IIM Kozhikode has released the CAT admit card on the official website …..
Key Dates and Fast Facts for CAT Admit Card
Knowing the main dates and overarching details is fundamental to planning your next steps and staying ahead.
| Event | Date / Detail |
| Admit Card Release Date | 12 November 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | Sunday, 30 November 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Number of Sessions | Three (morning, afternoon, evening) |
| Number of Candidates | Approx. 2,95,000 |
| Test Cities | Around 170 across India |
It’s essential to align your schedule with these milestones and ensure you never miss a deadline.
How to Download the CAT Admit Card 2025
Follow this process to download the admit card:
- Go to the Candidate’s Login page: CLICK HERE
Step-by-Step: Downloading the Admit Card
The downloading process is simple but requires careful attention, especially due to website traffic spikes and technical glitches common at release.
Instructions
- Access the Official CAT Portal: Head directly to the CAT official website (search “CAT 2025 admit card download” if unsure).
- Find Candidate Login: Look for the “Registered Candidate Login” or “Admit Card/Hall Ticket” tab.
- Enter Credentials: Use your CAT User ID and Password (the same as during registration).
- Locate & Download: After logging in, click on the download admit card link to access your PDF admit card.
- Print Copy: Print the admit card in color on A4 paper. Black-and-white or blurry copies can cause problems at the test centre.
- Check All Details: Before storing, review every piece of information—errors must be flagged and rectified immediately.
- Keep Multiple Copies: Print two or more copies for backup.
Troubleshooting
- Photo Not Clear? Reprint using higher resolution or a different printer.
- Login Problems? Check credentials, clear browser cache, try a different browser or device.
- Detail Error? If any personal information is incorrect, contact CAT authorities right away.
Table: Admit Card Download Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
| Blurry or missing photo | Use another printer or select higher DPI |
| Wrong/missing details | Report to CAT helpdesk, follow correction flow |
| Login failure | Verify credentials, clear cache, switch browser/device |
| Unable to print PDF | Try opening on another computer or with updated PDF viewer |
Crucial Checks: What to Verify on Your CAT Admit Card
Do not take any details on the admit card for granted—a minor mismatch can lead to disqualification or panic at the centre.
| Admit Card Field | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Name & Registration No. | Matches application and ID | Entry verification |
| Photograph | Clear and matches uploaded image | Identity check |
| Signature | Clear if required, matches your sign | Fraud prevention |
| Date of Birth & Category | As per official documents | Category verification |
| Exam Date & Slot | Correct day, session per registration | No confusion on test day |
| Centre Address | Accurately matches chosen/test city | Travel planning |
| Reporting & Gate Closing Time | Noted and scheduled for arrival | Latecomers not allowed |
| Instructions | Read and understood | Compliance, prevention of mistakes |
Action point: If you spot an error—typo in your name, wrong test centre, incorrect category, or photo mismatch—immediately reach out to the CAT authorities via their helpdesk before the exam day. Do not assume corrections will be done automatically.
Immediate Actions After Downloading the Admit Card
The admit card isn’t just another document—it’s your ticket to the test centre. Here’s what you should do after printing:
- Store Safely: Keep two or more copies in different bags or folders.
- Cross-check All Details: Compare with original ID/registration records.
- Keep Credentials Handy: CAT User ID and password may be needed for future access (result, score card, etc.).
- Read Instructions Thoroughly: Obey special instructions (timings, items allowed, dress code, etc.).
- Plan Your Journey: Map out the test centre, calculate travel time, and mark alternate routes.
- Rest & Eat Well: The final preparation phase is about remaining healthy, composed, and focused.
Documents Required for CAT Exam Day
Here is a list of must-carry documents and items to be carried with you on CAT exam day:
Ensure that you bring all required materials for a smooth entry and participation in the test.
Checklist of Required Items
| Item | Notes |
| CAT 2025 Admit Card | Printed in color on A4 paper |
| Valid Photo ID (original) | Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, Driving Licence |
| Passport-size Photograph | Same as uploaded, as some centres ask to paste |
| Stationery (if allowed) | Usually a simple pen for rough work |
| Category/PwD Certificates | If applying under reserved category |
Prohibited Items
| Item | Notes |
| Phones, calculators | Strictly not permitted |
| Smart watches, Bluetooth | Not allowed |
| Written notes/cheat sheets | Disallowed |
| Food or water bottles | Usually not allowed (some exceptions on water) |
Tip: Place your admit card and ID in a folder or clear pouch that’s easily accessible at security and entry points. Scrambling for documents at the gate can add needless stress.
CAT Exam Day Schedule and Slot Structure
CAT 2025 will be held on Sunday, 30 November 2025, in three sessions to accommodate every candidate securely and efficiently.
| Slot | Reporting Time | Exam Start | Exam End |
| Morning | ~7:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon | ~11:00 AM | 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM |
| Evening | ~3:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
* Gates close strictly 15 minutes earlier than Exam starts time
Tip: For centres in unfamiliar or traffic-prone areas, preview your route beforehand or use travel apps to estimate commute during peak hours.
CAT Preparation Tips for Last Few Days Before the Exam Day
With your admit card in hand and 2 weeks remaining in the CAT exam, the emphasis is now on optimal preparation and strategic mindset.
Checklist for Final Two Weeks
- Verify Exam Slot and Centre ASAP: This impacts your travel/stay plans, especially for distant test cities.
- Centre Visit/Preview: If possible, visit a day prior at similar slot timings for an accurate commute estimate.
- Official Mock Test: Attempt the latest CAT mock test released for this cycle; get used to interface nuances.
- Focus on Revision: Prioritize revising strong topics and taking full-length mocks under timed conditions.
- Health: Get enough sleep, maintain a regular routine, and nourish yourself—avoid burnout or illness.
- Organise Items: Pack your bag with all essentials and re-check using your checklist.
- Visualise Success: Stay calm, confident, and collected. Review your strategy for each section (VARC, DILR, QA).
Tips for the Night Before the Exam – Packing List
| Item | Packed (✔/✗) |
| Admit Card (color) | |
| Photo ID (original) | |
| Passport-size photograph | |
| Pen (if allowed) | |
| Water bottle (transparent) | |
| Mask (if needed) | |
| Snacks (if permitted) | |
| Directions to centre | |
| Doctor’s note (if PwD) |
Common Mistakes on the Exam Day and How to Avoid Them
Awareness is the best prevention. Here are pitfalls frequently encountered by candidates:
- Delaying Admit Card Download: Waiting until the last week means risking server overload, failed downloads, or missed corrections.
- Poor Quality Printouts: Black-and-white or low-resolution prints can be rejected.
- Skipping Details Verification: Overlooking spelling, slot/city/category errors can create problems on exam day.
- Assuming Centre Location: Sometimes, the allotted test centre may differ from initial choices; always confirm.
- Not Carrying Hard Copy: Mobile screenshots or PDF files are not accepted for entry.
- Bringing Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, notes, and other banned materials could result in disqualification.
- Late Arrival: Underestimating travel/traffic/parking issues often causes panic or missed entry.
- Last-Minute New Topics: Cramming unprepared topics reduces confidence and clarity—focus on mocks and revision instead.
Motivation: Getting Into the Exam Mindset
Reaching the admit card phase is proof of your commitment and readiness. Remember:
- Trust Your Preparation: Registering, planning, and prepping signal you’ve done the groundwork.
- Focus on Controllables: You can manage logistics, paperwork, last-mile revision.
- Stay Composed: Confidence and clarity often outperform frantic stress.
- Visualise Success: See yourself entering with poise, solving with strategy, and exiting with satisfaction.
- Take One Step at a Time: Let each step—admit card, exam, results—carry its own importance.
Compact Summary Checklist for CAT Exam 2025
Here’s a handy master checklist to ensure no detail is missed:
| Task/Item | Status (✓/✗) |
| Admit card downloaded, color print | |
| Details verified | |
| Photo ID ready | |
| Passport-size photo ready | |
| Category/PwD certificate ready | |
| Exam travel/stay confirmed | |
| Mock test(s) attempted | |
| Bag packed (night before) | |
| Arrival planned, extra time | |
| Prohibited items removed | |
| Mindset: calm, rested, confident |
FAQ: Your Admit Card Queries Answered
Is the CAT admit card sent by post or email?
No, your admit card will only be available for download from the official CAT website. Physical copies are not sent via courier or mail.
Can I download the CAT admit card after the exam date?
Yes, the download link generally remains active until exam day, but you are strongly advised to download it as soon as it is available to avoid last-minute issues.
What if I forget my login credentials?
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. You’ll need your registered email or mobile number to reset credentials. If problems persist, contact the CAT helpdesk.
What should I do if there is an error in my name, test city, photograph, or other details?
Contact the CAT helpdesk immediately for rectification. Some errors can be fixed by uploading new documents or filling in correction forms; time is of the essence.
Do I need to paste my photograph on the printed admit card?
Some test centres require a recent passport-size photograph to be pasted onto the printed admit card. Follow the instructions exactly as printed and ensure your photo matches the one uploaded during application.
Is the CAT admit card the only document I need to carry?
No, both the admit card and a valid photo ID (original, not photocopied) are mandatory for entry. Lack of either may lead to denial of participation.
What if the photograph/signature on my CAT admit card is unclear?
Try reprinting. If still unclear and unrecognizable, contact helpdesk for guidance—never attend with a potentially problematic admit card.
Is it mandatory to print the CAT admit card in color?
Yes, color printouts are generally preferred since grayscale/black-and-white prints can compromise the clarity of your photograph and details.
Which identity proofs are accepted at the CAT exam centre?
Accepted IDs include Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, and Driving Licence. The name must match your admit card and registration details exactly.
Is there any dress code for the CAT exam centres?
Instructions may restrict certain clothing items (like jackets with pockets, metallic items, caps, etc.) for security reasons. Read the admit card carefully for updates.
What if my CAT admit card shows a city different from the one I chose during registration?
Immediately verify and contact CAT authorities if there is a major mismatch, but be aware that allocation depends on seat availability and you may need to adjust travel plans.
Can I bring a water bottle or snacks to the CAT exam centre?
Most centres allow only transparent water bottles and may not permit snacks unless a medical necessity is declared.
When will CAT results be declared?
Results are typically announced in early January, about 5–6 weeks after the exam.
Should I keep my admit card after the CAT exam?
Yes, retain your admit card until the entire admission process concludes. Original admit card may be needed at further stages (interview, admission).
What if I arrive late at the test centre?
No late entries are permitted after gate closure. Aim to be present at least 30–45 minutes before your reporting time.
Are pens, pencils, calculators allowed in the CAT exam?
Usually, basic stationery is permitted (a pen for rough work). Calculators, electronic devices, and any written material are strictly prohibited.
What happens if I forget to bring my ID proof?
No entry will be permitted without a valid original ID proof. Do not risk travelling without it.
Does the CAT admit card specify which slot/session I am allotted?
Yes, the admit card mentions the specific slot (morning/afternoon/evening) along with the reporting and gate closing times.
