Overview: The XAT 2025 exam is tentatively scheduled for January 5, 2025. It is best to understand the XAT exam pattern and XAT exam syllabus to prepare well before the main examination. Read on to know more!

Xavier Aptitude Test is a National level MBA entrance exam conducted by the XLRI on behalf of XLRI Associate Member Institutes (XAMI).

XAT exam lets you take admission to the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and various other associated management institutes.

Knowing the XAT exam pattern and XAT marking scheme prepares you in advance. Scroll down to get the complete details!

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XAT Exam 2025: Overview

The 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.

The XAT 2025 exam will be conducted in 81 cities across India. This wide range of locations ensures that candidates from various regions can easily participate. Additionally, the XAT score is accepted by over 250 institutions this year, making it a crucial exam for MBA aspirants.

Read More | XAT Application Form 2025

XAT Exam Pattern 2025

The XAT exam consists of three parts: part 1, part 2, and part 3. XAT exam has total 101 questions and exam timing of 3 hours and 30 minutes. 

One mark is awarded for every correct answer, and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. 0.25 marks are deducted. Also, there is a 0.10 mark deduction for skipping more than 8 consecutive questions.

The paper pattern of XAT exam 2025 will likely to be:

Section	No. of Questions	Total marks	Good Attempts
PART – A (175 minutes) No Sectional Timing within Part – A
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26	14-15
Decision Making	21	21	12-13
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation	28	28	19-20
Total	75
PART – B (5 minutes) Keyboard check
PART – C (30 minutes) No Negative Marks
General Awareness	25	25
Essay	The essay will be counted only when the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.

Read More | XAT Exam Fees 2025

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section Wise Breakdown

Until XAT 2021, the XAT exam syllabus and pattern consisted of 4 parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, and GK. However, XAT 2022 saw a revision and hence the revised XAT 2022 exam pattern consisted of 5 topics viz: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, GK, and Analytical Essay Writing(AEW).

The XAT syllabus although has not undergone major changes can be derived by analyzing the previous years' question papers.

Read More: XAT Admission Details

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section

This section of the XAT syllabus and exam pattern 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.

Read More | XAT Exam Syllabus

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Decision Making Section 

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT exam pattern and syllabus evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze complex situations and make sound judgments. Aspirants must hone their decision-making skills by practicing 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

Also Read | XAT Exam Eligibility 2025: Registration & Many more

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Quantitative Apititude & Data Interpretation

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

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Set Theory
• Probability
• Charts & Data Analysis
• Data interpretation & Data sufficiency

Also Read | Best Tips to Prepare XAT Exam 

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: General Knowledge Section

The General Knowledge section of the XAT exam pattern & 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.

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

Also Read | State Wise XAT Exam Centers in India

XAT Marking Scheme 2025

XAT exam 2025 has a unique marking scheme compared to other MBA entrance exams. By understanding the marking scheme, you can strategize your exam attempt effectively. Here's a breakdown:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
• Unanswered Questions:

• No negative marking for the first 8 consecutive unanswered questions.
• -0.10 marks for each unanswered question after the first 8 consecutive ones.

Important points to remember:

• General Knowledge (GK) section: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the GK section. However, the GK scores are not considered for calculating the overall XAT score. They are used for shortlisting candidates for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
• Essay: The essay is evaluated only after shortlisting candidates for the GD/PI rounds. It does not contribute to the XAT score.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, by updating your knowledge with the XAT exam pattern and marking scheme is an effective preparation strategies. Practice XAT mock test and XAT previous year papers to get updated with the XAT exam pattern, difficulty level and analyse your performance.