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.
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.
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.
Also Read:
- How to use CAT exam on screen calculator?
- How to practice CAT on screen calculator?
- Why Use CAT exam on screen calculator?
- Options other than CAT exam on screen calculator
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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
Explore colleges based on CAT
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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Student Forum
Answered 2 hours ago
Yes, you can join the PGPM+MBA programme at Amity Global Business School (AGBS) Ahmedabad without CAT score. Admission is based on graduation marks and performance in a personal interview. Scores of exams like MAT/XAT or an internal Amity test can be used, and high academic performers may be conside
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, most of the top-ranking MBA colleges in Delhi NCR do not require the CAT exam, but require other national-level entrances.
You can explore the links below that show which exam is required if not CAT.
- MDI Gurgaon MBA - MAT, ATMA, and XAT are accepted.
- JMI MBA - JMI Entrance Test only.
- JIMS Rohin
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
MET Center for Insurance Training, Research & Development considers CAT scores for admission to PGPMBA programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants with any other accepted entrance exam scores can also get admission provided they also meet the eligibility.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores are valid for KIITEE MBA. Candidates applying online will be required to submit copies of their mark sheets and other supporting documents.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
CAT is a national-level exam that is conducted for MBA admission at PG level in colleges. CAT is a computer-based-test. The test duration is 120 minutes. It consists of 68 questions that are divided in the following 3 sections:
- VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
- DILR (Data Interpretation
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
To get admission in IIM Kashipur MBA, students have to clear the CAT cutoff. The cutoff for the general category AI quota was 95. For NC-OBC candidates, it is 81 percentile, for SC candidates it is 66 percentile whereas for SC and PwD candidates, it is 40 percentile. Students can check the official
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
No, the application fee for Amrita CAT can only be paid online. There is no provision of offline payment.
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CAT exam conducted only once a year in the month of November. It is conducted in three shifts on a single day.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Maximum marks in CAT is 204. There are 68 questions each carrying 3 marks. VARC is of 72 marks and DILR and Quants are of 66 marks each.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Registration - To be notified

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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