The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most challenging and widely accepted MBA entrance exams in India, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. Understanding the format of XAT exam and its structure is essential for effective preparation. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the XAT exam pattern, exam sections, time duration, marks calculation, and total number of questions to help you ace the test.
Format of XAT Exam
The format of XAT exam is unique compared to other MBA entrance exams like CAT and NMAT. It tests candidates across multiple domains, including Verbal Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge. The exam is conducted in an online mode and includes both objective and subjective questions.
Key highlights of the XAT exam format:
- Conducted in computer-based mode (CBT).
- Comprises multiple-choice and essay-based questions.
- Divided into different exam sections covering various skill sets.
- Includes negative marking for incorrect answers in certain sections.
Pattern of XAT Exam
The pattern of XAT exam has remained consistent over the years, with slight modifications. Aspirants must be aware of the XAT test pattern to optimize their preparation strategy.
XAT Paper Pattern Overview
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal & Logical Ability |
26 |
No sectional time limit |
|
Decision Making |
21 |
No sectional time limit |
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
28 |
No sectional time limit |
|
General Knowledge |
25 |
No sectional time limit |
|
Essay Writing |
1 |
10 minutes |
|
Total |
101 |
190 minutes |
- The XAT exam pattern is divided into two main parts – the first three sections are evaluated for percentile calculation, while the General Knowledge and Essay Writing sections do not contribute to the final percentile.
- Candidates must complete the first three sections within 175 minutes, while an additional 10 minutes is allotted for the essay section.
XAT Exam Sections
The XAT exam sections cover quantitative, verbal, logical, and decision-making skills to assess candidates’ analytical abilities.
- Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR)
- Includes reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary-based questions.
- Critical reasoning and logical deduction-based questions.
- Decision Making (DM)
- Consists of case studies, ethical dilemmas, and business decision-making scenarios.
- Tests logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and ethical judgment.
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Includes arithmetic, algebra, number systems, and geometry.
- Data interpretation involves graphs, charts, and tables.
- General Knowledge (GK)
- Covers static GK and current affairs.
- Includes economy, business, politics, and international affairs.
- Essay Writing
- Evaluates candidates on writing skills, analytical thinking, and articulation.
- Topics are generally abstract or opinion-based.
XAT Exam Time Duration
The XAT exam time duration is an important factor that influences a candidate’s performance. The total time allotted is 190 minutes, which includes:
- 175 minutes for the main exam (VA, DM, QA & DI, GK)
- 10 minutes for the Essay Writing section
Unlike other exams that have strict sectional time limits, XAT allows candidates to switch between sections within the allocated time.
Key takeaways:
- Time management is crucial for optimizing attempts.
- Candidates should prioritize strong areas first to maximize their scores.
XAT Marking Scheme
The XAT 2025 exam follows a structured marking scheme that rewards correct answers and penalises incorrect responses and excessive skipping of questions. Understanding the nuances of this marking scheme can help you formulate a strategy to maximise your score.
Marks per Question: Each question carries 1 mark, with 95 questions expected.
Negative Marking for Incorrect Answers: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Penalty for Skipping Questions:
- You can skip up to 8 questions without any penalty.
- For each question skipped after the 8th one, a penalty of 0.1 marks per question will be applied.
General Knowledge (GK) Section:
- The GK section has no negative markings.
- It will not contribute to your overall percentile or cutoff score but will be considered in the selection process.
The XAT 2025 marking scheme emphasises accuracy and smart decision-making. By carefully managing your attempts and skips, you can minimise penalties and boost your chances of achieving a high score. Understanding the role of the GK section is equally important, as it remains an integral part of the overall evaluation process despite not impacting the percentile directly.
XAT No. of Questions
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
|
Verbal & Logical Ability |
26 |
|
Decision Making |
21 |
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
28 |
|
General Knowledge |
25 |
|
Essay Writing |
1 |
The XAT no of questions ensures a balanced test structure that evaluates multiple skills.
XAT Paper Pattern vs. Other MBA Exams
| Exam | Number of Questions | Duration | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
|
XAT |
101 |
190 min |
5 |
|
CAT |
66 |
120 min |
3 |
|
NMAT |
108 |
120 min |
3 |
|
SNAP |
60 |
60 min |
3 |
The XAT paper pattern includes the Decision Making and Essay Writing sections, which are not present in CAT or NMAT.
XLRI Exam Pattern
- XLRI BM and HRM programs require a high percentile in Decision Making and Quantitative Ability.
- Essay Writing is evaluated for candidates shortlisted for XLRI interviews.
- The XLRI exam pattern remains consistent, with minor changes in difficulty levels.
Conclusion
The XAT exam format and pattern are designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical abilities. Understanding the XAT exam sections, time duration, marking scheme, and paper pattern can help aspirants develop a solid strategy for success.
By mastering the format of XAT exam, XAT no of questions, and XLRI exam pattern, candidates can maximize their performance and improve their chances of securing a seat in XLRI Jamshedpur and other top B-schools.
FAQ
+1 mark for each correct answer, -0.25 for each wrong answer, and -0.10 penalty for more than 8 unanswered questions.
Total score is calculated based on correct answers, negative marking for wrong responses, and skipped question penalties.
Yes, a score of 40+ in XAT typically falls in the 98+ percentile range, making it a strong score.
A score of 25 in XAT usually corresponds to a percentile between 75-80, depending on overall exam difficulty.
