XAT: EXAM PATTERN, SYLLABUS, ELIGIBILITY, CUT OFF & PLACEMENT
XAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur This exam is considered one of the most important exams to get admission in top MBA colleges in India including XLRI, MICA, XIM, etc. Compared to other reputed MBA entrance exams like CAT, the XAT exam pattern is a bit lengthier with more sections, more number of questions and longer exam duration. It is held once every year and is a computer based test (CBT). XAT is conducted in 70+ cities and is accepted by 160+ colleges across India.
XAT 2025 was held on 5th January. The registration process for this exam started on 15th July, and the admit card was released on 20th December. The tentative dates for answer key and XAT results were 25th January.
XAT Exam Pattern
The XAT exam paper is divided into 4 sections namely, decision making, verbal & logical ability, quantitative ability & data interpretation and general knowledge. The number of questions for each sections are 22,26,28,28 respectively.
For very correct answer the marking is +1, for every incorrect answer there is a deduction of 0.25 and for more than 8 unattended questions , there is a deduction of 0.10 marks (except for GK section). The total duration of the exam is 3.5 hours.
XAT Exam Syllabus
As discussed above, the XAT exam is divided into 4 sections, decision making, verbal & logical ability, quantitative ability & data interpretation and general knowledge.
| XAT Sections | XAT Exam Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc. |
| Decision Making | Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Case lets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc. |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc. |
| General Knowledge | Business, Politics, Science, Economy, Static GK, Sports, Prize and World, Government, Award, Constitution of India, etc. |
XAT Eligibilty Criteria
In order to appear for the XAT exam, the candidate needs to make sure that he/she satisfies the following criteria:
- ➤ The candidate should hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum duration of three years.
- ➤ Final year students of bachelors degree can also apply for the examination.
- ➤ No specific marks required.
- ➤ No age-limit.
XAT Exam Registration Details
To register for the XAT follow the instructions listed below:
- ➤ Visit the official XAT website of XAT : www.xatonline.in
- ➤ Click on 'Registration' and complete the registration process by filling in all the required details
- ➤ A unique XAT ID is shared is shared on the registered email
- ➤ Go to XAT home page and login
- ➤ XAT application form will be displayed
- ➤ Add the required details and upload the documents
- ➤ Select the preferred cities for exam center allotment
- ➤ Cross-check the information before submitting and then click submit
- ➤ Pay XAT exam fees to complete the registration process.
XAT Exam Fees
XAT charges an equal amount of fees upon registration, of 2,200 rupees regardless of any category (reserved or unreserved). An additional amount of 200 rupees is to be paid if the student wishes to apply for admission in XLRI Jamshedpur. The registration fees for XAT is completely non-refundable and has to be paid online.
CAT Cut-Off
The XAT cut off depends on various factors like the total number of candidates participating in the exam, difficulty level of the XAT question paper, previous years' cut off trends
The table below provides the expected XAT cut off for various top colleges accepting XAT scores:
| Institutes accepting XAT scores | Expected Cut offs |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpu | 96 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 90+ |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90+ |
| IMT Hyderabad | 90 |
| XIMB | 90+ |
| GIM Goa | 85+ |
| KJ Somaiya | 85+ |
| FORE School of Management, New Delhi | 85+ |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 80+ |
Selection After XAT Exam
The selection procedure by top colleges accepting XAT scores usually include three rounds and weightage is proportionately divided among these rounds
- ● XAT Score: 60% weight
- ● GD/PI Performance: 25% weight
- ● Essay Writing and Other Factors: 15% weight
A candidate needs to qualify these parameters in order to get admission in a top college through XAT.
XAT is one of the toughest and among the most demanded entrance exams for top MBA universities in India. Thus, clearing this exam requires a clear understanding of the syllabus and a proper schedule and timeline to manage all the subjects effectively. Maxxcell institute is here to help you out in this journey through experienced guidance and strategies that can make your XAT preparation smooth and turn into an amazing learning experience. We can make you ready for your MBA expedition and stick with you through all hurdles.
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