Updated on 16th March 2024 | 2:00 pm | #XATExamPattern2025
The XAT exam has a distinct pattern that sets it apart from other MBA entrance exams in India. It garners over 75,000 aspirants annually and includes four sections:
Along with the recently reintroduced Essay Writing section in 2022. This reintroduction requires candidates to adjust their preparation compared to CAT. Additionally, the 2025 XAT paper pattern extends over a total duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Before attempting the XAT 2025 exam, it's essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of its details. This knowledge will facilitate better comprehension and more effective preparation. Here are some key details to consider:
|
XAT Exam Structure |
Exam Details |
|
Number of sections |
5 |
|
XAT time limit |
3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
|
Number of questions |
105 |
|
Total marks |
105 |
|
Number of answer choices |
Five |
|
Mode of examination |
Online |
|
XAT marking scheme |
|
The XAT Pattern consists of two parts with a total of 101 Questions (expected) overall. The anticipated distributions of questions are given below:
|
XAT Division |
Sections |
Total Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
Part 1 |
Verbal and Logical Ability |
26 |
175 minutes |
|
Decision Making |
22 |
||
|
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation |
28 |
||
|
Part 2 |
Mock Keyboard Testing |
- |
5 minutes |
|
Part 3 |
General Knowledge |
25 |
30 minutes |
|
Essay Writing |
1 |
||
|
Total |
|
102 |
210 Minutes |
This aspect of the XAT exam pattern makes the XAT exam quite difficult because of the restriction on the number of questions that can be left unattempted. Thus the XAT Exam Strategy becomes extremely important for the candidates. This can only be formed after several mocks attempted by the candidate.
The XAT Paper Pattern has undergone several changes over the past 3-4 years. The most significant change was the shift from the Paper Based Test to the Computer Based Test in 2018. Apart from this, other changes that have taken place over the years include:
As you can see, the XAT Pattern has been shifting slightly over the years. This makes preparing for the XAT Exam slightly tricky however the sections have remained the same due to which the XAT Syllabus can be looked at in brief.
This section is a combination of the VARC section and LR section from the CAT Exam. The topics which are generally tested in this section, apart from Reading Comprehension, include:
This is a section that is not tested at all in CAT or in any other MBA Entrance Exams. Last year, it consisted of 6 passages with 2-3 questions each.
There is no particular preparation or syllabus for this section as it is based on the clarity of thought of the candidate. The set of questions also ensures that the answers that the candidate gives do not contradict each other.
This section like section 1 is a combination of two sections from the CAT Exam. This section consists of the Quantitative Ability as well as Data Interpretation Questions. The Data Interpretation sets are usually followed by 3-4 questions.
The syllabus for the Quantitative Ability is the same as in CAT with the most frequently asked topics being:
The breakup of the section was 25 questions of QA and 3 of DI in XAT 2025.
The General Knowledge section of the XAT 2025 is expected to have no syllabus and can range from current affairs as well as trivia. Based on previous trends, the questions are a balance between static GK and current affairs. The syllabus for this section can vary from literature and politics to technology.
The Essay Writing section was reintroduced in XAT pattern 2022 with candidates being given three options to choose one essay from. There is no syllabus for this section and essay topics are often given based on abstract ideas and thoughts.
Based on the analysis of the previous year's XAT exam, the anticipated difficulty level of the XAT 2025 exam is expected to vary from moderately challenging. The following table outlines the specific level of difficulty for each section of the XAT 2025 exam:
|
XAT 2025 Sections |
Difficulty Level |
|
General English |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
Moderate to Difficult |
To get a detailed review of XAT Syllabus 2025, click here.
The XAT 2025 question paper is expected to contain about 100 multiple-choice questions spread across four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section holds the most significant weightage. Below is a breakdown of the weightage for each section in the XAT exam:
|
Section |
Weightage |
|
Decision Making |
21% |
|
VARC |
26% |
|
QA and DI |
27% |
|
GK |
25% |
A brief summary of the XAT Patterns for 2015- 2024 is given in the table below:
|
XAT |
No. of Questions; Hours Allotted |
Questions per Section |
Marking Scheme |
|
XAT 2024 |
100; 3 hours 30 minutes |
|
|
|
XAT 2023 |
102; 3 hours 30 minutes |
|
|
|
XAT 2022 |
101; 3 hours 10 minutes |
|
|
|
XAT 2021 |
100; 3 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2020 |
100; 3 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2019 |
99; 3 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2018 |
98; 3.5 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2017 |
98; 3.5 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2016 |
104; 3.5 hours |
|
|
|
XAT 2015 |
115; 3 hours |
|
|
XAT is conducted once every year in an online mode.
XAT 2025 will comprise multiple-choice questions in all sections except one. Essay Writing will have one subjective question.
There is no limit to the number of attempts a candidate can take in XAT. Thus, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can appear for the XAT exam every year.
Based on the eligibility criteria, a candidate who holds a bachelor's degree of three or more years can give XAT. A candidate in the final year of their bachelor's degree is also eligible to appear for XAT 2025.
While an incorrect attempt in XAT results in the deduction of 0.25 marks, it is applicable to the three sections excluding GK. Thus, the GK section does not have any negative markings.