The CAT 2025 Exam will be conducted tomorrow across the country. For thousands of students, this day marks an important step toward their dream of joining the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. It is important for candidates to stay calm, follow the rules and be fully prepared for the test.
This article explains the shift timings, reporting schedule, documents to carry, restricted items and important exam-day guidelines. It also provides simple and clear instructions to help every candidate appear for the CAT 2025 Exam without confusion.
CAT 2025 Exam
The CAT 2025 Exam is a national-level entrance test for admission to management programmes such as MBA and PGDM. The exam will be conducted in three shifts on November 30, 2025. Every year, the exam tests a candidate’s skills in Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Ability.
The exam follows a two-hour structure for general-category candidates and a slightly extended duration for PwD candidates. The test is conducted in nearly 170 cities to ensure that students from all regions can take part in this competitive exam.
The format of the question paper remains similar to the previous year, making it easy for students to understand the pattern and prepare confidently. With the exam day now very close, candidates are advised to revise lightly, double-check their documents and get enough rest.
CAT 2025 Exam Shift Timings
The CAT 2025 Exam will be held in three shifts. Candidates must carefully note their assigned shift and reach the exam centre on time. Check the CAT Shift Timings 2025 in the table below:
| Shift | Exam Timing | Reporting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Shift 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
Reporting Instructions for CAT 2025 Exam
Candidates appearing for the CAT 2025 Exam must follow the reporting rules carefully. These rules help maintain smooth conduct of the exam across all centres.
- The admit card is the most important document. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre without it. Candidates who have not downloaded the admit card yet should download it immediately from the official website.
- Along with the admit card, candidates must carry a government-issued ID. Accepted IDs include Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, and Driving Licence.
- Candidates should reach the venue at least 30 to 60 minutes before the reporting time. This will help them complete the entry and frisking process without stress.
- Biometric verification and other identity checks may be conducted. Candidates must cooperate with the staff. Security rules are very strict to ensure fairness in the CAT 2025 Exam.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates must follow these instructions on CAT exam day to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Items Allowed in the Exam Hall
Candidates are allowed to carry only the following:
- CAT Admit card
- Valid ID proof
- A simple transparent water bottle (if allowed by centre)
- Necessary medical certificates (for PwD candidates)
No extra papers, notes or stationery are required because all materials will be provided at the centre.
2. Items Not Allowed
Candidates must not bring restricted items. This includes:
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches
- Calculators
- Bluetooth devices
- Earphones
- Bags or wallets
- Jewellery
- Jackets, shawls, scarves
- Clothes with big pockets or metal parts
The exam centre will not store or take responsibility for any of these items. Candidates must leave them at home.
3. Dress Code
The dress code is simple and comfortable:
- Male candidates: trousers, pants, jeans and slippers
- Female candidates: leggings, trousers and simple sandals
Avoid clothes with metal buttons, large pockets or thick material. The aim is to make the security checking process easy and quick.
4. Follow Staff Instructions
At the exam centre, staff will guide candidates through the entry process. Candidates should listen carefully and follow all instructions to avoid delays.
5. Exam Hall Rules
Inside the hall:
- Sit at the assigned computer only
- Do not touch the keyboard until allowed
- Read all on-screen instructions
- Do not talk to others
- Stay seated until told to leave
Any unfair behaviour will lead to disqualification.
CAT 2025 Exam: Section-Wise Structure
The CAT 2025 Exam consists of three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, reading and understanding of passages.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section checks a student’s ability to read charts, analyse information and solve logical problems.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
This part tests mathematics skills such as arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Candidates cannot move between sections during the exam. PwD candidates will receive an extra 40 minutes.
CAT 2025 Exam Preparation Tips for the Last Day
Even though the CAT exam is tomorrow, candidates can still follow a few simple steps to stay calm and focused.
- Revision is helpful, but learning new concepts at the last moment may increase stress.
- A fresh mind performs better. A good night’s sleep will help improve focus during the exam.
- Keep the admit card, ID proof and necessary items in one place tonight.
- Know the exact location of your exam centre. Leave early to avoid traffic.
- The CAT 2025 Exam is important, but staying calm will help you perform better. Confidence and clarity play a major role in managing time and accuracy.
FAQs
Q.1. What is the date of the CAT 2025 Exam?
Ans. The CAT 2025 Exam will be held on November 30, 2025.
Q.2. How many shifts will the CAT 2025 Exam be conducted in?
Ans. The exam will be held in three shifts: morning, afternoon and evening.
Q.3. Is the CAT admit card mandatory?
Ans. Yes, candidates must carry the admit card and a valid ID proof.
Q.4. Are electronic devices allowed in the CAT exam hall?
Ans. No, mobile phones, smartwatches and similar devices are strictly banned.
Q.5. What is the duration of the CAT 2025 Exam?
Ans. The exam duration is two hours for general candidates and extra time is provided for PwD candidates.
