The Whole 9 Yards of XAT- Everything You Need To Know

What is XAT Exam?

In this paragraph, I’m going to discuss Xavier Aptitude Test XAT. It is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, to provide admission to MBA/ PGDM programs. XAT is one of the most sought-after exams for MBA aspirants, which is accepted by XLRI and ten other XAMI member colleges and other private institutions offering management courses.

Important Exam Dates:

Event 

Date 

Official Notice Release

July 2022

Registration Begins

The first week of August 2022

Registration Ends (Without Late Fee charges)

The first week of December 2022

Admit Card Release Date

December 2022

Official Mock Test Release

December 2022

Download Admit Card by

January 1, 2023

Exam Date

January 1, 2023

Answer Key

The first week of January 2023

Declaration of result

Third week of January 2023

Exam Pattern:

Conducted in online mode in various centres across the country, the XAT exam consists of 100 MCQs and one essay type question.

Time management is essential to cover all the questions in the exam. Candidates must manage time and speed while answering. So, the focus should be to answer the most accessible questions first to save time.

• Medium of Exam: English.
• Duration: 190 minutes (3 hours 10 minutes). There is a sectional time limit in XAT; every section has its time limit. 165 minutes for Part 1 and 25 minutes for Part 2
• Number of Questions: 100 MCQs and one essay question.
• Number of Sections: The test will have five sections divided into two parts.

However, Part 1 comprises three sections- i) Verbal and Logical Ability, ii) Decision Making, iii) Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation.

However, Part 2 comprises two sections- i) General Knowledge and ii) Essay Writing.

Marking Scheme:

• • Each MCQ carries one mark for a correct response, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
  • A deduction of 0.10 marks for every unattempt question after eight unattended questions.

• Essay evaluation takes place only for the candidates shortlisted for the Personal Interview round.

• There is no negative marking for the GK section. GK scores are not considered while calculating the final XAT scores.

Exam Syllabus:

Section/ Subjects

Important Topics 

Verbal and Logical Ability

I am reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Para jumble, English Grammar, Critical Reasoning, etc.

Decision Making

Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Arithmetic, Set Theory, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Algebra, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc.

General Knowledge

Famous Personalities, Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, Art & Entertainment, Books, Inventions & Discoveries, etc.

However, For Essay Section, a student will have to write a short essay worth 250 words.

The candidate can prepare a variety of topics ranging from current affairs, social & economic issues, abstracts, science & technology, business & management-oriented matters, etc.

Section Wise Question Division:

Verbal & Logical Ability – This section contains 26 MCQs: about 4 RC passages, 2-3 poem-based comprehensions, 2-3 para jumbles, 4-5 critical reasoning questions, and miscellaneous grammar and vocabulary based questions. Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate

Decision Making- With no exact number of questions assigned. However, the majority of previous year’s question papers suggest around 50% of inquiries related to decision making—difficulty Level: Moderate.

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation: This section comprises 28 questions on various topics. Difficulty Level: Difficult

General Knowledge: This section contains 25 questions from static general knowledge and current affairs. Difficulty Level: Difficult 

However, Overall Level: Moderate- Difficult

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Know the syllabus well.
• Create a study plan/timetable.
• Time management.
• Take frequent Mock Tests.

1. 1. Get constant guidance from experts.
   2. Examine the previous year’s question papers carefully.

• Practice mock interview questions regularly.
• Read newspaper daily to help score better in the GK section.

1. 1. Make short, valuable notes for last-minute revision.

• Focus on weak areas and practice regularly. Track your progress too.

Selection Process:

The Selection Process begins shortly after the result declaration in the third week of January 2023.

However, there is no centralized selection process. However, every institute follows its selection process and criteria.

• • The selection process will include Group Discussion-Personal Interview rounds. Shortlisted candidates (based on XAT cut-offs) are called for GD-PI rounds.
  • A final merit list prepared by XLRI, formed on various parameters, is carried out.
  • However, the parameter includes XAT test scores, GD-PI scores, work experience, past academic scores, and GK & Essay section scores.

• The final merit list is prepared by assigning weightage to XAT score (60%) & GD/PI scores (25%).

However, depending on their seat intake and allotment criteria, other institutes may follow a similar or a distinct selection process.