The XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is an entrance exam for admission to MBA programs in top-tier institutes like XLRI, XIMB, and more. The exam pattern for XAT has undergone a few changes in recent years. Here's the latest XAT exam pattern for 2025, based on the most recent updates:
1. Exam Mode:
- Computer-based Test (CBT)
2. Duration:
- Total exam time: 3 hours (180 minutes)
3. Sections:
XAT 2025 consists of 4 sections:
- Verbal and Logical Ability (VA & LR)
- Decision Making (DM)
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- General Knowledge (GK) (This section is non-competitive, i.e., not included in the overall score but considered for shortlisting in some institutes)
4. Sectional Distribution:
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
|--------------------------------------|----------------------|----------------|
| Verbal and Logical Ability (VA & LR) | 26 questions | 165 minutes (for 3 sections) |
| Decision Making (DM) | 21 questions | Part of above time |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 questions | Part of above time |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 25 questions | 15 minutes |
- The GK section has no time limit during the test, but it's taken separately after the 3-hour window for the other sections.
5. Total Number of Questions:
- Total questions in XAT 2025: 100 questions across the sections
6. Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks (negative marking)
- Unanswered Questions: 0 marks
- General Knowledge: No negative marking in the General Knowledge section
7. Sectional Time Limit:
- XAT has a sectional time limit for Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) combined, giving a total of 165 minutes. However, the General Knowledge (GK) section is not part of this time limit, allowing candidates to attempt it later.
8. Key Changes in the Latest Pattern:
- Increased focus on Decision Making (DM): This section has become even more significant in recent exams. It evaluates a candidate's ability to make decisions in critical situations.
- General Knowledge Section: This section is still there but not part of the competitive scoring, only considered in the shortlisting process for some institutes.
- Quantitative Aptitude: The questions are designed to test both mathematical and analytical skills, but the level of difficulty has been balanced in recent years, allowing for a range of candidates to attempt.
9. General Knowledge (GK) Section:
- The General Knowledge section of XAT tests a candidate’s awareness in areas such as current affairs, business, economics, history, culture, etc.
- It contains both static and dynamic GK.
- Candidates are given 15 minutes to attempt the General Knowledge questions.
10. Important Features:
- The XAT exam is known for its difficulty level, especially the Decision Making and Verbal & Logical Ability sections.
- The Decision Making section is unique to XAT and assesses real-world decision-making scenarios, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.
Important Notes:
- General Knowledge questions are not part of the total score calculation for the exam but may be considered for shortlisting candidates for group discussions and interviews at some participating institutes.
- Candidates can get a maximum score of 100 marks.
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on Decision Making: This section has become highly important and requires good practice in decision-making scenarios.
- Regular Reading: Stay updated on current affairs for both the GK section and to support general knowledge-based decisions.
- Time Management: Given the sectional time limit, practice attempting each section within the time frame.
This exam pattern provides a comprehensive structure that tests various skills, including analytical reasoning, verbal ability, decision-making, and general knowledge, which is why it is considered to be a highly competitive and challenging exam.