The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI (Xavier School of Management), Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). It's one of the most prestigious and competitive MBA entrance tests in India.
๐ Key Highlights of XAT
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Conducting Body |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
|
Exam Level |
National |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
3 hours (plus optional essay writing) |
|
Frequency |
Once a year (usually in January) |
|
Eligibility |
Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline |
|
Official Website |
๐ XAT Exam Pattern (as of 2024)
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
Verbal and Logical Ability |
~26 |
Part of first 175 mins |
|
Decision Making |
~22 |
Part of first 175 mins |
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
~28 |
Part of first 175 mins |
|
General Knowledge |
~25 |
5 mins |
|
Essay Writing |
1 topic (evaluated for XLRI shortlist) |
Within main test |
Note: There is negative marking of -0.25 for each wrong answer (for the first three sections). If a candidate leaves more than 8 questions unanswered, additional penalty applies.
๐ง Unique Features
Decision Making Section: Exclusive to XAT, tests ethical and situational judgment.
Essay Writing: Though not scored for percentile, it is evaluated during interview shortlisting.
General Knowledge: Not counted in the percentile calculation but considered in the selection process.
๐ฏ Top Colleges Accepting XAT
XLRI Jamshedpur (BM, HRM, GM programs)
SPJIMR Mumbai (through profile-based calls)
XIMB Bhubaneswar
IMT Ghaziabad
TAPMI Manipal
Great Lakes Chennai
LIBA Chennai
GIM Goa
and 100+ others
๐ Preparation Tips
Start early – 5–6 months before the exam.
Practice Decision Making from past papers (available publicly).
Focus on accuracy and managing sectional time.
Stay updated with current affairs for GK.
Work on typing speed and clarity for the essay section.
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 application process is now closed, as the registration deadline was December 10, 2024. However, for future reference or if you're planning to apply in subsequent years, here's a comprehensive guide to the XAT application process:
๐ How to Apply for XAT
1. Visit the Official Website
Go to the official XAT website: xatonline.in
2. Register as a New User
Click on the ‘Register 2025’ button.
Provide your name, email ID, contact number, and set a password.
Submit the form to receive a verification email.
3. Verify Your Email
Open the verification email and click on the provided link.
This will redirect you to the main application form.
4. Fill in the Application Form
Personal Details: Enter your date of birth, gender, contact information, etc.
Academic Background: Provide details of your Class 10, 12, and graduation.
Work Experience: Include details of any full-time post-graduation employment (internships or pre-graduation work are not considered).
Program Preferences: Select the XLRI programs you're interested in (if applicable).
Test City Preferences: Choose up to two preferred test cities.
5. Upload Required Documents
Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (200 x 230 pixels, 20 KB - 50 KB, JPG/JPEG format).
Signature: Scanned signature (140 x 60 pixels, 10 KB - 20 KB, JPG/JPEG format).
Category Certificate: If applicable, upload your caste/category certificate.
6. Review and Finalize
Use the ‘Save and Next’ option to review your entries.
Ensure all details are correct, as changes can't be made after final submission.
7. Pay the Application Fee
XAT Registration Fee: โน2,200.
XLRI Program Fee: โน200 per program (if applying for XLRI programs).
Payment Methods: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, Mobile Wallets.
8. Submit the Application
After payment, submit your application form.
A confirmation page will be generated; print it out for future reference.
๐ก Tips for a Smooth Application
Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Document Readiness: Ensure all scanned documents meet the specified size and format requirements.
Payment Confirmation: After payment, verify that the transaction was successful and retain the payment receipt.
Keep Copies: Save a copy of the completed application form and payment receipt for your records.
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) syllabus is not formally prescribed by XLRI, but it follows a predictable pattern based on previous years. The test is designed to evaluate your aptitude in areas critical for management education, including decision-making, reasoning, language skills, and numerical ability.
๐ XAT Syllabus Overview (2025)
1. Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA)
Focuses on English language comprehension and reasoning skills.
Key Topics:
Reading Comprehension (RC) – dense, abstract passages
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction
Grammar and Usage
Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
Para Jumbles
Fill in the Blanks
Verbal Analogies
๐ง Tip: RCs in XAT are intellectually demanding. They may include philosophical or abstract themes.
2. Decision Making (DM)
Unique to XAT, this section tests your ability to evaluate information and make ethical/logical decisions.
Key Topics:
Ethical dilemmas
Business decision situations
Situational judgment
Analytical reasoning
Data-based decision making
๐ง Tip: No formulas needed—focus on logic, fairness, and business reasoning.
3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Tests your numerical ability, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
Key Topics:
Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance)
Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
Geometry & Mensuration
Number System
Modern Math (Set Theory, Permutation & Combination, Probability)
Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts)
๐ง Tip: DI sets in XAT can be tricky and calculation-intensive. Accuracy > speed.
4. General Knowledge (GK)
Not included in the percentile calculation but used in XLRI's shortlisting process.
Key Topics:
Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economy
Current Affairs: Business, Sports, Awards, International Events
Business & Economy
Books & Authors
Science & Technology
๐ง Tip: Focus on the past 6 months of current affairs + basic static GK.
5. Essay Writing
Introduced again in recent editions. Topics are abstract or opinion-based.
Common Themes:
Social issues (e.g., sustainability, ethics)
Economic & political trends
Abstract or philosophical topics (e.g., “Data is the new oil”)
๐ง Tip: Clarity, structure, and logical flow are more important than big words.
๐งพ Summary Table
|
Section |
Topics Covered |
|
Verbal & Logical Ability |
RC, Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning |
|
Decision Making |
Ethical scenarios, business judgments, logic-based |
|
Quant & Data Interpretation |
Arithmetic, Algebra, DI Sets, Geometry, Probability |
|
General Knowledge |
Static + Current Affairs (last 6 months) |
|
Essay Writing |
Abstract/social/business topics |