XAT 2023 Review and Exam Analysis (Available); Check Difficulty Level of Paper
Xavier Aptitude Test 2026 ( XAT )
Exam On - 3 Jan '27
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.
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- 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.
| 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.
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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
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.
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 |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
After XAT exam is conducted successfully, XLRI releases XAT answer keys with response sheet. However, candidates need to login to download XAT answer keys.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
The percentile needed for admission would depend on the category you belong to. JAGSoM accepts various entrance examinations for admission to the MBA/PGDM course, like CAT, XAT, MAT, etc.
As per the estimated XAT cutoff in 2026, a percentile of 70 would be good enough to secure a chance at admission
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
XIM University XAT cutoff 2026 was released for admission to the MBA course and its specialisations, namely MBA in Rural Management and MBA in Sustainability Management.
General AI category students need to have a percentile of at least 90 to be considered eligible for admission.
Note - The cutoff d
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
IMT Ghaziabad official cutoff information are not released on a public platform, and students can view the cutoff using their registered login ID and password. Based on the past years' trend, the XAT 2026 estimated cutoff is in the range of 90 to 92 for the General AI category students.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, apart from CAT, the International Management Institute, New Delhi, also accepts the XAT score for admission to its PGDM courses. Only the shortlisted candidates are invited to the Individual Assessment Process (Essay Writing and Personal Interview, etc.) for final admission. The institute also
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Final selection will be based on performance in BAAT, PI, and CAT/XAT/GMAT. BITS will also consider prior work experience, and academic history.
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, Global Institute of Business Studies does accept scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, and CMAT. They take these exams into consideration for admissions, so you don't have to worry about only one exam. It gives you flexibility to apply with the scores you already have and increases your chances
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Apart from NMAT scores, UPES Dehradun offers admission to the MBA course based on XAT scores. As per the XAT 2023 cutoff, candidates having a minimum of 50 Percentile for the General category All India Quota were eligible for UPES Dehradun admissions.
UPES Dehradun offers MBA in International Busines
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores are valid for KIITEE MBA. Candidates applying online will be required to submit copies of their mark sheets and other supporting documents.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Standard books useful across these exams include Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma or R.S. Aggarwal, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha, and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for building a strong vocabulary.
L
Contributor-Level 7
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
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