The CAT 2024 Exam Day Dos and Don’ts are crucial instructions issued by the IIMs to help candidates navigate the exam day smoothly. The CAT 2024 exam will take place on November 24, 2024, across 170 cities in India. This article will cover everything you need to know about CAT Exam Day Guidelines, including the important Dos and Don’ts for CAT 2024. Learn what you can carry to the CAT exam center, how to locate your seat, and other vital information to ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam day.
Do’s for CAT 2024
Before the CAT 2024 exam, carefully verify the following details on your admit card:
- Your Name
- CAT Application Number
- PwD Status
- Date and Day of the Test
- Test Time and Session
- Reporting/Entry Time at the Centre
- Gate Closing Time at the Centre
- Test City and Centre Address
- Print and Carry a Hard Copy of Your CAT Admit Card
- On the day of the CAT 2024 exam, you must bring a hard copy of your admit card with your passport-sized photograph affixed to it. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps:
- Download your CAT admit card from the official CAT website.
- Print the admit card on A4 size paper.
- Affix your identical passport-sized photograph in the designated space on the admit card.
Make sure your admit card is ready in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles on exam day. Carry it with you to the exam center for entry.
2. Print and Carry a Hard Copy of Your CAT Admit Card
On the day of the CAT 2024 exam, you must bring a hard copy of your admit card with your passport-sized photograph affixed to it. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps:
- Download your CAT admit card from the official CAT website.
- Print the admit card on A4 size paper.
- Affix your identical passport-sized photograph in the designated space on the admit card.
Make sure your admit card is ready in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles on exam day. Carry it with you to the exam center for entry.
3. Keep Your Photo ID Ready for CAT 2024 Exam Day
An essential CAT 2024 exam day requirement is to present a valid original photo ID at the exam gate. This is one of the key Dos to ensure smooth entry to the exam center. The following photo IDs are acceptable for CAT 2024:
- Aadhar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Identification Affidavit
4. Visit Your CAT Exam Centre a Day Before the Exam
To avoid any last-minute rush or confusion on CAT 2024 exam day, it’s highly recommended to visit your CAT exam center a day prior to the test. Use the Google Maps link provided on your admit card to accurately locate the test center.
Here’s why this is important:
- Check the distance and estimated travel time from your home or place of stay.
- Identify the best mode of transport (car, public transport, etc.) and ensure you know the commute time.
- Plan your route and identify any potential delays, so you can reach the exam center well in advance on the actual day.
Additionally, make arrangements for travel, food, accommodation, and any other expenses the day before the exam. This proactive step will help you reduce stress and ensure you arrive at the center on time for the CAT 2024 exam.
5. Choose the Right Dress for CAT 2024 Exam Day
Selecting the right outfit for CAT 2024 exam day is essential to ensure both comfort and compliance with the dress code. Your attire should allow you to sit comfortably for the two-hour exam without any distractions.
Here are a few key points to consider when choosing your clothes:
- Comfort: Opt for clothing that keeps you at ease for the duration of the exam.
- Dress Code Compliance: Avoid garments with large buttons or footwear with thick soles, as these are not permitted in the exam center.
- Practicality: Choose clothes that are suitable for the exam environment, ensuring you can focus without any discomfort.
6. Arrive at the CAT 2024 Exam Centre on Time
Punctuality is crucial on CAT 2024 exam day. It is mandatory to arrive at the exam center as per the reporting time mentioned for your allotted exam slot. IIM Calcutta recommends arriving at the center 90 minutes before the scheduled exam start time to complete all the necessary check-ins and verification procedures.
If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to enter the exam center, so plan your journey accordingly to avoid any delays.
Be sure to check the CAT slot-wise and activity-wise timings on your admit card to ensure you arrive on time and follow all required steps smoothly before the exam begins.
7. Locate Your Testing Room & Seat at CAT 2024 Exam Center
Unlike previous years, there will be no display of seating arrangements outside the CAT 2024 exam center. The IIMs have discontinued the practice of displaying the mapping of candidate application numbers and lab numbers on the premises.
However, you will receive individual assistance as you enter the test center. Upon arrival, the security staff will guide you to your assigned testing room and seat.
So, once you enter the center, follow the instructions provided by the staff to ensure you reach the correct testing room and seat without any confusion.
8. Items You Can Carry Inside the CAT 2024 Test Center
Here’s a list of items you are allowed to bring and wear inside the CAT 2024 exam center:
What to Wear for CAT Exam:
- Socks
- Plain pullovers, sweaters, or cardigans (without any pockets)
These clothing items are permitted as long as they comply with the dress code and do not have any restricted features like large buttons or thick soles.
Special Considerations for Medical Conditions:
- Metal Implants/Pacemakers:
Candidates with metal implants, pacemakers, or other medical devices in their body should bring an official medical certificate confirming the presence of such devices.
Make sure to adhere to the CAT exam center guidelines regarding what to wear and what medical documentation to carry if applicable. This will help you avoid any issues during the verification process on exam day.
9. Use the Washroom Before the CAT 2024 Exam
You cannot use the washroom once the CAT exam has started, so it is important to use the washroom before entering the exam center. Plan ahead to avoid any discomfort during the exam.
Additionally, please ensure you follow these important guidelines:
- Maintain Silence: During entry, security frisking, document verification, and biometric verification, it’s essential to remain silent.
- Social Distancing: Adhere to social distancing norms while waiting in line for entry, security checks, and while exiting the exam center.
- Queue Etiquette: Follow the designated queue for each process to ensure a smooth and orderly entry and exit.
By planning ahead and adhering to these protocols, you’ll be able to focus on the exam without unnecessary interruptions.
10. Ensure to Mark Your Attendance at the CAT 2024 Exam Center
It is crucial to mark your attendance when instructed in the CAT 2024 testing room. After completing the biometric verification, you will be asked to sign the attendance sheet.
If you fail to sign or mark your attendance, you may be considered absent from the exam, even if you are present.
So, make sure to pay attention to this step to avoid any issues with your exam participation.4o mini
11. How to Answer Questions in CAT 2024 Using the Computer Console
During the CAT 2024 exam, follow these guidelines for answering questions:
- For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Use the mouse to select the correct answer on the screen.
- For Non-MCQs: Use the on-screen keyboard to type your answer, as these questions require a typed response.
Important Note: Do not use the physical computer keyboard at any time, as doing so may lock your computer and disrupt the exam process.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the computer interface before the exam to avoid any technical issues during the test.
Don’ts for CAT 2024
When attending the CAT 2024 exam, it is important to ensure you do not carry or wear any prohibited items. The following items are not allowed inside the exam center:
- Clothing: Do not wear jackets, jewelry, or shoes with thick soles. Additionally, avoid garments with large buttons.
- Electronic Devices: Electronic watches, mobile phones, and any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Bags and Wallets: Do not bring bags, wallets, or any personal belongings to the testing hall.
- Stationery: No stationery items, including pens, pencils, or erasers, are allowed in the exam room.
2. Don’t Apply Mehndi (Henna) on the Palm Side Before the CAT 2024 Exam
One important CAT 2024 exam day guideline for female candidates is to avoid applying henna (mehndi) on the palm side of your hands. This is crucial because your digital fingerprint scan will be taken at the exam center, and applying henna or any cosmetic color on your palms can interfere with the biometric scanning process.
If your fingerprints cannot be successfully captured due to henna or other cosmetic products, you may not be allowed to take the exam. To ensure a smooth entry into the exam center, it is highly recommended that you do not apply mehndi or any other color on your palms on the exam day.
3. Don’t Request a Bio-Break During the CAT 2024 Exam
It’s essential to set your bio-clock according to the CAT 2024 exam timing and avoid requesting a bio-break once the exam has started. No bio breaks are allowed during the 2-hour exam, except in cases of a medical emergency.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, make sure to use the restroom and take care of any personal needs before entering the exam center. This will help you focus entirely on the exam without interruptions.