Comprehensive Guide for XAT Exam
The XAT exam (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur for admission to MBA/PGDM. It’s a gateway to prestigious MBA/PGDM programs not only at XLRI but also at over 160 other B-schools across India.
Those who pass the XAT test can study management at some of India’s top MBA colleges, including XLRI, XIMB, SP Jain, IMT Ghaziabad, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, and others. In addition to these universities, XAT exam results are taken into account by over 150 management institutes when admitting students to their management programs.
This comprehensive blog equips you with all the latest information about the XAT exam, from registration to results, and exam pattern, empowering you to approach it with confidence.
XAT Exam Dates (2024 & Tentative for 2025)
- XAT Exam Date 2025: The last XAT exam was held on Sunday, January 7, 2025.
- XAT Exam Date 2025 (Tentative): The upcoming XAT exam is tentatively scheduled for the first Sunday of January 2025, which falls on January 5, 2025. However, an official announcement from XLRI Jamshedpur is expected in July 2025.
Highlights of the XAT Exam
|
Full form of the XAT Exam |
Xavier Aptitude Test |
|
Frequency of Exam |
Once a year |
|
Conducting Body |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
|
XAT Exam date 2025 |
5- January (Tentative) |
|
Exam Level |
National Level |
|
Mode of exam |
Online |
|
Exam duration |
3.5 hours |
|
Exam pattern |
100 questions in MCQ format |
|
Language |
English |
|
Courses offered |
MBA/PGDM |
|
Exam fees |
INR 2,100 (at all categories) |
|
No. of Applicants |
1.35 lakhs (in this year) |
|
No. of test cities |
79 cities |
|
XAT exam official website |
XAT Registration Dates (2024 & Expected for 2025)
The registration dates for XAT 2025 have already passed. Here’s an expected timeline for XAT 2025 registration based on previous years:
- Registration Starts: Likely to begin in the second week of July 2025 (subject to change).
- Registration Ends: The application window typically closes in November or early December.
XAT Exam Registration Process
The XAT registration process is the first step towards admission. This process starts from July to August every year. The XAT exam registration process is entirely online. Here’s a breakdown of the expected steps for XAT 2025:
- Visit the Official Website: Head to the XAT Online website (https://www.xatonline.in/) for registration.
- Create an Account: Register yourself by creating a new account.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Carefully fill out the application form, providing accurate details about your academic qualifications, work experience (if any), and preferred test cities.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents as specified by the exam authorities.
- Pay the XAT Exam Fees: The registration fee is expected to be around Rs. 2100. Additional fees might apply for specific programs at XLRI.
- Submit the Application: Once you’ve reviewed all the information, submit your completed application form.
XAT Exam Fees
The XAT exam fee is expected to be around Rs. 2100 for the upcoming exam. Additional fees might apply for specific programs at XLRI Jamshedpur.
Eligibility Criteria for XAT Exam 2025
To sit for the XAT, candidates must fulfill a minimal requirement. The most recent XAT qualifying standards and academic prerequisites are listed below:
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in any stream from an accredited university, with a minimum three-year or equivalent duration.
- Students who are waiting on their results or in their final year of a bachelor’s degree are also qualified to take the XAT.
- The XAT exam graduation requirements do not include a minimum mark requirement. The candidate must have completed their bachelor’s degree program with passing grades.
- Candidates with professional degrees (CA/CS) and working professionals are also eligible to take the exam.
XAT Exam Pattern
The XAT exam paper consists of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) spread across five sections:
- Decision Making (22 Questions): This section assesses your analytical and critical thinking abilities in business scenarios.
- Verbal & Logical Ability (26 Questions): This section tests your reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and reasoning skills.
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (28 Questions): Get ready to showcase your proficiency in solving quantitative problems and interpreting data effectively.
- General Knowledge (24 Questions): This section evaluates your awareness of current affairs, business, economics, science, and general knowledge. (There’s no negative marking in this section)
| XAT 2025 Particulars | Exam Structure Details |
|---|---|
|
Sections |
Section 1-
Verbal and Logical Ability
Data Interpretation and Quantitative Ability Section 2- Mock Keyboard Testing Section 3 General Awareness Essay Writing |
|
Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test |
|
3 hours 30 minutes |
3 hours 30 minutes |
|
Number of Questions |
100 - 105 |
|
Marking Scheme |
1 Mark for Correct Answer 0.25 negative marking for Incorrect Answer After 8 unattempted answers, - 0.10 mark for each unanswered question |
XAT Essay Writing (Optional)
While not part of the scored sections, XAT offers an optional essay writing component. You’ll be presented with a few topics and need to choose one to write on within a stipulated time. This essay helps assess your writing skills and thought process.
XAT Preparation Tips
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. A well-structured study plan starting months before the exam is crucial.
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam format, syllabus, and marking scheme.
- Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your weaker areas and dedicate focused study time to strengthen them.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate the actual exam experience, and identify your strengths
List of XAT Exam Centers
The list of test centers for the national admission exam, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025, has been released by XLRI Jamshedpur. The XAT 2025 exam is slated to take place online in 79 countries nationwide on January 7, 2025.
List of XAT Exam Centers
|
Agra |
Kannur |
Ahmedabad |
Kanpur |
|
Aurangabad City (Maharashtra) |
Kolkata |
Allahabad |
Kota |
|
Ambala |
Kottayam |
Amravati |
Kurnool |
|
Amritsar |
Kurukshetra |
Bengaluru |
Lucknow |
|
Berhampur |
Ludhiana |
Bhatinda |
Madurai |
|
Bhilai Nagar |
Mangalore |
Bhopal |
Mumbai |
|
Bhubaneswar |
Mysuru (Mysore) |
Bokaro Steel City |
Nagpur |
|
Chandigarh/Mohali |
Nashik |
Chennai |
Patna |
|
Coimbatore |
Pune |
Cuttack |
Raipur |
|
Dehradun |
Rajahmundry |
Delhi-NCR |
Dhanbad |
|
Ranchi |
Roorkee |
Dibrugarh |
Rourkela |
|
Durgapur/Asansol |
Sambalpur |
Ernakulam |
Siliguri |
|
Gandhinagar |
Surat |
Goa |
Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Gorakhpur |
Tiruchirappalli |
Guwahati |
Tirupathi |
|
Gwalior |
Tiruvallur |
Hooghly |
Udaipur |
|
Hubballi(Hubli) |
Udupi |
Hyderabad |
Vadodara |
|
Indore |
Varanasi |
Jabalpur |
Vijayawada |
|
Jaipur |
Visakhapatnam |
Jammu |
Warangal |
|
Jamshedpur |
Warangal |
Tezpur |
Rajkot |
XAT Exam Syllabus
| Sections | Syllabus |
|---|---|
|
XAT QA-DI Syllabus |
Number System, Work & Time, Probability, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Maths, Permutation & Combination, Percentage & Ratios, Mixtures & Alligation, Arithmetic, Algebra, Profit and Loss, Speed & Distance, Quadratic Equations, Logarithm, Surds & Indices, Statistics, Trigonometry, DI Graphs, Tables & Charts. |
|
XAT Decision Making (DM) Syllabus |
Business Decisions, Analytical Reasoning, Ethical Dilemma, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving skills, Prioritization, Situational Conditions, Grouping Test, Data Arrangement Test, Decision Making in a Situation. |
|
XAT Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus |
Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Grammar, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Odd One Out, etc. |
|
XAT GK Syllabus |
Static GK and Current Affairs: Politics, Economics, History, Geography, Sports, Business Affairs, National & International Affairs, and States, etc. |
|
XAT Essay Writing |
A short essay of 250 words on any topic- current affairs, social & economic issues, abstract, science & technology, business & management-oriented topics, etc. |
XAT Exam Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer in the MCQ sections fetches 1 mark.
- There’s a negative marking in all MCQ sections except General Knowledge. Typically, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- There’s an additional penalty for attempting more than eight consecutive questions without any answer (0.10 marks deducted for each question).
Get More Details to Fill The Form
XAT Results
The online XAT exam results for 2025 will be made available by the Xavier School of Management (XLRI) during the second week of January 2025. Up until March 31, 2025, candidates can obtain their XAT exam scorecard and view their sectional and overall percentile. How to check the XAT Exam 2025 Result?
The detailed step-by-step process to check the result is given below,
- Go to the XAT official website – xatonline.in
- Click on the login tab on the page.
- Type the registered email and Password.
- Click on the “XAT Score Card” button.
- The result will appear on the display.
- Download and take two or three printouts of the same.
At the End
Preparing for the XAT exam requires strategic planning and dedicated effort. By understanding the exam pattern, registration process, and other essential details mentioned in this guide, you can streamline your preparation and increase your chances of success. Stay focused, stay motivated, and give your best shot at XAT 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The official date for the XAT exam 2025 is yet to be announced. Candidates are advised to stay updated by visiting the official website of XAT regularly.
The registration process for the XAT exam involves online registration, filling of details, uploading documents, payment of fees, and confirmation of registration.
XAT exam comprises multiple sections including Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing.
The XAT exam result for 2025 is expected to be declared in February. Candidates can check their results online on the official website of XAT.
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university. There is no age limit for appearing in the XAT exam.