Entrance tests are gateways into colleges and universities. They regulate the competition. Moreover, they eliminate the non-serious crowd. Especially for MBA, there is a lot of struggle. On the other hand, there are limited seats at colleges for the course. Hence, entrance tests are used. The commonly conducted entrance tests are CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE, etc. All follow a more or less similar exam pattern. Out of these tests, there are national-level tests and state-level tests. Moreover, the GMAT/GRE tests give you global university coverage. It means you can attach your GMAT/GRE score to study MBA abroad/in your own country. Particularly in India, CAT is the national-level MBA entrance test. However, we’ve given coverage to the CAT exam in our other articles. Hence, today we will talk about the XAT entrance exam/test & its paper pattern. Moreover, we will also discuss the XAT negative marking scheme and total marks.
Like national and state entrance tests, some universities and colleges have their own entrance tests. However, XAT is a national-level entrance test just like CAT. XAT stands for Xavier Aptitude Test. The test is conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur for MBA/PGDM programs. XAT is accepted in XLRI and over 700 institutes for admissions. Hence, you can definitely rely on this test for your admissions. It givers a similar national-level acceptance like CAT. Clearing the XAT entrance exam is prestigious. Let’s look at some important aspects of XAT. Stay tuned to know the entire XAT exam pattern. Let’s begin.
About XAT
The XAT exam is held once a year by XLRI, Jamshedpur. Moreover, the mode of the exam is online. The exam duration is 3 hours or 180 minutes. There are 4 sections in the paper and 100 MCQ-type questions. Further, the exam fees are INR 1750 for the General Category. There are about 95,000 test-takers every year. Moreover, the exam can be given in 72 test cities. It is a national-level exam. Hence, a decent score in XAT will open the gates of some top universities for MBA/PGDM programs.
Furthermore, let’s look at the eligibility before we move to the XAT Exam Pattern. Firstly, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, a candidate in their last year can also apply for this test. This is the only minimum criteria to appear for the exam. However, while applying for colleges/universities there might be some other additional admission criteria. Hence, you must check them before admissions.
XAT Exam/Test Pattern, Negative Marking, and Total Marks
We have a basic idea about the XAT exam, it’s a mode of conduct, exam fees, etc. Now let’s firstly look at the XAT Exam/Test Paper Pattern. The exam is divided into 4 sections. Firstly, there’s a decision-making section. Secondly, there is a Verbal and Logical Ability section. Thirdly, there is a Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section. Lastly, there is a General Knowledge section. The first section i.e. decision-making section has 21 questions. They carry 1 mark each and hence, this section is 21 marks. The second section i.e. the Verbal section has 26 questions for 26 marks. The quantitative ability and DI section have 28 questions for 28 marks. Moreover, the GK section has 25 questions for 25 marks. Hence, 21+26+28+25= 100 questions and 100 marks. The exam contains 100 questions. Hence, the XAT total marks are 100.
Furthermore, the exam has no section-wise time allotment. Hence, you need to solve all the questions within the 180 mins time limit. Hence, there is no section-wise time limit. Moreover, CAT has a section-wise time allotment. Read more about the CAT exam pattern: Click Here.
XAT Exam Pattern-Negative Marking
Talking about the XAT Negative Marking Scheme, each correct answer gains a mark. However, each wrong answer attracts negative 0.25 marks. Hence, 4 incorrect answers would mean, you lose one mark. One must try his/her best to avoid the negative marking. Instead, you can skip a question which you do not know. Hence, this way you won’t gain a mark, but you won’t lose 0.25 marks also. It’s better to stay neutral in marks than negative. However, there’s a drawback for unattempted questions as well. If you leave 8 questions unattempted you lose 0.10 marks as per the XAT Exam Pattern and Negative Marking Scheme. Moreover, there is no negative marking in the GK section. Hence, you can be relaxed for this section. You must not leave more than 8 questions unattempted to avoid the 0.10 negative marks.
Tentative Exam Dates
Firstly, there’s a registration round. This round begins around September of every year. This process is totally online and you need to visit their official website to register online. To visit the website: Click Here. If you need to attempt in 2022, register yourself for the exam in September 2021. Then, the registrations end around the first week of December. You can apply till midnight of the last registration date. After registration, you need to download the XAT Admit Card. This card is available on their official website by the third week of December. The next activity is the mock test release. You can access the mock test by the end of December. You can try to attempt a mock test before actually attempting the final XAT exam.
Further, the exam is held around the first week of January. Tentatively, 2nd of January. The exam is a computer-based test. There are around 72 Test Centre Cities. After the exam, the results are announced. Usually, you can check the results by the third week of January. The XAT scorecards are available on the official XAT website. Lastly, there is the cut-off announcement. You can check the cut-off announcement by the last week of January. You can check the cut-offs on the website. If you fit into their cut-offs, you will be called upon for the next round of the exam.
Selection Process through XAT
Firstly, XAT scores are used to screen the candidates. You need to fit into the cut-offs released. XLRI shortlists eligible candidates for the next round. The second round of the exam is the group discussion phase and the interview phase. XLRI releases its GDPI schedule for selected candidates. You have to confirm your interview. Finally, XAT score, GDPI round, and other parameters are used for screening candidates. Selected candidates can complete their admission process. Hence, one needs to prepare for the XAT exam as per the XAT Exam/test paper pattern. Moreover, you must keep yourself updated with the latest info released on the website.
FAQs
The XAT exam is held once a year. Unlike, GMAT it is held by XLRI. Moreover, candidates do not have the freedom to schedule their own tests. Check for regular updates on their official website. You can also register yourself there.
No, XAT preparation is not difficult. You just need the right guidance. Moreover, you can also attempt 2-3 other MBA entrance tests. The XAT Exam/Test Paper Pattern is similar to many other exam patterns.
Mostly, yes! 4 months are enough for your XAT preparation. However, if you are a slow learner, you can start early preparations. But, if you are comfortable with the syllabus and topics, you can cover the XAT syllabus as per the XAT paper pattern in the span of 4 months. You need the right strategy to prepare for every section. Hence, you need to plan your preparation for XAT. Moreover, you must prepare for the GDPI round as well.
Editor’s Note | XAT Exam Pattern
Here we will conclude our article. Today we saw what exactly the XAT exam is, who conducts it, its mode of conduct, etc. Further, we looked at the XAT exam pattern, negative marking, and total marks. To prepare for XAT, you need the right strategy. But, the right strategy can be formulated only when you are aware of the syllabus and test pattern. Hence, first, know your exam well. Schedule your exam plan. Prepare your exam journey. Give enough time for your section-wise preparation. Attempt as many mock tests as possible. Furthermore, you can also access the mock test before the XAT test on their website. Once your preparation is done, you should solve as many questions for practice as possible. Moreover, keep a track of the registration start and end date.
Usually, registration begins in September and ends in December. It’s always better to register early. Pay the exam fees and keep yourself updated. After registration, check the website for your admission card. Always practice using the XAT Exam Pattern and syllabus. Moreover, if you need assistance with your prep, you can also join an online course for your prep. The course can be free or paid. It is your preference after all. Further, you can try for other entrance tests simultaneously as well. CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE are widely accepted in most B schools. After your exam, you must track your results. The results are announced soon after the exam.
Moreover, you should prepare for the GDPI time while waiting for the results. You can crack the exam, but you need to be careful about the GDPI round. GDPI round is equally important. Hence, one must not ignore it. Your preparation must be comprehensive and precise. All the Best for your future journey!
