Do’s & Don’ts for Writing the CAT 2025 Exam

Anjani Chaand

Updated On: May 02, 2025 12:33 PM | CAT

If you are appearing for CAT 2025, you must be aware of all the do’s and don’ts to have a smooth experience. Some important guidelines include carrying a hard copy of the admit card, carrying original ID proof, dressing up right, not bringing any electronic devices, etc. 

Do’s & Don’ts for Writing the CAT Exam

You should remember the do's and don'ts of writing the CAT 2025 exam to ensure you don't experience any hassle during the exam. Some important guidelines include carrying a hard copy of the admit card, carrying original ID proof, dressing up right, and not bringing any electronic devices. It's advised to arrive at the exam centre well before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute rush, which could lead to unnecessary stress. Also, check the location of the exam centre a day before the exam to ensure there are no surprises on the exam day. Following these guidelines will not only help students avoid any issues on the CAT exam day but also help them stay calm and composed before the exam. Take a look at the do's and don'ts of writing the CAT 2025 exam and ensure you follow them for a smooth exam experience.

Also Read:

How Many Questions to Attempt in CAT for 99 Percentile?

Important Formulas for CAT

CAT Exam Centres

Do's and Don’ts for Writing the CAT 2025 Exam

Following the stipulated guidelines on the CAT exam day is crucial as it will help you get through the exam day without any hassles. These rules and regulations are put in place to help you have a smooth examination experience. Thus, you must ensure you follow all the guidelines mentioned in the table below on the CAT 2025 exam day.

Do's

Don'ts

  • Bring your original ID proofs and any other items listed on your admissions card.
  • On a paper that is A4 in size, print the CAT 2025 admit card. Verify that your photo and signature are printed correctly.
  • You must have a mobile phone with a digital copy of the CAT admit card. There is a Google Map link on the digital admit card. The google maps link makes it simple and easy to get to the testing location.
  • You must affix your photograph as instructed on the CAT admit card before turning it over for verification at the CAT 2025 test center. There is a designated spot on the admit card where the photo must be affixed with adhesive. The identical photo that was previously uploaded during the CAT 2025 application procedure must be included.
  • Visit the CAT 2025 Exam Center before the designated time.
  • Be attentive and punctual during pre-exam formalities.
  • Verify the seating arrangements.
  • Verify your documents before the pre-exam formalities.
  • Use the rough paper notepad provided to do all the rough work during the exam.
  • Use the restroom before entering the exam hall.
  • After the exam is over, the writing pad with all of the pages intact must be given back to the exam room monitor along with the pen.
  • The duly signed admit card has to be returned to the invigilator present in the CAT exam lab.
  • To prevent paper cancellation, do not attempt to take the CAT 2025 exam more than once.
  • There are no devices of any kind allowed in the exam lab. Do not bring them along. You will not be allowed to take the test if any prohibited gadgets are found with you.
  • Any attempt to cheat or copy answers from any peer is prohibited and will lead to paper cancellation.
  • Never use the system keyboard throughout the test; doing so will lock your computer.
  • Do not request to change the test center/console/exam lab on the exam day, as such requests will not be entertained.
  • Do not waste writing pad pages, as no extra writing pads will be given to the candidates.
  • Do not apply henna or mehndi on the palm side. This instruction is mainly given to girls attempting the examination. This is suggested as applying mehndi on the palm side will cause trouble in capturing the candidate’s biometric fingerprint, which is mandatory for entering the examination lab.

Also Read:

CAT 2025 Exam Timings

One of the most important aspects of the CAT exam that you must be aware of is the CAT exam timings. Since the CAT exam is conducted in three different sessions in a single day, you must make sure they reach the examination centre assigned to them at the correct time. If you fail to arrive at the CAT exam centre at the scheduled time for your exam, you will not be allowed to enter the examination hall and appear for the examination. That being said, the CAT exam session timings are mentioned in the table below:

Sl. No.

Shift

Timings

Reporting Timing

1

Forenoon

8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

7:00 AM to 8:15 AM

2

Afternoon

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

11:00 AM to 12:15 PM

3

Evening

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM

Also Read : CAT 2025 Study Plan for Students in Final Year of Graduation

CAT 2025 Exam Day WorkFlow

You must be aware of the CAT exam day workflow so that you do not feel confused and waste time after arriving at the examination center. One thing that you should make a note of is that you have to go through several pre-exam formalities before actually appearing for the CAT exam. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that these exam day formalities are completed in a timely manner so that there is no delay in reaching the examination hall. The CAT 2025 exam day workflow has been explained in detail in the flowchart provided below:

Also Read : How to Approach CAT 2025 Question Paper?

CAT 2025 Question Paper Highlights

Understanding the structure of the CAT question paper is the most important aspect of appearing for the exam. If you can correctly use your time without being confused while answering the question paper, you stand the best chance of cracking the CAT exam. That being said, you must check out the major features of the CAT question paper mentioned in the table below:

Particulars

Details

Types of Questions

MCQ and Non-MCQ (TITA)

Total Number of Questions

66

Exam Duration

2 hours (40 Minutes Per Section)

Total Marks

198

Examination Mode

Online

Examination Language

English

MCQ Choices

4

Answer Status

  • Answered
  • Not Answered
  • Not Visited
  • Marked for Review

Other Features

Onscreen Calculator, Onscreen Timer

Also Read : Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Preparation

​Important Points to Remember When Writing CAT 2025 Exam

Answering the CAT question paper can be difficult, especially for first-time test taker,s due to the structure of the question paper. You must be aware of how to use all the options available on the CAT question paper to use your exam time efficiently and not make errors. Take a look at the vital instructions to answer the CAT 2025 question paper:

  • The amount of time left for each section is indicated by the timer in the top right corner of the screen. The answers will automatically get locked and submitted once the 40 minutes are over.
  • You should select the correct answer bubble by clicking on the visible question number on the tray.
  • You should only click on the “Save and Next” button if you are sure that your answer to a particular question is correct.
  • You should click on the "Mark for Review and Next" button when you are unsure about your answer and wish to reconsider it later during the exam.
  • Answers will not be saved if you don’t select any option.
  • You can view the status of attempted questions on the right side.
    • Green: answered and not marked for review
    • Red: neither answered nor marked for review
    • Grey: questions not visited
    • Violet: questions marked for review without answers
    • Violet with a green tick: questions marked for review with answers
You must also check out the articles mentioned below to know more about CAT 2025!

Related Articles:

If you want to know more about the CAT exam, you can ask questions on the Collegedekho QnA zone . For admission-related assistance, fill out the Common Application Form or call our toll-free number 1800-572-9877. We wish you all the best for CAT 2025!

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FAQs

How to use the google link on CAT admit card?

The Google Map Link feature on the CAT 2025 admit card allows you to confirm the precise location of the test centre that has been assigned to you. You simply need to download your CAT admit card in order to access the same, and then click on the Google Map link to acquire directions to the exam centre.

Are food items allowed inside the CAT exam center?

No, food items are not allowed inside the CAT exam center. Any food items found with you will be discarded once you go through the security check and document verification. You must consume or discard all food items before you enter the CAT exam center.

Can I request to change my computer during CAT exam?

You may request to change your computer during CAT exam if you find that your computer is not operating properly. However, you cannot request for a change if there are minor issues with the system because such requests will not be entertained.

What is the appropriate dress code for CAT?

If you are appearing for CAT, you must adhere to the appropriate dress code in order to avoid any issues with the exam conducting authorities. You must wear simple, comfortable clothes without large buttons or multiple pockets. Go for plain slippers or sandals. Avoid shoes with thick soles. Refrain from wearing jewelry, metallic items, or any accessories that could raise security concerns.

Which documents should I carry on CAT exam day?

If you are appearing for CAT 2025, you must be aware of what to carry to the exam centre. Here is a list of things to carry for CAT exam:

  • CAT Admit Card 2025
  • Photo Identity Proof (Government)
  • Authorization Form
  • Name Change Document

How many rough sheets will I be given during the CAT exam?

You will not be provided with rough sheets during CAT exam, instead, you will be provided with one pen and one scribble pad for rough work in the test lab. You must ensure to use this rough pad for all your rough work and return the same to the invigilator once the exam is concluded.

What if I am assigned a CAT exam center outside my city?

If you are assigned a CAT exam center outside your city, you must ensure you have made arrangements for travel and other requirements for the CAT exam day. It is advisable to travel to the city where your CAT exam center is located the day before the exam to reduce the burden of travel, especially if the location is quite far.

What are the prohibited items at CAT exam centers?

The prohibited items at CAT exam centers include bags, purses, pencil boxes, beepers, wrist watches, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras and wireless/bluetooth devices. Any candidate found with any of these items inside the exam hall will be disqualified. Notepads or any type of written material is also prohibited. Candidates need not carry a pen. They will be provided with one pen and one scribble pad for rough work in the test lab.

What are the facilities provided for PwD candidates during CAT?

For PwD candidates, facilities in CAT exam include, relaxation of marks in graduation. Apart from that, such candidates are provided scribe service at the exam centre. To avail the service such candidates have to fill the relevant form during registration process. You can refer to the CAT notification formore information on PwD candidates for CAT 2025.

What are the CAT exam slot timings?

CAT exam has been held in three slots for the past three years. Earlier, it used to be held in two slots of three hours each, but since 2020, it has been held in three slots of two hours each. The first slot is held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, the second slot is held from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and the third slot is held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

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