Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is an MBA entrance exam for admissions at top management institutes such as XLRI Jamshedpur, XIM Bhubaneshwar , IMT Ghaziabad, KJ Somiya, IRMA and over 160 other management Institutes around the country. Appearing for XAT opens up a lot of opportunities for management education. XAT is more of a smart entrance exam that tests a candidates communication, problem solving and decision making skills . The test believes in essence of management and the format provides aspirants to showcase true managerial skills.
XAT pattern
Unlike other entrance exams, the pattern and syllabus of XAT are very streamlined. If being prepared strategically, XAT is not a difficult exam to qualify for. So, before you apply for XAT, make sure to go through the pattern of XAT, along with its syllabus, which will help you to plan your preparation accordingly, and you will be able to score optimally in the exam.
XAT is a computer-based test, and its question paper consists of a total of 100 objective questions plus one essay writing topic. The 100 MCQs in the XAT question paper are divided into four categories:
Ideally, candidates should start preparing for XAT from March onwards so that they have ample time to cover the syllabus and practicea good number of mock tests. However, starting preparation in June-July is also fine. About a minimum of six are required to prepare well for the XAT exam as it is one of the tougher MBA entrance tests. Candidates can also opt for coaching classes for XAT as per their convenience. Candidates must study for about six to eight hours daily to be able to cover the syllabus and have enough time for practicing mock tests. Yes, they will need to strike a balance between exam coverage and mock test practice.
However, the capacity of every student is different so, they must decide upon hours of study according to their own capacity and their control over the main topics of XAT. Making a workable plan is very important for XAT preparation, no matter when they start it.
If you are planning to prepare for XAT exam by self study, you need to start early. At least six months before. XAT exam is conducted on the first Sunday of January every year. So, if you start preparing for the XAT in June or July, you will have good six months to prepare. Make a preparation plan that includes XAT syllabus coverage, problem solving sessions, mock tests and revision. Get hold of best books for XAT. Consult mentors or previous year toppers for selecting the best books for preparation. Join online study groups where you can get the help of mentors and peers for problem solving and clearing of doubts in topics. Work in tough topics first and then move to easier topics.
Solve a large number and variety of XAT mock tests to master the syllabus. You will need to do a rigorous work on XAT mock tests as for candidates who opt for self study, have to rely on practice.
- Decision Making
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- General Knowledge
It is a 3 hours and 10 minutes exam. XAT has a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer and +1 for each correct answer.Hence, answer each question wisely and correctly to score high in the results.
XAT as a smart exam for MBA
XAT is a smart test no doubt, as it has many advantages and benefits over other exams. XAT tests you on decision making that is an integral part of being a manager. Apart from this there is also a section on GK, which is also imperative for today’s manager to have know-how of the world around us. The test also allows you to switch sections while taking the test. Here is why people prefer XAT as a smart option for candidates:
- XAT allows you to switch sections - Save time in the section you are strong in, and use that extra time in sections you are not so great in. If you spend around 30 minutes each in the verbal and DM section, which is a total of a good 105 minutes for quant where you could easily attempt 17 questions, then you can score up to the 99 percentile in quant, no matter from which stream background you are. This is just an example of how you can manage your time on the Day.
- DI within quant - Compare DI (Data Interpretation) and quant (Quantitative Ability) in the quant section, where usually hard work is rewarded in remembering complicated formulas, etc, but with DI, smartness and a thoughtful mind are more useful, as everyone knows addition and subtraction, but how you use it to solve twisted questions is what matters.
- Opportunity for self-analysis - Unlike other exams, where candidates see the question paper only during the exam, and not after the exam, XAT offers the applicants question paper along with the official answer key with a full explanation, after the result gets declared, which helps the students to calculate their score and percentile as per their performance, so you won’t feel cheated. So if you have the solved the sample papers of previous years and have heard the topper tips , you can create a pattern that suits you crack XAT. Even in real world a true manager thrives on knowledge and past experiences and virtue lies in learning from similar case studies.
XAT is an exam which creates an interesting opportunity for the true managers to showcase their traits. It’s about time management, it’s about going after what you know, it’s about having a sound understanding of what’s around you. XAT exam attracts aspirants from diverse professions. It’s not the exam where quant and maths are the only measures of an aspirant’s success. XAT’s holistic testing framework are for the indeed for the smart aspirants.
Note: The views expressed in this article are that of XLRI Xavier School of Management and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 months ago
XLRI Jamshedpur provides vibrant placement opportunities to students. For Xavier Institute of Management Jamshedpur placements 2025, the highest packages stood at INR 110 LPA (international) and INR 75 LPA (domestic), respectively. The average package stood at 31.08 LPA, while the median package was
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
XLRI only offers PGDM courses to all its applicants. The XLRI PGDM courses are 15 months long courses that are offered in full-time mode. Candidates who wish to pursue XLRI PGDM courses must appear for the XAT entrance exam and clear it with an appropriate rank. In addition to the XAT entrance exam,
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
XLRI Xavier Institute of Management admissions are held on the basis of the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) entrance exam. Interested students must learn about the important dates regarding applications for a smooth admission process. The XAT 2026 registration process starts from July 10, 2025 and ends
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
XLRI Jamshedpur considers XAT scores for admission to PGDM programmes. Those who are seeking admission in PGDM BM, PGDM HRM and Double Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management and logistics (PGDM & MS) requires XAT scores. Aspirants can also apply for admission to General Management programme (PGDM
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 3 months ago
The average package offered during the XLRI Delhi PGDM placements stood at INR 29.89 LPA. Additionally, the top 10th percentile package offered was INR 51.66 LPA and the top 20th average package stood at INR 42.98 LPA, respectively. Check out the table for the average packages offered during Xavier
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The total course fee of full time MBA at XLRI is INR 28 Lacs according to Shiksha. The fee is to be paid semester wise. The first installment is to be paid at the time of admission. The XLRI course fee includes tuition fees, hostel and mess charges, caution money, library chargers and other miscella
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 months ago
Xavier School of Management is a well-known institute in Jamshedpur for offering placement opportunities to its PGDM HRM students. The key highlights of XLRI Jamshedpur placements for the PGDM BM and HRM Class of 2024 and 2025 are presented below:
Particulars | PGDM (BM) and PGDM (HRM) Placement Statistics (2024) | PGDM (BM) and PGDM (HRM) Placement Statistics (2025) |
|---|---|---|
Total students eligible /participated | 503 | 591 |
Placement rate | 100% | NA |
Total offers | 519 (Domestic) 1 (International) | 600 (Domestic) 2 (International) |
PPOs | 33.39% | 34.17% |
Companies visited | 154 (65 New Recruiters) | 172 (41 New Recruiters) |
the highest package | INR 49 LPA (Domestic) INR 45 LPA (International) | INR 75 LPA (Domestic) INR 110 LPA (International) |
Average package | INR 26.88 LPA | INR 31.08 LPA |
Median package | INR 26.34 LPA | INR 29 LPA |
Minimum package | INR 11 LPA | NA |
Note: The Maximum Earning Potential component of Sal
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
XLRI Jamshedpur concluded the placements for the PGDM GM and HRM Class of 2025 with an average package of INR 31.08 LPA. The course-wise package offered during XLRI Jamshedpur placements in 2025 is tabulated below:
Particulars | PGDM BM and PGDM HRM (2025) | PGDM GM (2025) |
|---|---|---|
Average Package | INR 29.89 LPA | INR 28.68 LPA |
the highest Package | INR 75 LPA (Domestic) INR 110 LPA (International) | INR 75 LPA |
Contributor-Level 10
Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on. The ideal time to start XAT preparation is May, so you can cover the whole syllabus by October and dedicate two months to mock test practice.
If you start studying for XAT late, by July or so, make sure you complete the syllabus by October only. Remember that XAT syllabus is tough, so you’ll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.