CAT Dress Code: What to Wear and What Not to Wear, Grooming Guidelines

2 minute read

Ankita Banerjee

Update on 29 Nov, 2025, 06:14 PM IST

The CAT exam is an important day for every MBA aspirant, and what students wear can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident they feel. The dress code for CAT is simple, but it’s important to follow it carefully because exam centres have strict rules. To help students avoid any confusion on the morning of the exam, here is a clear and student-friendly guide to what they should and shouldn’t wear.

 

Table of Contents
  1. What to Wear?
  2. What Not to Wear?
  3. Grooming Guidelines
  4. Final Words

 

What to Wear?

When choosing students’ outfits for the CAT 2025 Exam, comfort should be their first priority. Pick something simple and easy to move in. Here are the recommended choices:

  • Plain T-shirt or shirt without too many pockets
  • Comfortable jeans, trousers, or leggings
  • Lightweight sweaters or sweatshirts, if needed
  • Simple shoes or sandals without heavy designs

Make sure students’ clothes have minimal pockets, as the staff may check them during frisking. Light and breathable fabrics will help them stay comfortable throughout the two-hour exam.

 

What Not to Wear?

CAT has a strict no-accessory and no-extra-layer policy to maintain security. Avoid wearing:

  • Smartwatches, fitness bands, or any digital devices
  • Jewellery, including earrings, chains, bangles, rings, and anklets
  • Caps, scarves, stoles, or mufflers
  • Heavy jackets or coats (unless weather requires and allowed by the centre)
  • Shoes with thick soles or boots
  • Full-sleeve shirts with large cuffs

The goal is to keep candidates’ clothing simple and free from anything that may cause delays at the security check.

 

Read: CAT 2025 Exam Centres

 

Grooming Guidelines

To ensure a smooth checking process, keep these small things in mind:

  • Avoid heavy makeup or accessories
  • Tie hair neatly if it’s long
  • Keep pockets empty
  • Don’t carry wallets or belts with metal buckles

Simple grooming helps reduce time at the entry checks and keeps students comfortable throughout the exam.

 

Final Words

The CAT dress code is all about keeping things simple, clean, and comfortable. Wearing something light and hassle-free will help students stay focused on the exam instead of worrying about security restrictions. Choose an outfit that lets them stay relaxed and confident.

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