CAT on Screen Calculator: How to use it?

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Senior Manager - Content

Updated on Apr 4, 2025 17:38 IST

CAT on screen calculator will be provided to every test taker. However, it is important to know how to use it and have a practice of using it so that no time is wasted in calculations in the CAT 2023 exam. Check here all about CAT exam on screen calculator and how to use it.

CAT on screen calculator will be provided to every test taker. However, it is important to know how to use it and have a practice of using it so that no time is wasted in calculations in the CAT 2024 exam. Check here all about CAT exam on screen calculator and how to use it.

'Can we use calculator in CAT Exam?' is a commonly asked question by exam aspirants. The answer to it is YES. In the CAT exam, candidates are provided with an on screen calculator with the help of which they can solve questions in the exam. Use of CAT exam on screen calculator is necessary to solve Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation questions, quickly and accurately.

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Although, candidates have the access to CAT exam on screen calculator, many prefer to do mental calculation or rough work on a sheet of paper. Since, different candidates have different preferences, both onscreen calculator and rough sheets are provided in CAT exam.

Q: What are the CAT exam slot timings?

CAT exam is held in three slots for the past three years. Earlier it used to be held in two slots of three hours each, but since 2020 it is held in three slots of two hours each. The three slots are conducted between 8 am to 4 pm. The first slot is held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, the second slot is held from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and the third slot is held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. In these three slots, about 2.22 Lacs candidates are accommodated at over 400 test centres in about 150 plus cities across India. The exam slots are allotted to candidates by the examination authorities as per the receipt of applications and candidates cannot request for change of examination slot. They have to give the test in the slot mentioned on the admit card.

Q: What are the items to carry on the CAT exam day?

Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.

Q: What are the dos and don'ts for CAT exam day?

On CAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.:

CAT exam day dos:

Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CAT admit card. 2.
Carry two copies of the CAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents.
Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet
Cooperate with test centre staff and follow instructions
7. While entering answers, use only computer mouse.
Do not touch keyboard as doing so will lead to screen locking.

CAT exam day don'ts:

Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices.
Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets
Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that.
Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT.
Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab
Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.

The CAT exam on screen calculator was introduced in 2015. Before that, the candidates had no access to any tool for calculation. CAT moved online in 2009, before that it was a paper based test. The CAT exam on screen calculator is faster and more convenient than rough work on a sheet of paper. Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation sections of the CAT 2025 will require the use of calculator. To use this facility optimally, CAT exam 2025 aspirants must practice CAT questions by using the on screen calculator.

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How to use CAT exam on screen calculator?

The onscreen calculator provided in the CAT 2025 exam will operate the same way as any onscreen calculator. Candidates will have to use the computer mouse to do calculations on screen. The numerical figures and mathematical signs will be seen in the calculator window and the result will be displayed onscreen.

How to practice CAT on screen calculator?

The best option to practice CAT exam on screen calculator is mock test. Since the CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual exam, the on screen calculator is present in the mock test too.
The official CAT mock test and exam day guide, which is released a few days before the CAT exam are also a good option to check how the CAT on screen calculator works and learn to practice it.

Shiksha's Free CAT Mock Tests

CAT_Mock_Test_1	CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CAT_Mock_Test_2	CAT Mock Test_2_Solutions

Why Use CAT exam on screen calculator?

CAT is an exam of speed and accuracy. There is negative marking too, so you can't take a chance with any question you attempt. You have to ensure that you know the correct answer. Manual calculation on rough sheet is time taking and there is a chance of miscalculation due to the stress of difficulty level and time running out. In such a scenario, a calculator is more reliable. You can calculate faster and save a lot of time.

Q: Will CAT exam 2025 also be conducted in three shifts?

Yes, CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. The exam was earlier conducted in 2 shifts, but since 2020, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2025 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order.

CAT exam slot timings will be -

First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM,
Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and
Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Options other than CAT exam on screen calculator

Vedic Maths: If you are well versed with Vedic Maths, it’ll be easier to make simple calculation faster than the calculator. Knowing the short cuts and tricks related to important Quant formulas will save the time of typing numbers and symbols in the CAT on screen calculator.

Puzzles and Mind Games: Practice several types of Mathematical puzzles and mind games to develop quick calculation abilities. Alongside, memorise table up to 20, square and square roots, cube and cube roots, so that you don’t need to spend time on doing simple multiplication and division in the CAT 2025 exam.

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Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8

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