XAT

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national level MBA entrance examination conducted by one of the prestigious institutions in India Xavier Labour Relation Institute , Jamshedpur. The test is a portal for the students to some of the esteemed B-Schools in India along with the flagship XLRI, Jamshedpur, XAT is the second most challenging MBA entrance exam in India, after CAT. While many aspiring candidates think of XAT to be competitive like CAT, if not tougher than CAT, it remains as a popular portal to one of the top-ranking non -IIM institutes in India. Around 160 colleges in India are offering hundreds of different programs undertaking admission based on XAT. As it appears, over 1.35 lakh students choosing to appear for the XAT in 2024. This number is 40% higher than last year and showcases the rising popularity of the topmost MBA colleges accepting XAT grades.

What is XAT?

XAT is a computer-based test consisting of three sections:

• Verbal and Logical Ability, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Ability, and Decision-Making
• Mocking keyboard Testing
• General Awareness and Comprehension Writing.

The examination is conducted every year in the first week of January and its duration is 3 hours 30 minutes. There is only an overall time limit for the exam and no sectional time limit is mentioned, unlike CAT. So, the exam mainly comprises of multiple choice questions and the number of questions range between 100 to 105. And the last XAT exam conducted was on 7 January, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for XAT must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognized university. The most crucial aspects of XAT eligibility criteria include factors such as academic qualifications, age limits, and marks obtained in qualifying exams. So, before starting the XAT registration process, candidates must familiarize themselves with all XAT eligibility requirements. These factors are important to keep in mind as ineligible candidates will not be permitted to attempt the exam even after successfully completing the registration process.

XAT Academic Qualification 2025

The XAT 2025 academic qualification requirements for admission to all XAMI affiliated colleges and other MBA institutions accepting XAT scores are as follows:

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3-year course duration or its equivalent from a recognized university in any discipline.
• Candidates in the final year of their graduation program or those awaiting their final year results are also eligible to apply apply for the XAT exam.
• The final-year students must provide their bachelor’s certificate and mark sheet by the end of the academic session.

XAT 2025 Age Limit

There is no maximum age limit for the XAT exam. Both recent and professionals can participate in the XAT exam 2025. However, they must hold a minimum academic qualification for the exam.

XAT Eligibility Criteria for the NRIs

International aspirants applying for the XAT exam for admission XLRI institutes must provide their valid GMAT scores. However, candidates must complete the XAT registration process as it is necessary for the admission procedure. Using the GMAT grades, NRI candidates can opt for MBA programmes in human resource management, general management, and business management.

Exam Pattern 

The XAT consists of 3 sections and the number of question ranges between 100 and 105. The question paper is divided into 3:

• First section consists of 22 questions on Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation (duration 175 minutes).
• Second section consists of mock keyboard testing session (duration 5 minutes).
• And the third session will have a GK section along with a short essay topic (duration 30 minutes).

Marking Scheme

• 1 Mark will be awarded for each correct answer.
• There is a negative marking of 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer.
• If there are more than 8 unattended questions , a 0.10 mark will be deducted for each unanswered question.
• Scores of general Knowledge section is only for final selection and not for shortlisting candidates for GD/Interview.

XAT Syllabus 

The XAT exam syllabus is as comprehensive as the CAT syllabus and similar to it. There is no official syllabus which gives the convening body some flexibility while setting the paper. Understanding the XAT syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. Similar to other management entrance tests, the XAT syllabus comprises four main sections:

• General English
• Analytical and Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency
• General Knowledge
• Essay writing

This understanding allows candidates to practice effectively for the exam. Here is the section-wise analysis of the XAT syllabus 2025 given below:

Verbal and Logical Ability

This section is a combination of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Logical Reasoning. It consists of three distinct sections  for preparation purposes:

Verbal Ability

The verbal ability section of XAT is similar to that of CAT’s VARC section. The topics covered under this section are:

• Vocabulary Based Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms/Antonyms
• Contextual Meaning of words
• Jumbled paragraphs
• Correction of errors in Sentences
• Correct Usage of words
• Completion of Sentences
• Completion of Paragraph
• Cloze Test
• Poem

Reading Comprehension

In the XAT exam, Reading Comprehension holds less weight than in VARC section of the CAT, but it remains the same. Passages in XAT exam are constrained by word limit. However, this brevity doesn’t necessarily make the passage easier to analyze.

The types of questions asked in this section are as follows

• Information-Based Question
• Author’s view type of question
• Inference based Question
• Main Idea and Purpose of the passage
• True/False Statement based on the passages
• Explanation of words/Phrases in the passage.

Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section in the XAT Syllabus is mostly covered by the CAT Syllabus. There are generally few questions for this section in the XAT exam. It also includes some critical reasoning questions which are generally not asked in the CAT exam.

The general topics tested in this section of the exams are:

• Clocks and Calendars
• Analogy
• Fact, Inference and Judgement
• Binary Logic
• Seating Arrangement
• Blood Relations
• Logical Sequences
• Assumptions, Premises and Conclusions

Decisions Making

The Decision Making section is unique to the XAT Exam in comparison to all other MBA Entrance Exams. It tests the candidates ability to analyze, reason and resolve. So, the number of questions asked, varies from paper to paper. The topics covered under this sections are:

• Conditioning and Grouping tests
• Data Arrangement Test
• Complex Arrangement
• Decision making in a situation
• Case lets

To prepare for this section, candidates are encouraged to solve as many XAT exam papers as they can

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

This section is a mixture of two sections of CAT. Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation. This is basically to check your analytical and problem-solving skills. Quantitative ability includes the following topics:

• LCM and HCF
• Percentages
• Profit and Loss
• Interest (Simple and Compound)
• Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportions and others
• Number System
• Algebra
• Geometry including Co-ordinate Geometry
• Mensuration
• Pure Math
• Venn diagrams
• Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Complex Numbers
• Logarithms
• Progressions
• Binomial Theorem
• Surds and Indices
• Inequalities
• Premutation and combination
• Probability Functions
• Set theory
• Mixtures and allegations
• Trigonometry

Considering the extensiveness of the XAT syllabus under this section, candidates are advised to start as early as possible. The difficulty level of this section of XAT is more than that of CAT.

Data Interpretation

The XAT syllabus for the Data Interpretation Section consists of

• Data Tables
• Data Charts
• Bar Diagrams
• Pie Charts
• Graphs
• Data analysis and Comparison

The Questions are generally in the form of sets, like in CAT, however individual questions may also be asked on occasion.

General Knowledge Section

This is another section that CAT does not include. However, despite the presence of this section, the XAT percentile are calculated on the basis of the first 3 sections. The XAT syllabus in this section is extremely vast with current affairs as well as conventional GK (trivia). The topics which are regularly asked in this section includes:

• Economics and Finance
• National and International Current Affairs
• Constitution of India and Laws
• Capital and Currencies
• Famous Personalities

Essay Writing

The XAT exam syllabus include the essay writing section till XAT 2018 before the section was removed from the XAT syllabus. However, in XAT 2022, XLRI Jamshedpur reintroduced the essay writing section. The Essay Writing section is the only descriptive section and candidates can expect an increase of 10 minutes in the total time allotted for the exam. Essay writing section focuses on abstract ideas and contemporary thoughts. This section is only evaluated if the candidate is shortlisted for further admission rounds at an institute.

The XAT exam is recognized as one of the toughest MBA Entrance Exams due to its difficulty level. So, this difficulty can benefit candidates in preparing for other MBA entrance exams. The first three sections carry the most weight in terms of pattern and percentile calculations. Many candidates may find decision making section a bit tough and challenging. Therefore, thorough preparation according to the XAT syllabus is vital for clearing the XAT cutoff.