Updated By Subhashri Roy on 30 Nov, 2023 12:15
Predict your Percentile based on your XAT performance
Predict NowThe Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2024 exam pattern is prescribed by XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting body of the exam. The XAT 2024 exam will be conducted on January 7, 2024. It will have 5 sections divided into two parts in the question paper - Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing.
Each section will have 22-28 MCQs with four options, with the total number of questions being 102. The exam duration will be 210 minutes. The XAT exam pattern 2024 and the difficulty level are slightly different from other management entrance exams like CAT, MAT, and CMAT. Those who successfully clear the XAT exam 2024 will be invited for further selection rounds, which include Group Discussions and personal Interviews. The detailed section-wise XAT 2024 exam pattern and marking scheme-related details for XAT 2024 are given below on this page.
The highlights of the XAT 2024 exam pattern have been tabulated below:
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting body | XLRI Jamshedpur |
Exam type | National Level Post-Graduate exam |
Exam pattern | Computer Based Test |
Medium of the Exam | English |
Periodicity | Once in a year |
Total Number of Questions | 102 |
Exam Duration | 210 minutes (3 hours and 30 minutes) |
Syllabus | Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, Essay Writing |
Programmes Offered by XLRI | Business Management (BM), Human Resource Management (HRM) and General Management Programme (GMP) |
Type of Questions | MCQs + Essay Writing |
Exam Pattern for MCQs | Each MCQ is followed by 5 answer options with one correct option |
XAT Scoring Pattern | +1 mark for each correct answer |
Negative Marking |
|
Negative Marking in GK Questions | GK questions are exempted from negative marking. |
Percentile Calculation | To determine the XAT percentile score and XAT merit list for the written exam, only 3 components of the XAT exam are considered. In the XAT exam format, GK will not be taken into account while calculating percentiles. |
Sectional Time Limit |
|
Evaluation of Essay Writing Test | Only those candidates who will get shortlisted for the interview process will have their essay writing test evaluated. |
XAT 2024 exam pattern is given below. Candidates must understand the break-up of each section and prepare accordingly.
Name of Section | Total Number of Questions | Question Type | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning | 26 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Moderate-Very Difficult |
Decision Making | 22 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Moderate-Difficult |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Moderate-Difficult |
- Mock Keyboard Testing
| Name of Section | Total Number of Questions | Question Type | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
General Knowledge | 25 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Moderate-Difficult |
| Essay Writing | 1 (3 questions, a candidate must answer 1 out of 3 essays) | To be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted | |
NB: A candidate must choose ONE of the three essays (arguments) and develop a rational and well-organized essay. The essay's word count should not go over 300 words.
It is important for the candidates to have a clear understanding of the XAT marking scheme before they take the examination. The XAT 2024 marking scheme has been mentioned below:
No changes have been announced in XAT 2024 exam pattern. Check out the changes introduced in the XAT pattern and duration from 2014 to 2024:
Year | No. of Questions & Marking Scheme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| XAT 2024 | Same as that of 2023 | Same as that of 2023 |
| XAT 2023 | 76 MCQs, 25 GK, and 1 Essay Writing Inclusion of Mock Keyboard Testing +1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer No Negative marking for GK & Essay sections Negative Marking of 0.10 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 8 questions are left unattempted | 210 minutes |
| XAT 2022 | 75 MCQs, 25 GK, and 1 Essay Writing 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer No Negative marking for GK & Essay sections Negative Marking of 0.10 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 8 questions are left unattempted | 190 minutes |
| XAT 2021 | 75 MCQs, and 25 GK 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.10 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 8 questions are left unattempted | 180 minutes |
| XAT 2020 | 75 MCQs, and 25 GK 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.10 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 8 questions are left unattempted | 180 minutes |
| XAT 2019 | 74 MCQs, and 25 GK 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.05 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 8 questions are left unattempted | 180 minutes |
XAT 2018 | 74 MCQs, 25 GK & 1 Essay 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.05 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 12 questions are left unattempted | 210 minutes |
XAT 2017 | 72 MCQs, 25 GK, 1 Essay 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.05 mark per question is applicable if a maximum of 12 questions are left unattempted | 210 minutes |
XAT 2016 | 78 MCQs, 25 GK, 1 Essay 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer Negative Marking of 0.05 mark per question is applicable if the maximum of 13 questions are left unattempted | 210 minutes |
XAT 2015 | 84 MCQs 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer | 140 minutes |
XAT 2014 | 83 MCQs, 20 GK, 1 Essay 1 mark for every correct answer 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer | 150 minutes |
The exam pattern and syllabus for XAT 2024 exam have been provided in the table below:
Name of the Section | Details |
|---|---|
VARC & LR |
|
Decision Making |
|
Quant & DI |
|
General Knowledge |
|
Essay Writing | The list of XAT essay topics includes those that have previously been used in XAT essay writing tests. The majority of XAT Essay subjects are focused on abstract concepts. After a three-year hiatus, the XAT's Essay Writing Test has been reinstated. It was eliminated from the XAT in 2019. Numerous prestigious MBA colleges employ the essay subjects from the XAT test in the WAT process. The important essay topics for the XLRI writing test are:
|
The following points demonstrate how to prepare effectively for the XAT exam pattern 2024:
Become familiar with the XAT exam pattern 2024, which typically consists of sections like Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing. Become aware of the fact that the Essay Writing section is not part of the overall score calculation but is considered during the selection process by some institutes.
Effective time management is essential for the XAT 2024 exam. Allocate time according to how questions and marks are distributed throughout every component. Determine what topics to tackle first and which to prioritize depending on your strengths and weaknesses.
Building a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts evaluated on the exam, such as mathematics, verbal reasoning, and decision-making, should be your first step. For a wide variety of questions, brush up on fundamental concepts and problem-solving strategies.
Practise full-length mock tests on a regular basis that closely simulate the XAT exam pattern. This will enable you to adapt to time constraints, increase the speed at which you can answer questions, and create effective strategies for each segment.
For the Verbal and Logical Ability section, concentrate on improving your vocabulary, logical thinking, and reading comprehension skills. Work on grammar and vocabulary exercises, practise critical reasoning problems, and solve various types of passages.
For the Decision-Making section, concentrate on instances of problem-solving, logical analysis, and ethical decision-making. To create an organized strategy for dealing with this section, practise answering a variety of questions related to decision-making.
For the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section, further develop your mathematical abilities, practise solving complex problems, and enhance your ability to analyze data presented in various formats.
For the General Knowledge section, stay updated with current affairs, both national and international. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to maintain your knowledge of recent events.
For the Essay Writing section, practice writing essays on diverse topics. Work on being more concise in your thought processes, giving your article a proper structure, and articulating your point of view.
Apart from the basic structure and other aspects of the XAT exam pattern, aspirants must also be aware of further essential details about the exam that are often overlooked. Understanding the XAT exam pattern thoroughly is crucial for an excellent performance. That being said, take a look at some of the most important points to remember about the XAT exam pattern mentioned below:
XAT and CAT are two of the most well-known MBA entrance exams in India. Both these exams are often compared with each other in terms of exam pattern, syllabus, and most importantly their difficulty level. Although which exam is more difficult between XAT and CAT exam is debatable, it is widely accepted that both these exams are the most difficult MBA entrance exams in India, especially compared to other entrance exams like MAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. That being said, candidates often prepare for these entrance exams together to save time and in such cases, they must be aware of the exam pattern for both. The exam pattern for both XAT and CAT are mentioned below:
Particulars | XAT Exam Pattern 2024 | CAT Exam Pattern 2023 |
|---|---|---|
Total Number of Questions | 102 | 66 |
Type of Questions | MCQs + 1 Descriptive Essay Question | MCQs and Non-MCQs |
Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 Minutes or 210 Minutes | 2 hours or 120 Minutes |
Marking Scheme |
|
|
Number of Sections | 5 Divided into 3 Parts
| 3 Sections:
|
Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult (Expected) | Difficult |
Individual Sectional Time Limit | No Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes for Each Section |
Want to know more about XAT
Yes, there is a negative marking in XAT 2023 exam. 0.25 marks will be deducted in case the candidate answers any question wrong. The negative marking will be the same for quantitative ability and data interpretation, decision making, verbal and logical ability. No marks are deducted in the general knowledge part.
Yes, you can attempt the XAT exam 2024 in any order. You can start the paper from whichever section you feel is convenient. However, the general knowledge section can be attempted at the end after all the previous three sections are complete.
One mark will be awarded for each correct answer and 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer in XAT 2024. 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than eight consecutive unanswered questions. There is no scheme of negative marking for the general knowledge section.
The total duration of the XAT exam is 180 minutes. Additional 10 minutes are allotted to complete the essay section. No extra time will be allotted to any candidate. The students must try answering the maximum number of questions in these three hours which will increase their scope to get admission to XLRI and other MBA institutes.
XAT is divided mainly into 4 sections namely Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge. There is a fifth essay writing section that has been re-introduced in the XAT exam in 2024. There is no sectional time limit for the exam and the students can complete each section at their own pace.
A total of 100 questions will be asked in the XAT exam. Each question will carry one mark. The total time allocated is 180 minutes therefore students will get ample time to solve each question. However, speed and efficiency are extremely important in the XAT exam due to the high difficulty level of the exam.
No, all sections of XAT 2024 do not carry equal marks. Each section has a different weightage in terms of the number of questions and marks. While quantitative ability and data interpretation have maximum weightage, the decision-making section has the least number of questions.
The Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section of XAT 2024 will carry the maximum number of questions i.e 28. Besides this, 21, 25 and 26 questions will be asked in the Decision Making, General Knowledge and Verbal and Logical Ability sections respectively.
The format of the XAT 2024 includes both objective and descriptive types of questions All the objective questions coming in the XAT exam will be in MCQ format. Each question will be provided with five options. There will also be two essay-writing questions. Students have to answer any one of them.
The XAT exam will be conducted in the English language. The question paper will not be set in any other regional languages. Therefore, candidates appearing for the exam must have a certain level of proficiency in English to qualify for the test.
Dear Student
CAT and XAT are two most popular management entrance exams conducted for admission to the top management colleges of India. Although both the exams are conducted for admission in MBA and PGDM Program, there are some differences in both the exams. We have listed some major differences between both the entrance exams below.
XLRI is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur while CAT is conducted by IIMs
The syllabus of XAT exam comprises GK section and Decision-Making section while CAT exam does not have any GK or DM section
The difficulty level of the XAT exam is comparatively higher than …
Dear student,
Listing down the difference between MBA & M. COM below. You can then take a decision basis your interest and skill-set.
| Master of Commerce (M. Com) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Specialised degree offering in-depth information on a specific subject(s) | General degree - offers knowledge on many areas/ subjects |
| M. Com is academic and theoretical in its content and approach (gives you a solid base in Accounting, if that's your forte) | MBA is a professional, job-oriented PG programme |
| Main focus academically - Accounting and Finance | Main focus on all aspects of the business - Finance, Retail, Logistics, HR, … |
Dear student,
That depends on your interest! What do you want to do in life? What is more important to you - a stable, comfortable life or a high-energy, busy life? Govt. jobs will be relatively relaxed as compared to a job that you get after completion of your MBA or even while you are pursuing your MBA! Back to back classes, projects, researches, group studies, tutorials - life is going to be very busy during MBA or after that. So really, you will need to ask yourself, at this moment, what is it that you really feel like doing? …
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