XAT 2023 Review and Exam Analysis (Available); Check Difficulty Level of Paper
Xavier Aptitude Test 2027 ( XAT )
XAT 2027 registration
15 Jul '26 - 6 Dec '26
XAT 2023 review cum paper analysis is available now. This year, the XAT exam was of moderate difficulty level. Check out in-depth XAT 2023 analysis and expected cut offs.
XAT exam analysis 2023
According to the XAT 2023 analysis, the exam was on the same lines as previous years with Quantitative section being more difficult than the rest of the sections. Data Interpretation had two sitters. The Decision Making and Verbal Ability sections were easy and the GK section was moderate. The essay topics were from diverse fields. They were -
- Taking risks in life
- People with lower IQ make more money
- Decarbonisation to reduce carbon emission is hampering Indian Industries
The detailed analysis of XAT 2023 exam has been shared below. It includes in-depth discussion of sectional difficulty level, topic wise weightage, types of questions, number of good attempts and expected XAT cut offs for XLRI admission. The XAT review and exam analysis 2023 will help XAT candidates in assessing their performance and evaluating chances of getting into XLRI Jamshedpur and other B-schools.
Explore popular MBA colleges for you
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
- XAT 2023 Analysis: Highlights
- XAT 2023 Review: Marking Scheme
- XAT 2023 Analysis: Sectional Weightage
- XAT 2023 Analysis: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
- XAT 2023 Analysis: Decision Making
- XAT 2023 Analysis: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
- XAT 2023 Analysis: General Knowledge & Essay
- Expected XAT 2023 Cutoffs
XAT 2023 Analysis: Highlights
- XAT 2023 question paper had 105 questions in MCQ format.
- Sectional time limit for Part 1 (English, Quantitative Ability, Decision Making) of the paper is 175 minutes.
- Sectional time limit for Part 2 (Mock Keyboard Testing) of the paper is 5 minutes.
- Sectional time limit for Part 3 (GK and Essay Writing) of the paper is 30 minutes.
- Verbal and Logical Ability section had four RC passages and two poems.
- QA-DI had four DI sets. QA sub-section will be dominated by Arithmetic questions.
Also Read: XAT 2023 live updates - exam, review, sectional break up, cut offs
XAT 2023 Review: Marking Scheme
There us no change in the marking scheme of XAT this year. Check the details below:
- +1 mark for correct answer
- - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
- - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted questions
- No negative marking in GK section
XAT 2023 Analysis: Sectional Weightage
In XAT 2023, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section has the maximum weightage with 28 questions and 28 marks. Given below is the sectional break-up of the XAT 2023 question paper.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
Yes six months are enough to prepare for XAT if you plan it well. You will need about 8 hours every day for it. Use first four months to cover exam syllabus and last two months for practice.
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.
| XAT Sections |
No. of Questions |
Total Marks |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision Making |
22 |
22 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Verbal and Logical Ability |
26 |
26 |
Easy |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
28 |
28 |
Tough |
| General Knowledge |
25 |
25 |
Moderate |
| Essay Writing (250 words) |
1 |
To be evaluated after PI shortlisting |
Moderate |
| Total |
105 |
105 |
Moderate |
XAT 2023 Analysis: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
The XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section was easy like last year. The section had 26 questions out of which 12 questions were Reading Comprehension based. The 12 questions were divide into 4 sets. This year, there was only 1 poem.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
19 Jul '26 - 3 Aug '26
CAT
22 Aug '26
30 Aug '26
1 Nov '25 - 31 Aug '26
22 Jun '26 - 7 Sep '26
25 Jul '26 - 27 Jul '26
MAH CET
2 Jan '26 - 31 Jul '26
6 Sep '26
Given below is the breakup of the XAT VALR section was as follows:
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Doable |
|---|---|---|
| RC |
4 sets with 3 questions |
8 |
| Poem |
1 set with 2 questions |
1 |
| Fill in the Blanks |
1 |
1 |
| Critical Reasoning |
7 |
3 |
| Grammar/ Punctuation |
3 |
2 |
| Para completion |
1 |
1 |
| Total |
26 |
16-18 |
XAT 2023 Analysis: Decision Making
The total number of Decision Making questions in XAT 2023 was 22, one more than last year. The section was divided into 6 sets of 3 questions, 2 sets of 2 questions and 1 set of 3 question.
1 set with 3 questions was tougher than the rest as it was modelled on old DI type decision making questions.
Given below is the breakup of the XAT Decision Making section was as follows:
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Doable |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Question Sets |
4 |
2 |
| 3 Question Sets |
15 |
2 |
| 3 Question DI Type Set |
3 |
3 |
| Total |
22 |
15 - 17 |
XAT 2023 Analysis: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
This year, the XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section was slightly tougher than last year. However, there were lesser DI questions this year (only 1 as compared to 3 in XAT 2022). Quantitative Ability was dominated by Arithmetic, Algebra and Numbers
Commonly asked questions
Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material.
The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.
Given below is the breakup of the XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section was as follows:
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Doable |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
8 |
5 |
| Numbers |
4 |
3 |
| Algebra |
4 |
3 |
| Geometry |
3 |
1 |
| DI 1 -Economic activity & subjective well being |
3 |
2 |
| Trigonometry |
1 |
2 |
| Data Sufficiency |
2 |
2 |
| investment |
2 |
1 |
| Probability |
1 |
0 |
| Total |
28 |
16 - 18 |
XAT 2023 Analysis: General Knowledge & Essay
The XAT General Knowledge section as usual comprised 25 questions with a fine between current affairs and static GK. A good score in this section would be 10+.
In the Essay section, the candidates had three options to choose which were as follows:
- Decarbonisation by India is hampering the Indian industries
- People with less IQ are more successful
- Taking risks in life
Expected XAT 2023 Cutoffs
Given below is the estimation of XAT cut offs 2023 for admission to XLRI’s Business Management and Human Resource Management programmes.
| XAT sections |
XAT cut offs ( raw scores) |
|---|---|
| VALR |
9+ |
| DM |
6.5+ |
| QADI |
9+ |
| Overall |
BMD - 31- 32 HRM - 29 - 30 |
Read More:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Aug '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
27 Jul '26 | MAH MBA CAP 2026 Final Merit L... |
28 Jul '26 | MAH MBA CAP 2026 Round IV Disp... |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
Oct '26 | CMAT 2027 registration and app... |
Jan '27 | CMAT 2027 exam |
22 Jun '26 - 7 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 Registratio... |
22 Jun '26 - 14 Sep '26 | MAT September 2026 Registratio... |
3 Aug '26 | CAT 2026 application start dat... |
15 Sep '26 | Last Date to Apply for CAT 202... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Candidates who want to apply for Sharda University, Greater Noida MBA course must secure a CAT/ XAT percentile of 65% to skip SUAT. For MAT applicants, this score stands at 75% for MBA admissions at Sharda, Greater Noida.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To get a seat at IFMR Chennai, students have to first appear for any one of the entrance exams accepted by the institute for the MBA/PGDM course admission. CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, Andhra Pradesh ICET, IPAMT and SAT India are the entrance exams accepted by this institute for admission to the management
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To get a seat in the FLAME University of the MBA/PGDM course, you have to appear for any one of the accepted exams, like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc. After clearing the exam, you have to get shortlisted for further admission round, which involves PI or GD.
For more information, click here.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates who will be shortlisted for MBA PI on the basis of XAT score, will receive the notification by XLRI in their registered email.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The XLRI waitlist movement is usually high for Delhi campus between 350 to 600 spots. For Jamshedpur the movement is low between 100 to 180 for BM and 130 to 230 for HRM.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, XAT essay writing round can be considered tough, given that you have to present your point with clarity, examples and convincing arguments - all in limited word count. You need to have a lot of practice in writing short, clear and logically structured essays.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
XAT cut offs for all colleges are not fixed by XLRI. Every score accepting college fixed XAT cut offs individually and independently.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham accepts the CAT, MAT or the XAT exam for admission to the MBA course. Students can attempt any one of the aforementioned exams. After taking part in the exam, students have to attain a valid percentile.
Based on previous year trends, a percentile of at least 40 would be nee
N
Contributor-Level 10
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio