XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Know the XAT Marking Scheme and Section Wise Exam Pattern

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!

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

• 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!

Read More | Is CAT preparation enough for XAT?

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

Download Free QA Preparation Tips by Supergrads

XAT Exam Pattern 2025

This year, the XAT paper pattern has undergone some changes. The XAT exam is divided into PART A (170 Minutes) and PART B (General Knowledge only -10 minutes).  The XAT exam timing is 180 minutes. Let's understand the detailed XAT paper pattern for 2025 so you can start preparing for the exam.

XAT Syllabus  and Exam Pattern	No. of Questions	Total marks	Good Attempts
PART – A (170 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 (10 Minutes)
General Awareness	20	20

Try Now: Attempt a Free XAT Mock Test Here!

What's New In XAT Exam Pattern 2025?

The XAT 2025 entrance exam has come up with some updates like:

• Integration of Analytical Essay Writing with GD and PI: The analytical essay writing component will now be administered with Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) in later stages.
• Revision in General Knowledge Section: The XAT 2025 GK section will have 20 Questions (12 current affairs + 8 static GK) that need to be completed in 10 minutes.
• XAT Exam 2025 Timings: Now the XAT exam timings are 180 minutes (Part A: 170 minutes + Part B: 10 Minutes)

Note* The XAT exam pattern is revised for 2025; visit the official notification in case of any confusion.

Read more: How to Calculate XAT score in XAT Exam 

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).

Although the XAT syllabus has not undergone major changes, it can be derived by analyzing the question papers from previous years.

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

Download Free VARC Preparation Tips by Supergrads

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Decision-Making Section 

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT paper pattern and 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

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

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT pattern & syllabus. Proficiency in mathematical concepts and adeptness in data interpretation are 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 

Know more: XAT exam preparation books

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: General Knowledge Section

The General Knowledge section of the XAT paper pattern & syllabus evaluates a candidate's awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, and other pertinent topics. Regularly reading 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 significantly augment one's GK proficiency. Some of the topics that can be highlighted are as follows:

• 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

Download DILR Sample Questions for CAT Exam

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. XLRI Jamshedpur will utilise the GK scores to finalise the candidates.

Read more: XAT Score vs Percentile

Also check: XAT Exam Year Wise Question Papers

Conclusion

As we wrap up, updating your knowledge with the XAT 2025 exam pattern and marking scheme is an effective preparation strategy. Practice XAT mock tests and XAT previous year papers to get updated with the XAT exam pattern and difficulty level and analyse your performance.

Check: How to download XAT admit card