CAT exam – A national-level entrance exam that is a basic pathway to pursue a 2-year full-time residential MBA programme from top MBA colleges in India. IIM Kozhikode is conducting the CAT 2025 on the 30th November. The question paper will consist of 68 questions with 24 questions from VARC, 22 questions from the DILR and QA section each. Your preparation strategy must be potent and strategic to attempt CAT questions with an 85-95% accuracy rate. It’s because the CAT exam is mainly a test of intelligence and not about knowledge.

Someone who’s preparing for this competitive exam must know what do’s and don’ts of this exam are to avoid any unwanted circumstances. In this blog, we will be outlining the crucial factors that you must avoid from the start of your preparation until the actual exam date. Every piece of information is highly essential. Ensure that you adhere to them and crack the CAT (Common Aptitude Test) with a 99%ile to receive a confirmation regarding the GD-WAT-PI round. Below, we will be addressing the don’ts that you need to remember while preparing for the CAT and the actual exam. 

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CAT Exam Preparation Don’ts: 10 Points To Remember 

Firstly, we will address the guidelines that you must remember and avoid while preparing for the CAT. A hassle-free learning will be possible only when you don’t commit these mistakes during your CAT preparation. 

• Neglecting the topics from the VARC, DILR and QA sections, which hold a substantial portion in the CAT question paper. 
• Not appearing for sectionals and mock tests. Some candidates appear for the mocks and don’t review their performance, which is a major drawback. 
• Attempting only basic questions and leaving the complex ones due to unnecessary stress, fear or anxiety. 
• Not prioritising regular revision of the topics due to overconfidence. Lack of revision will fade away your learning.
• Following a similar preparation strategy throughout and not making modifications to your CAT preparation strategy.
• Not solving the CAT PYQs or sample papers. A few students also make the mistake of not practising it 2-3 times.
• Taking excessive time to answer one question. This happens when candidates don’t focus on building their time-management skills. 
• Answering every question in the full-length mocks and sectionals. Incorrect attempts will lead to negative marking. 
• Not allocating necessary time to the weaker sections, which demand more focus, concentration and improvement. 
• Using irrelevant or outdated books, resources to prepare for the CAT exam 2025 is a major problem.

Top 10 CAT Exam Day Don’ts You Cannot Miss

This year, 30th November is the official date for the CAT exam 2025. Candidates have 45 days left to elevate their preparation graph. Apart from this, one will also have to download the admit card on 5th November 2025 from the official website: iimcat.ac.in. Moreover, there are a few more important pointers that every CAT aspirant must know before appearing for the exam.

• Don’t carry items like expensive wallets, cards, a hand purse or any kind of electronic items with you.
• Any kind of stationery items, like pen/paper/notebook, etc, are strictly prohibited by the exam centre authorities.
• Candidates should avoid carrying a hazy/blurred or misprinted admit card on the original exam date.
• Don’t attempt to cheat or use unfair means. Every candidate has a different serial number for every question.
• Don’t disturb any other candidate or ask anything from them. If found participating in the misconduct, you will be debarred from the exam. 
• CAT aspirants shouldn’t apply henna or a tattoo on their fingers, as that might create a hindrance during the fingerprint scanning procedure.
• Don’t wear any kind of jewellery or expensive ornaments. You will have to take them out before entering the exam hall.
• Avoid asking for fewer breaks or frequent bio breaks while giving the CAT unless there’s an extreme urgency. 
• Never commit the mistake of leaving for the exam centre late. Chances are that you might get stuck in traffic. 
• Don’t lose your calm and patience on seeing the massive crowd at the exam centre. This will affect your performance. 

Final Words 

The CAT exam is conducted in compliance with strict rules and regulations. This year, IIM Kozhikode is the official body for conducting the CAT exam 2025 all across India. Every candidate will have to report timely to the test centre. It’s mandatory to carry the admit card, a valid government ID proof, a medical certificate (if applicable) and a scribe affidavit (if necessary). You can carry only these items after you cross the frisking process at the exam centre. Avoid carrying items like watches, calculators, smartphones, cameras, etc at the CAT test centre. It will automatically lead to disqualification, and you will not be allowed to appear in the CAT entrance exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appear for the CAT exam with a calculator?

No, the CAT exam doesn’t allow candidates to use a calculator while taking the exam. It strictly prohibits the use of the calculator.

Is it mandatory to carry the CAT admit card?

Yes, you will have to carry your original admit card on the CAT exam date. Your admit card must be clear, along with all the correct details.

Can candidates with metal implants or a pacemaker appear in the CAT exam?

For such candidates, there’s a special set of instructions. You will have to submit a medical certificate duly approved by a licensed medical practitioner. 

What should I avoid while preparing for the CAT exam 2025?

You shouldn’t start your CAT preparation with a random topic. Also, appearing for mocks and not keeping a regular track of your performance will be your biggest mistake. 

Which type of dress code is applicable for the CAT exam?

Students appearing for the CAT exam cannot wear clothes with large buttons, large pockets, etc. You must wear comfortable clothes that allow you to sit for 2 hours.