CAT Exam Dress Code 2026: Rules, Guidelines & Prohibited Items

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The CAT exam will be held on 29 November 2026. 

The CAT 2026 admit card will be released officially on 4 November 2026. 

The CAT exam dress code is one of the strict rules to be followed alongside others to prevent cheating, other malpractices, and leaking of questions. Usually, students are required to wear simple and comfortable clothing without jewellery, accessories, makeup, a minimal number of pockets, etc. For that, the examination authority releases official rules as well as regulations for the staff members and candidates. The aspirants for the CAT 2026 exam must be adequately familiar with the rules and schedule of the day of the examination. Keep reading this blog for a complete guide to the CAT exam dress code.

Also Check: Documents Required for CAT Exam 2026

CAT Dress Code 2026: Exam Day Guidelines

Before giving the CAT exam, candidates should look below the guidelines that are needed during the exam day.

• Candidates must reach their CAT 2026 exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
• Candidates are advised to visit the CAT exam centre at least one day in advance by using the Google Maps link provided in the admit card.
• Candidates should carry two printed copies of the CAT 2026 admit card on A4-size sheets.
• Candidates must present the CAT 2026 admit card to the invigilator for verification before the test.
• A writing pad for doing rough work as well as a pen will be given to the candidates at the exam center and must be returned before leaving the exam hall.
• Requests to change the CAT 2026 exam center are not allowed.
• Candidates must not carry electronic gadgets to the exam centre of CAT.
• More than one attempt in the CAT 2026 exam will result in disqualification along with cancellation of the candidature.
• Inside the examination halls, only candidates are allowed, not friends, relatives, or guardians.
• Candidates must wear the clothes as instructed in the test day guide.
• Candidates should follow the instructions for biometric attendance as well as the seating arrangement, etc.

What is the CAT 2026 Dress Code for the Exam Day?

CAT candidates should keep in mind the dress code regulations during the exam so that they do not face any issues on exam day.

• Any jewellery with metal should not be worn by candidates. Ornaments, fancy jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings are not allowed. If any candidate is found wearing these items, they will be asked to remove them.
• Candidates with a metal implant or pacemaker, etc, in their body will be required to show a medical certificate for the same.
• Dresses with one or two pockets will be checked carefully. Clothing with multiple pockets, like cargo pants, must be avoided.
• The female candidates are advised to wear minimal makeup as well as present themselves naturally for the test. Additionally, they must avoid applying mehendi or any other body marks that might raise concerns.
• Plain pullovers, cardigans (with no pockets), stocks, and sweaters are allowed in the test lab. Candidates must select dresses without pockets for avoiding additional checks along with saving time.
• They are not allowed to wear clothes with pockets as well as large buttons, or jackets and closed footwear in the exam hall.
• The utilisation of any electronic device is strictly forbidden within the CAT exam room. This includes fitness bands, cell phones, smartwatches, and laptops. Candidates should not bring any electronic items, including calculators or pagers, into the testing facility.
• Candidates must not wear a dress with attached caps or hoods, as it is completely prohibited. CAT exam dress code advises candidates to avoid these outfits as they can attract unnecessary attention and lead to additional checks.
• Candidates must not bring any personal belongings into the testing area such as sling bags, wallets, and handbags. If any candidate brings these items, they will be disqualified from the CAT exam.

CAT Exam Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates 2026

Comfortable and simple attire should be worn by male and female candidates in terms of the CAT dress code 2026. Simple and comfortable clothing like plain shirts, tops, or T-shirts with trousers or jeans and sandals or open slippers is allowed. They should avoid dresses with too many pockets.

Things to Carry on CAT 2026 Exam Day

If you are a candidate for the CAT 2026 exam, refer to the things below that should be carried on exam day.

• Candidates must carry their CAT 2026 Admit Card
• Applicants should have their Photo Identity Proof
• Stationery items should be present with the candidates
• Authorization form must be present with the candidates 
• Name Change Document, if it applies to the candidates
• Medical Certificate and Scribe Affidavit, if they are applicable to the candidates
• Documents that have a relation to the name change (if applicable for the candidates)

Candidates must carefully review and ensure that they have all the necessary documents before appearing for the CAT 2026 exam. These documents are essential for identification, verification, as well as adhering to the guidelines of the exam. 

Things Not to Carry to the CAT 2026 Exam Centre

The candidates will have to drop one copy of the admit card, a scribble pad with all pages intact, and a pen in boxes at the examination hall before exiting. The things that are not allowed to be carried by the candidates are:

• Bags
• Purses
• Wrist watches
• Calculators
• Scanners
• Cameras
• Mobile phones
• Electronic devices
• Pencil boxes
• Beepers
• Wireless/Bluetooth devices

Consequences of Violating CAT Exam Dress Code

The security staff engages in checking everyone in a careful manner at the entry points. If any prohibited items are found among the candidates, they can face penalties from extra checking to complete disqualification. In this regard, the invigilators may ask the candidates to leave immediately if they observe any dress code violations after they enter the exam hall. Understanding as well as following the CAT dress code is not optional; rather, it is a main part of the exam preparation of the candidates that requires their full attention. The consequences of violating the CAT exam dress code are:

Footwear Guidelines for CAT Exam 2026

Necessary details need to be followed by the candidates regarding footwear that is allowed for the CAT exam. Simple footwear such as chappals, sandals, or slippers with no thick soles or metal attachments is allowed. The candidates must know that any type of footwear with thick soles is not allowed in the examination hall as per the dress code for the CAT exam. Moreover, closed footwear is not allowed in the exam hall. Candidates might be required to remove their footwear outside the examination hall, so they should avoid closed-toe shoes along with socks if possible.

CAT Exam Dress Code: FAQs

Ques: What are the official dress code rules for the CAT exam?

Ans: Candidates must wear comfortable and simple attire without pockets on the day of the CAT exam. This includes T-shirts, pants, jeans, etc., and candidates must also avoid wearing accessories, jewellery, makeup, etc. Make sure to go through the official dress code guidelines. 

Ques: Is jewellery allowed in the CAT exam?

Ans: No, candidates are not allowed to wear jewellery that has metal during the CAT exam. This is one of the crucial guidelines, and you must make sure to follow it among other rules related to the CAT exam dress code. 

Ques: Can I wear shoes or sandals to the CAT exam?

Ans: Candidates are allowed to wear sandals or slippers to the CAT exam centre. However, the authorities discourage wearing closed shoes to the exam. You must check the footwear guidelines properly and maintain the rules accordingly. 

Ques: What should I wear to the CAT exam in winter?

Ans: During winter, in the CAT exam, candidates must wear comfortable and simple clothing such as a plain, pocketless T-shirt or shirt, as well as pants or trousers. If required, candidates are allowed to wear simple sweaters, pullovers, or cardigans without pockets or metallic zips. 

Ques: What are the things that should not be carried into the exam hall of CAT?

Ans: Bags, Pencil boxes, Beepers, Purses, Wristwatches, Calculators, Mobile phones, Electronic devices, Scanners, Cameras, and Wireless/Bluetooth devices should not be carried into the exam hall of CAT.

Ques: Are calculators allowed in the exam centre of CAT 2026?

Ans: Personal physical calculators are not allowed in the exam centre of CAT 2026. However, an on-screen calculator will be made available to the candidates for calculations. Therefore, you can only use the on-screen calculator provided to you and cannot carry your personal calculator to the exam centre. 

Ques: Is a watch allowed to be carried in the CAT exam centre?

Ans: No, candidates must not wear a watch or other electronics or smart gadgets into the CAT exam centre. These items are strictly banned inside the exam centre. If you need a calculator, you must use the on-screen calculator made available to the candidates. 

Ques: Can water bottles be carried inside the exam hall of CAT?

Ans: No, candidates must not carry a water bottle inside the CAT exam hall. However, facilities for drinking water will be available outside the exam hall, and applicants can access them during the designated break time.

Ques: Are there any particular COVID-19 testing requirements to appear in CAT 2026?

Ans: According to the present guidelines, there are no particular COVID-19 testing requirements to appear in CAT 2026. However, applicants are expected to follow the COVID-19 safety guidelines, like wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing hands.