Updated On : May 1, 2024
Overview: "Every battle is won before it is fought..!!" ~ Sun Tzu. In order to make this happen it is very important to study the enemy, understand the XAT exam pattern, and create a counter-offensive strategy, Attack and Win!
This article provides a detailed analysis of the XAT exam pattern which has been observing changes almost every year since the last decade, and highlights all the major changes that the XAT exam paper pattern has observed. This will help applicants understand the paper pattern of the XAT exam and create a strategy to prepare for it.
Read More: Top 10 colleges of XAT
XAT Exam Pattern: Changes over the Years
XAT Exam Pattern: Previous Year Patterns
XAT Exam Pattern: Section Wise Breakdown
Read More: What is the XAT exam?
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
The official XAT 2024 Exam pattern & Syllabus released by XAT management also encompasses the essence of the exam in brief as shown below.
XAT 2024 Exam Pattern & 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:
|
NA | For Part 3:
|
KINDLY NOTE
Read More: XAT Exam Date
The XAT Paper Pattern has undergone several changes over the past decade. Some of the most significant changes include: was the shift from the Paper Based Test to the Computer Based Test in 2018. Apart from this, other changes that have taken place over the years include:
Read More: XAT Exam Registration
A summary of the XAT Exam Pattern and marking scheme for 2015- 2024 is given in the table below:
XAT Exam Pattern | No. of Questions; Hours Allotted | Questions per Section | Marking Scheme |
XAT Exam Pattern 2024 | 100; 3 hours 30 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2023 | 102; 3 hours 30 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2022 | 101; 3 hours 10 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2021 | 100; 3 hours | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2020 | 100; 3 hours | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2019 | 99; 3 hours | QA-27 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2018 | 98; 3.5 hours | QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2017 | 98; 3.5 hours | QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2016 | 104; 3.5 hours | QA-29 VA-26 DM-23 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2015 | 115; 3 hours | QA-33 VA-28 DM-23 GK-30 Essay Type-1 |
|
Read More: XAT Previous Year Papers
Read More: XAT Exam Eligibility
This section of the XAT exam pattern and 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:
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:
Read More: How to prepare for Decision Making in XAT?
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam pattern & syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts coupled with adeptness in data interpretation is indispensable for excelling in this section. Topics encompass:
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:
Read More: XAT Exam Pattern 2024 Analysis
In conclusion, the XAT exam, a gateway to prestigious management institutes, undergoes dynamic changes annually. Understanding its pattern is crucial for the effective preparation of strategies for these changes for aspirants' success.
Download Your Free CAT Prep Material
Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT preparation enough for XAT, or do I need separate study materials and strategies for both exams?
How similar are the CAT and XAT syllabus?
Should I prioritize CAT preparation and then focus on XAT, or can I prepare for both simultaneously?
What is the Decision Making section in XAT?
How many questions are there in the Decision Making section?
Is there negative marking in the Decision Making section?
What types of questions are asked in this section?
How much time should I allocate to the Decision Making section during the exam?
What are the best preparation materials for XAT DM section?
How can I improve my decision-making skills for the exam?
What is a good score in the Decision Making section?
May 1, 2024
Overview: "Every battle is won before it is fought..!!" ~ Sun Tzu. In order to make this happen it is very important to study the enemy, understand the XAT exam pattern, and create a counter-offensive strategy, Attack and Win!
This article provides a detailed analysis of the XAT exam pattern which has been observing changes almost every year since the last decade, and highlights all the major changes that the XAT exam paper pattern has observed. This will help applicants understand the paper pattern of the XAT exam and create a strategy to prepare for it.
Read More: Top 10 colleges of XAT
XAT Exam Pattern: Changes over the Years
XAT Exam Pattern: Previous Year Patterns
XAT Exam Pattern: Section Wise Breakdown
Read More: What is the XAT exam?
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
The official XAT 2024 Exam pattern & Syllabus released by XAT management also encompasses the essence of the exam in brief as shown below.
XAT 2024 Exam Pattern & 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:
|
NA | For Part 3:
|
KINDLY NOTE
Read More: XAT Exam Date
The XAT Paper Pattern has undergone several changes over the past decade. Some of the most significant changes include: was the shift from the Paper Based Test to the Computer Based Test in 2018. Apart from this, other changes that have taken place over the years include:
Read More: XAT Exam Registration
A summary of the XAT Exam Pattern and marking scheme for 2015- 2024 is given in the table below:
XAT Exam Pattern | No. of Questions; Hours Allotted | Questions per Section | Marking Scheme |
XAT Exam Pattern 2024 | 100; 3 hours 30 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2023 | 102; 3 hours 30 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2022 | 101; 3 hours 10 minutes | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2021 | 100; 3 hours | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2020 | 100; 3 hours | QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2019 | 99; 3 hours | QA-27 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2018 | 98; 3.5 hours | QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2017 | 98; 3.5 hours | QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2016 | 104; 3.5 hours | QA-29 VA-26 DM-23 GK-25 Essay Type-1 |
|
XAT Exam Pattern 2015 | 115; 3 hours | QA-33 VA-28 DM-23 GK-30 Essay Type-1 |
|
Read More: XAT Previous Year Papers
Read More: XAT Exam Eligibility
This section of the XAT exam pattern and 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:
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:
Read More: How to prepare for Decision Making in XAT?
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT exam pattern & syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts coupled with adeptness in data interpretation is indispensable for excelling in this section. Topics encompass:
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:
Read More: XAT Exam Pattern 2024 Analysis
In conclusion, the XAT exam, a gateway to prestigious management institutes, undergoes dynamic changes annually. Understanding its pattern is crucial for the effective preparation of strategies for these changes for aspirants' success.
Download Your Free CAT Prep Material
Fill your details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT preparation enough for XAT, or do I need separate study materials and strategies for both exams?
How similar are the CAT and XAT syllabus?
Should I prioritize CAT preparation and then focus on XAT, or can I prepare for both simultaneously?
What is the Decision Making section in XAT?
How many questions are there in the Decision Making section?
Is there negative marking in the Decision Making section?
What types of questions are asked in this section?
How much time should I allocate to the Decision Making section during the exam?
What are the best preparation materials for XAT DM section?
How can I improve my decision-making skills for the exam?
What is a good score in the Decision Making section?