Dressing up according to the CAT exam Dress Code guidelines is mandatory for every candidate. IIM Kozhikode has announced a separate exam dress code for the male and female candidates. On 30th November 2025, you must dress accordingly to the given instructions. All the candidates appearing in the CAT must report 1 hour 30 minutes prior to the examination timings. Wear something light and comfortable. Avoid cap, heavy jackets, metal belts, heavy boots, shoes etc. If you’re appearing in the Slot 1 (8:30 AM-10:30 AM), wear a plain and lightweight jacket. Don’t wear jackets or blazers with unnecessary graphics. For footwear, you can wear simple slippers.
Skip wearing any kind of jewellery, accessories to the exam centre. Those candidates who are found wearing unwanted materials will have to remove them at the frisking point. Eventually, this could lead to significant delay in entering the examination hall. Prefer dressing up in normal clothes like plain t-shirt, trousers and slippers on the actual exam day. Three major things which you must carry at the centre are CAT admit card, 2-passport size photograph and a government ID proof. Read more about the latest dress code rules and regulations for the CAT exam 2025. Experts recommended that male and female candidates must dress accordingly to avoid last-minute delay and hassle.
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What is the CAT Exam Dress Code 2025?
The CAT exam dress code for the exam day is a simple top and a bottom. Girls/Women must wear a plain t-shirt or a kurti without much fashionable accessories on it. Men/Boys are to wear a simple shirt or a t-shirt. Simple clothing is the only dress allowed for CAT 2025. It means that the students must avoid multiple layers, dark clothing, printed t-shirts or tops, etc.
- The CAT exam dress code is simple attire today for CAT 2025.
- Students must not wear fancy clothes to the exam hall.
- Avoid large pocket clothing.
- Even your footwear should be simple flats, slippers or slight inched sandals.
- Don’t wear high heels or shoes with thick soles.
Also Read: CAT Exam Slot Timings
Are CAT Exam Dress Code Guidelines Mandatory?
Yes, the CAT exam dress code guidelines are mandatory for all the applicants taking the CAT examination 2025. The rules are neither discriminatory nor subject to relaxation for any category for CAT applicants. Students who are well prepared for the exam and do not want last minute delays must follow the CAT exam dress code guidelines properly. These guidelines are logical and practical to avoid cheating, malpractices, discrimination, etc.
| Is CAT Exam Dress Code Mandatory | |
| PArticulars | Details |
| CAT Dress Code | Mandatory for all |
| CAT Dress Code PDF | No official PDF, only public guidelines |
| CAT Dress Code Applicability | Applies to all applicants regardless of their gender, category, age, status, etc. |
| CAT Dress Code Conditions | Wear simple clothes including footwear |
CAT Exam Dress Code For Female Candidates
Below are a few detailed pointers for girl/women candidates appearing for the CAT 2025 examination. Do not wear clothes which are inappropriate, contain heavy embroidery or multiple elements making it difficult to check. Follow the below mentioned CAT exam dress code for female candidates to avoid operational difficulties at the last moment.
- Avoid fancy clothing such as frills, multiple layers, huge colors, shiny tops, sequins, lacey tops, etc.
- Avoid high heels, fancy sandals, party wear heels, platform heels, etc.
- Makeup is strictly not allowed, heavy makeup is not appropriate and must be avoided at the CAT exam hall.
- Jewelry such as gold earrings are not allowed. It is best to leave precious belongings at home.
CAT Exam Dress Code For Male Candidates
Male applicants must come in a simple attire. It can either be a plain t-shirt or a shirt and a formal or informal simple jeans/trousers. You cannot wear sports shoes with thick soles. Such footwear is not allowed and must be left outside the exam hall. Avoid carrying your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc to the exam hall as these items are prohibited.
- Male candidates must not wear thick soled sports shoes.
- Shirts with excessive or heavy prints are not allowed. In fact, avoid wearing printed clothing.
- Do not wear trousers or jeans having huge pockets. Such clothes are difficult to check and will cause delay in reporting to your seat.
- Wear simple normal shirts and pants, belts are not allowed. Metal ornaments such as bracelets, rings, etc are also prohibited.
Can I wear Jewelry on CAT Exam Day?
No, you cannot wear gold, metal, silver, or artificial jewelry to the CAT exam day. Today, you must leave your jewelry behind at a safe place in your house or hand it over to a trusted friend/relative before arriving at the exam hall. Despite a students’ category or gender, the CAT dress code prohibits jewelry of any kind on your body.
- Prohibited jewelry includes rings, nose pins, necklaces, anklets, bangles, etc.
- Are tiny studs allowed? Try not to wear even small studs on the CAT exam day.
- As per guidelines, any kind or form of jewelry whether small or heavy is not allowed.
Are Electronic Items Allowed For CAT 2025?
No. Any kind of electronic device or accessory like phones, tablets, laptops, ipads, etc are strictly prohibited as part of the CAT exam day guidelines. Since you can neither carry your phone or your wallet, etc to the exam hall, it is best to place such valuable personal belongings at your home or with someone you can trust. Do not carry electronic items or banned gadgets to the exam hall.
- Mobile phones are not allowed on the CAT exam day.
- Other electronic gadgets like speakers, tablets, laptops, watches, calculators, etc, are also not allowed.
What To Carry For CAT 2025?
Carry a transparent water bottle which you can dispose of before the exam begins, your CAT admit card 2025, 2 recent photographs, and an original ID proof in physical form. Phones are not allowed so do not rely on a digital copy of your admit card or identity proof. All documentation work for verification is based on hard copies. Carry A4 size printout of the CAT admit card without fail.
- CAT admit card
- 2 recent photographs
- Original ID proof
Avoid reporting in a dress which is not allowed or carrying anything that is prohibited. Keep your outfit plain and simple. Ensure you carry the required documents before reporting to the exam venue.
What Will Happen If I Violate CAT Exam Dress Code?
IIMs set a strict protocol for the exam day and dress code of the CAT 2025. The respective security authorities present at the CAT exam centre will carefully frisk each and every candidate. Male and female candidates will have to undergo separate frisking procedure.
Any candidate who is found violating the CAT exam dress code guidelines will have to leave the exam centre immediately or bear any additional penalties. If found wearing any kind of jewellery, clothes with multiple pockets or thick sole footwear, you will have to undergo thorough checking. Chances are that you might have to remove it on the spot or will be denied entering into the examination hall.
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