Update – The story has been edited to add new information released by IIM about the CAT 2021 dress code.
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are all set to conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2021 examination on November 28, 2021. The exam will be held at specific centres across country through the pen-and-paper format. Admit cards for the same have already been released on the official website iimcat.ac.in.In addition to last-minute preparations, all candidates are expected to follow the rules and regulations mentioned in their CAT 2021 admit card. A part of these rules is pertaining to the exam dress code. Here’s what a candidate should note –
The admit card of CAT 2021 and the test day guide mentions the CAT 2021 dress code. As per it, there are the following limitations to what boys and girls can and cannot wear –
- Do not wear shoes or footwear with thick soles
- Do not have large buttons on the clothes
- You can wear the following –
- Socks
- Pullover without pockets
- Sweaters without pockets
- Cardigans without pockets
- Those who have a metal implant, pacemaker need to bring a medical certificate.
In the past, several candidates had reported to the IIM CAT centre wearing shoes. On reporting to the centre, they were asked to remove their shoes and attempt the exam barefoot. In fact, shoes or footwear with thick soles was a strict no-no. Although this ruling wasn’t followed in all past exam sessions, some students have reported about being forced to appear for the exam barefoot.
The only reason behind prohibiting footwear with thick soles is to prevent any illicit, prohibitory behavior during the IIM CAT exam. So, all candidates appearing for the exam this year are instructed to wear sandals or slippers to the exam. This footwear is not likely to get rejected by the CAT 2021 authorities present at the exam.
The IIM CAT 2021 admit card also specifies a few instructions pertaining to the dress code. In addition to shoes with thick soles, a garment having large buttons is also not permitted. Other than this, candidates can wear their preferred comfortable clothing to the exam. But they will have to wear their mask and gloves at all times.
The reason behind specifying a dress code is twofold – 1. to prevent cheating, note-carrying or other prohibited behavior to the exam and 2. maintaining the decorum of the exam. After all, IIM CAT 2021 is a national-level entrance exam. So, it becomes all the more important to maintain decency and professionalism at the centre by wearing suitable clothing.
A trick to maintain the perfect IIM CAT 2021 dress code is to keep it simple. A simple t-shirt or top over a pair of jeans and scandals is the best outfit for the exam. Of course, religious and ethnic groups can wear their chosen attire. However, most students must stick to simple attire to reduce their chances of getting into trouble due to outfit issues. Moreover, candidates must also keep the prevailing weather conditions in mind while deciding their attire for the exam. Any mishap here may affect an individual performance in the exam.
