The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI (Xavier School of Management), Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). It's one of the most prestigious and competitive MBA entrance tests in India.

๐Ÿ” Key Highlights of XAT

Feature

Details

Conducting Body

XLRI, Jamshedpur

Exam Level

National

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Duration

3 hours (plus optional essay writing)

Frequency

Once a year (usually in January)

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline

Official Website

xatonline.in

 

๐Ÿ“˜ XAT Exam Pattern (as of 2024)

Section

Number of Questions

Time Allotted

Verbal and Logical Ability

~26

Part of first 175 mins

Decision Making

~22

Part of first 175 mins

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

~28

Part of first 175 mins

General Knowledge

~25

5 mins

Essay Writing

1 topic (evaluated for XLRI shortlist)

Within main test

Note: There is negative marking of -0.25 for each wrong answer (for the first three sections). If a candidate leaves more than 8 questions unanswered, additional penalty applies.

๐Ÿง  Unique Features

  • Decision Making Section: Exclusive to XAT, tests ethical and situational judgment.

  • Essay Writing: Though not scored for percentile, it is evaluated during interview shortlisting.

  • General Knowledge: Not counted in the percentile calculation but considered in the selection process.

๐ŸŽฏ Top Colleges Accepting XAT

  • XLRI Jamshedpur (BM, HRM, GM programs)

  • SPJIMR Mumbai (through profile-based calls)

  • XIMB Bhubaneswar

  • LBSIM Delhi

  • IMT Ghaziabad

  • TAPMI Manipal

  • Great Lakes Chennai

  • LIBA Chennai

  • GIM Goa

  • and 100+ others

๐Ÿ“š Preparation Tips

  • Start early – 5–6 months before the exam.

  • Practice Decision Making from past papers (available publicly).

  • Focus on accuracy and managing sectional time.

  • Stay updated with current affairs for GK.

  • Work on typing speed and clarity for the essay section.

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 application process is now closed, as the registration deadline was December 10, 2024. However, for future reference or if you're planning to apply in subsequent years, here's a comprehensive guide to the XAT application process:

๐Ÿ“ How to Apply for XAT

1. Visit the Official Website

2. Register as a New User

  • Click on the ‘Register 2025’ button.

  • Provide your name, email ID, contact number, and set a password.

  • Submit the form to receive a verification email.

3. Verify Your Email

  • Open the verification email and click on the provided link.

  • This will redirect you to the main application form.

4. Fill in the Application Form

  • Personal Details: Enter your date of birth, gender, contact information, etc.

  • Academic Background: Provide details of your Class 10, 12, and graduation.

  • Work Experience: Include details of any full-time post-graduation employment (internships or pre-graduation work are not considered).

  • Program Preferences: Select the XLRI programs you're interested in (if applicable).

  • Test City Preferences: Choose up to two preferred test cities.

5. Upload Required Documents

  • Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (200 x 230 pixels, 20 KB - 50 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

  • Signature: Scanned signature (140 x 60 pixels, 10 KB - 20 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

  • Category Certificate: If applicable, upload your caste/category certificate.

6. Review and Finalize

  • Use the ‘Save and Next’ option to review your entries.

  • Ensure all details are correct, as changes can't be made after final submission.

7. Pay the Application Fee

  • XAT Registration Fee: โ‚น2,200.

  • XLRI Program Fee: โ‚น200 per program (if applying for XLRI programs).

  • Payment Methods: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, Mobile Wallets.

8. Submit the Application

  • After payment, submit your application form.

  • A confirmation page will be generated; print it out for future reference.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

  • Document Readiness: Ensure all scanned documents meet the specified size and format requirements.

  • Payment Confirmation: After payment, verify that the transaction was successful and retain the payment receipt.

  • Keep Copies: Save a copy of the completed application form and payment receipt for your records.

 

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) syllabus is not formally prescribed by XLRI, but it follows a predictable pattern based on previous years. The test is designed to evaluate your aptitude in areas critical for management education, including decision-making, reasoning, language skills, and numerical ability.

๐Ÿ“š XAT Syllabus Overview (2025)

1. Verbal and Logical Ability (VLA)

Focuses on English language comprehension and reasoning skills.

Key Topics:

  • Reading Comprehension (RC) – dense, abstract passages

  • Critical Reasoning

  • Sentence Correction

  • Grammar and Usage

  • Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)

  • Para Jumbles

  • Fill in the Blanks

  • Verbal Analogies

๐Ÿง  Tip: RCs in XAT are intellectually demanding. They may include philosophical or abstract themes.

2. Decision Making (DM)

Unique to XAT, this section tests your ability to evaluate information and make ethical/logical decisions.

Key Topics:

  • Ethical dilemmas

  • Business decision situations

  • Situational judgment

  • Analytical reasoning

  • Data-based decision making

๐Ÿง  Tip: No formulas needed—focus on logic, fairness, and business reasoning.

3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

Tests your numerical ability, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.

Key Topics:

  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

  • Geometry & Mensuration

  • Number System

  • Modern Math (Set Theory, Permutation & Combination, Probability)

  • Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts)

๐Ÿง  Tip: DI sets in XAT can be tricky and calculation-intensive. Accuracy > speed.

4. General Knowledge (GK)

Not included in the percentile calculation but used in XLRI's shortlisting process.

Key Topics:

  • Static GK: History, Geography, Polity, Economy

  • Current Affairs: Business, Sports, Awards, International Events

  • Business & Economy

  • Books & Authors

  • Science & Technology

๐Ÿง  Tip: Focus on the past 6 months of current affairs + basic static GK.

5. Essay Writing

Introduced again in recent editions. Topics are abstract or opinion-based.

Common Themes:

  • Social issues (e.g., sustainability, ethics)

  • Economic & political trends

  • Abstract or philosophical topics (e.g., “Data is the new oil”)

๐Ÿง  Tip: Clarity, structure, and logical flow are more important than big words.

๐Ÿงพ Summary Table

Section

Topics Covered

Verbal & Logical Ability

RC, Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning

Decision Making

Ethical scenarios, business judgments, logic-based

Quant & Data Interpretation

Arithmetic, Algebra, DI Sets, Geometry, Probability

General Knowledge

Static + Current Affairs (last 6 months)

Essay Writing

Abstract/social/business topics