“XAT is not just another MBA entrance exam; Evaluates Analytical depth, Strategic acumen; 160+ Institutes including IMI, IMT, Great Lakes to accept XAT score” XAT 2024 Convener Dr Rahul Shukla | MBAUniverse.com Interview

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Updated on October 3, 2023
The mandatory exam for admission to XLRI Jamshedpur and 160 MBA/PGDM colleges, XAT 2024 is scheduled on January 7, 2024. Registration is open till Nov 30, 2023. XAT is considered a different and unique as compared to other MBA entrance exams. To get more clarity on XAT, MBAUniverse.com reached out to XAT 2024 convener, Dr Rahul Shukla who shares all about the uniqueness of XAT
XAT 2024 Convener Dr Rahul Shukla Interview

XLRI XAT 2024 exam date is January 7, 2024 and the last date for XAT registration is November 30, 2023. Considered a bit difficult and unique exam, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) has many distinct features in its pattern which require good understanding of its structure. XAT is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to XLRI and its score is accepted by other 160+ MBA/PGDM colleges including  XIMB, IMI, IMT, MICA, Great Lakes among others.

Carrying a legacy of more than seven decades, XLRI Jamshedpur has been conducting XAT for past 72 years to get the best talent for admission to various management programs. Dr Rahul Shukla, Faculty in General Management at XLRI Jamshedpur is the convener of XAT 2024.

Dr Rahul Shukla has taught Managerial Communication to XLRI PGDM-BM, PGDM-HRM, Global MBA Program students. He has vast academic and research experience. Dr Rahul is Assistant Professor at XLRI, Jamshedpur from Sep 2015 and is the Adjunct Professor at IIM Kozhikode from June 2018. He has served as Assistant Professor, Symbiosis International University, Pune from July 2015 to Sep. 2015. He was Trainee Associate, Communication Area, IIM Ahmedabad from June 2012 to June 2015 and was Fulbright Scholar - University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Penn Language Center from August 2008 to July 2009.

Dr Rahul Kumar Shukla earned Ph.D. in English from the University of Lucknow. His research interests include Gender Communication, Organizational Communication, Computer-mediated Communication, Second Language Acquisition, Stylistics and Discourse Analysis and has published and presented his work on different national and international academic platforms.  

As XAT is considered a bit different exam, XAT aspirants are also anxious to know about the key differentiators, difficulty level and proposed changes in XAT exam 2024. To get more clarity, MBAUniverse.com reached out to XAT 2024 convener, Dr Rahul Shukla who has shared the uniqueness of XAT exam.  Read below the excerpts of the Interview

MBAU: Congratulations for your appointment as the XAT 2024 Convener. Please share your priorities for XAT 2024?
XAT Convener: In my role as the XAT 2024 Convenor, I have several key priorities. Firstly, I am committed to ensuring a fair and unbiased examination process that accurately assesses the aptitude and potential of all candidates. This includes rigorous test development and evaluation procedures to maintain the highest standards of integrity.

Secondly, I aim to enhance the efficiency of the examination process, from registration to result reporting, to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for candidates. This involves leveraging technology to streamline processes and reduce any administrative burdens.

Lastly, I am dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication with candidates, test-takers, and educational institutions to address any concerns or queries promptly. Overall, my focus is on facilitating a successful XAT 2024 for all stakeholders involved.

XAT 2024 Exam Registration Open- Register Now

MBAU: There are many management entrance exams in India. What is different about XAT exam?
XAT Convener: The 'Decision Making' section is a distinctive feature of the XAT exam. It presents case-study questions that require candidates to apply a combination of logical and analytical reasoning, coupled with proficient comprehension skills. In this section, candidates are tasked with making managerial decisions, highlighting the need for a thorough grasp of the subject matter. This section challenges candidates to showcase their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills effectively.

Due to the unique nature of this section, students are strongly encouraged to allocate focused time and effort to prepare adequately.

MBAU: Apart from XLRI, which are the other top B-schools accepting XAT 2023?
XAT Convener:
Top B schools are XIMB, IMI, IMT, XIME, IRMA, MICA, TAPMI, Great Lakes, FORE, LIBA, BIMTECH.

MBAU: In total how many institutions are accepting XAT this year?
XAT Convener:
There are around 160+ institutes who will accept XAT score this year

MBAU: XAT is considered a Difficult Exam. Is it true? Please share the rationale behind it
XAT Convener: XAT isn't a difficult test; it's about gauging astuteness. The examination is tailored to evaluate candidates’ analytical depth and strategic acumen.

MBAU: How XAT exam is Unique? What does it assess?
XAT Convener:
XAT is not just another exam; it’s a measure of your preparedness for the multifaceted challenges of the real world, a crucial steppingstone in your academic pursuit. What sets XAT apart is its holistic approach to assessment. Beyond just verbal and quantitative expertise, it delves into your decision-making capabilities. XAT isn’t a test of rote learning but a stage where you can demonstrate your knack for resolving dilemmas and potential for leading and managing. Seize this opportunity to manifest your strategic intellect.

MBAU: Are there any changes expected in XAT 2024 Exam Pattern?
XAT Convener: No changes are expected. XAT 2024 is likely to be same as XAT 2023

MBAU: What is the role of GK & Essay in XAT as they are not counted for percentile calculation?
XAT Convener: The scores from the General Knowledge (GK) and Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) sections will be exclusively utilized by XLRI Jamshedpur for its final selection process.

MBAU: What are the key aspirant friendly changes introduced in XAT 2024? Please share
XAT Convener:
This year, the XAT team has released an overview of XAT 2024 for the convenience of candidates. We have provided clarity on the broad topics for each section of the XAT. Additionally, the General Knowledge (GK) section will comprise 10 static general knowledge questions and 15 current affairs questions. Moreover, in the essay section, candidates will be presented with three topics and will be required to choose one topic to write an essay of up to 250 words. This essay serves as an assessment of candidates' analytical abilities, requiring them to demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation in their responses.

We aim to provide candidates with a clear understanding of the examination format and criteria, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process for all participants.

MBAU: For which XLRI Programs XAT score is mandatory? Please share 
XAT Convener
: For Indian candidates XAT score is mandatory. Through XAT they can apply for PGDM (BM), PGDM (HRM) admission to XLRI. NRI/Foreign nationals can apply through either XAT/GMAT. The overall performance and sectional performance of the candidate also determines the cutoff for interview. For BM & HRM programs there may be a differential cutoff, this is followed by a personal interview of the candidate. The final merit list is prepared based on the XAT score, score obtained in GK, Essay and Interview.

MBAU: XLRI conducts XAT on behalf of XAMI. Please tell us what is XAMI?
XAT Convener: XAMI stands for Xavier Association of Management Institutes. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most popular management entrance exams in India, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). The XAT score is accepted by over 160 B-schools across India for admission to their management programs.

MBAU: What is your message for potential XAT exam takers?
XAT Convener: To excel, nurture a strong self-belief and prioritize grasping the fundamental concepts in each section. Proficiency in speed will naturally evolve as you deepen your understanding and practice. Additionally, it's crucial to develop a solid grasp of all sections. You can enhance your preparation by reviewing previous question papers, conveniently available at https://xatonline.in/.

XAT 2024 Exam Registration Open- Register Now

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2024

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