All about XAT 2025

XAT 2025 Exam Update

The XAT 2025 exam is scheduled for January 5, 2025, and the registration process is currently open. Candidates can apply online by completing the application form and paying the exam fee on the official website, xatonline.in. The last date to register for XAT 2025 is November 30, 2024.

The exam will be conducted in 110 cities across India, and applicants can choose their preferred test center location while filling out the application form.

Changes in XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

1. Essay Writing Section Removed: The Essay Writing section has been eliminated from the exam. Instead, Analytical Essay Writing will now be part of XLRI’s selection process.

2. Shorter Test Duration: The test duration has been reduced to 180 minutes.

3. Fewer Questions in GK: The number of General Knowledge questions has been reduced from 25 to 20.

Focus After CAT ExamRegardless of how your CAT exam went, your next target should be the XAT exam. Remember, for a successful B-school journey, you just need one good B-school, whether it’s through CAT or XAT. Many students who didn’t perform well in CAT have successfully converted top B-schools like XLRI through XAT.

Key Points About XAT Exam

1. Structure of the Exam:

   • Part 1: Verbal Ability (26 questions), Decision Making (22 questions), and Quantitative Aptitude & DI (28 questions). Time: 175 minutes.

   • Part 2: A brief keyboard testing section.

   • Part 3: General Knowledge (25 questions approx.) and an essay. Time: 30 minutes.

     
     

2. Importance of Decision Making:

   • Decision-making is unique to XAT and can significantly boost your score. Even CAT toppers are at the same level here as this section is unfamiliar to most.

   • Focus on solving past papers, understanding the logic behind correct answers, and ethical decision-making principles.

     
     

3. Preparation Tips:

   • Quantitative Aptitude: Prioritize algebra and P&C as they hold more weight in XAT than in CAT. Practice different graph types for DI.

   • Verbal Ability: RC passages in XAT are harder to read but have simpler, direct questions. Also, practice interpreting poem-based RCs, which are unique to XAT.

   • Decision Making: Learn patterns like taking accountability, choosing ethical options, and maximizing gains for the most stakeholders.

     
     

4. General Knowledge and Essay:

   • GK is not included in the overall percentile calculation but is considered during the interview stage.

   • For essays, practice structuring your thoughts clearly and concisely on a variety of topics.

     
     

Recommended Strategy

• Solve the last 5–10 years' XAT papers to understand the pattern.

• Focus on the Decision Making section by using dedicated practice sets and solutions.

• Work on weak areas from CAT preparation and adapt to XAT’s specific demands.

XAT Exam Highlights 2025

XAT is a speed-based test. It is designed to assess candidate's communication ability, business acumen and quantitative aptitude skills. Check key highlights of XAT 2025 exam in the table below:

Particulars	XAT Details
XAT Full Form	Xavier Aptitude Test
Conducting Body	XLRI, Jamshedpur
XAT 2025 exam date	05-Jan-2025
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Exam Mode	Online
Exam Duration	3 hours
Exam Syllabus	Decision Making Verbal & Logical Ability Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation General Knowledge
Exam Pattern	95 questions in MCQ format
Language	English
Exam Fees	INR 2,200 (all categories)
Exam Purpose	Admission to 250 MBA colleges
Course Offered	MBA/PGDM
No. of applicants	1.35 lakh (for 2024)
No. of Test Cities	110
Exam Helpdesk No.	18002674008
Exam Website	https://xatonline.in/

XAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

XAT aspirants have to meet a minimum qualification to be eligible for the exam. Given below are the latest XAT eligibility criteria and academic requirments:

• Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Students in their final year of bachelor's degree or awaiting their results are also eligible to appear for XAT.

• There is no minimum marks requirement in graduation criteria for XAT exam. Candidate should have passing marks in their bachelor's degree programme.

• Working professionals and candidates with professional degrees (CA/CS) can also appear in the exam.

• there is no age limit for XAT. Fresh graduates as well as working professionals can appear for it.