CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024: With the CAT exam just a few days away, you might be feeling a mix of nerves, excitement, and even some uncertainty. To help keep you prepared and focused, we have covered the CAT Exam Day guidelines, Dress Code, essential checklists, and tips to ensure smooth sailing on the D-day inside this very blog. So make sure you read it till the very end. Here’s everything that you need to know about CAT exam day instructions to arrive confident and ready!
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024: Things To Carry
Ensure you have the necessary items ready for a hassle-free exam day:
| Item | Details |
| CAT Admit Card | Must be printed and carried to the exam. Check all details before printing. |
| Valid Photo ID | Carry a government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photograph matching the one on your admit card |
| Transparent Water Bottle | Carry a transparent water bottle to stay hydrated |
Apart from the above mentioned instructions, it is of utmost importance to read and follow the instructions mentioned on the CAT Admit Card carefully.
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2024
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024: Dress Code
Adhering to the CAT Exam Dress Code can help you pass through security checks smoothly and stay calm and comfortable during the test. Here’s a breakdown:
| Allowed | Prohibited |
| Plain, comfortable clothing | Avoid wearing jackets, hoodies, or anything with pockets |
| Simple footwear | No footwear with thick soles or closed shoes |
| Minimal accessories | No metallic or electronic accessories, such as jewelry or smartwatches |
| Prescription glasses only | Sunglasses are prohibited, but prescription glasses are allowed |
For maximum comfort, choose lightweight clothing and avoid extra layers to comply with security checks.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2024: Security Check
Security checks at CAT exam centres are thorough. And, it’s essential to be prepared. Follow the given CAT exam security check for a seamless process:
- Arrive Early: Arriving at least an hour before your slot allows enough time to complete security checks.
- Keep Minimal Belongings: The exam hall will not take the guarantee of the safety of your storage. So avoid bringing valuables such as bags, phones, or wallets.
- Biometric Verification: Be already prepared for biometric scans (fingerprints and photographs). Be mindful that you may need to remove any kind of chains, bracelets, lockets, rings, jewellery, etc. and follow a specific instruction for this process.
Preparing for the Final Days Before CAT
In these last few and final days, focus on practicing strategy over covering new material. Here are a few tips to keep your preparation steady and stress-free:
- Limited Mock Tests: Taking a CAT mock test every alternate day or two can help refine your test-taking strategy. However, on the other side, 99 percentilers can take one mock every single day to hone their approach.
- Stick to Known Topics: Avoid putting your hands into new topics or formulas now. Instead use past year papers and familiar questions for review and as practice questions.
- Visualize Your Strategy: Use visualization to identify which question to answer immediately, which to review, and which to leave for later. This can boost your accuracy and efficiency.
Immediately solve the questions which you think you can solve for sure in a couple of minutes. Mark for Review the questions which you think are lengthy, might take time or you might be able to solve. Simply leave the hard and challenging questions for now. If you have time left at the end of the examination, you can try solving them at that point of time.
Also Read, CAT Exam Analysis 2024
CAT Exam Day Guidelines: Tips for Success
Following a clear strategy during the CAT exam can enhance performance. Here’s an ideal approach to follow:
Prioritize Easy Questions First
- Visualize Your Approach: Start with questions that you can solve within a minute or two.
- Mark and Review: For lengthy or challenging questions, mark them for review and return if time allows.
- Don’t Get Stuck: Limit time on difficult questions (3-4 minutes max) to avoid wasting precious minutes.
Focus on VARC and DILR Scanning
- In VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), quickly skim through to identify easier passages and questions.
- For DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), identify at least two sets you feel confident about and aim to solve them with accuracy.
| Section | Recommended Strategy |
| CAT Quantitative Ability Section | Start with simple calculations and known concepts, skip tricky ones first. |
| CAT VARC Section | Attempt familiar passages, leave complex inference-based ones for review. |
| CAT DILR Section | Choose manageable sets first, then work your way to harder sets if time allows. |
Last-Minute Tips to Reduce Stress Before CAT 2024
- Follow a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Avoid any major shifts in your sleep routine. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of rest every night leading up to the exam.
- Schedule Mock Tests During Exam Time: By aligning mock tests with your CAT slot timings, you help your mind adapt to peak performance during that period.
- Stay Active and Hydrated: Regular exercise, hydration, and balanced meals can enhance focus and reduce stress levels.
- Avoid Comparisons: Don’t compare yourself to other candidates. Focus on your preparation and goals to maintain positivity.
Mistakes to Avoid Last in Minute CAT Preparation
Some common mistakes can hinder performance on the CAT exam day, so here’s a list of things to avoid:
1. Disturbing Your Sleep Schedule
- A good night’s sleep directly impacts mental clarity and problem-solving abilities. Avoid late-night study sessions.
2. Forgetting to Print Your Admit Card
- Ensure your CAT Admit Card is printed, and keep a backup copy if possible.
3. Neglecting Day-Of Planning
- Plan all aspects of the day, from transportation to meal timings, to prevent unnecessary stress.
| Mistake | Solution |
| Disturbed Sleep Schedule | Set a consistent sleep routine |
| Admit Card Issues | Print multiple colour copies and double-check for accuracy |
| Lack of Day Planning | Map out the day in detail, including breaks and commute |
