CAT 2024 Tutorial: Take a Look at the CAT Test Day Guide and Video

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.

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.

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.

The pre-final/final year is a good time to appear for CAT. Pre-final year because by the time you will graduate, you will get the confirmation on your admission. If you are unable to clear the exam in the pre-final then you can attempt again in the final year and as you already have taken it once, you have a good chance to score good marks. If you are not able to make in these two attempts then attempt CAT after gaining the work experience of 1-2 years.

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:

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

CAT exam day don'ts:

1. 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.
2. Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
3. Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets 
4. Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam. 
5. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that.
6. Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT.
7. Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab
8. Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.

CAT exam is conducted by any one of the top 6 Indian Institute of Management on rotation basis. Each of the top IIM conducts the exam after a gap of five years. The responsibility to conduct the CAT 2024 was given to IIM Calcutta. For CAT 2025, IIM Kozhikode will be the exam convening institute. IIM Kozhikode will be responsible for preparation and conduct of the exam without glitches, in collaboration with TCS for test labs and centres. The institute will design the question papers, exam pattern and guidelines, as well as manage the conduct of exam and preparation of admit card, answer key and result. CAT Conducting Indian Institute of Management Over the Years:

2024: IIM Calcutta

2023: IIM Lucknow

·       2022: IIM Bangalore

·       2021: IIM Ahmedabad

·       2020: IIM Indore

·       2019: IIM Kozhikode

·       2018: IIM Calcutta

·       2017: IIM Lucknow

·       2016: IIM Bangalore

·       2015: IIM Ahmedabad

·       2014: IIM Indore

·       2013: IIM Indore

·       2012: IIM Kozhikode

·       2011: IIM Calcutta

·       2010: IIM Lucknow

·       2009: IIM Ahmedabad