XAT Exam Pattern 2024 - Check Marking Scheme & Section-Wise Breakup

Updated By Subhashri Roy on 07 Jan, 2024 17:48

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XAT Exam Pattern 2024

XAT exam pattern 2024 was prescribed by XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting body of the exam. The XAT question paper is divided into three parts. The first part of the XAT question paper will have 3 sections - Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. The second part of the question paper is a Mock Keyboard Testing and the third part includes General Knowledge and Essay Writing. There will be no sectional time limit in the XAT 2024 question paper.

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 2024 exam, which was conducted on January 7, 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.

Upcoming Management Exams :

  • CAT

    Exam date: 24 Nov, 2024

XAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Highights

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

  • -0.25 mark for each incorrect answer
  • -0.10 marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions

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

  • No sectional time limit. 
  • Within the allotted 210 minutes, the candidate may attempt any question from any of the three sections. However, once Part 1 of the XAT 2023 has been completed, the applicant will be permitted to move on to Part 2.

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 Section-wise Exam Pattern

XAT 2024 exam pattern is given below. Candidates must understand the break-up of each section and prepare accordingly.

XAT Exam Pattern 2024

A. Part I 

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

B. Part II 

- Mock Keyboard Testing

C. Part III 

Name of SectionTotal Number of QuestionsQuestion 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.

XAT 2024 Marking Scheme

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:

  • For every correct answer, +1 mark will be awarded to the candidates.
  • 0.25 marks will be deducted (1/4 negative marking) for every incorrect answer.
  • 0.10 marks will be deducted for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions. 
Top Management Colleges :

Changes Introduced in XAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

No changes have been announced in the XAT 2024 exam pattern. XLRI Jamshedpur incorporated certain changes in the XAT exam pattern in 2023. Given below are some of the recent changes made in the exam pattern for XAT last year:

  • The XAT 2024 exam will be conducted in a single slot and a single day as a computer-based exam. The language of the exam will be English only.

  • The test timings for XAT 2024 have been revised. Instead of being held from 9:30 AM to 12:40 PM, the exam will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

  • The total number of questions has been increased to 101 or 102 from 99. 

  • The Essay Writing Test has been reintroduced and the XAT exam now consists of both MCQ and Descriptive questions.

  • All the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will have five options with one correct option.

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions have been introduced to the XAT by XLRI. To answer these questions, candidates must use a virtual keypad that is displayed on their computer screen. The candidates must use the virtual keypad to enter the numerical answer.

  • The 25-question GK section and the essay writing section are not taken into account when calculating the percentile. The candidate's essay writing will only be assessed after their shortlisting for the GD-PI process at XLRI.

  • The amount of time left for candidates to finish the exam for the section of the question paper they are answering (Part 1/Part 3) will be indicated by a countdown timer located at the top, right-hand side of the screen.

  • The timer will reach zero and Part 1 will lock after 175 minutes have elapsed. After this, candidates must proceed to Part 2 and subsequently Part 3, which correspond to the General Knowledge & Essay portion of the XAT 2024 exam. It is not permitted for candidates to leave the examination hall prior to the completion of the exam.

  • PwD candidates may submit their responses whenever they choose, within the time frames of 175 to 240 minutes for Part 1 and between 30 to 40 minutes for Part 3. Accordingly, a PwD candidate may leave the lab at any time between 210 and 280 minutes, depending on when they finish the exam.

The key changes in XAT exam pattern & marking scheme in the last 4 years have been provided below.

Particulars

XAT 2023

XAT 2022

XAT 2021

XAT 2020

Duration of the XAT Exam

3 Hours 30 Minutes (210 minutes)

2 PM to 5:30 PM

3 Hours 10 Minutes (190 minutes)

9:30 AM to 12:40 PM

3 Hours (180 minutes)

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

3 Hours (180 minutes)

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Number of XAT Sections

5

5

4

4

Mock Keyboard TestingMock Keyboard Testing was introducedNoNoNo

Total Number of XAT Questions

101-102

101

100

99

Type of XAT Questions

76 MCQs, 25 GK, and 1 Essay Writing75 MCQs, 25 GK, and 1 Essay Writing75 MCQs and 25 GK75 MCQs and 25 GK

Number of Subjective-Type XAT Questions

1 (Essay Writing Test)

1 (Essay Writing Test)

No

No

Maximum marks in the XAT Exam

100-101

(Essay Writing Test to be evaluated after shortlisting by XLRI for the GD-PI process)

100

(Essay Writing Test to be evaluated after shortlisting by XLRI for the GD-PI process)

100

99

Key Changes

Essay Writing Test was included in the 2nd Part

Essay Writing Test was restored

No Essay Writing Test

No Essay Writing Test

Negative Marking for Leaving Questions Unattempted

0.10 mark to be deducted for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions 

0.10 mark to be deducted for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions  

Not Announced

0.10 mark to be deducted for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions   

Marking Scheme

  • 1 Mark awarded for each correct answer
  • 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for each wrong answer among MCQs
  • 1 Mark awarded for each correct answer
  • 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for each wrong answer among MCQs
  • 1 Mark awarded for each correct answer
  • 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for each wrong answer among MCQs
  • 1 Mark awarded for each correct answer
  • 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for each wrong answer among MCQs

XAT Syllabus 2024

The exam pattern and syllabus for XAT 2024 exam have been provided in the table below:

Name of the Section

Details

VARC & LR

  • RC passages: 4
  • RC Based Guestions: 14 to 16
  • VA questions: 8 to 10
  • VA topics: Vocabulary; Analogy; Para Jumbles, Para completion; Critical Reasoning; Statements-assumptions

Decision Making

  • Question groups: 7 to 8 sets of decision-making followed by 2 and 3 questions each

Quant & DI

  • Frequently asked topics in Quant & DI Section: Time & Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Equations, Number system, Clocks, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Venn diagram, Tables, Bar diagram, graphs

General Knowledge

  • Question topics: Current domestic and international affairs; Business; Economics; social issues, appointments; conventional GK; sports; Constitution of India
  • Not considered for calculation of percentile in XAT exam.

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:

  • India should establish Bad Bank
  • Central Vista will improve image of country
  • Unity in Diversity is more relevant now in India
  • Blues of Demonetization still haunt the economic growth
  • Society bears the burn of terrorism which has no religion
  • Sensitivity of Sensex has nothing to do with economic growth
  • GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth
  • Democracy will lose meaning without social activism
  • Home buyers remain homeless, no teeth given to RERA
  • Political interests and Uniform civil code cannot go hand in hand
  • Unless Agriculture is practiced as business, it will not improve the face of Rural India

XAT Exam Pattern 2024: How to Prepare?

The following points demonstrate how to prepare effectively for the XAT exam pattern 2024:

How to Prepare for XAT

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

Also Read:

XAT 2024 Predicted Question Paper

How to Prepare for XAT 2024 Without Coaching?

How to Prepare for XAT 2024 Exam in 1 Month

How to Prepare for GK Section of IIFT, CMAT and XAT?

XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Things to Remember

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:

  • Aspirants will only be able to proceed to Part B of the XAT exam which includes the Mock Keyboard testing after completing Part A. Subsequently, candidates will be able to proceed to Part C of the XAT exam after Part B is completed.
  • There is no sectional time limit for Part A of the XAT question paper. Aspirants are allowed to move between sections in Part A as per their convenience. However, the entire Part A must be completed within 175 minutes.
  • Candidates will receive a total of 30 minutes to complete Part C of the XAT question paper which includes General Knowledge and Essay Writing. Candidates may choose the division of time between the two sections at their convenience.
  • The Descriptive Part of the XAT exam which includes the Essay Writing portion will require aspirants to write an essay of 250 words.
  • Aspirants who fall under the PwD category will be receiving extra time per section of the total XAT exam duration.

XAT Exam Pattern vs CAT Exam Pattern

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

  • 1 Mark Awarded for Each Correct Answer
  • 0.25 (¼) Negative Marking for Every Incorrect Answer
  • 0.10 (1/10) Negative Marking for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions (No negative marking for MCQ on GK)
  • 3 Mark Awarded for Each Correct Answer
  • 1 Mark Deducted for Every Incorrect Answer (No negative marking for Non-MCQ)

Number of Sections

5 Divided into 3 Parts

  • Part A: Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability
  • Part B: Mock Keyboard Testing
  • Part C: GK and Essay Writing

3 Sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

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

FAQs about XAT Exam Pattern

Is there any negative marking in XAT 2024 exam?

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.

Can I attempt the XAT exam 2024 in any order?

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. 

What is the marking scheme of XAT 2024?

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. 

What is the total duration of the XAT exam?

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. 

How many sections are there in XAT 2024?

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.

How many questions will be asked in the XAT exam 2024?

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. 

Do all the sections of XAT 2024 carries equal marks?

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. 

Which section of XAT 2024 comprises maximum 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.

What is the format of questions in XAT 2024?

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. 

What is the medium of XAT exam?

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.

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