Overview: Preparing for competitive exams like XAT 2024, which saw applications soar to over 130,000, requires not just knowing what to do, but also what to avoid. With only 300 seats at XLRI, it's crucial to understand the XAT syllabus, pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, and devise a tailored strategy to reach in the top 1% of the candidates.

This article explains in detail the XAT Syllabus, which consists of sections like Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge, and Analytical Essay Writing.

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Table of Contents:

What is the XAT exam?

XAT Exam Pattern

XAT Syllabus

XAT: Importance of Mock Tests

XAT Syllabus 2024

Conclusion

What is the XAT exam?

• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is an all-India level management entrance examination to get into the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and various other associated management institutes. 
• For more than 74 years XLRI has conducted XAT exam at all India level to select the most appropriate candidate for management education. 
• The XAT exam is conducted every year in January by XLRI on behalf of XLRI Associate Member Institutes (XAMI). 
• More than 160 institutes are using XAT exam scores for admission. 

Read More: What is the XAT exam?

XAT Exam Pattern?

• Xavier Aptitude test (XAT) is one of the most challenging & unique exams; utilizing the most advanced technology and modern testing methods, to comprehensively evaluate potential business management candidates on their decision-making skills.
• Apart from Xavier Associate Management Institutes, 160 elite B-Schools across India recognise the XAT exam score.
• Hence it becomes essential to understand the XAT exam pattern and decode the XAT syllabus to prepare a defining strategy for its preparation and score the maximum number of marks. 

XAT Exam pattern  Generally, XAT consists of 2 time-bound parts
Part – 1	a) Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
	b) Decision Making (DM)
	c) Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Part – 2	a) General Knowledge (GK)
	b) Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
No. of questions	100 - 105
No. of questions per section	22 - 30
Time provided	Part 1: 175 minutes Part 2: 30 minutes
Marking Scheme	For Part 1 For each correct answer: +1 mark For each incorrect answer: -0.25 marks For each un-attempted question after 8 un-attempted questions: -0.10 marks
	For Part 2  In the GK section, for each correct answer: +1 mark General Knowledge (GK) questions are EXEMPT from negative marking.  The essay will be evaluated if a candidate is shortlisted for the GD-PI processes at XLRI.

Read More: Is CAT preparation enough for XAT?

Read More: XAT Admission Details

XAT Syllabus

The XAT syllabus encompasses a diverse array of subjects designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude across various domains. Until XAT 2021, the XAT exam syllabus consisted of 4 parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, and GK.

XAT 2022, however, saw a revision and hence the revised XAT exam syllabus consisted of 5 parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, GK, and Analytical Essay Writing. The detailed XAT syllabus is never released officially but can be derived by analyzing the previous years' question papers. 

XAT Syllabus: VARC 

This section of the XAT exam syllabus assesses a candidate's proficiency in English language comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning. A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VARC syllabus.

Key topics include:

• Reading comprehension 
• Grammar 
• Vocabulary 
• Critical Reasoning 
• Inference-based Questions.

XAT Syllabus:  Verbal Ability	Vocabulary & Word Usage
	Synonyms & Antonyms
	Sentence Completion
	Contextual Meaning of Words
	Jumbled Paragraphs
	Paragraph Completion
	Fill in the blanks
	Error Correction in Sentences
XAT Syllabus: Reading Comprehension	Inferential Skill-based Question
	Author’s Perspective-Based Question
	The Main Theme and Message of the Passage
	Information-Based Question
	Explanation Of Words/Phrases
	True/False Statements
XAT Syllabus: Logical Reasoning	Fact, Inference & Judgement
	Analogy
	Seating Arrangement: Round Table, Square Table
	Blood Relations/Family Tree
	Assumption, Premise & Conclusion
	Logical Sequences: Words, Alphabets & Numbers
	Clocks & Calendars

XAT Syllabus: DM 

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT syllabus evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze complex situations and make sound judgments. Aspirants must hone their decision-making skills by practising case studies and developing a strategic approach to tackle diverse scenarios effectively. 

Scenarios presented in this section often revolve around:

• Ethical dilemmas 
• Business decisions 
• Situational analyses 

Read More: How to prepare for Decision Making in XAT?

XAT Syllabus: QA & DI 

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts coupled with adeptness in data interpretation is indispensable for excelling in this section of the XAT exam syllabus. Topics encompass: 

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data interpretation & Data sufficiency 

XAT Syllabus: Quantitative Ability	Algebra
	Percentages
	Geometry
	Number System
	Simple and Compound Interest
	Profit and Loss
	Averages
	Ratio and Proportion
	Venn Diagrams
	Progressions
	Permutation and Combination
	Inequalities
	Trigonometry
	Speed, Time, and Distance
	Time and Work
	Mensuration
	Linear Equations
	Logarithm
	Binomial Theorem
	Probability Functions
	Surds and Indices
XAT Syllabus:  Data Interpretation	Pie Charts
	Graphs
	Bar Diagrams
	Data Tables
	Data Analysis and Comparison
	Data Charts

XAT Syllabus: GK 

The General Knowledge section of the XAT syllabus evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics. Regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and online resources is crucial for staying abreast of recent developments to create a difference by scoring maximum in this section of the XAT exam syllabus.

Additionally, referring to XAT GK syllabus resources and practising mock tests can augment one's GK proficiency significantly. Some of the topics that can be highlighted are as below: 

• Business, Finance, and Economics 
• The Indian Constitution and Laws 
• Famous Personalities 
• Current Affairs of National and International Importance 
• Books and Authors 
• Awards and Winners 
• History and Geography 

Read More: XAT Previous Year Papers

Read More: XAT Exam Eligibility

XAT: Importance of Mock Tests

Engaging in regular mock tests is indispensable for acclimatizing oneself to the XAT exam pattern and syllabus. Mock Tests: 

• Simulate the actual exam environment, enabling aspirants to gauge their performance, identify areas of improvement, and refine their strategy accordingly.
• Aid in enhancing time management skills, a critical factor in optimizing performance on exam day.
• Help in preparation for sections like the XAT VARC syllabus, and the XAT GK syllabus; as tests provide students with the opportunity to go through some questions and hence a source of that information. 

XAT Syllabus 2024

The entire XAT Exam pattern & Syllabus, 2024 released by XAT management also encompasses the essence of the exam in brief as shown below:

XAT 2024 Syllabus
Part 1			Part 2	Part 3
Sections	VA & LR	DM	QA & DI	Mock Keyboard Testing	GK*	Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)*
Duration	175 Minutes			5 Minutes	30 Minutes
Number of Questions	About 26	About 22	About 28	NA	About 25	1
Question Types	The XAT exam syllabus for the VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests, etc.	The XAT exam syllabus for the DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions.	In the XAT exam syllabus for this section, the questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data.	To test the keyboard, candidates will be requested to type--The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.	In the XAT exam syllabus for the GK section, 10 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining 15 will delve into current affairs.	The XAT exam syllabus for the AEW section will offer three topics, of which candidates will select one. Essays should be approximately 250 words in length and must demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation, serving as an assessment of the student's analytical abilities.
Marking Scheme	For Part 1: For each correct answer: +1 mark For each incorrect answer: -0.25 marks  Negative marks awarded for each unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions: -0.10 marks			NA	For Part 3: In the GK section, for each correct answer: +1 mark  General Knowledge (GK) questions are EXEMPT from negative marking.  The essay will be evaluated if a candidate is shortlisted for the GD-PI processes at XLRI.

KINDLY NOTE  

• *The scores from the General Knowledge (GK) and Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) sections will be EXCLUSIVELY utilized by XLRI for its final selection process.
• PwD candidates will be granted an additional 20 minutes for every hour. 

Read More: XAT Exam Registration

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Conclusion

Navigating the XAT syllabus demands meticulous planning, diligent preparation, and unwavering determination. By comprehensively understanding the intricacies of the XAT syllabus 2024 and aligning their preparation strategy accordingly, aspirants can embark on their journey toward success with confidence and conviction.