How to crack XAT: Tips from ex-XLRI student

Puskar Pandey, PGDBM 2013-15 student at XLRI Jamshedpur, gives tips on how to crack XAT exam. Read more.

XLRI Jamshedpur graduate

Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India as it is a gateway to not only XLRI Jamshedpur but also to other 800+ B-Schools including top ranked ones. Preparation for XAT exam is similar to CAT and starts around the same time. However, the nature of both exams are quite different thus XAT aspirants must prepare for it seperately from CAT. 

Meet Puskar Pandey, CSE graduate from Jadavpur University and PGDBM, XLRI Jamshedpur (2013-15 batch),  was one of the toppers of XAT 2013 exam and scored 99.81 percentile. Shiksha spoke with him for a short interview where he shared his success mantra on cracking XAT exam and tips for future aspirants.

Q. What is the minimum time frame needed to prepare well for XAT exam? How long did you prepare for it?

A. If you have prepared well for CAT and your basics are clear, you need only a month’s preparation before XAT exam. I prepared for around three weeks specifically for XAT.

Q. Is it necessary to join a coaching centre or is self-study good enough? What study plan did you follow for XAT prep?

A. Joining a coaching institute is not necessary if you can arrange enough quality material for practice. However, it is always good to have mentors whom you can go to with your doubts. I did not have a study plan as such. Since I was working, it was difficult for me to take out time for the preparations. The only time I had were the weekends. I focused a lot on solving previous years' questions papers.

Q. How did you divide time for each section in XAT exam prep? What did you do to improve the weak areas?

A. I paid extra emphasis on the DI section and apportioned the remaining time equally to Verbal and QA. I practiced solving more questions from my weak areas, which really helped me to weed out the fragile sections.

Q. Any useful study material/reference books you can recommend for XAT exam prep?

A. The previous years' XAT question papers! One must solve as many of them as one can. It really helps you strengthen your concepts and also gives a fair idea of how much time you will need to devote to each section during the exam.

Q. Did you appear for any other exam? How was the preparation different for these exams?

A. I appeared for CAT & TISSNET. XAT preparation is not very different from CAT. However, the paper is slightly more difficult and you need to get time management right during the exam to crack it. Also, the Decision Making section is completely unique to XAT and requires considerable preparation. XAT also tests your GK and writing skills. These two do not need any extra attention if you are well updated on current affairs.

Q. Please talk about your Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI) experience at XLRI?

A. The XLRI Group Discussion was the most civilized MBA admissions GDs I have ever attended. Almost everyone allowed everyone else to speak. In such situations, the content of your arguments become more important than the manner in which you deliver it. I made two substantial points and the panel seemed satisfied with my performance.

The PI went for around 10 minutes during which I was mostly asked questions from my CV.

Q. What did you do right to crack the XAT exam?

A. I had practiced extensively. This gave me an idea of how much time I would need to clear the cut-off in each section.

Q. Any tips for future XAT takers?

A. Try to develop the skill of picking the right questions to attempt. This will help you in balancing your score across all the sections.

This interview was first published on December 26, 2013.
Read More: