Syllabus | XAT

XAT

Exam Overview

The XAT (Xavier's Aptitude Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, for admission to MBA/PGDM programs. The XAT exam is very different from the other management entrance examinations in that it has more sections and is longer than the other examinations. It is also widely known that the XAT exam places more significance on verbal reasoning and its section on decision making is quite subjective.

Exam pattern

The XAT exam is conducted in a computer-based format and its total duration is 180 minutes. The exam consists if two parts-

• Part 1- Aptitude test to be attempted in a time duration of 170 minutes
• Part 2- General Knowledge to be attempted in a time duration of 10 minutes

Candidates should note that Part 1 has no sectional time limits, giving them the flexibility to manage their time effectively. The number of questions from each section of the aptitude test is as mentioned below in the table:

Marking Scheme

As per the XAT exam marking scheme, candidates receive 1 mark for each correct answer. However, an incorrect response leads to a deduction of 0.25 mark due to negative marking. Candidates should note that they can skip up to 8 questions without any penalty. However, for each question skipped after the 8th question, a penalty of 0.1 marks per question will be applied.

The general knowledge section has no negative markings. The general knowledge section will not contribute to the overall percentile or cutoff score. However, it will be considered during the selection process.

Syllabus

Before thinking of pursuing an MBA, candidates must familiarise themselves with the XAT exam syllabus, which is crucial in scoring well in the XAT exam. The XAT 2025 exam is divided into four sections:

• Verbal & Logical Reasoning – Emphasizes reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, critical reasoning, para jumbles, and analogies.
• Decision Making – Includes caselets, data arrangement, complex grouping, assumptions, premises, and logical conclusions.
• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation – Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, percentages, surds, indices, and data representation through charts and tables.
• General Knowledge – Encompasses current affairs and static GK, including topics from economics, politics, business, science, sports, awards, and the Indian Constitution.

A strategic approach, consistent practice, and effective time management are essential for success in the XAT exam. Check out the detailed topic-wise syllabus PDF from the download link in the ‘content’ section on the next page.