CAT Exam Centres 2023: Overview
The CAT Exam is a computer-based MBA entrance exam for applicants seeking admission to IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and other business schools in India.
The CAT (Common Admission Test) Exam centers for 2023 will be announced by the official conducting body through an official notification. Based on the previous year's notification, the CAT exam will be held in approximately 150 cities across India, with Imphal and Srinagar being newly added to the list of test cities for 2023.
- Candidates who apply for the exam must select up to 6 exam centres on the application form based on their accessibility.
- The assigned CAT Exam centre for 2023 will be listed on the admit cards, which will be issued to candidates who apply before the deadline.
- On the designated exam day, candidates must take the CAT at one of the well-equipped computer labs designated for the exam.
- There are around 400 of these labs in total, with over 150 of them conducting the CAT exam.
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How to choose CAT Exam Centres 2023?
The details of CAT exam centres will be mentioned on the CAT website and the name of the CAT 2023 test centre will be indicated on the CAT Admit Card.
- At the time of filling out the CAT Application Form, students have to select the exam city as per their preferences.
- In the wake of the Covid-19, students are advised to follow the guidelines laid down by the government as well as the exam conducting body i.e. IIM.
- In view of Covid-19, candidates are advised to choose a CAT exam center near them as they know well about their local cities. For example, candidates from Haryana should prefer a CAT exam center in the city they live in if available or the one close to them.
Important Points on CAT Test Centres
CAT official website will provide the list of exam cities, and your admit card will include information about CAT exam centres.
Candidates must choose the exam city of their choosing when filling out the CAT application process. Let's look at the information below on CAT Exam centres 2023:
- The candidate will find out which exam center they have been assigned to after receiving their CAT admit card.
- The admit card will provide details about the location of the exam centre for the CAT exam in 2023. It is not possible to change the exam centre after the admit card has been issued.
- The digital version of the admit card will include a Google map to help the candidate locate the exam centre.
Reporting Time at CAT Exam Centres
CAT 2023 Exam will be held in 3 sessions at each centre which are forenoon, afternoon, and evening.
Following are the details regarding reporting time for CAT 2023 exam.
- The forenoon session is from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Reporting time for the forenoon session is 7:30 AM.
- The afternoon session is from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Reporting time for the afternoon session is 11:30 PM.
- The evening session is from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Reporting time for the afternoon session is 3:30 PM.
Entry into the exam centres will end at:
- 8:15 AM for the forenoon session
- 12:15 PM for the afternoon session
- 4:15 PM for the evening session
Documents Required at CAT Exam Centres
The candidates must carry the following documents to their CAT Exam Centre 2023 on exam day.
- A printout of CAT 2023 Admit Card
- COVID-19 Self Declaration form
- Original Id Proof (Voter ID, Passport, Pan Card, Aadhar Card, Driving License, College ID) along with its photocopy
Also Read: CAT Exam Do's and Dont's
State-wise exam Centres for CAT
A comprehensive list of the 150 exam centres for the CAT exam will be available on the official CAT website, https://iimcat.ac.in/, soon.
The list of cities hosting the CAT exam from the prior year is provided for candidates to review.
Kashmir was added as a new CAT exam city by IIM Ahmedabad last year.
States/UTs with only One CAT Test Centre
The official CAT announcement has a complete list of test locations that candidates can view.
The list of states/UTs that hosted the CAT 2022 Exam in only one centre is provided for candidates to review.
CAT Interview Centres
In the later stages of CAT Selection Process, the candidates have to appear for Group Discussions and Personal Interviews. Since Covid-19, the interviews have been conducted in online mode. The following locations for each IIM (before Covid-19) are shown below.
Also Read: Top IIM Personal Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
CAT Exam Centres 2023 Google Map Link Facility
The e-version of the CAT 2023 Admit Card will include a link to a Google map that will show the exact location of the exam center.
- This can be helpful in avoiding any last-minute confusion when travelling to the testing location.
- However, it is recommended that candidates visit the testing facility at least once before the test day.
- If there are any questions about the centre, candidates can use the contact number provided through the same link.
Exam Day Guidelines to be followed at CAT Exam Centre 2023
- The CAT Admit Card will include information about the assigned exam centre, as well as a link to a Google map to help candidates find the location.
- Once an exam center has been assigned, candidates are not able to change it, so it is important to carefully fill out the preferences on the application form.
- At the entrance of the exam center, candidates must present a valid form of identification, such as an Aadhar card, passport, driver's license, PAN card, voter ID, college ID, employer ID, or identification affidavit.
- Only the admit card and a valid form of identification are allowed inside the exam center.
- Candidates will be required to remove their shoes before entering the test room and are not allowed to bring watches, jewelry, or technological devices into the exam center.
- It is recommended that candidates arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes before the gate closes.
- The reporting time for the exam should be checked again the day before the test.
- The CAT application number will be used as the primary reference for the candidate's identity and can be used to locate the exam lab or console at the exam center.
Do's for CAT 2023 Candidates
- Print the CAT admit card on the A4 size paper
- Candidates must affix a photograph in the space provided on CAT admit card 2023
- Before reaching the CAT exam centres 2023, make sure you have your CAT 2023 admit card in hard copy and original ID proof
- Use the google map link (embedded on the e-admit card) to locate the CAT 2023 exam centres
- Reporting time for the Forenoon session is 7:00 am, for the Afternoon session is 11:00 am, and for the Evening session is 3:00 pm ( tentative)
- Candidates are requested to remain silent and in queue while-
- Entry at the CAT exam centres 2023
- Document verification
- IRIS and photo capture
- Temperature checking with thermal gun
- Leaving the CAT exam centre
- Making attendance with a signature on the form provided is mandatory
- Handover the CAT admit card to the invigilator once the exam is over
- Return the writing pad once the exam is over
- Cooperate with Test Center staff
- Use the mouse to answer MCQ questions and use the on-screen keyboard to answer TITA questions
Don'ts for Candidates
- Do not carry any prohibited items inside the CAT 2023 exam centres
- Avoid attempting CAT 2023 more than once for the same session
- Do not involve in any argument with fellow candidates/staff
- Do not use the keyboard as this will lock your system
- Do not waste the writing pad provided
- Do not attempt to copy/cheat answers
- Do not take away any pages from the writing pad
- Do not request a bio-break unless a medical emergency
Also Refer to the following articles given by EduRev for more clarity on
Which photo ID card should I carry along with CAT admit card to the exam centre?
Candidate must carry “Any one of the original and valid Photo Identification Proof issued by the government” – PAN card/Driving License/Voter ID/12th Class Board Admit or Registration card/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/ E-Aadhaar/ Ration Card./ Aadhaar Enrolment No.
Also Refer to the Exam Day Do's and Dont's to ensure you have a smooth experience on the exam day.
Can I change my CAT exam centre after the admit card has been issued?
Unfortunately, the candidates cannot make any changes to their CAT exam centre once the admit card has been issued. This is a steadfast rule and cannot be altered under any circumstances.
Does the CAT admit card contain Google map link of the exam centre?
CAT 2023 candidates can use the embedded Google map link on their admit card to easily locate the exam centre assigned to them. The exam venues have been assigned to candidates based on their preferred city and availability.
In case I forget to carry my CAT 2023 admit card to the exam centre, can I show a digital copy of it?
Candidates must bring an original hard copy of the admit card to the exam rather than a photocopy or Xerox. The invigilator at the exam centre will not accept a digital copy of your admit card. Bring a valid ID proof with you when you go for verification.
When should I start preparing for CAT 2023?
As CAT 2023 is expected to be held in the last week of November, the best time to start preparing for the exam is in March. Starting early provides students with ample time to cover all the necessary topics and practice important concepts. Additionally, starting early also gives students enough time to identify and address any areas of weakness, which can be crucial for success on the CAT.
EduRev's CAT Exam preparation course is tailored to meet the needs of students at all levels. Whether you're just starting your CAT preparation or looking to fine-tune your skills, EduRev has the resources you need to succeed. The program includes expert video lectures, practice questions, and mock tests, all of which are designed to help students achieve their best possible scores on the CAT.