CAT Exam Day Guide: What to Carry, When to Reach, How the 2 Hours Run
Reporting times, documents, what the centre gives you, and a plan for each 40-minute section. Based on the CAT 2025 rules; your CAT 2026 admit card has the final times for your slot.
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Executive Briefing & Key Takeaways
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Print the admit card, keep the photo ID with it, and check the route and slot time.
Reach early; late entry is not allowed once the gates close.
Run each section on its own clock; a bad section does not carry over.
Key Facts & Action Items
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ThinkCAT HubFrequently Asked Questions
What should I carry to the CAT exam centre?
A printed admit card and a valid original photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID or driving licence, plus a PwD certificate if it applies to you. Do not bring stationery, a calculator or electronic devices; the centre provides a scribble pad and pen.
What time should I reach for CAT?
In CAT 2025, reporting opened at 7:00, 11:00 and 3:00 for the three slots, and the gates closed at 8:15, 12:15 and 4:15. Use the times on your CAT 2026 admit card.
Can I switch sections during CAT?
No. Each section has its own 40-minute timer and the order is fixed: VARC, then DILR, then QA. Unused time does not carry over.
Is a calculator allowed in CAT?
Only the basic on-screen calculator inside the exam. You can practise with the same layout on ThinkCAT’s CAT on-screen calculator page.
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