CAT 2026 Prohibited Items: What Not to Carry - Check Full Details
CAT 2026 prohibited items include mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, electronic gadgets, books, notes and other unauthorised materials. The candidates sitting for CAT 2026 on November 29 need to go through the rules that will be provided on the day of the exam in order to prevent any difficulties.
CAT exams have tight security measures. Bringing any banned objects in the exam venue may result in being denied access to the exam center or being subject to some form of punishment based on the nature of the violation.
CAT 2026 Prohibited Items: What Not to Carry to the Exam Centre?
The following items are generally restricted under CAT examination rules.
| Prohibited Items | Details |
| Mobile Phones | Smartphones and other mobile communication devices |
| Smartwatches and Watches | Smartwatches, digital watches and wristwatches |
| Calculators | Personal calculators and electronic calculating devices |
| Electronic Gadgets | Bluetooth devices, earphones, headphones and similar accessories |
| Books and Notes | Textbooks, handwritten notes, study material and loose papers |
| Bags and Wallets | Handbags, backpacks, wallets and similar personal belongings |
| Jewellery and Accessories | Jewellery and accessories restricted under exam-centre instructions |
| Stationery | Personal pens, pencils, erasers and other unauthorised stationery |
Candidates should avoid bringing unnecessary belongings because storage facilities may not be available at the examination centre.
What Items Are Allowed at the CAT 2026 Exam Centre?
A candidate is supposed to bring only those documents that are allowed under the official guidelines for CAT 2026.
| Items | Instructions |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | Carry a printed copy as instructed |
| Original Photo ID | Carry an accepted, valid original identification document |
| Photograph | Carry one only if required by the admit card instructions |
| Medical or Accessibility Items | Follow the applicable approval and documentation requirements |
It is important that the name and all other details as mentioned in the admit card be consistent with the one mentioned on the identity document.
Are Calculators and Rough Sheets Allowed in CAT 2026?
A personal calculator should not be brought to the CAT exam hall by the candidates. CAT has historically offered its candidates with an onscreen calculator which comes in the computer-based test mode.
It is advisable for the candidates not to use any rough sheets except the ones provided at the exam center. Personal notebooks are strictly prohibited.
For complete information on CAT 2026 Calculator rules, Stationery and Rough Sheets, candidates must refer to their CAT Admit Card.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must observe the following measures prior to the visit to the examination center:
- Confirm the reporting time and venue of the exam from the admit card.
- Bring with you the necessary admit card and photo ID proof.
- Do not bring mobiles, smartwatches, calculators and other study materials.
- Avoid wearing excess jewelry and accessories.
- Observe the security measures given by the examination authority.
- Know about the guidelines regarding dress code, medical assistance and accessibility issues.
Candidates should not consider their personal belongings safe at the center.
What Happens If You Carry a Prohibited Item in CAT 2026?
In case a candidate is carrying a restricted object, the examination officials might ask him/her to leave the item outside the examination venue. Possession or use of unauthorized objects in the examination hall could invite penalty according to the concerned CAT guidelines.
To stay clear from such problems, students need to ensure that they carry nothing except what is needed for taking the test.
The most updated information can be found on the CAT 2026 official website www.iimcat.ac.in along with the CAT 2026 admit card.
Candidates must carry only necessary items during CAT 2026 examination day. It would be helpful to have a look at the prohibited items list beforehand.
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👉 Also Check - CAT Free Study Material
CAT and OMETs study material 2026. Download sample papers, mock tests, previous year papers, chapter-wise PYQs and mind maps for complete exam preparation.
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| CAT Study Material 2026 | CAT Sample Paper |
| CAT Mock Test | CAT Previous Year Question Paper |
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