How to Prepare for XAT 2027 from Scratch?

XAT exam preparation from scratch will require more than 3 months in case candidates have not studied for other MBA exam before. Check XAT section wise preparation tips, exam pattern and marking scheme to plan the overall preparation.

Know How to Prepare for XAT 2027 from Scratch

XAT 2027 Preparation from Scratch: XLRI conducts XAT for admission to XLRI, XAMI institutes, and other MBA exams. It becomes difficult to prepare for XAT exam if a candidate is starting from scratch. XAT preparation from scratch will require candidates to know the exam pattern, marking scheme, and best books.

The ideal preparation timeline for XAT exam spans four to six months, if a candidate consistently devotes two to three hours daily. Scroll down for more details on XAT preparation from scratch, along with the section-wise plan.

XAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

XAT 2027 is a three-hour exam divided into two parts. Part 1 evaluates core aptitude and determines the XAT percentile, whereas Part 2 focuses on General Knowledge (GK), which are evaluated during the interview stages. Candidates are required to attempt XAT exam as a computer based test at offline centres.

NOTE: The exact number of questions may vary slightly year on year, but this reflects the standard distribution.

XAT Marking Scheme 2027

XLRI sets XAT marking scheme with negative marking for incorrect responses and unattempted questions. Candidates need to devise a strategy based on the marking scheme to improve their overall score in the XAT exam. Check XAT marking scheme 2027 below:

• Candidates earn +1 mark for every correct answer
• -0.25 marks is deducted every incorrect answer in Part 1.
• -0.10 marks is deducted for every unattempted questions in Part 1 after 8 unattempted questions.

Every question in XAT has five answer options; therefore, blind guessing has a low probability of success. However, because the penalty for a wrong answer is two and a half times the penalty for leaving it blank, candidates can strategise to still leave a question unattempted if they are completely clueless.

XAT 2027 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

XAT exam is divided into four sections. Several XAT participating colleges will have a sectional cutoff scores. Therefore, candidates must have a solid section-wise XAT preparation plan. Check section wise XAT preparation tips below:

XAT Decision Making (DM) Preparation Tips

This is widely considered the 'make-or-break' section of the exam. XAT DM cutoffs are usually in the single digits, yet many candidates still fail to meet them. Check XAT DM preparation tips below:

• The section tests managerial maturity, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgment. XAT DM questions have human resources issues, ethical dilemmas, or strategic business decisions.
• Candidates answering questions in the DM section must choose the option that is best for the business without compromising ethics. Candidates must keep personal emotions out of the decision.
• Candidates must practise the XAT DM questions from previous year question papers. Candidates must practise as many past papers as possible to understand the reasoning expected by the examiners. 
• Books, including Target XAT by Disha Publications can also help in the DM preparation.

XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Ability (VALR) Preparation Tips

XAT VALR section includes reading comprehension, poem comprehension, grammar, and reasoning. Reading comprehension passages are often detailed with focus on subjects like philosophy or economics. Check important tips for XAT VALR section below:

• Candidates may not always know about the poem comprehension beforehand. To be able to answer the questions with accuracy, candidates must read the poem once, read the question options, and then re-read the poem to find the answer.
• Para jumbles in XAT are particularly difficult. Candidates may find a parajumble from different paragraphs of a same article. Candidates solving past question papers will get the confidence to solve such questions.
• To prepare for XAT VALR, candidates must spend 30 minutes daily to read articles from different sources to improve comprehension skills. Candidates must review past papers to compile a list of the recurring grammatical concepts.

XAT Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QADI) Preparation Tips

Candidates having a good foundation in basic arithmetic and algebra, you must study additional topics specifically for XAT. These include statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation), trigonometry, and heights and distances.

• Unlike other exams, XAT frequently tests the direct application of formulae. You must memorise all relevant formulae for geometry, algebra, and logarithms.
• Because there is no calculator provided, you must practise mental calculations and data approximation techniques. Expect questions on remainder theorems and cyclicity, which test your manual calculation abilities. Data sufficiency is another topic that appears regularly and requires practice.
• For preparation, use Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal and YouTube channels like Rodha for conceptual clarity.

XAT General Knowledge Preparation Tips

GK scores do not affect your overall XAT percentile, but they are part of the final admissions at XLRI. Check XAT GK preparation tips below:

• The section comprises roughly 70 per cent static GK and 30 per cent current affairs. Focus your preparation on awards, heads of state, sports trophies, and business acquisitions. 
• To prepare for the section, candidates can rely Lucent’s GK to prepare for this section of XAT.

Read More:

• XAT 2027 GK & Decision Making Expected Topics & Questions
• XAT 2027 Syllabus PDF Download: Section Wise Topics, and Weightage
• XAT 2027 Section Wise Marking Scheme & Negative Marks