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XAT 2025: Last Date to Register Extended to December 10, Exam Date (Jan 5); Check New Pattern, Previous Year Papers, Mock Test, Top Colleges

Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Prof. SK Agarwal

XAT 2025 Exam will be held on January 5, 2025. The last date to apply for XAT 2025 has been extended from November 30 to December 10, 2024. Register now. XAT 2025 exam will be held in 160 cities across India. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 is the exclusive entrance exam for admission 2025 to XLRI Jamshedpur. XAT 2025 exam score will also be accepted by 250 B-schools including XIMB, IMI, IMT among others. XAT 2025 Exam Pattern has been revised significantly making it a shorter exam. Check complete details below. 

Table of Content

  • 1. What is XAT Exam?

  • 2. XAT 2025 Highlights

  • 3. XAT 2025 Exam Date: Important Dates

  • 4. XAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

  • 5. XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

  • 6. XAT Exam Analysis

  • 7. XAT Exam Syllabus 2025

  • 8. XAT Preparation 2025

  • 9. XAT 2025 Registration & Application Process

  • 10. XAT Admit Card 2025 Release: How to Download?

  • 11. XAT Answer Key 2025

  • 12. XAT Accepting Colleges, XAT Cut Offs 2025

  • 13. XAT Result 2025

  • 14. XAT Exam Centres 2025

  • 15. FAQs on XAT: Answers by Experts

1. What is XAT Exam?

Xavier Aptitude Test is the Admission Test for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and other top MBA colleges like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, LBSIM Delhi, TAPMI Manipal and 150 other top MBA colleges in India. XLRI will offer admission to its PGDM programs, offered at Jamshedpur and Delhi campuses on the basis of this exam score only, and will not accept any other test score. There are more than 70 cities and more than 100 venues where the exam will be conducted in India. 

Salient Points about the Exam are:

  • A computer based test conducted at more than 70 test cities
  • For XAT 2025, the exam duration is reduced to three hours from earlier three hours thirty minutes
  • The exam is divided into two parts & four sections of  Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; General Knowledge
  • Part two which had General Knowledge and Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) sections will have only GK section in XAT 2025 and AEW will not figure in the exam.
  • Part two does not count for percentile score calculation
  • No Individual time limit to attempt the sections
  • XLRI will offer admission 2025 based on XAT 2025 only and will not accept any other test score
XAT EXAM PATTERN 2025

2. XAT 2025 Highlights

Check XAT 2025 Exam Highlights including XAT Full Form, who conducts XAT exam, number of candidates registered for XAT exam and other important details.

XAT Exam ParticularsDetails
XAT Exam Full Form 2025Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025
Who conducts XAT Exam?Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur
XAT 2025 Notification ReleaseJuly 15, 2024
XAT 2025 Exam DateSunday, January 5, 2025
XAT Official Websitexatonline.in
XAT Exam FeesRs. 2200
Number of Candidates who registered for last XAT exam1.35 lakhs
Top MBA colleges accepting XAT ExamXLRI, XIMB, IMI, IMT, FORE, Great Lakes, GIM, IMT Nagpur
Total Questions in the Exam95 MCQs
Number of Sections4; Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; General Knowledge
Number of Answer Options5
Scoring Pattern in XAT exam+1 Mark for Each Correct Answer -0.25 Mark for Each Wrong Answer 0 Mark for Un-attempted Question
XAT Exam Duration3 hours
XAT Sectional Time LimitNo Sectional Time Limit
XAT Application Fee 2025Rs. 2200
Facility to Choose Order of SectionsYes, Attempt any question from any section within overall time limit
XAT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPER - XAT 2024

3. XAT 2025 Exam Date: Important Dates

Important dates including XAT 2025 Exam Dates, form filling dates and timelines for the Exam are as below: 

XAT 2025 Important Dates & TimelineImportant dates
XAT 2025 Notification DateJuly 15, 2024
XAT Registration Start Date 2025July 15, 2024
XAT 2025 Registration Last DateDecember 10, 2024
Admit Card ReleaseDecember 20, 2024
Exam DatesJanuary 5, 2025
XAT answer key release dateJanuary 10, 2025
Answer key challenge process last dateJanuary 14, 2025
XAT 2025 Result DateJanuary 18, 2025
XAT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPER - XAT 2023

4. XAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

XAT eligibility criteria 2025 are as below. 

  • A candidate who has passed bachelor’s degree 
  • A final year student in graduation is also eligible 
  • There is no age limit to apply and appear in the exam

Read complete details on XAT Eligibility 2025

XAT SYLLABUS 2025

5. XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

XAT 2025 Exam Pattern has been modified by XLRI Jamshedpur. Check details below:

  • XLRI has dropped Essay Writing Section from XAT 2025 main exam. XLRI will conduct it during GD-PI round after the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.
  • Number of questions in GK Section have been reduced to 20 from 25 last year. 

Revised XAT Exam Pattern 2025 is as below: 

Exam Sections
Number of questions
Overall Time Duration
Part-1
75 Total MCQs
170 Minutes
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
26
No Sectional Time Limit
Decision Making
21
No Sectional Time Limit
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
28
No Sectional Time Limit
Part-2
20 Total MCQs
10 Minutes
General Knowledge
20
Ideal Time 10 Minutes
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
Scrapped for XAT 2025
Dropped
Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2)
95 MCQs
--
XAT EXAM PATTERN 2025

6. XAT Exam Analysis

XAT Exam analysis covers pattern, type of questions and difficulty level. XAT Analysis 2025 will be published after the exam on January 5, 2025. Read XAT 2024 exam analysis below.

XAT 2024 Analysis: Summary

  • Exam was conducted from 2.00 PM to 5.30 PM on January 7, 2024
  • Total 75 Questions appeared in Verbal, DM, Quant & DI section.
  • GK in exam had 9 Questions on Static GK and 16 Questions on Current Affairs 
  • Total Questions in 2024 were 101 (Including Essay Writing)
  • Exam difficulty level remained similar to last year
  • Exam Duration is increased to 3 hrs 30 minutes from earlier 3 hrs 10 minutes
  • Test taker was allowed to choose 1 Essay topic out of 3 Options

Read Complete XAT 2024 Exam analysis.

7. XAT Exam Syllabus 2025

XAT Exam Syllabus is divided into two parts and five sections. In Part-1, it tests the candidate on Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. In part-2 it tests General Knowledge.

  • The revised syllabus includes 95 MCQ type questions 
  • Except the General Knowledge Test, all the other three sections are core sections that determine the percentile score as well as XLRI shortlisting criteria
  • The score of General Knowledge section is taken into account at the time of XLRI personal Interview round. 
  • The Analytical Essay Writing Test (AEW) is no more a part of XAT exam. Instead it will be conducted by XLRI in its GD-PI round

7.1 XAT Syllabus Section-Wise

Part-1 Syllabus

Section
Syllabus
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VALR)
The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehensions (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests. Key Topics in syllabus include: Verbal Ability Syllabus: English Vocabulary based questions – fill in the blanks with correct words; synonyms/antonyms; contextual usage on vocabulary words; Jumbled Paragraphs; Correction of errors in sentences, correct use of words; Completion of sentences; Completion of paragraph Reading Comprehension Syllabus: Abstract topics, Literature, Social and Economic issues; Science & Culture; history & fiction. Questions based on information in RC passage; explanation of the words & phrases as used in the passage; In context of the passage –True/false statements; Author’s view on various issues raised in the RC passage; Inference from the passage; main idea of RC passage; Purpose of the RC passage Logical Reasoning Syllabus: Critical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Clocks, calendars, Fact, Inference, Judgement, binary logic, seating arrangement, blood relations, logical sequence, assumption, premise, conclusion
Decision Making (DM)
The DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions. XAT measures skills broadly on Conditions and Grouping Test; Data Arrangement Test; Complex Arrangement; Decision Making in a situation; Case lets
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI)
The questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data. QA: Major topics covered in XAT syllabus for Quant are LCM and HCF, Log, Percentage, Profit and Loss. Linear Equation, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed Time and Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Ratio and Proportion, Number System, Algebra equations, Polynomials, Geometry, Mensuration, Complex Numbers, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Permutation and Combination, Probability Functions, Set Theory, Mixtures and Alligations, Trigonometry DI: Major Topics Covered in DI Syllabus are Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams, Pie charts, Graphs, Data analysis and comparison

Part-2 Syllabus
Part-2 in XAT covers General Knowledge and Essay Writing Test.

Section
Syllabus
General Knowledge
In the GK section, questions focus on static GK and current affairs. Major Topics Covered: Economics, finance, national and international current affairs, Constitution of India, Company profiles, logos, Business & Economy, Who’s who, Books & Authors, Capitals & Currencies
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Test
XAT 2025 will not have AEW section. This component will be conducted in XLRI GD PI round. AEW Essays should be approximately 250 words in length and must demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation , serving as an assessment of the students' analytical abilities.
XAT SYLLABUS 2025

8. XAT Preparation 2025

Cracking XAT requires focused preparation across three core sections: Verbal Ability, Decision-Making, Quantitative Ability. General Knowledge section is not used for calculating percentile but must not be ignored. These XAT preparation tips can helpd you maximize your performance.

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: As detailed above, familiarize yourself with the XAT syllabus and sectional structure. Knowing the number of questions in each section will help you prioritize your preparation.  
  2. Focus on Decision-Making: Practice decision-making caselets daily, as this section is unique to XAT. Review past years' papers to identify common patterns and improve your problem-solving approach.  
  3. Enhance Verbal Reasoning: Develop critical reasoning and comprehension skills by reading diverse materials. Focus on tackling RC passages, grammar questions, and logical reasoning problems. 
  4. Strengthen Quantitative Ability:  Concentrate on key areas like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Regularly solve practice problems and take timed mock tests to boost speed and accuracy.  
  5. Brush Up your General Knowledge: Follow current affairs and static GK topics, covering both national and international news. Review business and economic developments relevant to economy and business.  
  6. Take Regular Mock Tests:  Take full-length mock tests and analyze your performance after each. Focus on understanding errors and improving time management for each section.  
  7. Finally, Manage Stress: Don’t let the exam stress overpower you. Manage it with daily smart preparation and stress busters like music and exercise. 

XAT preparation books are same as books used for CAT preparation since both tests are designed to assess similar skills and understanding. Check these preparation books for CAT which are sufficient for all sections except GK.

 Author
Book Title
Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE for CAT 
Arun Sharma,
Meenakshi Upadhyay
How to Prepare for VERBAL ABILITY & READING COMPREHENSION for CAT
Arun Sharma
How to Prepare For DATA INTERPRETATION For CAT 
Arun Sharma
How to Prepare For LOGICAL REASONING For CAT
Arun Sharma,
Meenakshi Upadhyay
Chapter Wise Solved Previous Years’ Papers for CAT

Read Complete Details on XAT Preparation 2025

XAT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPER - XAT 2024

9. XAT 2025 Registration & Application Process

XAT Registration Numbers 
For XAT 2024 exam, 1.35 lakh candidates had registered which was an increase of 40% over last year. 

XAT Year
XAT Registration Numbers
% Increase/Decrease over last year
2024
1,35,000
40%
2023
98,000
22%
2022
80,000
--

XAT 2025 Registration and Form Filling process is online. Last date to register is December 10, 2024. Apply Now. XAT registration fee is Rs. 2,200. You can complete your XAT registration process by following these simple steps.

XAT Registration StepsStep TitleDescription
Step-1Visit WebsiteVisit XAT Official Website
Step-2RegisterRegister with Basic details to get XAT ID and Password
Step-3Fill Personal DetailsFill in Complete Personal Details in Registration and Application Form
Step-4Fill Academics• Fill in Academics from class 10 onwards, on the next page of XAT form
Step-5Fill Work Ex & Choose Programs & Exam Cities• Fill in Details of Work Experience, XLRI Programmes, choice of XAT Test Cities
Step-6Documents Details• Upload Scanned copies of documents of Required size
Step-7Declaration• Mark tick on the Declaration to complete the process
Step-8Pay XAT Fees• Make Payment online for XAT Application Fees and XLRI Programme Application Fee

10. XAT Admit Card 2025 Release: How to Download?

XAT Admit Card 2025 download will start from December 2024 third week. XLRI will upload the Admit card on official XAT exam website 2025 onlinexat.in  The admit card release date may be extended by a few days. The last date to download the Admit Card is exam date. 

Three Steps to Download XAT 2025 Admit Card

  • Go to XAT 2024 website onlinexat.in
  • At login page enter XAT ID and password to view and download the XAT Admit Card
  • Save the Admit Card and take print on A4 size paper

11. XAT Answer Key 2025

XAT Answer Key is done to maintain transparency in exam and to help candidates to check their responses with the correct answers. The Answer key 2025 will be released 3-4 days after the exam date on official website. You can download your answer key from official website by login with your login ID and password.  The candidate response sheet will be released separately to enable the exam takers to raise & file objection to the answers which appear wrong to the test takers. XLRI releases the XAT answer keys along with the question paper with all the important instructions.

12. XAT Accepting Colleges, XAT Cut Offs 2025

Top XAT Accepting MBA Colleges include XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB, MICA, IMI, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, FORE, LIBA, BIMTECH among others. The required CAT cut off percentile in all these IIMs for admission 2025 is shared below.

MBA Colleges
XAT Cut off %ile required
94-95
91-92
90-91
90-91
90-91
85-87
85-87
85-86
83-84
85-86
80-82
80-82
75
75
75
75
72

13. XAT Result 2025

XAT 2025 Result will be released is last week of January 2025. However, XLRI releases the result in the second or third week of January. Immediately after the result declaration, XLRI and other top B-schools start announcing their shortlist on the basis of XAT scores and other parameters in their shortlisting criteria for final selection round. The final admission offer will be made to the candidates in the months of April/May 2025.

The admission process in XLRI depends upon your performance in three major areas – Your exam score; your academic record and performance in Personal Interview round. There are three stages through which XLRI Admission Process is completed, they are:

  • Stage-1: Performance in XAT Exam
  • Stage-2: Shortlisting by XLRI for PI round
  • Stage-3: XLRI Final Selection Process 2025 comprising PI Round

Your final admission offer depends upon your performance in all the above three stages of XLRI selection process.

14. XAT Exam Centres 2025

XAT 2025 exam will be held across the country in following cities: Agra, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad City (Maharashtra), Allahabad, Ambala, Amravati, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Berhampur, Bhatinda, Bhilai Nagar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh/Mohali, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi-NCR, Dhanbad, Dibrugarh, Durgapur/Asansol, Ernakulam, Gandhinagar, Goa, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hooghly, Hubballi(Hubli), Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Kannur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Kota, Kottayam, Kurnool, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Mysuru(Mysore), Nagpur, Nashik, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Ranchi, Roorkee, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Siliguri, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathi, Tiruvallur, Udaipur, Udupi Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Tejpur, Jorhat, Rajkot, Shillong, Naharlagun..

XAT 2025 Introduces 34 New Test Cities
Ajmer, Aligarh, Anantapur, Arrah, Baddi, Balasore, Bareilly, Bhagalpur, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Chikkaballapur, Darbhanga, Davanagere, Dhenkanal, Haldwani, Hazaribagh, Hisar, Jodhpur, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Kalyani, Karimnagar, Kolhapur, Kurukshetra, Mehsana, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Muzaffarpur, Nanded, Patiala, Salem, Shimla, Sikar, Ujjain, Vellore.

Read other important details on XAT 2025 Exam 

15. FAQs on XAT: Answers by Experts

A: The exam is conducted annually preferably on the first Sunday of January every year
A: It is a computer based entrance test of three hours thirty minutes duration.
A: XLRI releases all the details about the exam in leading news papers in mid July. The process to register and apply for the exam starts simultaneously.
A: Despite being a highly competitive and most important MBA entrance exam in India, the difficulty level of the exam is considered moderate to high.
A: Each correct answer in the exam is awarded with +1 mark. The raw score obtained in the exam is converted to scaled score and then converted to percentile score after allowing for equating and normalizing the scores for all the question paper sets. XLRI and other top MBA colleges consider percentile awarded in the exam to shortlist the candidates for final selection round.
A: The exam is expected to consist of 95 MCQs.
A: XLRI conducts official Mock test and also releases previous papers on the official website xatonline.in. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam. You can also attempt Mock Tests and Previous Years Question Papers with answers at MBAUniverse.com.
A: No, but the onscreen calculator is available throughout the exam. You can use that.
A: The MCQs carry a penalty of -0.25 mark for each wrong answer. However, there is no negative marking for GK questions and Essay Writing Test.
A: Yes, you can attempt any question in any section of the question paper within the overall exam time duration.
A: No, the paper cannot be submitted before the test duration is over. You can neither leave your seat, nor can leave the test centre early.

Admission 2025 Notifications


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