I hope most of you are aware of the fact that the CAT 2020 admit card has been released on the IIMCAT website. Given the pandemic, conducting a competitive exam with over 2 lakh candidates spread across various test centers is understandably a daunting task. This is why IIMCAT has come up with a set of guidelines for all candidates to follow, in order to ensure that the examination is conducted smoothly. Here are the CAT 2020 Admit Card guidelines.
CAT 2020 Admit Card Guidelines
A few of the CAT’s test centre guidelines and examination guidelines have been modified to account for the pandemic and ensure the safety of the candidates.
1. Candidates must maintain social distance starting from point of entry in the test venue till their exit from the test venue.
Now, all of us can understand that no matter what the circumstances are, almost everyone has been aching to get out there, socialize (not me) and just enjoy the freedom of it all.
Still, it behooves me to tell you that this exam, is all about you and your preparation. Your dreams. There is absolutely no need to discuss how tough the exam will be, or what colleges you are aiming for, at the time of the exam.
I only say this in order to impress upon you the seriousness of the pandemic (if it hasn’t already been embedded into your minds).
Now, how should you be prepared?
2. Candidate must bring their own Mask, Gloves, personal hand sanitizer (50ml), transparent water Bottle, 2 simple pens and the test related documents (Admit Card, ID Card etc.). No other items will be permitted inside the test venue.
Previously, all the examination centers for CAT provided pens for the candidate’s use, but it is simple to see the risks involved with continuing this practice this year.
Kindly bring your own masks (please wear it so that it covers your nose and mouth properly; a lot of us seem to be wearing our masks like neck braces or scarves), your own personal hand sanitizer (50 ml), a transparent water bottle (washed and cleaned thoroughly), gloves, 2 simple pens, and other test related documents such as your Admit Card and ID Card for example.
Note that no other items will be permitted inside the test venue.
3. Candidate must sign the declaration (bottom of the admit card) appropriately and show the same to the centre staff at the entry into the test centre.
Now, it is undoubtedly important for us to think as individuals, but there are times when we must think as a species. Fill your heart with compassion and be kind to everyone. Be honest while you sign this declaration, and the staff will do their best to accommodate your needs. 🙂
4. The temperature of candidates will be checked at the entry to the test venue via a Thermo Gun.
As alarming as that sounds, this ‘gun’ will simply test your temperature before your entry into the test venue.
I implore every one of you not to mask any ailments by taking a paracetamol or calpol. Your dreams are of utmost importance, yes, but achieving them by putting countless others at risk of death is tantamount to intentional recklessness and a lack of empathy. Please be honest.
5. Candidates having symptoms of fever, cough, and cold would be made to sit in a separate isolation room/place with adequate safety measures.
You will be provided for by the staff within the aforementioned separate room. Sometimes, humans tend to feel awful for being excluded this way but you know what? If you’re genuinely suffering from the ailments listed above on the day of your exam, and are made to sit separately… take advantage of the peace and quiet in that room. There will be a dramatic decrease in mouse-clicking, pen scratching and murmuring.
Please don’t get yourself sick on purpose upon reading this 😛
6. Mapping of ‘Candidate Application Number and the Lab Number’ will NOT be displayed outside the test venue, but the same will be provided to the candidates individually at the time of the entry of the candidate to the test venue, and post their Admit Card and Photo Identification Proof verification.
This is one of the major changes that the CAT 2020 will witness. Post the temperature check and ID + Admit Card verification, you will be provided with your application and lab number. So, just follow the instructions of the test centre personnel.
7. Candidates need to follow directions given by the test centre representatives during the entry and exit in the test centre.
If you are confused, politely ask the staff for help and maintain social distancing while doing so. Remember, they are also people just doing their jobs.
8. At the registration desk, the candidate will be directed to sanitize their hands using the sanitizer. Photographs will be captured during the registration process.
9. Candidates will be under the CCTV surveillance throughout the test duration.
Panopticon Gaze anyone? Seriously though, do your best and put your inner Pinocchio to sleep. 🙂
10. Candidates are required to report at the test venue strictly as per the time slot mentioned in the admit card AND/OR informed via SMS on their registered mobile number prior to testing date. It is expected that candidate strictly adhere to this time slot – as entry into the test center will be provided based upon the individual’s time slot ONLY.
Be punctual. It is better to be a bit early than a bit late.
Bear in mind that these CAT 2020 Admit Card guidelines are as much for you as they are for everyone else taking the CAT. Follow the rules properly, stay safe and remember, the CAT is just an exam. Your life is more valuable than it.
And for heaven’s sake, take the self-declaration section in the admit card very seriously. Once you’ve followed these crucial guidelines, focus on acing the paper! 🙂
Check out this article in order to learn some final preparation strategies for the CAT Exam!
Stay Safe and Best Wishes for CAT 2020!
Written by Saahil R Bhatt.
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