XAT 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips and Exam Day Guidelines

Xavier Aptitude Test 2025 ( XAT )

4 mins read1.4K Views1.7K Comments

Exam On: 5 Jan '25

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 16, 2024 16:10 IST

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 is scheduled for January 5, 2025. Preparation for the exam day is as important as months of study. Read this article to get last-minute tips for XAT 2025 and exam day guidelines.

XAT 2022 last minute prep

All test takers of XAT 2025 must have prepared well enough and now are busy with last mile preparations. With less than a month to go, this is the time when all XAT 2025 candidates should not worry about their weak points but focus on revision of their strong areas. They must focus mainly on how to improve their score with the help short cuts and tricks. They should spend time in checking the latest XAT exam pattern and previous years' papers. Read this article to get last-minute tips for XAT 2025 and exam day guidelines.

Explore popular MBA colleges for you

Ahmedabad
#1 NIRF
₹12 L - 25 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Bangalore
#2 NIRF
₹12.5 L - 24.5 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Pune
#13 NIRF
₹17.2 L - 24.2 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Jamshedpur
#9 NIRF
₹4 L - 58.84 L
Ranked in the top 10 by NIRF

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Kolkata
#5 NIRF
₹25 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Kozhikode
#3 NIRF
₹20.5 L - 22.5 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Delhi
#4 NIRF
₹12 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Lucknow
#7 NIRF
₹7.6 L - 12.6 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
Mumbai
#6 NIRF
₹14 L
Ranked in the top 10 by NIRF
Indore
#8 NIRF
₹17.25 L - 35 L
In Top 10 %ile by Average Salary of MBA Colleges
View allCollections

XAT 2025 Last Minutes Tips

Exam day strategy – Your performance in XAT 2025 will depend on the strategy you adopt for solving the question paper. Just before the exam, analyse the number of correct attempts you need to meet the cut off percentile of your desired MBA institute. Time management is crucial in solving XAT 2025 question paper. There is sectional time limit in XAT, so candidates should devise such an exam day strategy in which they are able to complete Verbal, Quants and Decision Making sections (Part 1) within 170 minutes. 

Also Read: XAT 2025 preparation -Tips and Tricks

Q:   What is the XAT 2025 exam date?

A:

XAT 2025 will be held on the first Sunday of January 2025, which is January 5. The exam date was officially announced by XLRI Jamshedpur on July 15, 2024. The announcement was made at the XATONLINE website. The exam will be held in 110 cities from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. The registration process will go on until December 10, 2024. Candidates are required to fill the online application form before the deadline to be eligible to appear for XAT 2025. 

Online application submission only XAT fee is INR 2,200 for all candidates Fee to be submitted at the time of application form submission Graduation degree must for filling the XAT form (final year candidates can also apply). 

Q:   How will I know if I have converted the XLRI interview call or not?

A:

Every candidate is informed by XLRI Jamshedpur about their selection via email. The interview round is held in February-March and the offer letter are sent to selected candidates in April-May. Those who would not receive the confirmation letter, may consider that they are not selected for admission. Candidates must keep a check on their emails. They must keep checking spam folders too. It is also very important use the correct and fully functional email ID for XAT registration as that is the main contact point for communication from the institute.

The admission authorities will consider both sectional and overall XAT score while shortlisting candidates for group discussion and personal interview round of XLRI admission. Candidates must perform well in all the sections of XAT exam as well as in the for group discussion and personal interview to be selected for admission.

Q:   What are the XAT exam day guidelines?

A:

Detailed guidelines will be mentioned in the XAT admit card. Here are a few general guidelines for you to know:

  • Candidates are supposed to be at the centre at least an hour before the commencement of exam. Reach the XAT exam centre at the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
  • Affix your recent passport size photo in colour with preferable white background on the admit card.
  • Do not carry electronic items, valuables and bags to the exam centre. These items are prohibited.
  • Carry two copies of the XAT admit card and the original copy of a valid ID proof such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Passport, PAN card, Driving License or University ID card.
  • After entering the test lab, locate your seat and computer system. Do not start the computer system until the invigilator makes an announcement for the same.

Analyse strengths and weaknesses – XAT exam consists of Decision Making section, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. Meeting the sectional cut off is essential to get a good overall XAT percentile, thus, the candidate must ensure they have reached the cut off level confortably in every section. You need to capitalize on your strength in each section and minimize risks vis-à-vis weak areas. Section based strategies need to be implement to obtain maximum marks in XAT 2025. GK is memory based so don't fret over it much. You only need to memorise year books. If you've done that, you're sorted. There will be 20 questions, which will be easily doable in 10 minutes.

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

SNAP 2024 session 3

21 Dec '24

MAT 2024 Admit Card Download CBT 2

18 Dec '24 - 22 Dec '24

ATMA 2024 December Session

22 Dec '24

SSU CET 2024 (phase 3)

22 Dec '24

IBSAT 2024 Registration

1 Jul '24 - 23 Dec '24

XGMT registration

26 Aug '24 - 23 Dec '24

CMAT 2025 registration and app...

14 Nov '24 - 25 Dec '24

TISSNET 2024 Mock Test

28 Dec '24

NMAT 2024 Result Declaration

5 Nov '24 - 31 Dec '24

UPESMET 2025 Registrations

14 Oct '24 - 21 Jan '25

Also Read: XAT exam pattern and marking scheme 2025

Revision time – Revise important topics, concepts, theorems and formulae a night before the exam and take a sleep of about eight hours. Make sure you have covered the important topics from XAT 2025 syllabus and if any topic remains untouched, don’t touch it now. Your focus during revision period should be to strengthen the topics you know. While revising, you should practice tips and tricks for test efficiency and time management. Take one last XAT mock test before the exam day just to get more comfortatble with computer based test. Do not get bogged down if you score less than usual. Keep your confidence high. These are necessary skills for XAT 2025 that will help you attempt the exam without any hassle.

Also Read: XAT score vs percentile - How much XAT score will fetch 99 percentile

Q:   What are the items not allowed inside XAT exam centre?

A:

XAT exam is conducted in online mode so you don’t have to carry any stationary item apart from a blue/black ball point pen which is to be used for signing the attendance sheet.

Candidates should not carry to the examination centre, electronic items such as phone, watch, IPad, calculator, pager, etc. They should also not carry any metal items. Clothes and accessories having metal and metal jewellery are also prohibited inside the examination centres. Caps, headgears, sunglasses, clothes with pocket and hoodies are not allowed at the XAT exam centre. Candidates must also not carry bags and any other valuable item as candidates will not be allowed to carry anything inside the exam centre apart from a pen and documents. There will be no arrangement for depositing the bag at the exam centre.

Q:   What are the dos and don'ts for the XAT exam day?

A:

XAT aspirants must follow the guideline as mentioned in the XAT admit card and the exam day instruction document

XAT Dos

  • Carry a ballpoint pen, two copies of admit card, photo ID and a passport size photos.
  • Be present at the XAT exam centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
  • Wear simple outfits like cardigans and sweaters without pockets.
  • Submit a copy of XAT admit card and rough sheets to the invigilator before leaving the test lab.

XAT Don’ts

  • Don’t carry paper, notebook, book or such items.
  • Don’t carry electronic items such as mobile phones, pager, watch, ipad and calculator.
  • Don’t carry eatables inside the exam venue (allowed for diabetic students with permission).
  • Don’t reach the exam centre late. Gates will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of exam.
  • Don’t wear jewellery or any meta accessory on the exam day.
  • Don’t carry leave the test lab before time or without permission.
  • Don’t resist frisking or identification procedures at the exam centre.

XAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates appearing for XAT 2025 must be careful of dos and don’ts for the exam day. Check below exam day instructions for XAT 20254–

  • Carry your XAT 2025 admit card in original and a copy along with other required documents such as Photo Identity proof including Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, College/University ID, Driver's License, etc. Cross-check all information furnished on the admit card beforehand.
  • Reach your allotted test centre for XAT 2025 as per the reporting time mentioned on your admit card. Candidates will not be allowed to enter XAT 2025 exam centre without mandatory inspection for admit card and valid ID proof.
  • Go through exam day guidelines for XAT 2025 mentioned on admit card regarding examination hall, documents, stationery, etc.
  • Do not carry prohibited items such as mobile phones, calculators, watches and other electronic items. Follow the instructions of examination centre staff. If they ask you to remove jewellery, shoes, etc. then you have to abide by it or you’ll be barred from taking the exam.
  • You also need to affix a recent colour passport size photograph at the space provided on the admit card of XAT 2025.
  • You should carry a ballpoint pen. If you will need paper for rough work while attempting XAT 2025, then it will be provided by the exam invigilator in the examination hall.
  • Sign the XAT admit card 2025 only in front of exam invigilator and must not write anything else on it, not even your seat number in the examination hall.
  • Stay relaxed before and during the XAT exam as anxiety can affect your performance negatively. XAT is mainly based on cognitive ability along with speed and decision-making skills. Do not let any negative thoughts bother you. Be confident of your preparation and prepare yourself mentally for the test.
  • Don’t get stuck on tricky questions in exam. The best strategy for XAT 2025 will be to attempt easy questions first, then moderate ones and in the remaining time for tricky questions.
  • Manage your time well, so that you can save a few minutes to cross-check your answers. 

XAT Mock Test

Check here free XAT mock tests by Shiksha. Practice these mock test and check you XAT 2025 preparation:

XAT_Mock_Test_1 XAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
XAT_Mock_Test_2 XAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

XAT Exam Preparation Articles

Last Minute Tips for XAT 2025

How to Prepare for XAT 2025? Tips from Toppers

Expert speak: How To Prepare for XAT Exam?

XAT 2025: Revision Tips for Last Two Weeks

How to Prepare for XAT in 1 Month

XAT 2025: Exam day checklist and guidelines
About the Author
author-image
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content

Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio

Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

21 Dec '24

SNAP 2024 session 3

8 Jan '25

SNAP 2024 result announcement

Jan '25

MAH CET 20245 registration pro...

Mar '25

MAH MBA CET 2025

5 Nov '24 -

31 Dec '24

NMAT 2024 Result Declaration

6 Nov '24 -

17 Dec '24

NMAT 2024 Retake Registration

14 Nov '24 -

25 Dec '24

CMAT 2025 registration and app...

26 Dec '24 -

27 Dec '24

CMAT 2025 form correction

18 Dec '24 -

22 Dec '24

MAT 2024 Admit Card Download C...

22 Dec '24

MAT 2024 CBT 2

19 Dec '24

CAT 2024 result announcement

3 Dec '24 -

5 Dec '24

CAT 2024 answer key challenge

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

Jan '25

TANCET Registration Dates

Feb '25

TANCET Admit Card Download

1 Jul '24 -

23 Dec '24

IBSAT 2024 Registration

4 Nov '24 -

29 Dec '24

IBSAT 2024 Exam Slot Booking

Jan '25

IRMASAT 2025 Last Date of Appl...

Feb '25

IRMASAT Personal Interviews

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

Top MBA colleges offering average CTCs above 12 LPA, with ST out-of-state reservations and accepting CMAT or XAT scores, include XLRI Jamshedpur (32 LPA, XAT), XIM Bhubaneswar (20 LPA, XAT), Great Lakes Institute of Management (15–17 LPA, CMAT/XAT), Goa Institute of Management (14–15 LPA, CMAT/XAT),

...more

59928193
Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Hii, The difficulty of XAT, CAT, or CMAT depends on individual aptitude and preparation, but generally:

  1. CAT: Considered the toughest, with high competition and emphasis on VARC, DILR, and Quant.
  2. XAT: Moderate, with an additional Decision-Making section and essay writing, testing analytical thinking.
  3. CM

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, a college ID card is not considered valid for identity verification in the XAT 2025 exam. Acceptable documents typically include a government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, or driving license. Ensure your ID is original, valid, and matches the name on your

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) admits students through XAT and GMAT scores other than the CAT scores for their MBA (International Business) program. Here are the respective :-

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test):

The candidate using XAT can apply at IIFT for the MBA (IB). XAT is one of the tests

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

Sandip University accepts various national-level exams for MBA admissions, including XAT. The XAT 2025 dates have been released. As per that, the exam is scheduled to be held on 5 Jan, 2025. Moreover, the applications for the same are expected to be released in the middle of December 2024.

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates can apply for SAGE University MBA through the XAT exam. The registrations for the exam are open and will go on till Nov 30, 2024. The exam will take place on 5 Jan 2024. Candidates can apply and appear for the exam to get a seat in the university's MBA programme.

In addition to that,

...more

A

Aayush Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

SNU Noida accepts a wide range of national-level entrance tests for admissions to its MBA programme, including XAT. Those who wish to get admission via XAT, must register and appear for the exam. As per the official website, XAT 2025 is scheduled to be held on 5 Jan, 2024. 

Note: The above-mentioned

...more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

XAT is one of the selection criteria for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at DES Pune University. Other selection criteria include:

CAT, NMAT, GMAT, PERA, CMAT, MAH-CET, MAT, DES PU Entrance Exam, Group Discussion (GD), and Extempore. 

 

To be eligible for the MBA program, candidat

...more

7388054
SUJITH S

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

As per the latest XAT schedule, the exam is scheduled to be held on Jan 5, 2025. This paper generally consists of three sections, namely Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation. The tentative last date to register for this exam is Nov 30, 2024.

...more

S

Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

If we compare the entrance exams required for admission to DY Patil Talegaon, SB Patil Institute of Management and SIOM, we will see that only DY Patil Talegaon does not conduct admissions through XAT score and only uses the MAHCET score for admission.

SB Patil Institute of Management and SIOM conduc

...more

A

Aayush Sharma

Contributor-Level 10