How to Use Calculator in CAT Exam 2025? Is it Allowed?

How to Use Calculator in CAT Exam 2025? The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a challenging exam for individuals wishing to pursue MBA programs in India. As the 2025 exam approaches, it's critical to grasp the resources that can assist you boost your score. One useful tool is the on-screen calculator, which was added in 2015 and allows you to perform simple calculations throughout the test. This calculator makes answering math questions easier.

The inclusion of an on-screen calculator has transformed how you approach quantitative sections. Understanding how to use this tool successfully will help you do better and save time on exams.

Tips on How to Use Calculator in CAT Exam 2025?

Even though an on-screen calculator is allowed in the CAT exam, you are advised to know how to use a calculator in the CAT Exam 2025. You must make sure that you utilise the calculator judiciously.

The calculator can prove to be quite helpful to you if used properly, but at the same time can create problems too if not used with caution. Here are some tips and instructions on how to use a calculator in CAT exam 2025.

1. Practice using an On-screen Calculator

On-screen calculators are rarely used by any of us during our daily lives. Using an on-screen calculator can be a tedious task especially if you do not know your way around it since you need to input the data with the help of a computer mouse and not buttons.

Since you are familiar with physical calculators more so than on-screen/online calculators, using an on-screen calculator with ease and agility will require lots of practice on the student’s part. 

You should practice using on-screen calculators regularly for doing your calculations when either preparing for CAT or when giving mock tests so that you are comfortable with the on-screen calculators during CAT.

Also Read: What is A Good CAT Score? Cutoff for IIMs and Non-IIMs

2. Know How to Use the On-screen Calculator

You must know how to use the On-screen calculator provided in the CAT exam to avoid any kind of issues and complications in the examination hall itself. The basic functionality of the On-screen calculator provided in CAT is the same as that of a normal calculator and you have to put the numbers in using the buttons on the screens and obtain your answers.

Also Read: Top 10 Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in India

3. Note Down Everything

When you realise that a calculation is too difficult to accomplish on your own and you need the help of a calculator to do the same, it is natural for you to feel insecure about your answers. In situations like these, you must remember to note down important details and numbers so that you do not waste time second-guessing everything. 

You may often feel confused even after obtaining answers to calculations done on a calculator and this leads to you wasting precious time during the CAT exam, noting down the answers and important parts of the question in the notepad provided for rough work can help eliminate this problem.

Also Read: Major Advantages of taking CAT Entrance Examination

4. Identify Questions Which Require the Use of a Calculator in CAT 2025

While dealing with the question how to use calculator in CAT exam, you must know when to use it. Additionally, we know you are under a strict time limit when appearing for CAT and any time spent in vain can become very costly to a candidate.

You need to make sure that you take every decision with care and that every decision should be final.  This rule should be followed regarding the use of a calculator during CAT too, you must read every question thoroughly before attempting to answer it and must make sure that you know whether you will need a calculator to find the answer.

You are bound to suffer from panic and stress during the examination if you realize that you need a calculator halfway through solving a particular question.

Also Read: How to Score 95 Percentile in CAT?

5. Improve your Mental Calculations

CAT aspirants must remember that the calculator provided to the examinees is for situations where you are not able to proceed with a question on your own and need help with calculations. One of the primary objectives of CAT is to test your performance under pressure and if you have to use a calculator for every other question, your performance is bound to be lacking.

You must make sure that your mental maths and ability to do instant calculations are at their peak when appearing for CAT 2025 and to use the calculator only when absolutely necessary.

You may be unaware of the kind of facilities and computer system that will be provided at their examination centre for CAT, and sometimes relying on the on-screen calculator can be risky and time-consuming. 

Also Read: Things and Documents to Carry at CAT Exam 2025

Is Calculator Allowed in CAT 2025?

Is Calculator Allowed in CAT 2025? is a common yet very pressing question; the inclusion of complicated topics in the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections, the aid of a calculator is something that every CAT examinee needs. Carrying a physical calculator is barred inside the examination hall.

Nonetheless, the syllabus for CAT 2025 is vast. It includes complicated topics from the 10+2 mathematics syllabus and problematic data analysis questions.

Even though students are expected to prepare rigorously before the CAT exam, a particular candidate might need to be more familiar with such topics because they do not have mathematics as a part of their 10+2 core subjects.

As students from every stream of subjects are eligible to appear for CAT, it is important to consider students who didn't study maths and also keeping in mind the time constraints put in place.

Also Read: When is the Best Time for CAT 2025 Preparation?

CAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions

The CAT exam 2025 is a huge and important event for management aspirants all across India, candidates begin their preparations for CAT as early as a year before the examination day, in many cases even earlier.

CAT exam preparation is not the only requirement that a candidate needs to meet when appearing for CAT, a candidate must follow certain basic instructions put forth by the examination conducting authorities to have a smooth and fair examination for all the candidates.

The instructions for candidates to follow on the day of the CAT 2025 exam are as follows:

• Carry important items: A candidate must make sure to carry important items like CAT exam admit card, photo identity proof, etc.
• Follow the dress code: A candidate is required to follow a certain dress code when appearing for CAT. A candidate must make sure to follow this dress code to avoid any kind of hassle during the examination.
• Do not carry any barred items: Any kind of electronic gadgets, bags, keys, jewellery, watches, wallets, etc. are prohibited inside the CAT exam centre. A student must not be in possession of any such item.
• Maintain the decorum of the examination hall: A student must remember to behave properly and not engage in any kind of interaction or malpractice with other candidates. Any kind of irregularities found regarding a candidate will lead to the outright cancellation of that candidate’s exam.

Appearing for CAT 2025 can be a very stressful ordeal, especially when taking the exam for the first time. Various questions, doubts and issues regarding the exam can surface in the minds of the candidates and lead to panic and anxiety.

You should always remember to keep a calm and composed mind and focus on your preparation and on performing your best at all times when appearing for CAT.

Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching?

Importance of Using the On-Screen Calculator

The on-screen calculator can be useful for a variety of reasons.

1. Time Management: It aids in the speedy completion of complex computations, allowing candidates to focus on problem-solving rather than laborious calculations.
2. Error Reduction: The calculator reduces the possibility of errors that may arise while performing manual calculations, particularly under time restrictions.
3. Confidence Boost: For applicants who struggle with numbers, owning a calculator can boost confidence and minimise anxiety during exams.