XAT 2015 to assess multidimensional capability: XLRI Admission Chair

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MBAUniverse.com News Desk |
August 13, 2014
In an exclusive interview with MBAUniverse.com, XLRI Admission Chairperson shares the important features of XAT 2015
"XLRI aims to assess multidimensional capability of aspirants in XAT 2015" XLRI Admission Chairperson

As reported by MBAUniverse.com today morning, XAT 2015 will be held on January 4, 2015. http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7865/XAT-Exam-date-2015 In an exclusive interview with MBAUniverse.com, XLRI Admission Chairperson shares the important features of XAT 2015, and offers guidance to XAT 2015 aspirants.

 

Excerpts from the MBAUniverse.com interview with XLRI Admission Chairperson follows:

 

Are there any significant changes in XAT 2015?

 

XAT 2015 will not have any significant changes. The examination pattern will remain the same as earlier. The Test will be conducted in a single session across India in 47 cities and 2 cities abroad.  Test duration will be of 3 hours. Exam will have same difficulty level across all the testing centres.

 

What is the rationale behind keeping XAT as a paper-pencil test?  

 

Yes, the format of XAT would remain pen-paper based. It ensures that all the candidates from varying backgrounds are at par. Those who come from privileged background or having worked in IT sector have familiarity of operating computers; they may get advantage over others who do not have access to computers. The paper-pen mode also aims to test all the candidates on exactly the same set of questions, and not on different sets.

 

Are the challenges of ‘normalization’ of scores across many tests one of the reasons behind remaining a paper-pencil based test?

 

Process of score Normalization is like a blackbox the contents of which are not known. Online computer based tests have more normalization issues.  We believe that single testing session with same difficulty level will provide level playing field to all the test takers without any discrimination. This will also speed up the process of score normalization.

 

How important are the GK and essay writing tests in XAT?

 

XAT is aimed at assessing the holistic make-up of the candidate. We are not looking at merely imitators, but creators. While answering the objective questions, candidates prove their basic mental ability, but the problems of the current business and society are much more complex and don’t have a simple uni-dimensional answer. Hence our preference of richer method of testing is through GK and essays.
 

Since the Essay writing is a subjective test, would it also be accounted for calculation of percentile?

 

Yes, it will be.  Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) aims to assess multidimensional capability of aspirants in XAT 2015.  Essay writing will also be accounted for calculation of Percentile. Test takers may be very good at attempting objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) but may not have real life driven written communication skill, or a wider perspective on important issues of our times, which is a basic requirement. The candidates in XAT are tested on both the counts and would then be shortlisted based on their performance in essay writing as well.

 

How will you compare XAT with CAT?

 

XAT 2015 will be on the same pattern as has been present during past years. XAT aims to include the candidates from small and backward towns also who have no access to computer. Besides in an online test the difficulty level varies and issues of scaling, equating of scores come up. Apart from this it becomes difficult to test the aspirant on Writing Ability in an online test. For the past 60 years XAT has been conducted on the similar pattern and we do not propose to change it now.

 

Your message to XAT 2015 aspirants?

 

Aspirants should prepare and practice well for XAT 2015 and should remain motivated. XAT has more number of questions so the candidates need more speed. XLRI expects a good knowledge and intelligence level before offering admission to the aspirants. 

 

Related Links

 

XLRI Jamshedpur OFFICIAL Student Forum

XAT 2015 Notification Declared Ask all your queries regarding application/ registration

 

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on XAT 2015