XAT Pattern

There is no set time limit to prepare for the XAT exam, but you need a minimum of six months for preparation. Ideally, candidates need to start XAT preparation by April, however, if they start by June or July too, they can complete the syllabus within time and have ample time for practice of sample papers and mock tests. Candidates aiming to clear XAT must dedicate nearly 6 months to effectively enhance their exam preparation and qualify with 95 percentile or higher. Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in less time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on.

If you are planning to prepare for XAT 2025 exam by self study, you need to start early. At least six months before. The XAT exam is conducted on the first Sunday of January every year. So, if you start preparing for the XAT 2025 in June or July, you will have a good six months to prepare. Make a preparation plan that includes XAT syllabus coverage, problem solving sessions, mock tests and revision. Get hold of the best books for XAT. Consult mentors or previous year toppers for selecting the best books for preparation. Join online study groups where you can get the help of mentors and peers for problem-solving and clearing doubts in topics. Work on tough topics first and then move to easier topics. Solve a large number and variety of XAT mock tests to master the syllabus. You will need to do rigorous work on XAT mock tests as candidates who opt for self study, have to rely on practice.

The lengthiest section in the XAT question paper is Part 1, which includes Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part 1 has a total duration of 175 minutes, making it the longest among the three parts. Within this duration, candidates need to navigate through about 26 questions in VA & LR, approximately 22 questions in DM, and around 28 questions in QA & DI. The extensive time allocation to Part 1 indicates the significance and complexity of these sections, emphasizing the need for candidates to manage their time efficiently to address the varied question types and topics in this segment.

The XAT 2024 Exam Pattern is designed to assess candidates across various domains, encompassing multiple sections. Here are the key highlights:Sections and Duration:Part 1: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) - About 26 questionsPart 2: Decision Making (DM) - About 22 questionsPart 3: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) - About 28 questionsMock Keyboard Testing - Not Applicable (NA)General Knowledge* (GK) - About 25 questionsAnalytical Essay Writing* (AEW) - 1 questionDuration: 175 Minutes (Part 1), 5 Minutes (Part 2), 30 Minutes (Part 3)Question Types:VA & LR: Critical reasoning, reading comprehensions, vocabulary, grammar, para jumbles, cloze tests, etc.DM: Scenarios testing critical thinking, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.QA & DI: Assessing quantitative aptitude covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc.GK: 10 static GK and 15 current affairs questions.AEW: Choose one topic from three and write an essay of approximately 250 words, demonstrating coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation.XAT Testing Mode and Scoring:Computer-Based Test 101 MCQs and 1 Descriptive EssayScoring: +1 Mark for Each Correct, -0.25 Mark for Incorrect MCQs (Sl. 1 to 75)Time Duration and Percentile Calculation:Overall time duration: 3 hours and 10 minutes.Only 3 sections (excluding GK) are considered for percentile calculation.No sectional time limit; candidates can attempt any question within the overall time limit.Evaluation of Essay Writing:Essay evaluation for shortlisted candidates only.The XAT 2024 Exam Pattern ensures a comprehensive assessment of candidates' abilities, combining objective and subjective components. 

The XAT exam syllabus consists of Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge sections. The exam has one unique section - Decision Making. XAT sectionsNumber of questionsMarks allotted (Weightage)Decision Making2222Verbal and Logical Ability2626General Knowledge2525Quantitative Ability & Data  Interpretation2828Essay Writing3 topics (candidates can choose one)To be assessed at the time of PI shortlistingThe question paper will be divided into three parts:Part 1- Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation Part 2-  Mock Keyboard Testing Part 3-  General Knowledge + Essay Writing