Exam day tips for CAT
Are you preparing to opt the CAT 2024 exam? With a lengthy list of CAT exam guidelines 2024, it can be a really daunting task! Aspiring candidates need to note that the CAT exam is a mind/ability test. It is a time-sensitive entrance exam that aspirants can crack easily by applying the right strategy on exam day. Read further on to find out what you should and shouldn’t carry with you on the big day so that you can ace your CAT test with a soaring percentile.
CAT 2024: 10 Dos and Don’ts
In this article we provide you with details on CAT guidelines and 10 Dos and Don’ts for the exam day. Read the complete article to learn about the CAT guidelines 2024 and all the tips and tricks or strategy it takes to crack the entrance exam and convert to IIMs or other top B-schools.
CAT Exam Guidelines 2024: Do’s and Don’ts for the Exam Day
Candidates appearing for the CAT 2024 need to follow the CAT guidelines below. If any of you do not follow the CAT exam rules, they will be sent out of the centre.
Check the timings
Candidates who appear for the exam must be aware of the timings for the CAT 2024 exam so that they do not miss anything. This is the foremost CAT 2024 exam day tip. In the wake of increasing number of candidates giving CAT exam, candidates must follow certain CAT exam rules and reach the CAT exam centre at a time before the start of the exam so that the authorities get enough time to check. their documents.
Dress Code and Items to carry or not carry on CAT exam day
Know all the dos and don’ts of the CAT 2024 exam day and things to carry or not carry to the exam centre on test day.
What to Carry at the CAT Exam Centre?
- CAT exam-related documents such as duly filled-out admit cards and ID card
- A simple transparent ballpoint pen
- Additional photograph (For attendance sheet)
- Personal transparent water bottle
List of Do’s for CAT 2024 Exam Day
- Carry a CAT Admit Card and Photo ID Proof
- Self Declaration Form
- Prior Visit To The Exam Centre of CAT 2024
- Be On-Time
- Check Seating Arrangements
- Verification of Documents
- Rough Work On Scratch Sheet
- Obey The Invigilators
- Use Washroom Beforehand
- Submit Admit Card, Writing Pad
Carry an Admit Card and Valid Photo ID Proof
Important CAT 2024 exam day tip- Carry a hard copy of the CAT 2024 admit card. Note that candidates who will not carry the hall ticket of CAT in hard copy will not be allowed to enter the exam centre at any cost. A duly filled CAT 2024 exam admit card is a mandatory document. Test takers must ensure that the signature and photograph printed on the admit card is legible. Candidates are requested to check the following information on their admit card beforehand:
- Name of the candidate
- PwD Status
- Date and Day of Test
- Registration Number
- Reporting/ Entry time at Centre
- Gate Closing Time of Centre
- Test Center address
- Test City
- Time and Session of CAT 2024
As an important do’s of CAT 2024, along with the CAT admit card, candidates have to carry at least one photo ID as proof. Candidates must keep in mind that the photograph and signature provided on the ID proof should be visible and not be smudged or damaged by any means. Candidates who have (a) pacemaker or (b) implants (metal) or (c) other devices (s) for Medical reasons (s) are required to produce a medical certificate for the same. Any of the below-mentioned documents can be used by candidates as photo identity proof on exam day:
- Passport
- Voter ID Card
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Employer ID Card
- College ID Card
Note- No candidates were having the permission to enter inside the exam hall without an admit card, valid ID proof, and proper frisking. Frisking will carry out without touching the body through Handheld Metal Detector (HHMD).
Self Declaration Form
This is also one of the important CAT exam day tips regarding the self-declaration form. Self Declaration (Undertaking) form regarding COVID-19, has to be filled in by all candidates and presented to the authorities upon reaching the exam centre. The self-declaration form is made pre-available with the CAT admit card.
Be On-Time
As per the previous records, candidates are required to report to the exam centre one and a half hours before the exam. Time management is very important in the CAT exam 2024 be it in reporting time or completing the questions accurately. The last entry stops 15 minutes before the exam time.
CAT 2024 Slots and Reporting Time (will correctly be mentioned in admit card):
Sessions | Time Slot | Last Entry Time | Reporting Time |
Morning | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 8:15 AM | 7:00 AM |
Afternoon | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 12:15 PM | 11:00 AM |
| Evening | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 4:15 PM | 3:00 PM |
Check Seating Arrangements In Advance
Once candidates reach the CAT 2024 exam centre, the first thing they need to do is find their respective seats. Lab numbers will not be on display outside the centre to avoid any crowding at any one place in any situation. At the time of entry, barcode readers were available to scan the CAT admit card. Details about the hall/lab number will be communicated to candidates at the same time.
Verification of Documents
After getting inside the exam centre, an important CAT 2024 exam day tip is that the candidates must get their documents verified. This is an important process because it is only after the verification of the documents that candidates can proceed to their respective exam labs to take the test. Candidates need to paste passport-size photographs and sign on the attendance sheet.
Rough Work On Scratch Sheet
Upon reaching the exam lab, candidates will be provided with five rough sheets to do the calculation work. Candidates cannot leave before the total duration of two hours is complete. Candidates who answer the questions on the desk, hand, or anywhere else are subject to punishment. Do your rough work only on the sheets provided by the invigilator. It is an instruction from the invigilator that candidates can write their names and registration ID on the rough sheets.
Obey The Invigilators
The examiner who is there to assist candidates before, during, and after CAT 2024 is the invigilator. Candidates will have to follow their CAT exam instructions if they do not wish their candidature to get cancel. In case of any issues, like finding a seat while logging in, any hamper during the exam, submitting issues, etc., candidates can ask for the help of the invigilator. If you have any issues, ask for clarity.
Use Washroom Beforehand
Since time management is an important aspect, candidates need to carefully plan everything before the exam. If candidates are feeling uneasy due to sensitivity/exam day pressure, they can use the washroom before the exam starts. As CAT is the toughest of all MBA entrance exams, candidates cannot use the washroom during the exam duration.
Submit Admit Card, Writing Pad
On completion of the CAT exam 2024, the candidates need to follow this CAT 2024 tip: candidates must move out in an orderly manner, one candidate at a time. While leaving the exam lab/hall, candidates will have to submit the rough sheets provided by the invigilator along with a hard copy of their admit card for security reasons. Candidates not abiding by the CAT exam rules may face severe consequences.
List of Don’ts for CAT 2024 Exam Day
- Say Bye to Personal Belonging
- Do Not Sign the CAT 2024 Admit Card Beforehand
- No Unfair Practices
- Seat Change Request
- No Bio-Breaks
- Do Not Peek Into Fellow Test Taker’s Screen
- Do Not Apply Mehndi/Henna
- Don’t Wear Restricted Items
- Do Not Waste Rough Sheets
- No Companion Allowed
Let us look at each point one by one to understand what is mandatory and should not be done by candidates on the day of CAT 2024:
Say Bye to Personal Belonging
To ensure proper safety measures, no candidate should keep any personal belongings with him/her. Personal belongings refer to the followings items:
- Electronic Gadgets
- Stationery items
- Bag/ Mobile/ Calculator/ IPAD/ IPOD/ Bluetooth/ Headset/ Digital Wrist Watch/ Laptop/ Camera.
Do Not Sign Admit Card Beforehand
One of the important CAT 2024 exam day tips is not to sign the admit card for CAT without the presence of an invigilator. Sometimes candidates don’t read the CAT exam instructions and make the mistake of signing the admit cards beforehand. Note that, it is strictly required that candidates sign the CAT 2024 exam admit card in the presence of the invigilator only.
Any candidate’s admit card that is signed before the entry would be considered invalid. Also, candidates must ensure that the signature they provide matches the printed signature, i.e., the one they uploaded at the time of registration.
No Unfair Practices
In CAT 2024, no candidate should use unfair practices to crack the test and get good results. Carrying short notes, writing on hands with a pen/henna, or any such means is against the rules. Any candidate guilty for committing any kind nuisance will not get to carry forward with the test, and their candidature will get null immediately.
Seat Change Request
In no case, seat change requests made by candidates can take place at the end. Candidates were required to sit only in the seat allotted to them. Before each shift started, the seating area was thoroughly cleaned; monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk, and chair.
No Bio-Breaks
Any request regarding bio-breaks while inside the exam lab will not come under consideration by the invigilators. Unless it is a medical emergency, candidates have no option left. Those suffering from diabetes or any other ailment must carry a medical certificate and produce it to the invigilator if any need arises.
Do Not Peek Into Fellow Test Taker’s Screen
No candidate can look or show interest in what other/fellow candidates are doing. Keep your posture straight and look only at the computer screen provided. Do not peek into what others are doing or which answers they are marking. In case of any confusion/doubt, candidates should only clarify those doubts with the invigilators or test centre officials.
Do Not Apply Mehndi/Henna
This instruction is especially important for female candidates. Usually, in CAT, candidates have to do biometrics, and if mehndi/henna is on hand, it may create issues in completing the biometric process.
Don’t Wear Restricted Items
A complete list of items that candidates cannot carry/wear in CAT will be out soon by IIM Ahmedabad. Candidates must not wear jackets, jewellery, watches, electronic gadgets, or shoes. If candidates are wearing or carrying any of these items, you will have to deposit them at the entrance gate.
Do Not Waste Rough Sheets
Before starting the exam, the invigilator will provide a writing pad to the candidates, which students have to submit back once the exam is over.
No Companion Allowed
Until and unless a candidate is a PwD candidate and has permission for a scribe, no friends/companions/relatives accompanying you can enter beyond the gates of the test centre.