Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2016 is the gateway to more than 141 highly ranked B schools in India including XLRI, XIMB, SPJIMR, IMT among others. XAT 2016 is scheduled to be held on January 3, 2016 as the conventional paper pen based test in a single session from 10 AM to 1.30 PM in 47 test cities across the country with 2 test cities abroad in Kathmandu and Dubai.
XAT 2016 with increased time of 30 minutes
XAT 2016 has increased the time from 3 hours to three and half hours and will be divided in 5 sections namely Verbal and Logical Ability; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation; General Knowledge+ Essay Writing. Out of the 5 sections, 4 will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) while the Essay Writing section will be of descriptive type.
XLRI has been conducting XAT for the past 60 years on behalf of XAMI in the same pattern. The aim to continue the similar approach is to ensure that all the candidates from varying backgrounds are at par. XLRI believes that single testing session with same difficulty level will provide level playing field to all the test takers without any discrimination. XAT 2016 is aimed to select the most appropriate candidates who wish to pursue management education. Around 90 thousand to 1 lakh candidates explore admission opportunities in XLRI and other member and aassociate B schools by registering for XAT every year.
XAT 2016 Exam details: A guide to preparation
Following points in regard to XAT 2016 must be kept in mind before embarking on your preparation journey
1. XLRI is one of the top rated B schools in India and is the 1st rank holder among private B-schools as per MBAUniverse.com ranking 2014-15.
2. For the last 60 years XAT has remained paper pen based test with changes in contents, time duration, sections of the test but no change in testing mode.
3. XAT 2016 will have negative marking with 1/4 of a mark for each incorrect answer.
4. It is expected that number of questions may increase in XAT 2016 with the increase in time.
5. All questions will carry equal marks in XAT 2016
6. Each question will have five alternatives. You will have to answer each question by darkening the appropriate bubble against the question number on the answer sheet.
7. Apart from overall cut-off percentile XAT 2016 will also have sectional cut-offs.
8. No academic profile will be considered in XAT 2016 result while preparing the 1st round merit list for the GD/PI round of admission process. Scores in XAT 2016 will be the main criteria to shortlist the candidates.
XAT 2016: Test pattern is similar
XAT 2016 will be on the similar pattern like last many years with no change in the structure and syllabus. XLRI is proud of the legacy of conducting XAT and its well established testing pattern which allows every candidate equal opportunity to compete in a single session.
XAT 2016: 5 sections in 2 parts
XAT 2016 test paper will have 2 parts divided in 5 sections
Part-1 will have 3 sections in Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs) format
1.Verbal and Logical Ability
2. Decision Making
3. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
Part-2
The second part in XAT 2016 will be the test on General knowledge and writing ability. Aspirants will be asked to answer MCQs on General Awareness and will have to write an essay on a given topic.
Candidates having been tested on objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) will also be tested on real life driven written communication skill based on wider perspective on important issues of our times. The candidates in XAT 2016 will be tested on both the counts. Their performance in GK and essay writing will also form the base of their final admission offer at XLRI.
General Knowledge not to count for shortlisting
The marks of General Knowledge will not be used for determining the percentile and cut off at first stage of selection. However it is used by XLRI and some other Associate Member Institutes at the time of final selection
Facility to toggle among sections; be careful of sectional scores
XAT 2016 will not restrict the test takers from moving to one or other section within the overall allotted time. However, aspirants should not spend too much time only on one section since all the sections will have the respective cut off percentile.
In view of Prof S K Agarwal, expert on Verbal Ability and mentor on XAT 2016 preparation, the XAT 2016 aspirants should practice more while preparing for the exam as they will have to synchronise between the test booklet and the answering OMR sheet. Since more exams are gradually getting computer based, it becomes a real challenge to manage time and attempt more questions with marking the answers accurately on the OMR sheet in paper pen mode.
The biggest advantage for XAT 2016 takers is that they do not have to fight with technical snags and glitches which is a property of computer based test and can use their skills and intelligence level without any anticipation of disturbance in the examination hall.
Good writing practice to ace XAT 2016
There is a full length 20-30 minutes Essay Writing Test in XAT 2016 and those having poor writing skills should be on their guard. In view of Prof S K Agarwal, Verbal Ability expert, apart from good subject knowledge, aspirants are supposed to have a flair for writing which should be neat also. So choose the current, abstract, national, international, business, economics topics and start writing an essay of approximately 300-400 words with rich in contents on a regular basis. You may expect questions on your essay contents in your PI round at XLRI and other top B-schools.
Registration for XAT 2016 opened on September 4, 2015 and will close on November 30, 2015. The registration process is online but the payment of registration fee can be made online or in cash or by demand draft. XAT 2016 registration and application fee has been increased to Rs.1500/- from Rs.1000/- in XAT 2015. Those who wish to apply for XLRI programmes need to pay an additional fee of Rs.250/- for each programme.
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Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on XAT 2016
