Xavier Aptitude Test – XAT

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur. It is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India, with over 95,000 candidates appearing for it each year. XAT scores are accepted by over 800 B-schools in India and abroad, including some of the top B-schools in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for XAT, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (aggregate). Final year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply. There is no age limit for appearing in XAT.

Exam Pattern

XAT is a computer-based test (CBT) of 205 minutes duration. It consists of five sections:

• Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR): This section tests the candidate’s English language skills, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities.
• Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA&DI): This section tests the candidate’s quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Decision Making (DM): This section tests the candidate’s ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• General Knowledge (GK): This section tests the candidate’s general knowledge about current affairs and static GK.
• Essay Writing (AEW): This section tests the candidate’s ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay on a given topic.

Marking Scheme

There is a sectional time limit for each section in XAT. Candidates can attempt any question in any order within the allotted time limit. For each correct answer, candidates are awarded 1 mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. For unattempted questions, there is a negative marking of 0.10 marks after 8 unattempted questions.

Important Dates

The important dates for XAT 2024 are as follows:

• Online registration: October 10, 2023 to November 30, 2023
• Exam date: January 7, 2024
• Declaration of results: February 15, 2024

Preparation Tips

Here are some tips for preparing for XAT:

• Start your preparation early. XAT is a challenging exam, so it is important to give yourself enough time to prepare.
• Make a study plan and stick to it. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on the areas where you need improvement.
• Use good quality study materials and practice questions. There are many XAT preparation books and online resources available.
• Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress and identify areas where you need further practice.

Top B-Schools Accepting XAT Scores

Here is a list of some of the top B-schools in India that accept XAT scores:

• XLRI Jamshedpur
• SPJIMR Mumbai
• FMS Delhi
• MDI Gurgaon
• NMIMS Mumbai
• IMI Delhi
• IIFT Delhi
• TISS Mumbai
• XIMB Bhubaneswar
• TAPMI Manipal
• GIM Goa
• IRMA Anand

Additional Information

• XAT is a single-window exam, meaning that candidates can apply to multiple B-schools with a single XAT score.
• XAT scores are valid for one year.
• XLRI Jamshedpur, the conducting body of XAT, uses the XAT scores for its own admissions process. However, the GK and AEW sections are not considered for the final selection process at XLRI.

Table of XAT Exam Details

Exam Name	Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
Conducting Body	XLRI Jamshedpur
Exam Mode	Computer-based test (CBT)
Exam Duration	205 minutes
Number of Sections	5
Section Names	Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR), Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA&DI), Decision Making (DM), General

Conclusion

XAT is a highly competitive exam, but it is definitely achievable with hard work and dedication. By following the preparation tips above, you can increase your chances of success in XAT and get admission to your dream B-school.