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:
XAT is one of the tougher MBA entrance exams. The difficulty level of the XAT question paper is usually moderate to high. The XAT 2024 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section is usually tougher than other sections. Verbal and Logical Reasoning section is usually moderate. However, some candidates find the Verbal Ability section tough as it has questions based on Reading Comprehension passages and poem. Decision Making and General Knowledge sections are moderate to easy.
Out of 100 questions, about 70-75 attempts with 70 to 80 per cent accuracy is considered a good attempt in the XAT exam. The test takers must strive to attempt 2/3 rd of the total questions in each section for a decent overall score. If a candidate scores 95 percentile, they will be in a position to get a good college.
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.
- 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.
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.
If you are planning to appear for the XAT exam by self study, you must start early as the syllabus is vast and tough. To cover the XAT syllabus by self study, candidates must refer to the books recommended for XAT preparation. You can take help from the following books to cover the XAT syllabus but do join a study forum to get help from mentors and peers when need be:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha/Arihant
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Objective General English by Dr RS Agarwal and Vikas Agarwal
- High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
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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Honestly, I don't know enough about the UPES or XLRI executive certificates in logistics and supply chain to compare them, but on the finance side, the IIM SKILLS Financial Modeling Master Course, it's fully online with a structured curriculum, expert mentorship, a 2? month guaranteed internship, pr
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month 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
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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,
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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
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XLRI Xavier School of Management is a popular institute located in Jamshedpur. The institute is recognised by the AICTE, and is accredited by bodies such as AACSB, AMBA, and NBA. The institute offers various programmes such as MBA, MDP, Certificate, among other courses. The institute has been ranked
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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
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Guide-Level 15
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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
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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
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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.