exam day workflow that you will have to follow and know about the things to carry for the CAT 2024 exam.

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​CAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines

In order to have a successful CAT exam day, you must follow certain guidelines that have been put in place to ensure the well-being of every test takers. Check out the CAT exam day guidelines mentioned below:

• Candidates must make sure that they reach the examination center with ample time to complete all the formalities before the exam.
• Candidates must not forget to carry their CAT admit card and the required government-issued Photo ID proof. To err on the side of caution, candidates should carry two copies of the required documents.
• Candidates must not sign their CAT admit card prematurely. The admit card should only be signed in the presence of the CAT exam invigilator.
• The photo that candidates will attach to the CAT admit card must be the same as the one uploaded during the CAT registration process.
• Candidates should also make sure that they do not have any rubbish or scrap paper in their pockets as only the CAT admit card and the Photo ID proof are allowed inside the exam hall.
• The writing pad provided for rough work during the CAT exam has to be returned after the examination is over. Candidates should also make sure to write their name and registration number on the rough pad.
• Any kind of electronic gadgets are prohibited inside the CAT examination room. Thus, candidates must refrain from carrying such items to the examination center.
• Any kind of clothes with pockets, metal jewelry, and heavy footwear is also prohibited inside the CAT examination hall.
• Bags and other kinds of luggage are not allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates must make sure they carry all the required documents in a transparent folder.
• Candidates with medical conditions who have metal inside their body like metal implants or pacemakers will be required to submit medical certificates for the same at the CAT exam hall.

CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions: Do's and Don’ts

Below are some important guidelines regarding the CAT 2024 that candidates must follow at each point for a hassle-free examination experience.

Also Read: Do’s & Don’ts for Writing the CAT 2024 Exam

What to Carry to the CAT 2024 Test Centre?

Students appearing for CAT 2024 must be aware of what to carry and what not to carry at the exam centre to avoid any hassle. Here is a list of things to carry for CAT exam:

• CAT Admit Card: The CAT Admit Card 2024 is mandatory to carry into the examination hall. The admit card is also known as the ‘Hall Ticket’ without which, the candidates cannot enter the examination hall.
• Photo Identity Proof (Government)
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter ID
  • Driving license
  • Passport
  • PAN card
  • Employer ID
  • College ID
  • Identification affidavit
• Authorization Form: CAT authority will issue the candidate an authorization form, which is necessary to carry to the examination hall to get permission for special items.
• Name Change Document: Candidates whose names have changed as a result of any circumstance (such as marriage, a legal name change, or a divorce) must have official documentation confirming the name change.
• Affidavit of Scribe & Medical Certificate: Candidates who fall under the PwD category must bring a medical certificate substantiating their claim of disability as well as a scribe affidavit (on the form provided by IIMCAT) to the CAT 2024 examination hall.

What Not to Carry to the CAT 2024 Test Centre? 

The exam authority of CAT has forbidden many things inside the exam hall, and any student is not allowed to take the exam if found in the possession of those things. The following items are not allowed inside the CAT 2024 examination hall:

• Wristwatches
• Mobile Phone
• Purse/Handbag
• Log Tables
• Calculator
• Camera 
• Wireless/Bluetooth Devices
• Other Electronic Gadgets
• Geometry/ Instrument/ Pencil box

Relief to Carry Accessories Against CAT Exam Day Authorization Form

Though candidates are not allowed to carry any accessories and electronics inside the examination hall, they can take them inside only if they are necessary for their medical health and prescribed by an MCI-approved doctor. In that case, the CAT authority will issue the candidate an authorization form, which is necessary to carry to the examination hall to get permission.

Reasons to Avoid Carrying Prohibited Items on CAT Exam Day

• Disqualification: Candidates risk being disqualified from the examination if they are discovered to be in possession of prohibited items.

• Loss of personal belongings: Any personal items that candidates leave outside the exam room are their responsibility.

• Cancellation of Candidature: Candidates who attempt to cheat or use unfair methods during the exam risk having their CAT applications cancelled.

Also Read: CAT 2024 Exam Day Mistakes You Must Avoid

Dress Code for CAT 2024 Exam Day

The CAT aspirants should take note of the following guidelines pertaining  to the dress code to avoid issues at the time of entry:

• Metal jewellery is not permitted to be worn by candidates.
• Inside the examination hall, candidates are not permitted to wear closed-toed shoes, caps, jackets, or clothing with pockets or huge buttons.
• Candidates who have metal implants, pacemakers, or other devices in their bodies must submit a medical certificate for those devices.
• The test lab allows socks, plain pullovers, sweaters, and cardigans (without pockets).

CAT 2024 Exam Day Workflow

From reaching the exam centre to exiting it, there is a certain workflow for the examination, which has to be followed. The staff at the examination centres and the invigilator will assist you through the process and help you. Following is the exam day workflow:

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How to Use Google Map Link on CAT Admit Card to Find the Test Centre?

There are often unavoidable delays on exam day since candidates frequently struggle to find the exact location of their CAT 2024 exam centre. In order to prevent this, IIM included a new Google Map Link feature on the CAT 2024 admit card that allows applicants to confirm the precise location of the test centre that has been assigned to them. Candidates simply need to download their CAT admit cards in order to access the same, and then click on the Google Map link to acquire directions to the exam centre.

Verification of Documents and Biometric Registration

Candidates must have their documents validated after entering the test centre and undergoing the frisking process (security check).

• The original ID proof and admit card for the candidate, both of which are attached with photographs, will be examined on the desk. Candidates will be requested to continue with biometric registration after their documents have been verified.
• The left thumb impression and picture of the candidate will be taken.
• The attendance sheet must be signed by the candidates.

Exam Day Guidelines for PwD Candidates for CAT 2024

• Candidates with disabilities (PwD) will get an additional 40 minutes (total of 160 minutes) to finish the test.
• Separate rooms will be allotted to floors with elevator access or on the ground floor.
• PwD candidates will receive special coordinators.
• PwD candidates who have a scribe must carry an affidavit that has been properly signed by both the candidate and the scribe.
• A wheelchair will be made available to applicants who demand one (as stated on their admit cards).
• According to the specifications listed on the admit card, the "Zoom" option will be made available on the candidate's test console (for candidates who are visually impaired).

CAT 2024 Exam Day Key Activities and Time Slots

The following schedule has been created based on the schedule of last year’s CAT exam:

Candidates must follow these CAT exam instructions and take note of all the things to carry for the CAT exam.

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