Candidates appearing for CAT can now log in to the official portal to download their hall tickets for the upcoming exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 admit cards are now available on the official IIM CAT portal, a critical step towards the November 30 exam. Aspirants must download their hall tickets immediately and verify all details. This comprehensive guide covers the crucial download steps, essential exam-day instructions, and expert-recommended last-minute preparation tips to help you maximize your score. Don't miss the key dates and must-have documents for the test centre. Read on for your final success strategy.

The official portal for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 has been activated, allowing all registered candidates to log in and download their mandatory admit cards (hall tickets). With the CAT 2025 examination, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, scheduled to take place on November 30, 2025, this release marks the beginning of the final, high-stakes phase of preparation. The admit card is not just a piece of paper; it is the most crucial document for entry into the test centre and confirms essential details like your exam city, test centre address, and assigned time slot (morning, afternoon, or evening).

​Aspirants are strongly advised to download and print their CAT 2025 admit card well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical glitches. Following an earlier revision in the release schedule, the window for downloading the hall ticket remains active until the exam day, November 30, 2025. This article provides a detailed roadmap on securing your admit card and navigating the final weeks of preparation to ensure peak performance on exam day.

​ Securing Your CAT 2025 Hall Ticket: Steps and Essential Verification

​Downloading your admit card is a non-negotiable step, as it serves as your official identification and entry pass for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates will require their official login credentials to access the document on the IIM CAT website.

• ​Accessing and Downloading the Admit Card: 
  • ​Visit the official CAT 2025 website: iimcat.ac.in.
  • ​Locate and click on the 'Registered Candidate Login' link.
  • ​Enter your valid User ID and Password (the same credentials used during the application process).
  • ​Once logged into the candidate dashboard, click the 'Download Admit Card' or 'CAT 2025 Admit Card' tab.
  • ​View the hall ticket, download the PDF file, and ensure you take two clear printouts—preferably one colour copy—to be safe.
• ​Immediate Verification of Key Details:
  • ​Candidate’s Name and Photograph/Signature: Ensure they match your records.
  • ​CAT 2025 Roll Number/Registration Number: Verify the unique identifier.
  • ​Exam Date and Time Slot: Double-check your assigned date (Nov 30) and shift timing (Slot 1, 2, or 3) to plan your travel and reporting time.
  • ​Test Centre Name and Full Address: This is crucial for planning your route; it is highly recommended to visit the centre location a day or two before the exam to confirm travel time.
  • ​Mandatory Instructions: Carefully read the COVID-19 related guidelines and exam-day regulations printed on the admit card.
• ​Action for Discrepancies:
  • ​In case of any error or mismatch in the details (name, photo, signature, or category), contact the CAT helpline immediately. Do not wait until the last day to address any issues.

​ Final Countdown: Strategic Preparation for the Last Two Weeks

​With the examination less than three weeks away, this period demands a focused, strategic approach. Aspirants should shift their focus entirely from learning new concepts to consolidating their existing knowledge base and refining their test-taking strategy.

• ​Mock Test and Sectional Analysis:
  • ​Maintain Mock Frequency: Continue taking one full-length mock test every 1-2 days, ensuring you simulate the actual 120-minute, three-section structure, ideally in your assigned slot timing (e.g., if you have the morning slot, take your mocks in the morning).
  • ​Deep Dive Analysis: Dedicate at least 3-4 hours to thoroughly analyse each mock. Identify persistent weak areas, review the concepts of incorrectly answered questions, and, most importantly, find out which questions you should have skipped to improve your percentile.
  • ​Sectional Test Refinement: Focus on sectional tests only for your known weak areas (e.g., specific Arithmetic topics in QA or advanced Reasoning sets in DILR).
• ​Revision and High-Yield Topics:
  • ​Concept Consolidation: Prioritise revisiting your self-made short notes and formula sheets for Quantitative Ability (QA). Avoid starting any completely new, high-effort topics.
  • ​Reading Comprehension (VARC): Continue reading challenging editorials, long-form articles, or non-fiction to maintain reading speed and stamina. Focus on quickly identifying the main idea, tone, and inferences in Reading Comprehension (RC) passages.
  • ​DILR Practice: Do not neglect Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Focus on practicing sets from previous years’ CAT papers to internalise the logic and common puzzle types (Venn Diagrams, Games & Tournaments, Caselets).
• ​Mental and Physical Readiness:
  • ​Stress Management: Ensure a healthy sleep cycle (at least 7-8 hours). Avoid late-night cramming. A calm and composed mind performs better than an exhausted one.
  • ​Positive Mindset: Trust your months of preparation. The goal is to maximize your attempts with the highest possible accuracy, not to solve every question.

​ CAT 2025 Exam Day Checklist: Documents and Guidelines

​Careful planning for November 30 is vital. Any lapse in adherence to the guidelines can lead to undue stress or, worse, denial of entry.

• ​Mandatory Documents for Entry: 
  • ​Printed CAT 2025 Admit Card: Carry the original printout (do not scribble on it).
  • ​Valid Photo ID (Original): Carry any one of the following: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence. The name on the ID must match the name on the admit card.
  • ​Recent Passport Size Photograph: Carry one or two photos (same as the one uploaded on the application form) for the attendance sheet, if required.
• ​Items Strictly Prohibited:
  • ​Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches (including smartwatches), calculators, stationery (except pen provided at the centre), and any metallic items or jewellery.
  • ​Rough sheets will be provided at the centre.
• ​Crucial Timings and Procedures:
  • ​Reporting Time: Arrive at the test centre at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time to complete security checks, document verification, and registration.
  • ​Gate Closure: Be aware of the gate closure time, which is typically 15 minutes before the test commences. Latecomers will not be permitted entry under any circumstances.

​Conclusion

​The release of the CAT 2025 admit card signals the final, most intense phase for every management aspirant. Download your hall ticket immediately, meticulously verify every detail, and commit to a disciplined schedule of mock tests, focused revision, and stress management. The next few weeks are your opportunity to convert months of hard work into a high CAT percentile, opening the doors to premier B-schools like the IIMs. Stay calm, stay focused, and trust the process.

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