The CAT examination is one of the most difficult and competitive exams held in India. The examination helps students get into some of the best business schools in the country. The CAT examination consists of several sections and questions which would require complex solving abilities. Calculators are very helpful for performing basic calculations on the examination. This article answers the question if calculators are allowed on the CAT exam along with other important details as well.
Calculators In CAT 2025 Explained
To be straight forward, yes, calculators are allowed to be used by students in the CAT examination. Calculators can help students in the Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning sections of the CAT examination. They can help reduce time on complex quantitative questions and ensure students have lesser scope to make calculation mistakes on a high-stakes exam such as CAT.
However, while students are allowed to use a calculator on the CAT exam, they are not allowed to bring their own. Calculators for the CAT exam are provided for students through the on-screen calculators. These calculators have fairly limited functionality but can still be of help for students to perform calculations needed for the questions on the CAT exam.
The on-screen calculator provided for students on the CAT exam will be able to perform key functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Furthermore, the calculator will also be able to perform other useful functions such as reciprocals and square roots.
Also Read: Download CAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key
How to Use the Calculator on the CAT Exam?
Understanding how to use the calculator on the CAT exam is very useful for students. Not only will they know what to expect when they give the actual CAT exam, but they will also know how to use the on-screen calculators provided for other exams which provide similar calculators as well.
Some tips to use the CAT exam on-screen calculator are as follows:
- Understand the Interface: The calculator’s interface can be difficult to understand at the first go. It is recommended for students to familiarize themselves with the interface of the calculator beforehand in order to not make any mistakes when giving the CAT exam. The interface consists of a standard keypad with buttons indicating functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and square roots.
- Read Instructions: When giving the CAT exam, students will be provided with an instruction guide on how to use the calculator. It is very important for students to properly read the instructions provided to them carefully to avoid making any errors.
- Keep Track of Time:It is important that during the CAT examination students do not spend too much time trying to calculate answers for one question. Time is of the essence on an exam like CAT, students must not waste too much time in case they get stuck on one question.
- Double-Check Answers: Students should use the calculator at the end of the exam to double-check all mathematical-related questions. While double-checking during the exam can be helpful, if students take too much time, they can potentially miss-out on attempting several questions.
CAT 2025 Important Dates
There are several important dates for students to keep in mind about the CAT 2025 examination. Keeping up with these dates ensures students are updated on all key events and deadlines about the CAT exam.
The important dates are as follows:
Event | Dates (tentative) |
CAT 2025 Notification Out | 30th July 2025 |
CAT 2025 Registration Date | 1st week of August - 3rd week of September 2025 |
CAT Form Correction | Last Week of September 2025 |
CAT 2025 Admit Card Release | First Week November 2025 |
CAT Exam Date | 30th November 2025 |
CAT 2025 Answer Key Release | First Week of December 2025 |
CAT 2025 Results | December 2025 |
Students Can Also Read: CAT Shortcut Techniques for Reading Comprehension
