CAT Admit Card Checklist: What Information Should You Verify on the Hall Ticket?

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta is set to release the CAT Admit Card 2024 today, November 5, 2024. Registered candidates can download their CAT hall tickets from the official IIM CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, as soon as it becomes available.
The admit card will remain accessible on the website until the day of the exam. The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted on November 24 across approximately 170 cities, with test centres set up in each location. The candidates should ensure that they have their hall tickets ready and carefully reviewed. The admit card is more than just a ticket to enter the examination hall—it’s a crucial document that holds essential details that can affect your experience on exam day. Here’s a complete checklist to verify each detail on your CAT admit card so you can enter the exam confidently.

Personal Details

Name: Ensure that your name is spelled correctly and matches the name on your identification documents. A mismatch in name or spelling error could lead to unnecessary verification hassles at the exam centre.
Photograph and Signature: Verify that the photo and signature on the admit card are clear and recognizable. This visual verification helps exam invigilators match you with the admit card details. Blurry or distorted images may lead to complications at entry, so contact the CAT authorities immediately if you spot an issue.
Application Number and Roll Number: These unique identification numbers are essential for your records and help the exam authorities identify you. Ensure these numbers are visible and match those you received during registration.
Date of Birth: Verify that your date of birth is accurate on the admit card, as it must align with the information in your ID. Errors in this detail could cause delays or identity verification issues.
Caste Category Status: If you have applied under any reservation category, confirm that your caste category status is correctly mentioned on the admit card. This information is critical for candidates applying under SC, ST, OBC, or EWS categories.
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) Status: If applicable, check that your PwD status is correctly indicated on the admit card. This is necessary for candidates requiring specific accommodations at the exam centre.

Exam Day Details

Exam Date and Time: The CAT exam is conducted in multiple slots. Verify the date and time mentioned on your admit card to avoid any confusion. Re-checking the time, especially if you’re appearing for multiple management entrance exams, is crucial.
Reporting Time: Most CAT centres follow strict entry timings, and candidates must arrive well in advance of the exam start time. The reporting time allows for the completion of necessary formalities, such as checking identification and undergoing security checks. Late arrivals might not be allowed entry, so make note of the reporting time and aim to arrive a few minutes earlier.

Exam Centre Details

Venue Address: CAT is conducted across numerous locations, so confirm the exact address and pin code of your allocated test centre mentioned on the hall ticket. It’s a good idea to map out the centre in advance and even visit the location a day or two before the exam if possible. The objective is to familiarize yourself with the area.
Exam Centre Code: The exam centre code serves as a quick identifier for the authorities to match you to the correct location. Check if this code mentioned on the CAT admit card matches your intended centre.

Important Instructions

Allowed and Prohibited Items: Your CAT admit card will include guidelines on items permitted and prohibited in the examination hall. Generally, you can only bring the admit card, a government-issued photo ID, and perhaps a few other specified items. Bags, books, mobile phones, calculators, and watches with smart functions are usually restricted.
COVID-19 Protocols: Post-pandemic, some centres may still have specific health protocols. Ensure you check any mask requirements, social distancing guidelines, or hand sanitization rules if applicable.

Emergency Contact Information

CAT hall ticket also contains emergency helpline numbers for exam-day issues. Keep these contacts handy, as they can assist in case of technical issues with the admit card, unexpected delays, or last-minute queries regarding exam instructions.

What To Do If There’s an Issue on Your Admit Card

If you discover any error or discrepancy in the information on your CAT admit card, reach out to the CAT helpdesk or the exam authorities as soon as possible. Delaying could mean limited options for correction, so don’t hesitate to seek immediate clarification.
Taking a few minutes to thoroughly review your CAT admit card can significantly reduce your stress on exam day, allowing you to focus fully on the test itself. A well-prepared candidate is a confident candidate—start your CAT exam on the right foot by ensuring your admit card is flawless!