The Common Admission Test ( CAT 2025 ) exam is scheduled for November 30, 2025 . This important test is for students who want to join MBA courses in top colleges across India. About 2.95 lakh students will take this national-level entrance exam. The exam will be held in three shifts, across 170 cities in India. IIM Kozhikode, the body managing CAT 2025, has released clear rules for all candidates. It is very important to follow these rules.
Candidates must print their CAT 2025 admit card . Read all the instructions on it carefully. Here are the main details about exam timings, what to carry, and important rules for the exam day.
CAT 2025 Exam Timings
The CAT exam will last for 2 hours (120 minutes) in each shift. There will be a time limit of 40 minutes for each section of the test. Candidates with disabilities (PwD) will get extra time to complete their exam.
| CAT Slot | Exam Time | Reporting Time | Last Entry Allowed |
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
Things to Carry for CAT 2025 Exam
On the exam day, candidates must bring certain documents and items to the test centre. Without these, you may not be allowed to enter.
Mandatory Documents:
- Your printed CAT 2025 admit card .
- One original photo ID proof. You can carry any one of these:
- Aadhaar card (physical or e-Aadhaar)
- Voter ID card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Ration Card
- College/University ID card
- Driver's license
Other Required Items:
- A blue or black ballpoint pen . You will need this to sign the attendance sheet.
- One passport-size photograph . This photo should be the same as the one uploaded in your application form.
Special Cases (If Applicable):
- If your name has changed, bring a name change affidavit .
- If you are a PwD candidate, bring your PwD certificate .
- If you need a scribe (writer), bring your scribe certificate .
- Diabetic students can bring fruits. However, they must carry a permission letter for this.
Important Rules for CAT 2025 Exam Day
All candidates must follow these strict rules at the test centre:
- Reach the exam centre on time. Check your reporting time and arrive accordingly.
- Do not carry any electronic items. This includes mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or Bluetooth devices.
- Do not wear any jewellery or accessories that have metal.
- Avoid wearing jackets, hoodies, or clothes with large pockets.
- Do not wear boots or any kind of closed shoes. It is better to wear open footwear like sandals or slippers.
- Show all your documents for checking at the entry gate and inside the exam hall.
- Work with the exam staff. Follow all their directions.
- Sit at your assigned seat. Complete your test within the given time.
- Listen carefully to all instructions given by the invigilator (the person supervising the exam).
- Sign the attendance sheet. Make sure you leave your rough sheet inside the test room before you exit.
- Do not disturb other candidates or make any noise in the exam hall.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth exam experience for everyone. Good luck to all candidates taking the CAT 2025 exam.
