XAT

Candidates can check the eligibility criteria given below for the XAT exam.

• To be eligible for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years duration or an equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognized university.
• There is no minimum aggregate marks requirement; candidates simply need to have passing marks in their bachelor’s degree program.
• Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their graduation by June 2022 and submit their scores to the respective colleges.
• Additionally, there is no upper age limit for taking the XAT exam, and both fresh graduates and working professionals, including those with professional degrees such as CA/CS, are welcome to apply.
• There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the XAT.

Here are the key points and highlights of the XAT exam pattern 2025, paraphrased and organized:

• Mode of Exam: Computer-based test
• Total Questions: 100-103 MCQs
• Exam Duration: 210 minutes
• Sectional Time Limit: Yes
• Total Questions: 100 MCQs + 1 Essay

XAT Sections and Marks:

• Decision Making
  1. Number of Questions: 22
  2. Total Marks: 22
• Verbal and Logical Ability
  1. Number of Questions: 26
  2. Total Marks: 26
• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
  1. Number of Questions: 28
  2. Total Marks: 28
• General Knowledge
  1. Number of Questions: 25
  2. Total Marks: 25
• Analytical Essay Writing
  1. Number of Questions: 1
  2. Evaluation: For shortlisting purposes

Additional Highlights: The General Knowledge and Essay Writing sections are not counted for percentile calculation.

• Scoring:
  • Correct Answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong Answer: -0.25 mark (No negative marking for General Knowledge and Essay Writing sections)
• MCQ Options: Each question has five options with one correct option.
• Essay Evaluation: Evaluated after shortlisting for the interview.
• Break: 5-minute break between Part 1 and Part 2.

Candidates can refer to the preparation strategies for Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, and General Knowledge section.

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QADI) Preparation

The XAT 2025 exam will include 28 questions from various QADI topics.

• Candidates are advised to review and memorize important concepts and formulas.
• Practice at least 20 questions daily to build consistency and efficiency.
• Aspirants must identify and focus on their weak areas, practicing those questions regularly.
• Students must take sectional and full-length XAT mock test papers and sample papers to improve time management and familiarity with the exam format.

Verbal & Logical Ability Preparation

The XAT 2025 Verbal & Logical Ability section will have 26 MCQs, including about 4 RC passages, 2-3 poem-based comprehensions, 2-3 para jumbles, 4-5 critical reasoning questions, and various grammar and vocabulary-based questions.

• Aspirants can use the book “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis and read at least 1-2 newspapers, magazines, or online articles daily.
• Candidates must improve reading speed for RC passages, start with short passages (300-400 words).
• Students must practice with sample papers and online quizzes to cover different types of questions.

Decision Making (DM) Preparation

For the Decision Making section, candidates can check the preparation tips given below.

• In this section about 50% of the questions typically relate to business decision-making.
• Students can avoid letting personal bias influence their answers; candidates can choose the best alternative from the given options.

General Knowledge (GK) Preparation

The GK section is part 2 of the XAT question paper, consisting of 25 questions from static GK and current affairs.

• For static GK, candidates can refer to some books like Lucent’s GK, Manorama Year Book, or Arihant’s GK.
• Aspirants are advised to read newspapers such as The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times, and magazines like Frontline, Business Line, and Yojana.
• Candidates must take daily notes on current affairs which will help last-minute revision.