XAT Question Paper 2024: XAT Pattern, Latest Marking scheme, Changes over the last decade

Q: Is CAT preparation enough for XAT, or do I need separate study materials and strategies for both exams?

While CAT preparation forms a strong foundation, XAT has unique components like Decision Making and Essay Writing. It's advisable to adapt your strategy to include specific XAT preparation materials and strategies.

Q: How similar are the CAT and XAT syllabus?

Both exams share some common topics, including Quantitative Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning. However, XAT has distinctive sections like Decision Making and Essay Writing, which require additional attention.

Q: Should I prioritize CAT preparation and then focus on XAT, or can I prepare for both simultaneously?

Simultaneous preparation is possible, but prioritize CAT basics initially, then transition to XAT-specific areas post-CAT exam.

Q: Can I use CAT study materials for XAT preparation?

Yes, CAT study materials can be a valuable resource for XAT preparation, especially for common topics. However, for Decision Making and Essay Writing, consider using XAT-specific materials.

Q: Is General Knowledge important for XAT, and can I use CAT GK preparation for XAT?

General Knowledge holds importance in XAT but isn't considered for the first round. Focus on XAT-specific GK topics like recent events, awards, and famous personalities.

Q: How has the XAT exam format changed in 2025?

<ol></ol>In 2025, XAT continued its online format with increased duration to 210 minutes. It includes Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability &amp; Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and essay writing.

Q: What are the expected difficulty levels of different sections in XAT 2025?

<ol></ol>The difficulty levels vary: Verbal and Logical Ability ranges from easy to moderate, Decision Making is moderate, Quantitative Ability is easy to moderate, and Data Interpretation sets are moderate to difficult.

Q: How is the essay section evaluated in XAT 2025?

<ol></ol>The essay section is evaluated after shortlisting by XLRI, focusing on candidates' ability to articulate thoughts coherently and critically.

Q: What strategies should I adopt for XAT based on the exam analysis?

Focus on strengthening fundamentals, enhance reading and comprehension, practice decision-making, stay updated with current affairs, and work on essay writing skills.

Q: What is the significance of understanding the XAT exam analysis?

It helps in analysing performance, identifying weak areas, and tailoring study strategies to improve in subsequent tests.

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

November 11, 2024

Overview: The XAT exam is one of India's most accepted MBA entrance exams. Understanding the XAT Exam Question Paper pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme can help you use it with good scores and percentile. Read on to know more!

The Xavier Aptitude Test 2025 will be conducted on 5th January 2025 across 79 cities in India.
Knowing previous years' XAT exam question papers can help you identify your weak areas and assess the difficulty level of the exam.

Continue reading to know how solving XAT exam question papers can improve your preparation.

Read More | Top 10 colleges of XAT

XAT Question Paper Pattern

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is among the most challenging and unique exams. It utilizes advanced technology and modern testing methods to comprehensively evaluate potential business management candidates' 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 Model Question Paper and syllabus to prepare a defining strategy for organising it and scoring the maximum number of marks.

Explore: Take a Free XAT Mock Test Now!

Download Free QA Section Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

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

Read More | XAT Admission Details

XAT Question Paper: Changes Over the Years

The XAT Exam Model Question Paper has undergone several changes over the past decade. Some of the most significant changes include:

The XAT exam shifted from an offline paper-based Test to an online computer-based test in 2018.
Essay-based questions were scrapped after XAT 2018 and reinstated in XAT 2022.
The number of Questions has fluctuated over the years.
The number of un-attempted questions allowed has been reduced from 13 to 8.
Non-MCQ questions/Fill in the blanks were removed in XAT 2019 but were reintroduced in XAT 2020.
The time of the exam has changed many times.

Read More | XAT Exam Registration

Download Free QA Sample Questions for CAT Exam

XAT Question Paper: Previous Year Patterns

A summary of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper and marking scheme for 2015- 2024 is given in the table below:

XAT Exam 2024 Question Paper Pattern	No. of Questions; Hours Allotted	Questions per Section	Marking Scheme
XAT Exam Question Paper Pattern 2024	100; 3 hours 30 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	+1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.10 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT Exam 2024 Question Paper Pattern 2023	102; 3 hours 30 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-22 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.10 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2022	101; 3 hours 10 minutes	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Writing-1	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.10 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT Exam Previous Year Question Paper Pattern 2021	100; 3 hours	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.10 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2020	100; 3 hours	QA-28 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.10 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper Pattern 2019	99; 3 hours	QA-27 VA-26 DM-21 GK-25	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.05 for every un-attempted question over 8
XAT Exam Previous Paper Question Paper Pattern 2018	98; 3.5 hours	QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.05 for every un-attempted question over 12
XAT Exam Question Paper Pattern 2017	98; 3.5 hours	QA-27 VA-24 DM-21 GK-25 Essay Type-1	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.05 for every un-attempted question over 12
XAT Question Paper Pattern 2016	104; 3.5 hours	QA-29 VA-26 DM-23 GK-25 Essay Type-1	1/-0.25 A penalty of 0.05 for every un-attempted question over 13
XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper Pattern 2015	115; 3 hours	QA-33 VA-28 DM-23 GK-30 Essay Type-1	1/-0.25

Read More | XAT Previous Year Papers

XAT Question Paper: Section Wise Breakdown

Until XAT 2021, the XAT Exam Model Question Paper and syllabus consisted of four parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, and GK. However, XAT 2022 saw a revision, and hence, the revised XAT Exam Model Question Paper consisted of five parts: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, GK, and Analytical Essay Writing(AEW). Although the syllabus has not undergone major changes, it can be derived by analyzing the question papers from previous years.

XAT Question Paper: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

This section of the XAT 2024 Exam Question Paper and syllabus assesses a candidate's English language comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning proficiency. A comprehensive understanding of grammar rules and logical reasoning principles is imperative to excel in the XAT VARC syllabus.

Download Free Number Theory Practice Questions by Supergrads

Key topics include:

Reading comprehension
Grammar
Vocabulary
Critical Reasoning
Inference-based questions.

XAT Exam Question Paper: Decision Making

The Decision-Making (DM) section of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper 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

XAT Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation form the bedrock of analytical prowess in the XAT Exam Question Paper & 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

Download Free VARC Preparation Tips by Supergrads

XAT Question Paper: General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section of the XAT Exam Model Question Paper & 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

Read More: XAT Exam Pattern 2024 Analysis

Conclusion

The XAT exam, a gateway to prestigious management institutes, undergoes dynamic changes annually. Understanding its pattern is crucial for effectively preparing strategies for these changes for aspirants' success.

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