The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2020 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29 in three shifts for admission of aspiring candidates to postgraduate management programmes (MBA) across the country. The first shift is supposed to be conducted between 8:30 am and 10:30 am, followed by the second from 12: 30 pm to 2:30 pm and subsequently the third between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The Indian Institute of Management - IIM Indore is the conducting body of CAT 2020 and has released a ‘Common Admission Test 2020 Test Day Workflow for Candidates’ containing CAT exam day guidelines and a COVID-19 advisory which are to be followed strictly by all candidates and staff at the CAT 2020 exam centres. IIM Indore has also issued some important instructions for CAT 2020 examination including the dos and don’ts for the exam based on which, IIMs and all other premier institutions of management in India will conduct their admission process for 2020-22 session in MBA and PGDM courses.

Being the initial step to make the dream come true of many students who aspire to study in various IIMs across India so, the CAT examination is important for the participating candidates to be aware of the Dos and Don’ts of the examinations for qualifying the first step successfully. The CAT 2020 exam day instructions, rules and other guidelines are mentioned below in this article.

• Aspirants taking the CAT 2020 on November 29 should reach their exam centres well in advance. “Candidates are advised to reach the Test center at least 30 minutes prior to Gate closure time,” read a statement from the CAT 2020 Test Day workflow.
• The candidates are informed that they are not allowed to carry or wear jackets, shoes, jewellery, watch, mobile phone, bag, electronic gadgets, wallets and stationery items.
• Candidates should carry the CAT admit card on the CAT 2020 exam date. The CAT admit card 2020 contains details of the candidates including names, CAT application numbers, PwD status, and day and date of CAT, test time and session, CAT 2020 reporting time, and details of the test city and CAT 2020 exam centre.
• Candidates should present a proof of identity at the CAT 2020 entry gates. A valid photo identity proof may be a PAN card, driving license, aadhaar card, or aadhaar enrollment form, ration card and passport.
• Print the CAT 2020 admit card on an A4 size Paper. Check if the photo and the signature of the candidate are properly printed. CAT 2020 admit card will not be considered valid if the candidate's photograph and signature images are not clear.
• Though candidates are not allowed to carry any accessories and electronics inside the examination hall, they can take them inside only if they are necessary for their medical health prescribed by an MCI approved doctor. In that case, CAT authority will issue the candidate an authorisation form which is necessary to carry to the examination hall to get the permission.

COVID-19 Guidelines for CAT 2020

The COVID-19 guidelines for CAT 2020 have also been released along with the CAT Admit Card. Candidates must follow the below-mentioned instructions at the CAT exam centres.

• Candidates must maintain social distancing from other candidates as well as the invigilators at the CAT examination centres.
• Wearing a mask is mandatory at all times at the exam centre. Any candidate who is seen without a mask will not be allowed to appear for CAT 2020.
• The conducting authorities with place sanitisers at different places at the examination centres. Frequently touched or visit spaces such as the computer, keyboard, mouse, seats, doors etc. will be thoroughly sanitised before every shift.
• The temperature of the candidate will be taken using a thermo gun at the entrance point of the exam centre. Candidates must consent to get their temperature taken else they would not be allowed to enter. Candidates whose temperature is exceeding the normal limit will not be allowed inside the examination centre.
• Rough sheets will be placed at the desk of the candidate before they enter the examination hall. Candidates can ask for extra sheets during the exam.
• Candidates are required to carry a 50 ml bottle of hand sanitiser with them to the examination centre. They must also carry their personal water bottles as no sharing would be allowed. Candidates must use transparent bottles for the sanitiser as well as drinking water.