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One of the most important MBA Entrance exams, Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 will be conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on January 5, 2024. XAT is one of the largest MBA entrance exams for admission in XLRI and 250 other top B-schools. XAT 2025 is a computer based test of three hours duration and is divided into four sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Aptitude; General Knowledge. The descriptive Essay Writing Test is dropped for XAT 2025 exam. XLRI has announced some aspirant friendly major changes in XAT 2025 exam syllabus and has reduced the XAT exam time duration. It may be noted that Syllabus for XAT 2025 is different from XLRI syllabus. To apprise the candidates with the revised pattern and syllabus for XAT 2025 exam, XLRI is also conducting official XAT Mock Test.
XAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Key Changes
Read below all about the XAT syllabus 2025 and Pattern– its overall and sectional composition, syllabus topics, total questions, weightage
Xavier Aptitude Test is online computer based exam conducted in a Single slot, single day. XAT Test timings are in afternoon.
| Exam Sections | Number of questions | Overall Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part-1 | 75 Total MCQs | 170 Minutes |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Decision Making | 21 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Part-2 | 20 Total MCQs | 10 Minutes |
| General Knowledge | 20 | Ideal Time 10 Minutes |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) | Scrapped for XAT 2025 | Dropped |
| Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) | 95 MCQs | -- |
Q: In how many days XAT exam will be conducted
Q: In how many sessions will XAT 2025 exam be conducted?
Q: What is the Mode of XAT 2025 exam?
Q: Is XAT a difficult exam?
Q: Can I attempt any section in XAT within over all time limit?
XAT exam 2025 syllabus is divided into two parts and four sections. In Part-1, it tests the candidate on Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. In part-2 it tests General Knowledge.
2.1 XAT Entrance Exam Syllabus Section-Wise
XLRI Entrance exam syllabus is divided into 2 parts comprising 5 sections – 3 core sections in Part-1 with negative marking and 2 sections in Part-2 without negative marking as below:
XAT Part-1 Syllabus
XAT Part-2 Syllabus
Part-2 in XAT covers General Knowledge Test. Essay writing test has been removed from the exam
| Section | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR) | The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehensions (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests. Key Topics in syllabus include: Verbal Ability Syllabus: English Vocabulary based questions – fill in the blanks with correct words; synonyms/antonyms; contextual usage on vocabulary words; Jumbled Paragraphs; Correction of errors in sentences, correct use of words; Completion of sentences; Completion of paragraph Reading Comprehension Syllabus: Abstract topics, Literature, Social and Economic issues; Science & Culture; history & fiction. Questions based on information in RC passage; explanation of the words & phrases as used in the passage; In context of the passage –True/false statements; Author’s view on various issues raised in the RC passage; Inference from the passage; main idea of RC passage; Purpose of the RC passage Logical Reasoning Syllabus: Critical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Clocks, calendars, Fact, Inference, Judgement, binary logic, seating arrangement, blood relations, logical sequence, assumption, premise, conclusion |
| Decision Making (DM) | The DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions. XAT measures skills broadly on Conditions and Grouping Test; Data Arrangement Test; Complex Arrangement; Decision Making in a situation; Case lets |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) | The questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data. QA: Major topics covered in XAT syllabus for Quant are LCM and HCF, Log, Percentage, Profit and Loss. Linear Equation, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed Time and Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Ratio and Proportion, Number System, Algebra equations, Polynomials, Geometry, Mensuration, Complex Numbers, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Permutation and Combination, Probability Functions, Set Theory, Mixtures and Alligations, Trigonometry DI: Major Topics Covered in DI Syllabus are Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams, Pie charts, Graphs, Data analysis and comparison |
| Section | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | In the GK section, questions focus on static GK and current affairs. Major Topics Covered: Economics, finance, national and international current affairs, Constitution of India, Company profiles, logos, Business & Economy, Who’s who, Books & Authors, Capitals & Currencies |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Test | XAT 2025 will not have AEW section. This component will be conducted in XLRI GD PI round. AEW Essays should be approximately 250 words in length and must demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation , serving as an assessment of the students' analytical abilities. |
Q: Is the XAT 2025 Syllabus Changed? What are the important changes
Q: Is XAT exam syllabus published by XLRI before the exam?
Q: Which Section syllabus in XAT is considered more difficult to cover?
Q: How much time is sufficient to cover complete XAT syllabus?
XAT Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning Syllabus carries overall 27% Weightage in XAT exam. Out of total 95 questions in XAT, 26 questions are based on VALR section.
The syllabus for VALR Section in XAT is divided into 3 parts. The 1st part of syllabus covers topics on Verbal Ability, the 2nd Part of syllabus covers Reading Comprehension passages and the 3rd part covers Reasoning section. Below is shared the topic wise VALR syllabus with number of questions in the exam and actual XAT questions that appeared recently in the exam to help you familiarise with the type of questions in XAT
XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
| Syllabus for VALR Topics | Syllabus | No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Sentence Correction (3 Qs); Para Summary & Jumbled Paragraphs (3 Qs); Fill in the Blanks (2 Qs); | 8 |
| Reading Comprehension | Six RC Passages on Abstract Topics, Literature, Current Affairs, Business Economy followed by 2-3 questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Passage Title | 15 |
| Reasoning | Critical Reasoning (1 Q), Verbal Reasoning (2 Qs), Calendars, Clocks, Arrangements | 3 |
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Sentence Correction | Grammatically Correct & Incorrect Sentences | 3 |
| -- | Para Summary | Making choice of Summary of small Paragraph | 1 |
| -- | Jumbled Paragraph | Placing the 5 Jumbled sentences in coherent paragraphs | 2 |
| -- | Fill in the Blanks | Filling 2 Blanks in each sentence with correct words | 2 |
| Reading Comprehension | -- | -- | -- |
| Questions on True False Statement, Argument, Inference, Main Idea, Interpretation of Phrase as used in RC; Passage Title | RC Passage 1 | Topic: Beauty has an aesthetic, but it is not the same as aesthetics | 2 |
| -- | RC Passage 2 | Topic: The problem of unrecognized ignorance | 3 |
| -- | RC Passage 3 | Topic: Simplified moral frames | 3 |
| -- | RC Passage 4 | Topic: Reductive instinct and realist storytelling | 2 |
| -- | RC Passage 5 | Topic: Mass vaccination and herd immunity | 3 |
| -- | RC Passage 6 | Topic: Poem | 2 |
| Reasoning | Critical Reasoning | True False, Correct Logica following the Statements, Best combination | 3 |
| -- | Total Questions | -- | 26 |
Decision Making (DM) is a unique section in Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and carries a weightage of 21% in the exam. It tests you not on your ability to learn concepts or remember formulas, but on your ability to holistically view a situation and propose a solution to a problem. DM also tests you on your ethical standing and asks you to take a decision in a conflicting situation. Three different types of questions asked in Decision Making section are on Data Based Problems, Situation Based Problems and a Mixture of both type of Problems. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam syllabus on which problems are based in this section.
XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus for Decision Making (DM)
| Syllabus for Decision Making Topics | Syllabus | No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Problems based on situations in form of Caselets | HR Problems, Sales and Marketing, Management and others followed by 2-3 questions each | 21 |
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Decision Making
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caselet-1 | Problem Based on Human Resources | Experience Credentials of Employees | 3 |
| Caselet-2 | Problem Based on ABC Business School | Disciplined School with High Placements but less learning | 3 |
| Caselet-3 | Problem Based on Taxis | Competition among Taxi Drivers | 3 |
| Caselet-3 | Problem Based on Sales & Marketing | SUV Sales Target Met but recovery of loss a concern due to extended warranty | 3 |
| Caselet-4 | Problem Based on Household help | Wrongful Termination of Domestic Help | 3 |
| Caselet-5 | Problem Based on Human Resources at IT Firm Symbolis | Distribution of Performance Bonus to the Best Employees | 3 |
| Caselet-6 | Problem Based on Gas Extraction Company Deep Sea c | Releasing the Natural Gas Pressure and Safety Arrangements | 3 |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI) section in XAT commands 28% weight in XAT exam. QADI questions in XAT are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates. The students are expected to possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam syllabus on which problems are based in this section.
XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
| Syllabus for QADI Topics | Syllabus | No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Time Speed Distance (1 Qs); Profit & Loss (2 Qs); Arithmetic Progression (1 Q); Number System (3 Qs); P&C (3 Qs) | 10 |
| Algebra | Equations, Linear Equation, Log, Quadratic Equation (3 Qs), Plynomials (1 Q), Set Theory (1 Q) | 5 |
| Geometry | Angles, Triangles, Rectangles, Lines, Theorems | 2 |
| Data Interpretation | Tables (3), Data Analysis (3), Graphs (3), Statistical presentation (2) | 11 |
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Time Speed Distance | Pilot increasing speed of Aircraft to reach Destination | 1 |
| Arithmetic | Profit & Loss | Cost of Running Movie Theatre and required capacity to ear profit; Selling Price at Food Stall | 2 |
| Arithmetic | Arithmetic Progression | Number of students in a class | 1 |
| Number System | Increasing, Decreasing | Real Numbers, Value | 3 |
| Permutation & Combination; Set Theory | Combination of Items in Restaurant; Vegetable Market | Making a combination of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian items from Menu; Aman buying vegetables | 3 |
| Geometry | Triangles and Rectangles | Farmer’s Tringalular land; Rectangle Football ground; Right Angle | 3 |
| Algebra- Polynomials | Roots of Polynomial | Ratio of area from largest to smallest | 1 |
| Linear Equation, Log, Quadratic Equation | Real Numbers, Logs | Coinciding Lines represented by the two equations; Equation Log | 3 |
| Data Interpretation | DI Set-1 | T-20 Match | 3 |
| Data Interpretation | DI Set-2 | Statistics – Hinge number | 3 |
| Data Interpretation | DI Set-3 | Discount Coupon | 3 |
| Data Interpretation | DI Set-4 | Shortlisting for Interview | 2 |
| Total Questions | -- | -- | 28 |
General Knowledge section will have 20 questions in XAT 2025 exam. The score in this section is not taken into account for percentile calculation in XAT exam. However, during XLRI PI Round GK plays an important role in final selection. In-depth and regular reading of GK helps more as sometimes a few GK questions in XAT appear more tricky and need intensive reading. Below is shared the topic wise XAT entrance exam GK syllabus on which questions were based in this section in last year XAT exam.
XAT Syllabus for General Knowledge (GK)
| Syllabus for GK Topics | Syllabus | No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Static GK (XAT 2025 to have 8 Questions) | History (2 Qs), Books & Authors (3Qs), Capitals and Currencies (2 Qs), Geography (2 Qs); Culture (1) | 10 |
| Current Affairs (XAT 2025 to have 12 Questions) | Economics & Business (2 Q); Personality & Awards (2Qs); Science & Technology (2 Qs); Sports (1 Qs); National & International Affairs (3 Qs); Companies & People (2 Qs); Nobel Prize (2 Qs); Entertainment (1) | 15 |
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: General Knowledge
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static GK | History | Historical capital cities of India; Famous battles; Doctrine of lapse | 3 |
| Static GK & Changes | Geography | National capitals of countries; Flow of River Ganges | 2 |
| Static & Current | Economics & Business | Brics | 1 |
| Current Affairs | Personality & Awards | Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy, Matthew Perry, | 2 |
| Current Affairs | Science & Technology | Aditya L-1; X 37B | 2 |
| Current Affairs | Sports | Women’s Premier League, Asian Games | 2 |
| Static & Current | Books & Authors | Match the authors of the books | 1 |
| Current Affairs | Latest National & International | Country pulling out of “Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe”; Air India’s AI; “Ghol” as the state fish; City illuminating 22.23 lakh earthen lamps; Earthquake in Japan; | 5 |
| Miscellaneous | Companies, people, work, action | Leap Year calculation; Dedicated air cargo service in India; ChatGPT, Google Bard, Chatsonic | 3 |
| Current Affairs | Nobel Prize | Nobel Peace Prize, Nobel Prize in Economics | 2 |
| Static & Current | Culture & Entertainment | Movie Oppenheimer, Nabanno harvest festival of Bengal and Bangladesh | 2 |
| Total | -- | -- | 25 |
Essay writing is the descriptive online computer based test in XAT. This test was scrapped in 2019 but was restored in 2022. For XAT 2025, this Essay writing test is dropped again. This is the test of writing skill of an aspirant. The test requires that the test taker should write a coherent and logical essay on the given topic. The exam syllabus on Essay Writing test is not limited to any particular type of topic. Past trends in XAT reveal that it needs a well worded essay on the contemporary or abstract topic. Test taker has to write essay on one topic out of the three given topics. Essay test will be conducted by XLRI in its GD-PI round. It plays important role in the Personal Interview round as questions are based on what you have written in your Essay.
XAT Syllabus for Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
| Syllabus for Essay Topics | Syllabus | No of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Essays of 150-200 words (Scrapped in XAT 2025 exam) | Choice of one Essay out of Three on Abstract (2); Literature/Current Affairs/Business Economy (1) | 3 |
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: XAT 2024
Section: Analytical Essay Writing
Previous Topics for XAT Essay Writing Test
Below are some of the past XAT essay topics
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | Description | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay-1 | Tech prediction often fail not because of wrong models or a lack of imagination but due to lack of humility in admitting our uncertainties about the future. | 1 |
| Essay | Essay-2 | Implementing more stringent regulations for Social Media Platforms is crucial to effectively combat the proliferation of fake news. | 1 |
| Essay | Essay-3 | Things which matters the most must never be at the mercy of things that matters the least. | 1 |
| Total | Choice to choose one Topic out of 3 | -- | 3 |
The updated XAT syllabus PDF can help you boost your XAT preparation as per the current XAT pattern. The XAT Syllabus 2025 PDF download is available online. The XAT Syllabus Pdf 2025 contains the existing and expected topics alongwith the type of questions expected in XAT exam.
14.3 XAT Preparation Books for QADI
14.4 XAT Preparation Books for Decision Making
14.5 Best XAT GK Books
To study the Static and latest GK for XAT, consistent preparation is required. Following study material is helpful to crack GK section in XAT with high score
Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the XAT exam pattern has been modified. So, while choosing the best books for XAT preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level.
14.1 Section-Wise 10 Best books for XAT Preparation
If you are self-preparing for the exam or are preparing with the support of coaching institute, in both the cases, the latest edition of the books for preparation as shared below section wise will help you in getting more conceptual clarity, practice questions and attempting the sample papers
14.2 XAT Preparation Books for VALR