Mistakes to Avoid on the CAT 2024 Exam Day PDF Download

With CAT 2023 exam date approaching, candidates are likely to feel nervous and anxious. This article takes a look at some of the common mistakes that a candidate might make under stress and how they should be avoided on the day of CAT 2023.

Taking the CAT Exam is a daunting experience for many. For the aspiring MBA student, it is the gateway to admission into top-tier business schools in India. Despite the hard work and preparation you put into your preparation for the exam, there are some minor mistakes which can have a major impact on your CAT Exam performance. Knowing the common mistakes to avoid on the day of the exam can help you stay focused, improve your confidence and maximize your chances of success. 

Common CAT 2023 Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid

Provided below are the most common mistakes that MBA aspirants make subconsciously or due to exam anxiety. Go through the list of CAT exam day mistakes to avoid mentioned below.

1. Showing up Late

• CAT 2023 will be split up into three separate sessions. 
• Each of them will have their own specified reporting and exam times that'll be given on the CAT 2023 admit card. 
• It's essential to know when to arrive at the exam centre and not be late, as a hectic commotion can occur and even hinder your performance. 
• Make sure to pack what you need in advance and get a good night's rest. 

For your reference, here are the reporting and exam times for the CAT 2023 exam.

2. Not Checking Seating Arrangements in Advance

• Candidates must find their assigned seats as soon as they arrive at the CAT 2023 exam venue. 
• To prevent crowding at any one location under any circumstance, lab numbers will not be displayed outside the CAT exam centre. 
• Bar code readers were available to scan the CAT admit card at the time of entry. 
• Candidates will receive information on the hall/lab number at the same time. In case you face any trouble while finding your allocated seat, take help from the invigilator.

3. Not Following the CAT Dress Code

• It is very important to wear clothes as per the CAT guidelines and instructions. 
• Metal objects, jewelry, and ornaments are not allowed in the examination hall. 
• Also, candidates should not wear closed footwear, belts, jackets, and clothes with pockets.

Also Read: CAT 2023: Dress Code To Follow On The Exam Day

4. Carrying Electronic Gadgets

• Gadgets such as smartphones, Bluetooth/wireless devices, headphones, beepers, calculators, etc. are not allowed in the examination hall. 
• Also, stationary or food items are prohibited. 
• Any student found in the possession of any of the aforementioned things will be disqualified from the exam.

5. Not Carrying Important Documents

• It is of utmost importance to carry a hard copy of the CAT admit card, a valid photo ID for verification, Medical Certificates & Scribe Affidavit (for PwD candidates), name change documents, and all the prerequisites prescribed by the conducting body. 
• Applicants will not be allowed to enter the examination hall without the important documents. A digital copy of the admit card or photocopy of the ID proof will not be allowed.

Also Read: Important Documents to Carry on CAT 2023 Exam Day

6. Not Getting Documents Checked

• It is imperative that you bring all the required documents and have them verified before entering the exam hall. 
• Don't forget to attach a passport-sized photo and sign the attendance sheet. 
• Make sure to bring your admit card, valid identification card issued by the Government of India, applicable medical certificates, and any other documents that are necessary.

7. Not Completing the Biometric Verification Process

• After finishing the document verification process, all applicants must go through the biometric verification step before they can take the exam on the day of the CAT 2023. 
• At the verification stage, they must sign the attendance sheet and have their left thumb impression and picture taken. 
• Females should take special note to not put henna on their hands as this could make the biometric verification process more challenging. 
• It is essential to avoid this mistake on the day of the exam.

8. Not Reading the Questions Properly

• Time is a challenge for CAT applicants, however, it is very crucial to read every question patiently and understand its essence.
• Not scanning the questions can result in the intake of insufficient or wrong information which can result in incorrect answers. 
• Make sure you have a clear head while taking the exam so that you can interpret the questions well and give the correct answer. 
• Try to keep calm and focus on your screen.

Also Read: 5 Techniques for Managing Your Time Effectively During the CAT Exam

The Importance of Time Management in the CAT Exam

7 Tips for Managing CAT exam preparation Stress

9. Rushing Too Much

• Making haste just to attempt the entire paper is one of the most common mistakes candidates make which should be avoided at any cost. 
• It is always advisable to properly assess the paper instead of mindlessly attempting the questions. 
• Rushing to solve answers is not an ideal way to approach the questions. 
• The CAT exam has negative markings; thus giving incorrect responses can lower your score and ruin your exam. 
• Be mindful and take your time to read every question carefully so that you can give correct and thoughtful answers. 

10. Not Staying Motivated

• In order to increase your self-assurance and reduce tension, holding on to your motivation and having faith in your CAT prep is key. 
• Avoid staring at the clock as it can consume a lot of your time. 
• Anxieties and uncertainties about the exam can divert your attention and adversely influence your outcome. 
• Nerves can often create a foggy mind, leaving you struggling to answer questions. 
• Make sure to go into the exam with a positive outlook, and attempt each problem with self-belief. 
• Get a good night's rest before the test so that you can stay sharp and feel rejuvenated.

11. Spending a Lot of Time on One Question

• Spending too much time on every question can lead to a lack of time in the end which can affect the final performance of an individual. 
• If any question is appearing as confusing or tricky, take a deep breath and go through it again. 
• If you are still unable to comprehend it, move on to the next question. 
• Aspirants must not waste a lot of time on the difficult questions, instead, they must try winding up the questions they are most confident about.

12. Not Recognizing the Importance of Time

• Because there is no turning back to a section that has already been completed, in addition to finishing the test, one must also deal with the challenge of finishing the assigned portion in the allotted time. 
• Therefore, while facing the paper, candidates must be aware of the time restriction and how they will handle it. 
• Work on your time management abilities as you get ready for CAT 2023. 
• Take as many CAT mock tests as you can to develop your time management skills and learn how to finish the full examination within the allotted time.

Also Read: 5 Techniques for Managing Your Time Effectively During the CAT Exam

The Importance of Time Management in the CAT Exam

7 Tips for Managing CAT exam preparation Stress

13. Not Reading the Instructions Displayed on the Screen

• After logging in to the system, a set of instructions will pop up on the screen. 
• Read the guidelines and instructions carefully and follow them carefully in order to avoid any mistakes. 
• Missing out on anything important may lead you into trouble.

Also Read: CAT 2023: Exam Day Do’s & Dont’s

14.  Guessing the Answer

• In the CAT exam, guessing is not a good technique because each incorrect attempt results in a loss of 1 mark. 
• It is preferable to not respond to the questions than to respond to them improperly. The CAT exam does not allow for speculation

15. Not Using the Rough Sheet

• Candidates will receive five rough sheets when they arrive at the exam centre to complete the calculation task. 
• Before the entire two hours have passed, candidates won't be permitted to leave. 
• Candidates who answer the questions on the desk, in their hands, or elsewhere will be subjected to punishment. 
• Candidates are only allowed to use the sheets provided by the invigilator for their rough work. 
• The invigilator instructs candidates to write their names and registration IDs on blank sheets of paper. 
• Make sure you return the rough sheets before exiting the exam hall.

General Instructions for CAT 2023 Examination

Candidates appearing for the CAT 2022 examination must keep in mind the following instructions:

• After 8:15 AM for slot 1, after 12:15 for slot 2, and after 4:15 PM for slot 3, do not request access to the CAT test centre. The candidate's exam will be canceled.
• Devices of any kind are not allowed in the exam lab. If it happens, the candidate will not be allowed to take the test.
• Any effort to cheat or copy answers from peers is forbidden and will result in the cancellation of the paper.
• Stay away from any disputes with the test centre staff or applicants.
• Never use the keyboard throughout the exam; doing so will lock your computer.
• Except in case of a medical emergency, requests for bio-breaks inside the exam lab will not be granted.
• On the day of the exam, there will be no consideration for requests to switch to the test centre, console, or lab.
• There won't be any extra writing pads provided to the candidates, so don't waste any pages.
• After the examination, it is not permitted to take any pages from the given writing pad outside the exam centre.
• Applying henna or mehndi on the palm side will make it difficult to obtain the candidate's biometric fingerprint, which is necessary to access the testing facility.