CAT Exam Day Timeline: From Reporting to Exit

Introduction: What Makes CAT Exam Day So Crucial?

For CAT aspirants, exam day isn’t just another Sunday — it’s the day that defines months of discipline, mock tests, and sleepless nights. After all, a single three-hour window can open doors to India’s top IIMs and premier business schools.

But here’s the catch: even well-prepared candidates often falter because they don’t fully know the CAT exam day timeline. From reporting time and frisking to digital verification and final exit, every minute matters. Missing the gate closure by a few minutes or forgetting your photo ID can cost you your dream B-school.

This blog walks you through every phase of the CAT exam day — from reporting to exit — so that nothing catches you off guard. You’ll also find pro tips, do’s and don’ts, and a quick checklist to ensure your day stays smooth and stress-free.

CAT Exam Day Overview: Three Slots, One Purpose

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is held in three separate sessions to accommodate lakhs of candidates across India. Each session follows the same structure and instructions, with strict adherence to timing.

There is absolutely no entry once the gates close, irrespective of reason or traffic delays. Reaching the exam center at least 90–120 minutes before your slot is not just advisable — it’s essential.

Step-by-Step CAT Exam Day Timeline

Let’s walk through the entire exam journey to help you visualize the day.

Step 1: Reporting and Entry (T‑120 Minutes)

Candidates are required to report two hours before their slot starts. This time is used for entry checks, verification, and seating arrangements.

You must carry:

• Printed CAT Admit Card with photo and signature
• Original Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
• Self-attached photograph on the admit card
• Transparent water bottle and simple face mask (if applicable)

Items NOT allowed: Electronic devices, watches, jewelry, papers, calculators, pens, wallets, food items, or stationery.

At the entrance, security personnel conduct a frisking and scan check, followed by admission verification. Queue layouts and distance markers are maintained for orderly entry.

Pro Tip:
Save your admit card PDF in your email and on your phone. If you misplace the printed copy, you can get a reprint at a nearby shop on time.

Step 2: Biometric Verification and Seating (T‑90 to T‑45 Minutes)

Once inside, you’ll undergo biometric verification, which includes iris scanning, fingerprinting, and a digital photo. This ensures identity authenticity for over two lakh test-takers nationwide.

Your document verification follows — the invigilator cross-checks your admit card and ID. After that, you’re guided to your assigned computer terminal.

Special provision for PwD candidates:
Dedicated seating and extra assistance are arranged, including screen magnification and scribe facilities where applicable.

This phase usually takes 30–45 minutes depending on how efficiently the center manages the crowd.

Step 3: Candidate Log‑In and Mock Screen (T‑30 Minutes)

You’ll be allowed to log in around 30 minutes before the official start. A short demo/mock screen will appear, letting you familiarize yourself with the navigation tools — question panel, section switch, flag & unflag feature, and timer display.

Invigilators then announce key instructions: the total duration (120 minutes), sectional timers (40 minutes per section), and rules for using the rough sheet.

Avoid common last‑minute mistakes:

• Don’t click “Start Test” early unless instructed.
• Don’t attempt to change your seat.
• Recheck your system’s brightness and mouse sensitivity.

Step 4: CAT Exam Begins (T=0 Minutes)

When the clock strikes sharp (8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 4:30 PM), the CAT officially begins with a visible on‑screen timer counting down from 120 minutes.

Each section is locked after 40 minutes, and you cannot return once the time expires. The sectional order is fixed:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

In case of a technical glitch, raise your hand immediately. A technical assistant will help without deducting time.

Step 5: During the Exam (0–120 Minutes)

This is when your months of practice are tested. Use your time wisely and trust your familiarity with the interface.

Key pointers:

• Don’t panic if a question looks long — mark and move.
• Avoid over-attempting with guesswork, as negative marking applies.
• Don’t interact with other candidates.
• Rough work must be done only on the provided sheet.

If your computer freezes or responds slowly, raise your hand — the invigilator will pause your timer if needed.

Mindset tip: Imagine the test as just another mock. This reframes anxiety into focus.

Step 6: End of Test & Data Submission (T+120 Minutes)

Once your 120 minutes are over, the test auto-submits and your screen displays a “Thank You” confirmation message. You may not leave immediately; candidates are instructed to remain seated until invigilators verify submissions and count rough sheets.

Invigilators then collect your sheets, ensure all systems are logged out safely, and signal section-wise exit.

Step 7: Exit Process (T+135 Minutes)

Candidates exit in small batches to avoid crowding. You must return the rough sheet before leaving.

After handing over your materials, walk out calmly, double‑check your belongings, and avoid standing near the exam gate to maintain decorum.

Tip: Keep your admit card safe even after the exam day — you’ll need details like registration number and session for the CAT answer key and response sheet download later.

Practical Exam Day Tips: Turning Calm Into Confidence

The most successful candidates aren’t necessarily the ones who know every formula — they’re the ones who manage their headspace well on D‑Day.

1. Prepare your mini checklist a night before:

• Print two copies of your admit card.
• Keep ID and stationery in a transparent folder.
• Set two alarms — one backup!

2. Sleep at least 7 hours before exam day.
   Exhaustion can cloud judgment, especially in QA and DILR sections that demand mental clarity.
3. Plan your travel wisely.
   Visit the center location a day in advance and map the route using Google Maps. Choose to reach at least one hour early in case of traffic delays.
4. Light breakfast or meal only.
   Heavy food causes drowsiness. Opt for fruits or light carbs.
5. Stay calm, not cold.
   Controlled breathing, hydration, and a confident inner dialogue work better than constant anxiety.

Mistakes to Avoid on CAT Exam Day

Even the most prepared aspirants can lose composure under pressure. Here are the top errors to guard against:

• Reaching late – no entry beyond gate closure time.
• Forgetting ID or admit card – automatic disqualification.
• Bringing banned items – devices, watch, or pen can invite debarment.
• Ignoring instructions – conversing or moving unnecessarily can lead to candidate cancellation.
• Panicking mid‑exam – take 10 seconds to breathe and re-center yourself.
• Leaving without permission – always wait for invigilator’s signal.

Remember, professionalism and discipline matter as much as your mock test scores.

Post‑Exam Reflection: What Happens After You Exit?

Once you leave the center, take a few hours to relax. Don’t jump straight into discussions or online comparisons — early answer predictions are often inaccurate.

Within a week, IIMCAT usually releases the response sheet and official answer key. That’s when you can analyze your performance objectively.

Your raw score and percentile will be officially released in January, followed by WAT‑PI shortlists from IIMs and other colleges.

For strategic guidance on what to do next, check related content like [How to Use Your CAT Score for Non‑IIM B‑Schools] and [CAT to WAT‑PI Prep Strategy].

How Career Plan B Helps

At Career Plan B, we specialize in helping CAT aspirants navigate both the exam day and the critical post‑CAT phase of decisions that follow. Here’s how we support you:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Expert mentors help you evaluate your overall readiness and shortlist realistic B‑school options.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Identify your strengths, aptitude, and best‑fit MBA specializations.
• Admission and Academic Profile Guidance: End‑to‑end mentoring on essays, interviews, and profile building.
• Career Roadmapping: Build a structured plan for the next 6–12 months after CAT — whether pursuing an MBA, retaking the exam, or exploring alternate avenues.

Our goal is to help you excel not just in the exam hall, but in the larger journey toward your ideal career.

Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

FAQs

1. What time should I reach the exam center for CAT 2025?
   At least 90–120 minutes before your slot starts. Late arrivals are not allowed inside the venue.
2. Can I change my exam center or slot after the admit card release?
   No. Once allotted, your exam center and slot are final; no modifications are permitted.
3. Are watches or pens allowed inside the exam hall?
   No. The system provides an on‑screen calculator and timer. Pens, watches, or other stationary items are banned.
4. What if I forget my photo ID on exam day?
   Without a valid photo ID, you will not be allowed to appear. Always recheck your checklist before leaving home.
5. Will I get extra time if the system malfunctions?
   Yes. The invigilator will pause your timer and restore your exam once the technical issue is resolved.
6. Can I leave immediately after completing the test?
   No. You must stay seated until the invigilator announces the exit instructions.

Conclusion: A Calm Mind Wins the CAT

CAT day is more than just a test of intellect — it’s a test of composure, discipline, and planning. When you know exactly what happens from the moment you arrive until you exit, you remove uncertainty and replace it with confidence.

Remember: success in the CAT is as much about mental readiness as academic preparation. Pack your essentials, plan your travel, trust your mocks, and step into the center with quiet confidence — because this is your moment to shine.

Are you ready to align your career journey with that which truly empowers? Let Career Plan B guide you in finding the right match.