CAT Exam : Indian Institute of Management (IIM) has released important instructions and Exam Dress code for the CAT 2025 exam. These guidelines need to be followed by candidates who are appearing for exams. This year the Common Admission Test will be conducted on November 30, 2025.
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The exam day guidelines can be checked in this article below. For more details, candidates should visit the official website iimcat.ac.in.
- CAT Exam is scheduled to be conducted on Nov 30, 2025
- Candidates must remember to take a print of the self-declaration form and carry it to the exam hall.
This year, over 2.9 lakh candidates registered for the CAT Exam. The exam will be held in three sessions.
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CAT Exam Dress Code: Male and female candidates should make sure they appear for the CAT exam in the 
same look as the one uploaded on the application. For boys, if they have uploaded their photo without a beard then they should make sure to carry the same appearance on the exam day.
CAT dress code for male
- Candidates are not allowed to wear thick soles footwear.
- Garments with large buttons are not allowed inside the CAT exam hall. Clothes having pockets are not allowed.
- Candidates can wear any type of dress that has no pockets attached.
- Candidates can wear any type of shirt, t-shirt, trousers or whatever they are comfortable in.
CAT dress code for female
Candidates should not be wearing any jewellery, ornaments or carrying any metal with them.- Candidates have to avoid wearing earrings, nose pins, necklaces, anklets, bangles or any other metallic ornaments.
- Mehendi, tattoos on the body, and unnatural marks will lead to disqualification.
CAT Exam: Guidelines released
- Candidates should know that the entry gates will be closed at least 15 minutes prior to the examination timing. Therefore, candidates should reach the centre on time. The first shift will begin at 7 am, second at 11 am and third in the afternoon at 3 pm. Hence,
candidates should reach the exam hall around these timings. - Candidates will have to follow social distancing all the time. No candidate will be allowed to crowd the area or share any items under any circumstances.
- Candidates should not wear any jewelry or precious items in the exam hall,
- Candidates will be provided with sheets for rough work during the exam. Candidates will have to return the rough sheet to the examiner before leaving the exam hall.
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CAT Exam timings
| CAT session | Reporting time | Last entry time | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forenoon session | 7:00 AM | Students are not allowed to enter after 8:15 am | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon session | 11:00 AM | Students are not allowed to enter after 12:15 pm | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Evening session | 3:00 PM | Students are not allowed to enter after 4:15 pm | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Detailed guidelines for CAT
- CAT Self-declaration form: Students appearing for the CAT examination must sign a declaration form attached with the CAT admit card on the day of the actual exam and present it to the authority at the examination centre.
- Dress code: Socks, plain pullovers, or sweaters/ cardigans without any pockets are allowed inside the CAT exam hall. Students must not wear any jewellery or other items containing metal.
- Pre-exam formalities: After entry, students will have to register, go through frisking, document verification, and an IRIS and photo registration.
