CAT 2025 Exam Day Guide: Must-Follow Rules, Timings and Centre Instructions

The Indian Institutes of Management will conduct the Common Admission Test 2025 on November 30 in three shifts across the country. Shift one will run from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, shift two from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and shift three from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. With just days left for the exam, candidates are now focused not only on revision but also on following the right rules at the exam centre.

I am writing about this because every year, many well-prepared candidates lose precious time or even their chance to appear for CAT due to small mistakes at the exam centre. Forgetting documents, reaching late, or carrying prohibited items can create unnecessary stress on what is already one of the most competitive exam days of their lives.

CAT is a gateway to top management institutes, and lakhs of students appear for it with years of preparation behind them. On such an important day, knowing the exact do’s and don’ts can make a big difference. This guide is meant to help candidates stay calm, avoid last-minute confusion, and focus only on solving the paper with confidence.

CAT 2025 Exam Shifts and Reporting Time

CAT 2025 will be held in three shifts on a single day. Candidates must strictly follow the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.

Shift details are as follows

• Shift 1: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
• Shift 2: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Shift 3: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Entry to the exam centre usually closes well before the exam starts, so reaching at least 90 minutes early is strongly advised to complete frisking and verification smoothly.

Important Documents to Carry to the CAT Exam Centre

Candidates must carry the following documents without fail

• Printed copy of CAT 2025 admit card
• Original photo identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
• Name on the admit card and ID proof must match exactly

Without these documents, entry to the exam hall will not be allowed under any circumstance.

Do’s at the CAT 2025 Exam Centre

Candidates should follow these basic instructions to avoid any trouble on exam day

• Reach the centre well before the reporting time
• Follow all instructions given by invigilators
• Cooperate during security checks and biometric verification
• Sit only on the seat allotted to you
• Log in to the computer only after instructions are given
• Read all on-screen instructions carefully before starting the test
• Use the rough sheets provided at the centre only
• Maintain silence and discipline throughout the exam

Staying calm and alert inside the exam hall helps in managing time and avoiding silly mistakes.

Don’ts at the CAT 2025 Exam Centre

There are strict rules on what candidates are not allowed to carry. Avoid bringing any of the following

• Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any electronic gadgets
• Bags, wallets, books, or written notes
• Jewellery or metallic accessories
• Eatables and water bottles, unless specifically permitted
• Any kind of study material or paper

Carrying prohibited items may lead to disqualification, even if done by mistake.

Dress Code and Personal Belongings

Candidates are advised to wear simple and comfortable clothes. Avoid clothes with large buttons, pockets, or metallic items. Shoes with thick soles, jackets, and heavy accessories should also be avoided.

Most centres do not provide storage facilities, so it is better not to carry unnecessary personal belongings.

What to Do If There Is a Problem at the Centre

If candidates face issues such as incorrect seating, technical problems with the computer, or biometric mismatch, they should immediately inform the invigilator instead of panicking. All centres have technical and administrative support to resolve such issues quickly.

It is important not to argue or leave your seat without permission.

IMU PhD Admissions 2025–26 Open: Apply for Maritime Research Programmes

Indian Maritime University (IMU), a central university under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has opened applications for its PhD admissions for the academic year 2025–26. The university, with its headquarters in Chennai and campuses across major port cities, offers specialised research programmes focused on maritime studies, marine engineering, logistics, ocean science, port management and allied fields. The admissions are open now for those who wish to pursue research in the maritime domain.

Maritime research is still a niche area in India despite the country having a 7,500 km coastline and some of the busiest ports in South Asia. With global trade, shipping technology, ocean studies and port automation growing faster than ever, the demand for skilled researchers is also increasing. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of research opportunities in this field.

IMU’s PhD programmes provide a structured path for scholars who want to work on practical, industry-relevant research in shipping, port development, marine law, logistics and sustainability. By highlighting this admission opportunity, more deserving candidates can explore maritime research as a serious academic and career option.

About Indian Maritime University (IMU)

Indian Maritime University was established in 2008 as a central university to strengthen maritime education and research in India. It operates campuses located in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi and Visakhapatnam. These campuses specialise in various disciplines such as:

Marine engineering and naval architecture
Nautical science and navigation
Port and shipping management
Oceanography and coastal studies
Maritime law and policy
Logistics and supply chain management

IMU works closely with maritime boards, port authorities, coast guard agencies and private shipping companies, making research highly industry-oriented.

IMU PhD Admissions 2025–26: Key Details

The university offers both full-time and part-time PhD research opportunities. Key highlights include:

Applications open for the academic year 2025–26
Research areas span engineering, management, sciences and law related to the maritime sector
Full-time scholars may receive stipends as per university rules
Part-time candidates are also eligible, especially those working in maritime industries or academia

Research Areas Available

Students can apply for PhD programmes in specialised disciplines such as:

Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture
Maritime Management and Port Operations
Logistics and Supply Chain in Sea Trade
Ocean Science and Marine Technology
Maritime Law and Policy Studies
Coastal and Environmental Studies
Marine Economics and Trade Studies

These programmes allow scholars to contribute research with real-world applications in ports, shipping lines, ocean studies and maritime safety.

Eligibility Criteria

While detailed eligibility requirements are available in the official notification, the common qualifications expected include:

Postgraduate degree (Master’s) in a relevant discipline with minimum marks as specified by IMU
Candidates from engineering, management, science, law and maritime backgrounds can apply depending on the field chosen
A valid score in the IMU Research Entrance Test (IMU-RET) may be required unless exempted as per rules

Candidates working in maritime institutions or industries may seek admission in part-time categories, subject to approval.

Why Pursue a PhD at IMU?

IMU’s research platform is closely aligned with India’s maritime growth. Students pursuing a PhD can benefit from:

Industry-relevant problem statements
Access to port authorities and maritime agencies for field research
Opportunities for global collaboration
Scope for working on sustainability, green shipping and digital transformation in ports
Potential research funding from government and industry bodies

IMU also partners with ministries and maritime boards, giving scholars exposure to real policy and operations.