XAT 2025: Pro tips to score above 95 percentile by Previous years' XAT Toppers
Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 ( XAT )
Registration - 10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25
Good performance in XAT 2025 exam will majorly depend on how you prepare, strategise and utilize the time given in solving the questions. It is all about the balance between theory and practice. Here are some pro tips to score above 95 percentile in XAT 2025 by previous years' XAT toppers.
XAT topper tips to score above 95 percentile
XAT 2025 exam will be moderate to high in terms of difficulty level, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible to score high. Most of the candidates feel that XAT is a tough nut to crack because of Decision Making and Essay Writing. It is not true. If you have your basics in place and you’ve done enough practice, scoring above 95 percentile is not difficult in XAT. The best part about XAT is that XLRI cut offs usually hover between 94-95 percentile. Thus, there is no pressure of 100 or 99.99 percentile to make it to this top tier B-school.
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In XAT, both Quantitative Aptitude as well as Data Interpretation questions are slightly tougher as compared to that of CAT questions. So, make sure you have clear understanding of basics. You should pay special attention to Decision Making. In XAT 2025, there is no pressure of Essay Writing as it has been removed from the test. It will be conducted along with XLRI PI. English and Verbal Ability will have typical questions including a poem. XAT 2025 preparation should have a good scope of practice, XAT mock tests and self analysis, apart from covering the syllabus.
In the XAT 2025 exam, time your attempts well. There is sectional time limit in XAT, so you need to be mindful of completing a certain number of questions in every section in the given time limit. The first section of the XAT question paper is of 170 minutes in which one has to attempt Decision Making, Verbal Ability and Quants questions. Time yourself well. It shouldn’t happen that all a major part of the time is consumed in one section and you’re left with less than desired time for other sections. Sectional cut offs are very important in XAT.
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Pro Tips to Score Above 95 Percentile by Previous years' XAT Toppers
With XAT 2025 date being January 5, 2025, aspirants must have started practicing mock tests, revising important topics and learning tricks and shortcuts to solve questions quickly. As the exam gets closer, you will need to work on the exam day plan to be able to optimise your score. Check below some pro tips to score above 95 percentile in XAT by previous years’ toppers:
Siddharth Lilani, XAT 2023, 99.64 percentile
“I believe that every candidate is different and there is no formula to crack any exam or interview. Working hard is definitely essential and so is consistency. But in the end, results matter and how they come becomes less relevant (unless they come from unfair means). So, every candidate must work on developing a process that works well for them - physically, psychologically, and intellectually.” Read full interview
Lavisha Taneja, XAT 2023, 98.66 percentile
“To prepare for the exam, I had taken regular mock tests and analysed them thoroughly, even though it was demotivating to see my scores not improving initially. However, I learned to trust the process and be patient. I experimented with different methods and found what worked best for me. Therefore, I suggest MBA aspirants do not avoid taking mocks regularly and analyse them in-depth. Remember, it's not just about taking the tests, but also about learning from them and adapting your strategies accordingly.” Read full interview
Farzan Shaikh, XAT 2021, 99.94 percentile
“I Actively read and summarised articles, books and essays from Aeon, The Economist, WSJ etc. in my own language to improve my reading comprehension. Basic preparation of Quantitative Aptitude was being covered by my coaching material and randomised practice and revision by solving doubts for others. Mock analysis and all the practice helped my scores and percentiles go up as my rank went down, started being in top 200 consistently with 98.5+ percentile in most of my mocks.” Read full interview
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks 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 a month ago
Candidates who are applying for XAT have to pay an application fee. Aspirants have to pay INR 2,200 to apply for XAT. Candidates can pay the fee via any of the online payment modes. Aspirants have to pay INR 200 each for every additional programme of XLRI.
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
XLRI Delhi accepts XAT scores for admission to PGDM programme. Aspirants seeking admission in PGDM Business Management are offered seat only via their XAT scores. For PGDM IEV, candidates can also take admission without XAT based on their scores in CAT, MAT, GMAT, etc. Candidates have to register on
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
No, you cannot use the score of XAT 2025 for admission to 2026 batch at XLRI as the validity of exam score is one year only. Thus, you will have to appear for XAT 2026 exam if you plan to pursue MBA from XLRI in 2026. The registration process for XAT 2026 is open and the last date to apply is Decemb
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
There is no process of applying for multiple XAT accepting colleges through one form because there is no common counselling for XAT. Candidates have to apply to the colleges of their choice individually. They must keep in mind the application last date so they don't miss out on it. Also, they must c
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No, the XAT entrance exam 2025 has already been concluded for PGDM admissions at SOIM. However, the registration dates for the XAT 2026 entrance exam are soon getting announced. Candidateswho are interested in appearing for XAT to gain admissions in the PGDM course at SOIM are advised to visit the o
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
XAT cut off different for male and female candidates to promote diversity in the candidate pool. However, the difference in cut offs is not too big. There's usually a difference of 1 or 2 percentile between XAT cut offs for male candidate and female candidate. Infact, the difference is not limited t
E
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
XAT score is the only examination score accepted for domestic candidates for admission to full-time MBA programmes offered by XLRI Jamshedpur. Check below the stages of XLRI MBA admission through XAT.
1. Apply for XAT exam
2. Appear for XAT exam
3. Participate in AEW/PI round
3. Final selection list rel
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, you can apply for Jagannath University, Haryana MBA 2025 using XAT scores. Students first need to ensure that they qualify for the eligibility criteria for MBA programme and XAT exam. Secondly, register yourself for the XAT exam. Generally, the registration window starts in July and is availabl
M
Contributor-Level 10