In recent years, the XAT 2025 exam does not have a separate essay writing section, though essay writing used to be part of the exam until 2018.

Marking Scheme

• Total Questions: 95 questions.

• Time Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) in total, with no sectional time limit.

• Scoring: Each correct answer earns one mark, and there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. However, unattempted questions beyond a certain limit (8 questions) attract a penalty of 0.10 marks per question.

Section-Wise Syllabus

There are totally four sections included in the XAT 2025 Exam Syllabus. Here is a breakdown of the sections in detail.

a) Verbal and Logical Ability (VA & LR)

This section assesses the candidate’s language and reasoning skills. Reading, critical thinking skills and/or passage-based, grammar and /or usage, and vocabulary exercises are included in the questions.

• Reading Comprehension: Expect around 12-15 questions on RC passages covering topics from literature, philosophy, social issues, and current affairs.

• Critical Reasoning & Sentence Correction: Candidates must analyze arguments and identify correct grammatical structures, focusing on logic and accuracy.

b) Decision Making (DM)

Unique to the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), the decision-making section presents hypothetical situations or cases that require critical thinking and ethical judgment.

• Caselets: These scenarios are often business-related and may test ethical considerations, decision-making skills, and logical thinking.

• Complexity: While this section may seem straightforward, it can be challenging as each answer may appear correct. It is about analysing the options in other to have a practical and ethical consideration.

c) Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

This section examines the candidate’s numerical and analytical skills.

• Topics: Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Geometry, Number Systems, and Probability.

• Data Interpretation: Tables, graphs, and charts are included in the DI questions, requiring candidates to analyze and interpret quantitative data accurately.

d) General Knowledge (GK)

The GK section is essential but does not contribute to the final percentile score. However, some institutes including XLRI use the GK score for the offer of admission to its students.

• Topics: Questions on political affairs, around-the-world news, business, economy, sports, and general news are contained in this part.

• Sources: In this section newspapers, magazines, and current events may be useful.

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Scoring and Percentile Calculation

The Xavier Aptitude Test XAT scores are calculated based on performance in the three main sections (excluding GK). These scores are then converted into percentiles which tend to give the candidate’s performance concerning other candidates. Many top B-schools have specific percentile cutoffs, often above the 90th percentile, though XLRI's cutoffs for the Business Management and Human Resource Management programs may vary.

Get detailed information on our website on the XAT Exam 2025.

Cutoffs and Selection Process

Each participating institute has its own Xavier Aptitude Test XAT cutoff, often above the 85 percentile, with XLRI generally having higher cutoffs for popular programs. The selection process varies by college but generally includes the following stages:

Written Ability Test (WAT):

• Shortlisted candidates may need to write an essay or participate in a short test.

Group Discussion (GD):

• Some institutes require GDs where candidates discuss a given topic to assess their communication and teamwork skills.

Personal Interview (PI):

• This is a crucial stage where the panel assesses the candidate's personality, motivations, and fit for the program.

XAT Preparation Resources

A variety of resources are available to prepare for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) exam and some are mentioned below.

Books

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, and books on logical reasoning and decision-making.

Online Coaching

• Platforms like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher offer specialized Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) coaching programs.

Mock Tests

• Regular mock tests are essential for time management and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Platforms like Oliveboard and Testbook offer specific Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) mock tests.

Get more information through our website on XAT 2025 results.

Top Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

Besides XLRI, several other reputed institutions accept Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) scores. These include:

1. SPJIMR Mumbai

2. IMT Ghaziabad

3. TAPMI Manipal

4. XIM Bhubaneswar

5. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

6. MICA Ahmedabad (for select courses)

Tips and Insights for Success in XAT

Time Management

• Since the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) does not have sectional time limits, managing time is crucial.

Accuracy over speed

• Because of negative marking, speed is not important, and answering questions correctly is crucial.

Balanced Focus

• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) demands a balanced preparation approach, with equal focus on each section.

Mock Analysis

• Post-mock analysis helps in understanding question patterns and identifying frequently missed areas.

Keep Updated on GK

• Regularly reviewing GK will help you score well in that section, even though it doesn’t contribute to the percentile.

For more in-depth details, go through the website XAT.

Conclusion

Xavier Aptitude Test XAT is one of a kind in its kind due to the disparate sections and tough format of the exam. The opportunities opened by the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) are vast, offering access to top-tier management programs across the country. With a strong preparation plan and focused dedication, candidates can perform well in XAT and secure admission to their desired B-schools.

FAQs

1. What is the application fee for XAT, and is it refundable?

• The XAT application fee is typically around INR 2,200, but it may vary slightly each year. This fee is not refundable, even when a candidate in his or her discretion declines to write the test.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for XAT?

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university must be held by the candidates. There is no minimum percentage required, and there is no age limit for appearing in XAT.

3. Is there a negative marking in XAT, and how does it work?

• Yes, XAT has a negative marking. For every incorrect answer, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks. Additionally, unattempted questions beyond a limit (usually eight) incur a penalty of 0.10 marks each.

4. How many times can I take the XAT exam, and is there an attempt limit?

• For XAT, there are no restrictions on the number of times that one can attempt the examination. Candidates can take the exam each year as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

5. What are the top colleges that accept XAT scores besides XLRI?

• Some top institutes that accept XAT scores include SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, Great Lakes Institute of Management, TAPMI, and MICA Ahmedabad. Over 160 institutes in India accept XAT scores.