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Colleges
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is an important MBA entrance exam for admission to XLRI and 250+ other B-schools. XAT 2025 will be conducted in a single session of three hours duration on January 5, 2025. XAT 2025 is divided into four sections: Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. XAT 2025 exam pattern is substantially changed. The Essay Writing Test which was conducted till last year has been remove from XAT 2025 exam. XAT 2025 Registration is open. Apply now. Check details below.
XAT 2025 is the mandatory exam for MBA admission in XLRI and many other top B-schools. XAT 2025 Question Paper has 5 sections and out of them 3 are core sections which are counted for percentile calculation– Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation. Score of other 2 sections - General Knowledge and Analytical Essay Writing Test is taken into account during the PI round. You need to ensure high score in each of the three core sections as there is also a sectional score cut off in XLRI for shortlisting. Below are shared the key highlights of XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus.
XAT 2025 Exam Highlights
| XAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| XAT Exam Full Form 2025 | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 |
| Who conducts XAT Exam? | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur |
| XAT 2025 Notification Release | July 15, 2024 |
| XAT 2025 Exam Date | Sunday, January 5, 2025 |
| XAT Official Website | xatonline.in |
| XAT Exam Fees | Rs. 2200 |
| Number of Candidates who registered for last XAT exam | 1.35 lakhs |
| Top MBA colleges accepting XAT Exam | XLRI, XIMB, IMI, IMT, FORE, Great Lakes, GIM, IMT Nagpur |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 95 MCQs |
| Number of Sections | 4; Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; General Knowledge |
| Number of Answer Options | 5 |
| Scoring Pattern in XAT exam | +1 Mark for Each Correct Answer -0.25 Mark for Each Wrong Answer 0 Mark for Un-attempted Question |
| XAT Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| XAT Sectional Time Limit | No Sectional Time Limit |
| XAT Application Fee 2025 | Rs. 2200 |
| Facility to Choose Order of Sections | Yes, Attempt any question from any section within overall time limit |
XAT 2025 Sectional Pattern is given below. XLRI has announced many changes in XAT 2025 exam pattern and Syllabus. The table below shares the XAT exam sectional order from Section-1 to Section-4, number and type of questions in each section
XAT 2024 Exam Pattern
| Exam Sections | Number of questions | Overall Time & Scoring Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Part-1 | 75 Total MCQs | 170 Minutes. Max.75 Marks(+1 Mark for each Correct answer; -0.25 Negative Marking for each wrong answer) |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | No Sectional Time Limit. +1 and -0.25 (Max 26 Marks) |
| Decision Making | 21 | No Sectional Time Limit. +1 and – 0.25(Max 22 Marks) |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | No Sectional Time Limit. +1 and – 0.25 (Max 28 Marks) |
| Part-2 | 20 Total MCQs | 10 Minutes |
| General Knowledge | 20 | Complete in 10 Minutes. +1; No Negative Marking (Max 20 Marks) |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) | 1 Descriptive Topic (Dropped for XAT 2025) | No Test in XAT 2025 |
| Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) | 95 MCQs | Max 95 Marks |
Q: In how many days exam will be conducted
Q: In how many sessions will exam be conducted?
Q: What is the Mode of exam?
Q: Is XAT a difficult exam?
Q: Can I attempt any section in the exam within over all time limit?
XAT Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning section carries overall 27% Weightage in XAT exam. Out of total 95 questions in XAT 2025, 26 questions will be based on VALR section. The VALR Section in XAT is divided into 3 parts. The 1st part covers topics on Verbal Ability, the 2nd Part covers Reading Comprehension passages and the 3rd part covers Reasoning section. Below is shared the topic wise VALR sectional pattern 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
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 pattern for Decision Making
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions
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 pattern for QADI with question types
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions
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 in XAT 2025 will have 20 questions instead of 25 earlier. 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 last year XAT entrance exam GK section pattern with type of questions
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions
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 |
Analytical Essay Writing is the descriptive online computer based test in XAT. This test has been scrapped in XAT 2025 and will be conducted by XLRI in its final selection GD-PI round. Essay writing in XAT 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 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 had to write essay on one topic out of the three given topics. Essay in XAT plays important role in the Personal Interview round as questions are based on what you have written in your XAT Essay.
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions
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 |
XAT exam pattern 2025 Vs CAT exam pattern has many similarities as well as differences. A brief comparison between XAT & CAT is shared below:
8.1 XAT 2025 Vs CAT 2024
IIM CAT 2024 and XAT 2025 have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronise their sectional and overall exam preparation. A comparative analysis between both the exams is shared below:
| Component | XLRI – XAT 2025 | IIM CAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total questions | 95 | 66 |
| Overall time limit to attempt the exam | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Type of questions | MCQs | MCQs, and Non-MCQs |
| Answer options for each MCQ | 5 | 4 |
| Marks awarded for each correct answer | 1 | 3 |
| Negative marking | 75 MCQs with 1/4 negative marking; No negative marking for 20 MCQs on GK | MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs |
| Exam difficulty level | High | High |
| Number of sections | Total 4 Sections 3 (Main sections) 1 (GK score not counted) | 3 |
| Name of section-1 with number of questions | English Language & Logical Reasoning- 26 | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension -24 |
| Name of Section-2 with number of questions | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 28 | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning-20 |
| Name of Section-3 with number of questions | Decision Making-21 | Quantitative Ability-22 |
| Facility to choose order of sections | Any question from any section within overall time limit | No, has to follow pre defined sectional order |
| Individual Sectional time limit | No | Each section with 40 Minute time limit |
| Top MBA colleges accepting exam score | XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB | 21 IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IMI, IITs, XIMB |
XLRI is conducting XAT for the more than 70 years. Earlier it used to be a paper based test. Later on it was changed to a computer based test. XLRI had scrapped the descriptive question on Essay Writing test, restored it and has again scrapped it for XAT 2025. XAT exam time duration has also been reduced to 3 hours from earlier 3 hour 30 minutes. Key changes in XAT over the years are as below:
| XAT exam year | XAT 2024 | XAT 2023 | XAT 2022 | XAT 2021 | XAT 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes: 2PM to 5.30 PM | 3 Hours 30 Minutes: 2PM to 5.30 PM | 3 Hours 10 Minutes: 9.30AM to 12.40PM | 3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30PM | 3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30 PM |
| Number of Sections | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Number of Questions | 101 | 101 | 101 | 100 | 99 |
| Type of Questions | MCQs-100; Descriptive-1 | MCQs-100 Descriptive-1 | MCQs-100; Descriptive-1 | MCQs | MCQs |
| Subjective Answer Questions | 1 (Essay Writing Test) | 1 (Essay Writing Test) | 1 (Essay Writing Test) | No | No |
| Maximum marks | 100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) | 100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) | 100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) | 100 | 99 |
| Key Change | No Change | Essay Writing Test in 2nd Part | Essay Writing Test Restored | No Essay Writing Test | No Essay Writing Test |
| Penalty for Leaving Questions Unattempted | None | None | 0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions | Not Announced | 0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions |
| Scoring Pattern | +1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer | +1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer | +1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer | +1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer | +1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
Q. What is XAT 2025 Exam Pattern
A. XAT 2025 is a computer based test. It is likely to have 95 MCQs this year and No Descriptive Essay Writing Test. The exam will be divided into 4 sections with 95 questions on VALR, DM, QADI, GK
Q. Will XLRI provide some model test to understand XAT exam pattern?
A. Yes, XLRI conducts official Mock Tests and also provides previous test papers on the XAT website: xatonline.in. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam.
Q. How many sections are there in XAT 2025?
A. XAT 2025 will have two parts. Part-1 has three core sections which are counted for percentile calculation and part-2 has two sections which are not counted for percentile calculation:
Part-1
Part-2