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The CAT 2025 dress code stands as a vital requirement that needs your full attention. The exam centre won’t allow candidates who don’t follow these guidelines. This could waste months of hard work. The CAT exam 2025 will take place on November 30, 2025, in three time slots. Students need to get a full picture of all exam rules quickly.
Your exam day could end before it starts if you don’t stick to the dress code. Breaking these rules might even get you banned from the exam hall. The dress code asks for simple and comfortable clothes. Regular jeans work fine, but those with extra pockets aren’t allowed. Students should wear basic footwear or slippers instead of shoes with thick soles.
CAT 2024 saw about 3.24 lakh registered candidates, and CAT 2025 expects similar numbers. Getting these rules right is the key to a smooth exam experience. This piece covers everything from approved clothing for men and women to banned items, required documents, and ways to avoid getting disqualified at the last minute. Students who follow these guidelines can concentrate on their exam performance without worrying about what they’re wearing during this significant test.
Why CAT Exam Dress Code 2025 Matters?
The CAT examination’s dress code is a vital part of creating a fair and secure testing environment. It brings uniformity among thousands of candidates and reduces distractions that could affect concentration. The standardised clothing rules also help speed up security checks at exam centres.
The exam authorities believe this dress code isn’t just a formality, it’s a way to ensure students can take their test without distractions. The right attire helps maintain the exam’s integrity and prevents cheating. The specific clothing requirements also address security concerns about hidden items or electronic devices.
The dress code aims to:
- Stop candidates from wearing clothes that could hide unauthorised materials
- Make security checks quick and efficient
- Create a space where everyone feels comfortable and focused
How CAT Exam Dress Code 2025 Violations Can Affect Your Exam?
Breaking the CAT 2025 dress code rules can have serious consequences. Candidates might not be allowed to enter the exam hall, wasting months of preparation. Security at the CAT 2025 exam centres is tight, and they don’t make exceptions.
Here’s what could happen if you break the dress code:
| Violation Type | Potential Consequence |
| Wearing jewellery/metal items | Asked to remove before entry; possible delay |
| Clothing with multiple pockets | Additional thorough checking or denied entry |
| Thick-soled footwear | Required to remove footwear or denied entry |
| Unnatural marks/heavy makeup | Possible disqualification |
| Electronic accessories | Immediate disqualification |
Security staff check everyone carefully at entry points. If they find prohibited items, you could face penalties from extra checking to complete disqualification. Not following the rules will, without doubt, lead to disqualification.
The invigilators might ask you to leave immediately if they spot any dress code violations after you’ve entered the exam hall. Understanding and following the CAT dress code isn’t optional; it’s a key part of your exam preparation that needs your full attention.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: Approved Clothing and Footwear
The CAT 2025 examination has specific dress code rules that you need to know. These 2-year-old guidelines from exam authorities can make or break your entry into the exam hall. Let’s break down what you should wear to avoid any issues on exam day.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: Clothing Guidelines for Male Candidates
- Wear simple and comfortable attire.
- Prefer plain shirts or T-shirts (avoid heavy prints or metallic buttons).
- Large buttons are not permitted.
- Avoid clothing with multiple pockets as it delays security checks.
- Match your appearance with your application photo:
- If the photo shows you without a beard, you must be clean-shaven on exam day.
- Hoodies and caps are strictly not allowed.
- Best choice: comfortable, pocket-free clothes to ensure quicker security checks.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: Clothing Guidelines for Female Candidates
- Prefer simple, comfortable clothing without:
- Multiple pockets
- Heavy prints
- Metallic buttons
- Choose solid colour clothing, unembellished attire for a safe and acceptable look.
- Maintain a natural appearance (heavy makeup not allowed).
- Hairstyle recommendations:Â ponytails or braids.
- Henna (mehendi) on palms is strictly prohibited (may lead to disqualification).
- Visible tattoos on hands or arms are not allowed:
- Cover existing tattoos properly with clothing.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: Allowed vs Not Allowed Clothing Items
The CAT 2025 dress code boils down to simplicity and security. Both male and female candidates should stick to comfortable, plain clothing without pockets, metallic elements, or distracting features. These rules might seem strict, but they create a fair environment for everyone. Candidates need to adhere to the CAT exam dress code 2025, check what clothing items are allowed to wear and what not.
| Category | Allowed Items | Prohibited Items |
| Clothing (General) | Simple, comfortable attire | Clothes with multiple pockets |
| Light-coloured plain clothes | Heavy printed outfits | |
| Clothes without pockets | Garments with large buttons | |
| Tops | Simple shirts or T-shirts | Hoodies or caps |
| Metallic buttons or embellishments | ||
| Footwear | Simple sandals or slippers | Thick-soled footwear |
| Socks | Shoes with metallic parts | |
| Appearance | Natural look | Heavy makeup |
| Simple hairstyle | Unnatural marks or mehendi | |
| Visible tattoos | ||
| Religious Items | Items mandated by religion | Non-religious decorative items |
CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: What Not to Wear or Bring to the Exam Hall
The CAT examination centre has strict rules about items you can’t bring to maintain exam integrity. Candidates should know these restrictions to avoid problems or disqualification on exam day.
Prohibited clothing and accessories
The exam hall doesn’t allow clothes with multiple pockets. Security will check cargo pants and similar garments thoroughly, which can delay your entry. You can’t wear thick-soled footwear inside the venue.
The dress code has several other restrictions:
- No garments with large buttons
- No caps and hoodies
- Stay away from clothes with fancy designs or decorations
- Female candidates can’t have mehendi or henna on their palms
- Cover any visible tattoos with clothing
- The dress code requires a natural look without heavy makeup
Jewellery and metallic items restrictions
CAT examination centres don’t allow any jewellery or metallic accessories. This complete ban covers:
- Earrings and nose pins
- Necklaces and chains
- All types of rings
- Bangles, bracelets, and anklets
- Any other metallic ornaments
These rules apply to both male and female candidates. The policy aims to speed up security checks and stop people from using electronic devices hidden as accessories.
Electronic gadgets and personal belongings
The rules are particularly strict about electronic gadgets and personal items:
- No mobile phones
- No smartwatches, fitness bands, or regular watches
- No calculators, laptops, or other electronic devices
- No Bluetooth devices, scanners, or cameras
- No personal items like bags, purses, wallets, or pencil boxes
You must leave these items with the exam centre staff before entering the hall. Breaking this rule can lead to immediate disqualification.
Items strictly banned inside the exam hall
| Category | Banned Items |
| Clothing | Garments with multiple pockets, thick-soled footwear, clothes with large buttons, caps/hoodies |
| Accessories | All jewellery (earrings, nose pins, necklaces, chains, rings, bangles, bracelets, anklets) |
| Electronic Devices | Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, cameras, scanners |
| Personal Belongings | Bags, purses, wallets, pencil boxes, notepads, and written materials |
| Appearance Items | Heavy makeup, visible tattoos, mehendi/henna on palms, unnatural marks |
| Other Items | Food, drinks, and any items not explicitly permitted |
The exam hall allows only your admit card, a valid ID proof, and two pens. Candidates who bring prohibited items risk penalties from extra screening to disqualification. Good preparation includes knowing these restrictions as much as studying for the CAT examination.
Also Check: CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Essential Items to Carry for CAT 2025
Getting your documents ready for the CAT 2025 examination is a vital step to having a smooth experience on test day. You must have all the important items ready before going to the examination centre.
The CAT 2025 admit card is the most significant document you need to enter the examination hall. Your printed admit card must clearly show all details like your name, application number, registration number, exam date and time, exam centre’s address, and PWD status.
You must also bring at least one original government-approved photo ID. Here are the ID proofs you can use:
| Acceptable ID Proofs |
| Aadhar Card |
| Voter ID |
| Driving Licence |
| Passport |
| PAN Card |
| College ID |
| Employer ID |
Stationery and Permitted Items
CAT is a computer-based test, so you need very little stationery. The examination centre will give you a pen and a scribble pad for rough work. You must return these items after the exam with all pages intact. The centre does not allow you to bring your stationery.
Special Cases: Medical Certificates and Scribe Affidavit
Some candidates need extra documents. To name just one example, candidates with medical conditions need to bring a certificate from an MBBS doctor. This document helps during bio-breaks or medical emergencies in the exam.
PWD candidates should bring a valid medical certificate that shows their disability. Those who need a scribe must bring the prescribed scribe affidavit. The affidavit should include the scribe’s valid photo ID copy along with the candidate’s photograph and signature.
Your name might have changed due to marriage or other legal reasons. If so, bring the relevant legal documents to avoid problems during verification.
CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines
The CAT 2025 dress code deserves as much attention as planning for exam day protocols. Candidates need to follow specific timelines and security measures to participate smoothly in this highly competitive examination.
When to arrive at the exam centre
You should reach the CAT exam centre 90 minutes before your scheduled start time. Your arrival time should be 7:30 AM if your exam starts at 9:30 AM. This early arrival gives you enough time for document verification and security procedures. The exam centre strictly closes entry 15 minutes before the exam begins. You should visit the exam centre a day before to know the location better.
| Exam Shift | Recommended Arrival | Gate Closure |
| Morning | 90 minutes before | 15 minutes before the start |
| Afternoon | 90 minutes before | 15 minutes before the start |
| Evening | 90 minutes before | 15 minutes before the start |
Frisking and security protocols
The security team conducts complete security checks, including biometric verification, when candidates arrive. The process captures each candidate’s photographs and fingerprints. Security technology at examination centres includes video monitoring and image capture. Candidates must cooperate with invigilators during the frisking procedures.
Also Check: CAT 2025 Admission Process
How to avoid last-minute disqualification
These vital protocols will help you avoid disqualification:
- Sign the attendance form according to the invigilator’s instructions
- Use the washrooms before biometric verification and seat allocation
- Do not carry prohibited items mentioned in the previous sections
- Follow all the invigilator’s instructions without argument
- Avoid using the keyboard as it may lock your system
- Keep all pages provided to the candidates
The original sign-in requires the correct details about the roll number and password. The exam centre does not allow candidates to leave before the exam ends, and re-entry is not permitted once the exam begins.
Conclusion
CAT 2025 preparation goes beyond just studying. The dress code rules are a vital part of your exam prep. Students who don’t follow these guidelines won’t be allowed in the exam hall, which could waste months of hard work.
You need to wear simple, comfortable clothes without multiple pockets, heavy prints, or metal parts. Basic footwear like sandals or slippers works best instead of thick-soled shoes. These rules might seem strict at first, but they help create fair conditions and maintain exam integrity at centres nationwide.
Besides following the dress code, you should reach the centre 90 minutes early. Bring just your admit card, valid ID, and only the allowed items.
Success in CAT depends on both correct answers and following procedures carefully. When you’re well-prepared with dress code and exam protocols, you can show your full potential without risks or distractions is your first step toward getting into IIMs and other top B-schools and building a successful management career.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key clothing guidelines for CAT 2025 candidates?
Candidates should wear simple, comfortable attire without multiple pockets, heavy prints, or metallic elements. Plain shirts or T-shirts are recommended, and clothing with large buttons or hoodies is prohibited. Female candidates should avoid heavy makeup and opt for simple hairstyles.
2. Are there any specific footwear rules for the CAT 2025 exam?
Yes, candidates are advised to wear simple sandals, chappals, or slippers. Thick-soled footwear is not allowed. In some exam centres, candidates may be required to remove their footwear before entering the examination hall. Candidates are also advised not to wear socks as they will be asked to remove them for checking purposes.
3. What items are strictly prohibited inside the CAT 2025 exam hall?
All electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators, are banned. Jewellery, metallic items, and personal belongings such as bags, purses, and wallets are also not allowed. Additionally, food, drinks, and any items not explicitly permitted are prohibited.
4. What essential documents must candidates bring to the CAT 2025 exam?
Candidates must carry their printed CAT 2025 admit card and at least one original government-approved photo identification document, such as an Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport. These are mandatory for entry into the examination hall.
5. How early should candidates arrive at the exam centre for CAT 2025?
Candidates should arrive at the exam centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows sufficient time for document verification and security procedures. The final entry cutoff is strictly 15 minutes before the exam start time.
