CAT 2025 Exam Day Guide: What All Documents & Items to Carry and NOT Carry

As CAT 2025 approaches, one major area students often overlook is what to carry and what not to carry on exam day. The rules are strict, and even a small mistake — like wearing the wrong shoes or forgetting a document — can lead to denied entry.

This detailed guide covers:

• Must-have documents
• Do you need Black and white or coloured print out
• Allowed & prohibited items
• Mandatory exam-day protocols
• Dress-code guidelines
• Last-minute tips
• Formula Book, DILR Test Series, Mock Tests

What All Documents to Carry on CAT 2025 Exam Day

These are non-negotiable. If you miss even one essential document, you may not be allowed inside the exam centre.

✅ 1.1. Mandatory Documents

1. Printed CAT 2025 Admit Card

• Must be printed on A4 size paper, black and white works, coloured admit cards aren’t mandatory.
• Ensure photo and signature are clearly visible
• Check exam centre, reporting time, and shift

2. Valid Government Photo ID (Original)
Any one of the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driver’s Licence

3. Passport-size Photo
If you have the same photogtaph as posted it is fine, else you can paste a different one too – it Is just your facial features should be same (basically they should be able to identify that it is you) – Some centres may ask for a spare photograph.

4. Required Certificates (Only if applicable)

• Medical certificate — for metal implants, pacemaker, health conditions
• Scribe certificate — for PWD candidates

Disability certificate

Items You Can Carry Inside the Exam Centre

📌 Allowed items –

• Identity proof and Admit Card print, nothing else can go with you.

📌 Items that some centres may allow (Strictly limited)

Usually centres do not allow this, but if you have some condition, they might allow

• Transparent water bottle – water although is provided in premises only.
• Personal medication (with prescription if needed)
• A simple mask (if required by centre guidelines)

Note: All other stationery — calculators, papers, rulers — will be provided at the exam centre, or are part of the computer interface.

What NOT to Carry on CAT 2025 Exam Day

Prohibited items are taken extremely seriously. Violation = potential disqualification.

❌ Strictly Prohibited Inside Exam Lab

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices
• Earphones, microphones
• Wallets, purses, bags, pouches
• Calculator of any kind
• Rough sheets brought from home
• Books, notes, printed materials
• Jackets, hoodies with multiple pockets
• Metallic ornaments
• Food items (except medically required)

⚠️ Pro Tip: If you must bring your mobile or bag, you may have to leave it outside the exam hall at your own risk. No lockers are guaranteed. A lot of centres have facilities where they keep your belongings, but some might not have the facility.

CAT 2025 Dress-Code Guidelines

While not the main heading, dress code still impacts your entry experience.
Here’s a fast, exam-friendly checklist:

✔ What You Can Wear

• Plain T-shirts/Shirts without big pockets
• Simple trousers/jeans
• Light footwear: sandals/slippers/shoes
• For women: simple kurti/top, avoid layers
• Minimal or no jewellery

✘ What You Should NOT Wear

• Clothes with metal buttons/zippers
• Hoodies, jackets, caps
• Watches (even analog)
• High heels or thick-soled shoes
• Heavy makeup or mehendi on palms

Jewellery (earrings, rings, chains)

CAT 2025 Exam-Day Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Reach 60–90 minutes early
Avoid last-minute stress and time lost during frisking.

2. Biometric and ID verification
Your photo + fingerprint may be captured.

3. Document check
You’ll submit the attendance signature.

4. All personal items stored outside
Invigilators will direct you to the storage area if needed.

5. Rough sheets and pen provided
You cannot bring your own.

6. Follow screen instructions carefully
Sections are strictly timed — switching early or late is not allowed.

Last-Minute Tips Before Entering the Exam Hall

• Visit your test centre a day before
• Carry 2 copies of admit card
• Avoid accessories that trigger metal detectors
• Secure travel arrangements to avoid delays
• Sleep well and eat light before leaving home

Boost Your Final CAT 2025 Preparation – Recommended Resources

Use these for final 2 before CAT 2025 to maximise your score:

🔥 CAT Formula Book (Must-Have)

All Quant, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Numbers formulas in compact form → perfect for last-minute revision – https://quantifiers.in/free-study-material-for-cat-exam/

🔥 DILR Test Series

New-pattern sets, high-difficulty timed tests, sectionals, and full mocks to master the trickiest CAT section – https://quantifiers.in/dilr/dilr-booster-test-series

🔥 Rapid Revision Notes (VARC + QA + DILR) https://quantifiers.in/free-study-material-for-cat-exam/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are jeans allowed for CAT 2025?

Yes, as long as they are simple, without too many pockets or metal accessories.

Q2. Can I wear a smartwatch inside the hall?

No. All watches — smart or analog — are banned.

Q3. Is calculator allowed in CAT?

Not physically. The exam interface has an on-screen calculator.

Q4. Can I carry my mobile into the centre?

Yes, but not into the exam room. You must submit it outside at your own risk.

Q5. Is henna/mehendi allowed?

Avoid mehendi on palms; it may cause extra verification.

Q6. Will I get rough sheets?

Yes, the centre provides sheets + pen. You must return them before leaving.

Q7. What if I forget my admit card?

Unfortunately, you cannot appear for CAT without a printed admit card.