CAT Exam Day Tips: What to Do Before, During, and After the Test?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway to India’s most prestigious management institutes like the IIMs, FMS, MDI, and more. Months of preparation, solving countless mock tests, and refining your strategy all come down to one crucial day — the exam day. Surprisingly, many well-prepared candidates falter not because of lack of knowledge, but due to poor management of exam-day pressure.

To help you avoid such pitfalls, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide on what to do before, during, and after the CAT exam. These tips are designed not only to boost your performance but also to keep you confident and in control throughout the process.

BEFORE THE CAT EXAM: Preparation beyond Books

The preparation doesn’t end with the syllabus — your mindset, organization, and physical readiness are just as important.

Understand the Exam Day Guidelines

• Download and read the official CAT admit card instructions thoroughly.
• Know what items are allowed and what are strictly prohibited (digital watches, phones, wallets, pens, etc.).
• Make sure your photo on the admit card is clearly visible. If not, carry extra passport-sized photos.

Visit Your Exam Center a Day Before

• If your center is in an unfamiliar area, visit it in advance to avoid last-minute confusion.
• Check travel time, traffic patterns, parking availability, and entry gates.
• It gives you peace of mind and reduces anxiety on D-Day.

Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

• A minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep is essential for mental clarity and focus.
• Don’t underestimate the power of rest. A well-rested brain can process information faster and more accurately.

Eat Light and Healthy

• Avoid heavy, spicy, or oily food the night before the exam.
• Stick to simple, familiar meals that don’t disrupt your digestion or sleep cycle.

Prepare a Checklist of What to Carry

Pack these essentials the night before:

• Printed Admit Card (A4 size)
• Government-issued valid Photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
• Transparent water bottle
• Face mask and hand sanitizer (as per health guidelines)
• COVID-19 self-declaration form (if mentioned)

Pro Tip: Carry 2–3 ballpoint pens just in case, even though they may provide one.

DURING THE CAT EXAM: Smart Strategy Meets Calm Execution

CAT is a game of speed, accuracy, and presence of mind. Your approach during those three hours is what ultimately counts.

Reach the Center Early

• You must report 90 minutes prior to the exam slot. Late entry is not allowed.
• Give yourself ample time for frisking, document verification, and seating formalities.
• Avoid unnecessary panic by arriving at least 30–45 minutes early.

Stay Calm During Verification and Entry

• You may be required to remove shoes, jackets, or metallic items.
• Keep your cool and follow all instructions. There’s no benefit in being impatient or agitated.

Understand the Sectional Time-Limit Format

CAT is divided into three sections:

• VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) – 40 minutes
• DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) – 40 minutes
• QA (Quantitative Aptitude) – 40 minutes

You cannot switch between sections. Once a section ends, it automatically moves to the next. So time management within each section is critical.

First Scan, Then Solve

• In the first 2–3 minutes of each section, quickly scan through all questions.
• Attempt low-hanging fruits first — easy, direct questions you’re confident about.
• Leave time-consuming or unfamiliar ones for later.

Use the Rough Sheets and On-Screen Calculator Wisely

• You’ll be given sheets for rough work — use them liberally for QA and DILR.
• Avoid overusing the on-screen calculator unless necessary, as it may slow you down.
• Mental math and approximation techniques can be your superpowers!

Be Flexible in Your Strategy

• If you planned to solve RC first but find it tough, switch to VA and come back later.
• The goal is to maximize your score, not follow a rigid plan.

Don’t Panic Over a Tough Section

• It’s common for one section to be unexpectedly hard — that’s part of the normalization process.
• Stay composed and focus on accuracy, not the number of attempts.

Keep an Eye on the Timer

• Each section’s countdown is shown on-screen.
• Don’t let one question eat up too much time. Move on if you’re stuck.

Golden Rule: Never attempt a question you’re unsure of just to increase attempts — negative marking can cost you dearly.

AFTER THE CAT EXAM: Regroup, Reflect, and Prepare for what’s next

Once the exam ends, many candidates are caught in a whirlpool of self-doubt and over-analysis. Here’s how to stay ahead after CAT.

Do Not Obsess Over What Went Wrong

• Post-exam anxiety is normal, but don’t dwell on what you could’ve done better.
• You may feel one section didn’t go well, but scaling can work in your favor.

Avoid Discussing the Exam Immediately

• Every person’s perception of the exam varies.
• Comparing answers or difficulty levels right after the test will only cause confusion and stress.

Safeguard Your Admit Card and Documents

• Keep your admit card safe — you may need it during shortlisting or interviews.
• Save a digital copy and preserve the hard copy.

Watch for Official Response Sheets and Answer Keys

• Usually released 7–10 days post-exam on the official CAT website.
• You’ll be able to view:
  • Your marked answers
  • Official answer keys
  • Option to raise objections (if any)

This will help you estimate your raw score and get a rough idea of your percentile.

Start Preparing for the Next Round

Scoring well in CAT is just the first step. You’ll soon face:

• WAT (Written Ability Test)
• GD (Group Discussion) – less common nowadays
• PI (Personal Interview)

Begin working on your profile, current affairs, and personality-based questions. Read newspapers, stay updated, and work on your communication skills.

Expert Tips to Maximize Performance on CAT Day

Mindset Shift: What Matters beyond the Exam?

While CAT is important, it doesn’t define your worth. Many successful MBA graduates didn’t ace CAT on their first try, and some went on to shine from Tier-II or Tier-III colleges. Your effort, adaptability, and perseverance matter more than a percentile.

Your real exam is how you handle pressure, not just what you score.

Conclusion: Own Your Exam Day

To sum up, your CAT exam day success depends not just on how many mock tests you’ve taken, but how well you manage your mindset, time, and strategy before, during, and after the test.

• Sleep well, eat light, and arrive early.
• Keep calm, focus on accuracy, and stay flexible in your approach.
• Post-exam, reflect with patience and gear up for interviews.

Whether it’s your first attempt or a reattempt, stay positive and give it your best shot. You’re much more capable than you think.

All the best for CAT – May your hard work turn into success!