Overview: XAT 2025 will be conducted in January, and if you are preparing for it, now is the best time to understand the XAT marking scheme and exam pattern. So, continue reading to get the complete information about it!

XAT, or Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), is a national-level MBA entrance exam for admission to the prestigious Xavier School of Management (XLRI) and various other associated management institutes.

XAT is a computer-based exam that asks 101 questions in three parts in a limited time frame. 

Let's go over the XAT exam pattern and marking scheme below.

Download Free Study Material for XAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

Also Read: What is the XAT exam?

XAT Exam 2025: Important Dates 

The Xavier Aptitude Test 2025 is tentatively scheduled for January 2025. The XAT registration process will begin in July and end in November 2024. As for all other B-schools, the GD/PI process starts in February and March. 

If you are also preparing for the XAT exam 2025, then here are the important dates you should be aware of:

XAT Particulars	XAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)
XAT 2025 Registration Date	July 15th to Nov 30, 2024
XAT 2025 Exam Date	January 8th, 2025
XAT 2025 Answer Key Release	Second Week of January 2025
XAT 2025 Result Date	Last Week of January 2025
XAT Cutoff	To be Announced

Also Read: Is CAT preparation enough for XAT?

XAT Marking Scheme 2025

To ace the XAT exam 2025 on the first attempt, it is very important to have a deep understanding of the XAT marking scheme. 

Although the exam pattern is somewhat similar to other MBA entrance tests, the XAT marking scheme shows some differences.

Here are the key facts about the XAT marking scheme 2025: 

• There is 1 mark for every correct answer.
• There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer.
• If you unanswered more than 8 consecutive questions, then 0.10 marks will be deducted.
• The general Knowledge section does not have negative markings.
• General Knowledge scores are not considered when calculating the XAT percentile.
• Essays are not marked during the exam but will be evaluated during PI shortlisting.

Also Read: XAT Admission Details

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: Understanding the Exam Pattern 

Before understanding the marking scheme for XAT exam 2025, let us first review its XAT exam pattern. The XAT exam 2025 has three parts: A, B, and C. Part A consists of Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation (175 minutes).

Part B will be a 5-minute session of mock keyboard testing, and part C will have a GK section along with a short essay topic (30 minutes). PwD candidates will get 20 minutes extra in every part. 

The XAT exam 2025 pattern includes the following: 

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.

Also Read: XAT Syllabus

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

The XAT marking scheme is similar to that of the XAT exam in 2024. Now, let's focus on the sectional breakdown of questions. In addition to multiple-choice questions on Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, there is also an essay writing section. Below is the sectional breakdown of the XAT 2025 question paper:

XAT Exam Section	Number of Questions	Total Marks
Decision Making	22	22
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	26
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	28
General Knowledge	25	25
Essay Writing (250 words)	Choose any one topic from 3 options	It will be evaluated upon shortlisting

Also Read: XAT Previous Year Papers

XAT Marking Scheme: Exam Syllabus 2025

The XAT exam date for 2025 will be conducted in January and is comprised of three sections: 

• Part 1: Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation (175 minutes)
• Part 2: Mock keyboard testing in part two (5 minutes)
• Part 3: Essay writing and general knowledge (30 minutes)

Here is a glimpse of the XAT exam syllabus that will help you prioritise the key section and get good scores in XAT 2025:

XAT Exam Syllabus	Important Topics the XAT Exam Syllabus
Verbal and Logical Ability	Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Parajumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks, etc.
Decision Making	Data Arrangement, Conditioning, Grouping, Complex Arrangement, Caselets, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation, etc.
General Knowledge	Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc.

Conclusion

So, as we wrap up, it's clear that grasping the XAT marking scheme and exam pattern is essential for acing the XAT exam 2025. With all the details provided about the exam pattern, important dates, marking scheme, and syllabus, you can prepare effectively and focus on the right areas. 

Remember, thorough preparation and good time management are crucial for scoring well in the XAT exam. Best of luck to all the aspiring candidates getting ready for the XAT 2025!