0

XAT 2024 - Exam Dates, Registrations, Eligibility, Syllabus & more.

Overview
XAT, or the Xavier Aptitude Test, is a leading management entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for MBA/PGDM admissions. Along with XLRI and 10 other XAMI member institutions, over 1,000 business schools in India accept XAT scores. The XAT 2025 exam is scheduled for January 5, 2025, with registration starting in July/August 2024 and closing in December 2024.
The exam includes 105 multiple-choice questions across Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge sections. To succeed, familiarize yourself with the syllabus, use mock tests, and follow a structured preparation plan. Popular B-schools like XLRI Jamshedpur, XLRI Delhi, XIMB Bhubaneswar, SPJIMR Mumbai, and others accept XAT scores, with cut-offs varying by institution. Read on to learn more about the XAT 2025 exam, including important dates, preparation tips, and strategies.
Exam Registration Starts Registration Ends Exam Date Registration Fee Section Considered What Tarkashastra Provides
XAT 2025
End of July 2024
Apply Here
End of November 2024
5th Jan 2025
  • Rs. 2,200/- for Indian candidates
  • Rs. 5,000/- for NRI candidates
  1. Verbal and Logical Ability
  2. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
  3. Decision Making
  4. General Knowledge
  • Hybrid Coaching
  • Recorded Videos
  • Exhaustive Learning Material
  • Mocks 1 to 1 mentoring
Check Details

What is the XAT Exam?

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a nationwide management entrance exam administered by XLRI, Jamshedpur, for MBA/PGDM admissions. In addition to XLRI and 10 other XAMI member institutions, more than 1,000 business schools accept XAT scores for their postgraduate management programs, including MBA, PGDM, and Executive MBA.
The XAT exam comprises 100-105 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Typically, the cut-off for XLRI’s PGDM-BM program is around the 95th percentile for male candidates and the 92nd percentile for female candidates.

XAT 2025 Exam Fees

The XAT 2025 application fee is INR 2,100 for all candidates, with no rebates for reserved categories. An additional INR 200 is required if XLRI is selected in the application.

The fee must be paid online using a debit/credit card, cash card, mobile wallet, or net banking before the registration deadline for the application to be accepted. The fee is non-refundable, so ensure the form is correctly filled out to avoid paying again.

Application Fee: INR 2,100 (additional INR 200 for XLRI)
Payment Methods: Debit/Credit card, cash card, mobile wallets, net-banking
Non-Refundable: Ensure accuracy to avoid re-submission and re-payment

“Tarkashastra was the best thing that happened to my B-School journey”

Join our classes today.

New cohort starts every Monday.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Eligibility Criteria for the XAT exam

  • To be eligible for the XAT exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration or its equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. There is no minimum marks requirement for graduation. Final-year students and those awaiting results are also eligible.
  • Working professionals and candidates with professional degrees (CA/CS) are eligible too.
  • There is no maximum age limit for appearing in the XAT. Candidates must be graduates from a recognised university. Final-year Bachelor’s degree students and candidates with professional degrees like CA/CS/ICWAI can also appear for the XAT.

NOTE: Colleges accepting XAT scores generally require a minimum of 50% in graduation (45% for Reserved category students), so aspirants should aim for this threshold.

XAT 2025 Important Dates

The key dates and timelines for XAT 2025, including the registration start date, the final deadline for applications, the scheduled exam date, and the anticipated result date, are as follows:
XAT 2025 Important Dates
Registration Starts
15 July, 2024
Registration Ends
30 November, 2024
Exam Date
January 05, 2025 2:00pm to 5:30pm

XAT 2025 Registration Process

XAT 2025 registration will commence in July or August 2024. Candidates must register on the XATONLINE website and pay the required fees. The registration period will remain open until the last week of November 2024. XLRI will announce the XAT 2025 schedule in July 2024.
The XAT application process involves three steps: online registration, filling out the application form, and paying the fees. Candidates must complete all these steps before the deadline to be eligible for the XAT exam. Here’s a brief guide on how to fill out the XAT application form:

How to fill the XAT 2025 application form?

  1. Log on to the XAT 2024 website.
  2. Click on the ‘Registration’ tab.
  3. Enter details like name, phone number, email ID, password, and captcha code.
  4. A XAT ID and registration link will be sent to your email ID.
  5. Click on the link to verify your registration.
  6. Go to the homepage and click on ‘login’.
  7. Enter your email ID and password to access the student dashboard.
  8. The XAT 2024 application form will be displayed.
  9. Enter the required details in the mandatory fields.
  10. Cross-check the information before saving the form.
  11. Pay the XAT exam fee using a credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.
  12. Download the application fee payment receipt (PDF)

Documents required for XAT Application

The necessary documents for completing the XAT exam form are mentioned below.
  • Signature
  • Photograph
  • Other documents for accurate data entries in the form (not to be uploaded):
          • Class 10 marksheet
          • Class 12 marksheet
          • Graduation marksheet
          • Email ID and mobile phone number
          • Date of Birth proof
          • Address proof
          • Aadhaar card
          • Debit/credit card for application fee payment

XAT 2025 Application Form Correction

Candidates should carefully complete the form to avoid errors. However, if a mistake is made, authorities provide a correction window enabling candidates to amend specific details in the submitted form.

Editable Information:

      • Photo of the candidate
      • Signature of the candidate
      • Test City preferences

Non-editable Information:

      • Candidate’s Name
      • Date of Birth
      • Mobile Number
      • Email ID
      • State

Your Guide to XAT 2025 Registration Made Simple

XAT Exam Pattern

Please review the latest XAT exam pattern below:
XAT Exam Structure Details
Mode of Examination
Online
XAT Sections

Part 1: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 

Part 2: Mock keyboard testing

Part 3: General Knowledge

Duration of Exam

3 hours  (180 Minutes)

Number of Questions

95 questions

Number of Answer Choices
Five
XAT Marking Scheme
  • 1 mark for each correct answer 
  • 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer 
  • 0.10 mark deducted for more than 8 consecutive unattempted questions 
  • No negative marking in the GK section
  • Scores of the GK section are not considered for calculating XAT percentile.
  • Scores from the General Knowledge (GK) and Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) sections will be used exclusively by XLRI for its final selection process, evaluated separately after shortlisting.

Candidates are advised to review previous years’ XAT question papers to understand the exam pattern, topic-wise weightage, and types of questions. These official question papers are available in PDF format for free download and can be used for practice.

Syllabus of XAT

The XAT syllabus, outlined by XLRI Jamshedpur, covers key topics in Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Unique to XAT is the Decision Making section, which requires dedicated preparation. To perform well in XAT 2025, candidates must thoroughly cover all syllabus topics.

Here is a detailed table for XAT syllabus:

Exam Sections Important Topics

Part-1 

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion, Paragraph Completion, Contextual Usage, Antonyms/Synonyms, Correction of Errors in Sentence
Decision Making (DM)
Data Arrangement, Assumptions, Complex Arrangement, Conclusions Scenarios from personal and professional lives, requiring candidates to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and prioritisation to make informed decisions.
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Profit and Loss, Probability, Ratio and Proportion, Critical Path, Inequalities, Averages and Partnerships, Logarithms, Time and Work, Alligations and Mixtures, Numbers, Time, Speed and Distance, LCM and HCF, Simple and Compound Interest, Pure Maths, Venn Diagram, Trigonometry, Data Tables, Data Charts, Graphs, Data Analysis
Part-2
Mock Keyboard Testing
To test the keyboard, candidates will be requested to type: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Part-3
General Knowledge (GK)
Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Awards and Winners, World Events, Government, Constitution of India, Current Affairs
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
The AEW section will present three topics, and candidates must choose one. Essays should be around 250 words, showcasing coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation to assess analytical abilities.

List of Colleges accepting XAT scores

XAT is widely accepted across India, including by XLRI Jamshedpur and Delhi campuses, members of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI), and over 1,000 other MBA institutes. The admission process for these colleges typically includes GD/PI. Below is a table of some popular B-Schools that accept XAT scores for admission:
XAT colleges XAT cut-off score XAT cut-off percentile
XLRI-Jamshedpur
35.5-38.5
94-92
XLRI Delhi-NCR
35.5-38.5
94-92
XIMB-Bhubaneswar
30.5-32.5
90-93
SPJIMR-Mumbai
32.5-34.5
93.50-95
IMT-Ghaziabad
30.5-32
90-92
GIM-Goa
27.5-30.5
85-90
TAPMI-Manipal
26-27.5
80-85
IRMA-Anand
26-27.5
80-85
MICA-Ahmedabad
26-27.5
80-85
Great Lakes Institute of Management
26-27.5
80-85
LIBA-Chennai
26-27.5
80-85
KJ Somaiya-Mumbai
27.5-30.5
85-90

XAT 2025 Preparation: Tips and Strategies

XAT, also known as the Xavier Aptitude Test, is one of the most highly sought-after entrance exams for management aspirants in India. Conducted annually by the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI), the exam evaluates the aptitude of candidates seeking admission into some of the top management institutes across the country. As the XAT 2025 exam date approaches, aspirants need to gear up their preparation strategy and keep some important points in mind to maximize their chances of success. In this article, we will highlight some crucial points that every XAT 2025 aspirant should remember to ace the exam.

Tips for Study

  • Daily Routine: Dedicate six to eight hours daily to studies.
  • Syllabus and Strengths: Obtain the XAT syllabus PDF and list your topic-wise strengths and weaknesses.
  • Exam Pattern: Understand the XAT exam pattern and structure to create a time-bound preparation strategy.
  • Study Groups and Mentorship: Join online study groups and find a mentor for guidance. Consider enrolling in an MBA coaching institution.
  • Study Materials: Download online study materials, MBA exam preparation apps, and sectional preparation videos to study on the go.

Exam Strategies

  • Mock Tests: Dedicate the last month to practice XAT mock tests and assess your progress.
  • Mental Calculations: Practice mental calculations instead of pen-and-paper methods.
  • Accuracy and Speed: Mark answers quickly but accurately through daily practice.
  • Question Strategy: Do not get stuck on difficult questions; move on if you cannot solve them promptly.

Preparation Plan

  • Early Start: Ideally, start preparing six to nine months in advance (i.e. October 2024), dedicating adequate daily hours to cover the syllabus and memorise concepts.
  • Preparation Timetable: Create a detailed preparation timetable to ensure systematic study.
  • Sample Papers: Solve previous year XAT sample papers and mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve problem-solving speed.
  • Sectional Timing: Practice setting specific times for each section without getting overwhelmed by any one section, as there is no sectional timing in the exam.
  • Consistent Practice: Engage in consistent practice from the initial phase, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses to achieve balanced preparation.

By following these structured steps and strategies, XAT 2025 aspirants can enhance their preparation and increase their chances of success in the exam.

Best Books for XAT 2025 Preparation

Selecting the best books for XAT preparation can be confusing. Below is a list of recommended books for XAT 2025 exam preparation:

Section Book Title Author/Publication
Decision Making
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers)
RK Jha
Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Arihant Publications

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal

How to prepare for Data Interpretation
Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations
Abhijit Guha
Data Interpretation for the CAT
Nishit K Sinha
Verbal & Logical Ability
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
RS Aggarwal
High School English Grammar & Composition
Wren & Martin
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Ajay Singh
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
Nishit K Sinha

XAT Question Papers

To prepare for the XAT 2025 exam, candidates should familiarize themselves with the syllabus, despite the absence of an official version. They can do this by utilizing resources such as free XAT mock tests, sample papers, and previous XAT question papers.

XAT 2025 Beginner Mock Tests

Before diving into your XAT 2025 preparation, take 1-2 mock tests to evaluate your current standing. Analyse your strengths and weaknesses to create a tailored preparation strategy.

Once you’ve covered the XAT 2025 syllabus, make it a habit to attempt daily mock tests. Address any weaknesses identified through these mock tests promptly.

At Tarkashastra, we offer a comprehensive XAT preparation program that includes daily mock tests, personalised study plans, and expert guidance to help you achieve your target score. Our one-on-one mock analysis is highly valued by our students.

Join us now!

Sectional & Overall Cut Off 2025, Check Previous Year Cut Off

Click the link to gain in-depth knowledge on sectional and overall cutoff scores for 2025 and the previous year’s XAT cutoffs.

FAQs

  1. When does the registration for XAT 2025 begin and end?

The XAT 2025 registration and application process is expected to start around the second week of July 2024 and will remain open until the end of November 2024.

  1. What are the registration fees for XAT 2025?

The registration fee is INR 2,100. An additional INR 200 is required if XLRI is selected.

  1. What is the eligibility criteria for the XAT exam?

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration or its equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. Final-year students and those with professional degrees (CA/CS/ICWAI) are also eligible.

  1. How is the XAT 2025 exam structured?

The exam is online, lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes, and includes 105 multiple-choice questions across three sections.

  1. What sections are included in the XAT exam?

The sections are:

  • Part 1: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
  • Part 2: Mock keyboard testing
  • Part 3: General Knowledge and Essay Writing
  1. What is the marking scheme for XAT 2025?

1 mark for each correct answer, 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer, and 0.10 mark deducted for more than 8 consecutive unattempted questions. There is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.

  1. What documents are required for XAT 2025 application?

Required documents include:

To upload:

    • Signature and photograph

For filling out the form (not for upload):

    • Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation marksheets
    • Email ID and mobile phone number
    • Date of Birth proof
    • Address proof
    • Aadhaar card
    • Debit/credit card for application fee payment
  1. Can I correct errors in my XAT 2025 application form after submission?

Yes, a correction window will be provided for editing specific details such as the photo, signature, and test city preferences. Personal details, including name and date of birth, cannot be edited.

  1. What topics are covered in the XAT 2025 syllabus?

The syllabus includes:

  • Verbal & Logical Ability: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, etc.
  • Decision Making: Data Arrangement, Assumptions, Analytical Reasoning, etc.
  • Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: Arithmetic, Geometry, Data Tables, Graphs, etc.
  • General Knowledge: Economy, Business, Politics, Current Affairs, etc.
  1. What is the decision-making section in the XAT exam about?

This section involves questions on data arrangement, assumptions, premises, conclusions, analytical and logical reasoning, and situations that require decision-making skills.

  1. Which colleges accept XAT scores for admissions?

Colleges include XLRI, Jamshedpur, XIMB Bhubaneswar, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, GIM Goa, TAPMI Manipal, IRMA Anand, MICA Ahmedabad, Great Lakes Institute of Management, LIBA Chennai, and KJ Somaiya Mumbai.

  1. What are the cut-off scores for popular B-schools accepting XAT scores?

The cut-offs vary by institution:

  • XLRI-Jamshedpur: 94-92 percentile
  • XLRI Delhi – 94-92 percentile
  • XIMB-Bhubaneswar: 90-93 percentile
  • SPJIMR-Mumbai: 93.50-95 percentile
  • IMT-Ghaziabad: 90-92 percentile
  • GIM-Goa: 85-90 percentile
  • TAPMI-Manipal: 80-85 percentile
  • IRMA-Anand: 80-85 percentile
  • MICA-Ahmedabad: 80-85 percentile
  • Great Lakes Institute of Management: 80-85 percentile
  • LIBA-Chennai: 80-85 percentile
  • KJ Somaiya-Mumbai: 85-90 percentile

Explore Courses

CAT+OMETs

Maximize your chances with dual preparation strategies.

CAT

Ace the CAT exam and enter top B-schools across India.

OMET

Discover pathways to top business schools without taking the CAT.

MBA CET

Customized coaching to ace the MBA CET exam and join elite institutes.

Be the part of
the league.

Take the first step towards your success.
Join the league of top achievers today!

Be the part of the league.

Take the first step towards your success. Join the league of top achievers today!
Scroll to Top