The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance test conducted for admission to IIMs and other top management colleges in India. The authorities release the exam day guidelines and dress code for the CAT 2025 on the official website - iimcat.ac.in.

The CAT exam dress code defines the clothes, accessories, and other wearable devices that are allowed or prohibited in CAT exam centres. Candidates must follow these guidelines set by the authorities to ensure a standardised and professional appearance during the exam.

• The CAT exam dress code for male and female candidates emphasizes wearing simple and comfortable attire during the exam.
• Wearing footwear, scarves, and t-shirts with caps and hoods is strictly prohibited in the exam hall.
• Candidates are advised to avoid pants with too many pockets, accessories, and dresses with long sleeves.
• Apart from following the perfect dress code for CAT exam, test-takers must carry essential documents at the exam such as a CAT admit card, Photo ID proof, photograph, etc.

Following the CAT dress code and guidelines for clothing and accessories is essential for maintaining a fair and uniform examination environment.

Also Check:

• CAT 2025 Question Paper
• CAT 2025 Cutoff

CAT Exam Dress Code 2025: Key Points to Remember

The exam conducting authorities set the CAT exam dress code to maintain the integrity and security of the examination. These rules are compulsory and candidate needs to strictly follow them while appearing for the examination. It consists of the things that candidates can wear and not wear on the exam day. More information about the dress code for CAT exam is explained below:

• No Footwear Allowed: According to the CAT exam dress code 2025, any type of footwear, including slippers, shoes, or sandals is not allowed in the exam hall. Candidates can wear footwear on their way to the exam hall but must remove it outside the exam area. Candidates are required to be barefooted while giving the test.

• Minimal Makeup and No Body Marks: The CAT exam dress code for female candidates includes minimal makeup. It is advisable to be present in a natural manner for the test. Female candidates are advised to avoid mehendi/henna, or any other strange body marks that may raise suspicion.

• Dresses with Multiple Pockets are Restricted: It is strictly forbidden to wear dresses with too many pockets during the CAT 2025 exam. Candidates should avoid wearing anything with lots of pockets, such as cargo pants and trousers. It’s recommended to wear outfits without pockets to save time consumed by extra checking.

• Do not Wear Ornaments or Jewellery: The girls' dress code for CAT exam is to wear simple clothes. Any ornaments or fancy jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, are not permitted. If any candidate is found wearing such items during checking, they will have to remove them outside the exam hall.

• No Mobile Phones: Candidates must keep their mobile phones in their backpacks outside the exam hall. Mobile phones should be kept in silent mode to avoid distractions. Any candidate who is caught with a phone during the exam will not be allowed to continue. Additionally, this may result in future exam disqualification.

• No Electronic Devices: All electronic devices must be left outside the CAT 2025 exam hall. As a result, candidates are not permitted to wear any smartwatches, fitness bands, Bluetooth headsets, etc. They are also prohibited from bringing a pager, calculator, or other electronic devices into the exam hall.

• No Hoodies, Caps, and Scarf: According to the dress code for CAT exam, wearing a scarf and shirts or t-shirts with attached hoods is completely prohibited. Wearing caps/mufflers or any other cloth over the head is prohibited. Candidates are advised to avoid such outfits as they can lead to additional checks.

• No Personal Belongings are Allowed: Candidates are advised to not bring any personal belongings such as wallets, handbags, and sling bags into the testing area. Candidates carrying any such personal items on the exam premises may not allowed to take the CAT 2025 exam.

• Wear Face Mask: As per the CAT dress code, wearing a face mask on the exam day is compulsory. Due to the current situation of COVID-19, candidates must wear a face mask for their and fellow candidate’s safety.

• Hand Sanitization and Social Distancing: Apart from the face mask, candidates must keep sanitizing their hands and keep safe distancing during the exam and on the exam premises. Following these guidelines is mandatory for the CAT 2025 exam.

What to Wear on the CAT 2025 Exam Day?

The dress code for CAT exam should be according to the rules and regulations set by the authorities. Candidates can follow the below-mentioned instructions while dressing up for the CAT 2025 exam:

• Wear comfortable clothes in which you can sit for a long time without feeling restricted.
• The clothes must be plain and simple, such as casual pants and a T-shirt or a simple dress.
• Avoid clothes that have long sleeves or too many pockets.
• It is advised not to wear scarves or mufflers or carry any.
• Avoid clothes made from noisy materials like loud synthetics or fabrics that rustle.
• Do not over-accessorise while appearing for the examination.

Things to carry at the CAT 2025 Exam Centre

Apart from following the CAT dress code, candidates must also carry the following things while appearing for the examination:

• Two printed copies of the CAT 2025 Admit Card
• Passport-sized photograph
• Government-issued Photo ID ( Aadhaar card, voter ID, college ID, driver's license, passport, PAN card, or employer ID)
• Stationery Items (Pens, pencils, and other necessary stationery items for rough work)
• Scribe affidavit and medical certificate (if applicable)
• Documents related to name change (if applicable)

CAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the exam are required to follow the proper CAT dress code and some important guidelines announced by the authorities. Here are some of the important exam guidelines for the CAT exam:

• Candidates must reach at CAT 2025 test centre on the reporting time mentioned on the admit card or at least 30 minutes before the verification process begins.
• Get the knowledge of the exact location of the CAT exam centre before the exam. The Google Map link of the test location is embedded in the admit card.
• Carry two printed copies of the CAT 2025 admit card on an A4 size sheet. No photocopies or digital copies are accepted by the invigilators.
• Candidates do not have to carry a writing pad for rough work as it will be given to the candidates at the exam centre.
• Friends, guardians or relatives of the candidates are not allowed to enter the exam hall.
• Once the test centre is allotted to candidates, any request to change the CAT 2025 exam centre will not be accepted.
• Candidates who do not follow the appropriate CAT exam dress code for the exam will be disqualified.