XAT Exam Pattern 2024

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Updated on
January 2, 2024

XAT Exam pattern 2024: Exam on Jan 7, 2024 with Changed Pattern & Duration; Check Aspirant Friendly Initiatives, Test Composition, Scoring pattern

 

Latest Update

  • XAT 2024 Exam Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024
  • XAT 2024 Test Time Increased to 3 Hours 30 Minutes: From 2 PM to 5.30 PM
  • GK in XAT 2024 to have 10 Static GK Questions and 15 Current Affairs Questions
  • Aspirant Friendly Changes in XAT 2024 Exam Pattern: XAT to have 101 MCQs and 1 Essay Question
  • Essay Writing Test Restored: Write One Essay out of 3 Options
  • Top MBA Colleges Accepting XAT 2024: XLRI, XIMB, MICA, IMI, IMT, TAPMI, K J Somaiya

XLRI will conduct Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2024 on Sunday January 7, 2024 in afternoon. To familiarise the candidates with actual XAT 2024 exam pattern and difficulty level, XLRI conducted two official XAT Mock Tests on October 28 and November 5, 2024. 

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The XAT 2024 exam pattern has introduced many aspirant friendly changes. The exam remains a computer based test as was last year with no change in pattern and not to be a difficult exam. Sharing about the difficulty level of XAT exam, the convener of XAT 2024, Dr Rahul Kumar Shukla, XLRI faculty said, “XAT isn't a difficult test; it's about gauging astuteness. The examination is tailored to evaluate candidates’ analytical depth and strategic acumen.”


XAT 2023

XAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Sectional Composition & Scoring Pattern

Key highlights of XAT exam pattern 2024, the sectional composition with number of questions, key topics in revised test pattern are shared below:

 
 
Part 1 
Part 2 
Part 3 
Sections  
Verbal Ability and
Logical Reasoning
(VA & LR) 
Decision Making            
(DM) 
 Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)  
Mock Keyboard Testing 
General Knowledge*
(GK) 
Analytical
Essay Writing*
(AEW) 
Duration  
 
175 Minutes 
5 Minutes 
30 Minutes 
Number of Questions 
About 26 
About 22 
About 28 
NA 
About 25 
1
Question Types 
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 etc. 
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. 
In this section, 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. 
To test the keyboard, candidates will be requested to type--The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.  
In the GK section, 10 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining 15 will delve into current affairs. 
The AEW
section will offer three topics, of which candidates will select one.
Essays should be approximately 250 words in length and must demonstrate coherence, logical consistency, and strong argumentation

Salient Features of XAT 2024 Exam Pattern

  • XAT Testing Mode: Computer Based Test at Exam Centres
  • XAT MCQ Questions: 101
  • XAT Non-MCQ Questions: 1 Essay Writing (Descriptive)
  • Question Type: MCQs + Essay
  • XAT Pattern for MCQs: Each MCQ is followed by 5 answer options
  • XAT Scoring Pattern: +1 Mark for Each Correct
  • Negative Marking in XAT 2024: 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for MCQs from Sl. 1 to 75
  • No Negative Marking Questions in XAT: GK questions are free from Negative Marking
  • XAT Exam Time Duration: XAT 2024 will have a time duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes.
  • XAT 2024 - Percentile Calculation: Only 3 sections in XAT exam are taken into account to calculate the XAT percentile score and XAT merit list for written exam. GK will not be counted for percentile calculation in XAT exam.
  • No Sectional Time Limit: XAT does not have sectional time limit to solve the question paper. Candidate can attempt any question from any of the three sections within the overall time limit of 165 minutes. However, candidate will be allowed to go to Part 2 in the question paper after completing the time duration of Part 1
  • Evaluation of Essay writing test will be done only for the shortlisted candidates

Key Highlights and Changes in XAT 2024 Pattern

  • Penalty for Un-attempted Questions: Each un-attempted question beyond 8 questions will carry a negative marking penalty of 0.10 mark per unattempted question
  • Essay Writing Test Restored: The descriptive question on Essay Writing test is restored in XAT exam.
  • Time Duration increased: XAT 2024 exam will have a time duration of three hours and 30 minutes instead of earlier three hours and 10 minutes.
  • 25 Minutes Extra for Visually Impaired Candidates: XAT 2024 offers 25 minutes extra time for the scribe to complete the part-1 (first 3 sections) of XAT exam. No time concession is given for GK section
  • Evaluation of Essay:  Essay shall be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.
  • Countdown Timer: The countdown timer at the top, right-hand side of the screen will display the time remaining, time available for you to complete the examination for the part of the question paper you are answering (Part 1/Part 2). On completion of 175 minutes, the timer will reach zero and Part 1 will be locked. You will be moved to Part 2, i.e., General Knowledge & Essay section of the Question Paper
  • Can’t Leave Before: You are not allowed to leave the test lab before completion of the test in the revised XLRI Pattern for XAT 2024

XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024
XAT syllabus and pattern is changed now. Revamping the exam pattern and syllabus 2024, XLRI has brought about number of changes in number and composition of sections in XAT exam. Apart from restoring the essay writing test in XAT 2024, a new type of NAT question has been introduced in the exam.

 

To cover the XAT exam, candidates have to change their XAT preparation strategy as per the online exam pattern. Besides, it will be helpful to download XAT pattern Pdf to clearly understand the XAT syllabus and pattern. The key features of revamped XAT exam are as follows: 

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VARC & LR: 1st section
XAT exam 2024 for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Logical Reasoning section comprises the following:

  • Total questions: 26
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • RC passages: 4
  • RC Based questions: 14 to 16
  • VA questions: 8 to 10
  • VA topics: Vocabulary; Analogy; Para Jumbles, Para completion; Critical Reasoning; Statements-assumptions;
  • Lod: Moderate to Very difficult

Decision Making: 2nd section
Decision Making section in XAT decides the fate of candidates. The XAT syllabus and pattern for Decision Making section consists of short caselets, decision making problems. The questions are mostly in sets.

  • Total questions: 21
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • Question groups: 7 to 8 sets of decision making problems following by 2 and 3 questions each
  • LoD: Moderate to difficult

Quant & DI: 3rd section
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section in XAT consists of individual questions from all parts of Quant and Data Interpretation problems followed by questions in sets of 3-4.  

  • Total questions: 28
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • LoD: Moderate to difficult
  • Frequently asked topics in Quant & DI Section:

Questions are frequently asked on Time & Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Equations, Number system, Clocks, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Venn diagram, Tables, Bar diagram, graphs

 

GK: 4th section

There is no XAT syllabus and pattern for GK in XAT exam. The questions can be based on any topic under the Sun.

  • Total questions: 25
  • Type of questions: MCQs
  • Time Limit to Attempt: 15 minutes
  • LoD: Moderate to difficult
  • Question topics: GK questions could be based on any topic including Current domestic and international affairs; Business; Economics; social issues, appointments; conventional GK; sports; Constitution of India among others.
  • Key highlight: Not taken into account for calculation of percentile in XAT exam.

Essay Writing: 5th Section
The list of XAT essay topics consists such essay topics which appeared in past Essay writing tests in XAT.  XAT Essay topics are mostly based on abstract ideas. The Essay Writing Test in XAT has been restored after three years. It was removed in 2019 XAT exam. The Essay topics in XAT exam are also used in WAT process by many top MBA colleges.

 

10 Important Essay Topics for XLRI Writing Test

  • Covid Pandemic has derailed Economic prosperity
  • Central Vista will improve image of country
  • India should establish Bad Bank
  • Unity in Diversity is more relevant now in India
  • Blues of Demonetization still haunt the economic growth
  • Unless Agriculture is practiced as business, it will not improve the face of Rural India
  • Sensitivity of Sensex has nothing to do with economic growth
  • Society bears the burn of terrorism which has no religion
  • Democracy will lose meaning without social activism
  • GST is no magic band to push faster economic growth
  • Home buyers remain homeless, no teeth given to RERA
  • Making business lobbying legal can reduce corruption
  • Political interests and Uniform civil code cannot go hand in hand    

Past Topics of Essay Test in XAT exam

XAT exam year
Essay topic in XAT exam
2023
Choice of one of the following three topics
1. Risk is the essential need of the soul, the absence of which produces a kind of boredom which paralyses in a different way from fear, but almost as much.
2. Rapid decarbonization to fulfil India’s net zero commitments will have business consequences.
3. Someone with half your IQ is making 10x as you, because they are not smart enough to doubt themselves. 
2022
Choice of one of the following two topics
1. Capitalism and democracy follow different logics: unequally distributed property rights on the one hand, equal civic and political rights on the other. debate, compromise and majority decision-making within democratic politics versus hierarchical decision-making by managers and capital owners. Therefore, Capitalism and democracy cannot co-exist.
2. In management we do not need people who have never experienced setbacks. Such people are highly risk averse. Because business schools mainly focus on stellar academic achievements during admissions, the selected students turn out to be average managers
2019, 2020, 2021
No Essay writing Test
2018
Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist?
2017
2016
Technology and Nature are natural enemies
2015
Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand. We only listen to refute or reply.
2014
The most beautiful thing can neither be seen nor be touched but can only be felt
2013
Corruption is the root cause of economic slowdown in India
2012 (Option to choose one of the two topics)
Government is not addressing the root cause of poverty Or,
Government is not able to implement the policies properly due to the huge magnitude of poverty
2011 (Long and thought provoking topic made the candidates think more before beginning to write)
The statesman who would attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted to no council and senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.
2010
Earth provides enough to satisfy everybody's need but not everybody's greed
2009
The Inherent vice of Capitalism is unequal sharing of blessings and the inherent virtue of Socialism is equal sharing of misery  
2008
Gender Imbalance would lead to Third World War
2007
Economic growth without environmental damage – a mirage or a reality
2006
India has one of the largest pools of talented manpower, but few innovations and patented products
2005
More than one billion Indians: A gigantic problem or a sea of opportunities
2004
Asked at the age of 83, as to which of his project would he choose as his master piece, Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect answered, "The next one"
2003
To give real service, one needs to add something that cannot be bought or measured, like sincerity and integrity


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XAT Exam pattern Pdf: Last 10 years of XAT Pattern
Shared below are the key changes in XAT exam composition during last 8-10 years.

XAT exam year
Total questions,  time duration
Section-wise division of questions
Marking pattern for MCQs
Percentile calculation
Level of difficulty
XAT 2023 & 2022
101; 210 minutes
VARC-26
DM-21
QA-28
GK-25
Essay-1
+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer. No Nagative marking for GK & Essay sections
First three sections with 75 MCQs were accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2021
100 MCQs
VARC-26
DM-21
QA-28
GK-25
+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer
First three sections with 75 MCQs were accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2020
(No Essay Writing test)
100 MCQs
VARC-26
DM-21
Quant-28
GK-25
+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer;
penalty of 0.10 mark per question if more than 8 questions left unattempted
Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2019
99
VARC-26
DM-21
Quant-27
Gk-25
+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer;
penalty of 0.10 mark per question if more than 8 questions left unattempted
Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2018(Changed to Computer Based Test)
97 MCQs
1 Essay topic
3½  hours duration
VARC-24
DM-21
Quant-27
GK-25
Essay topic-1
1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer;
penalty of 0.05 mark per question if more than 12 questions left unattempted
Score for 72 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2017
97 MCQs
1 Essay topic
3½  hours duration
VARC-24
DM-21
Quant-27
GK-25
Essay topic-1
1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer;
penalty of 0.05 mark per question if more than 12 questions left unattempted
Score on 72 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult
XAT 2016
103 MCQs
1 Essay topic
3½ hours duration
VARC-26
DM-23
Quant-29
GK-25
Essay topic-1
1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer;
penalty of 0.05 mark per question if more than 13 questions left unattempted
Score on 78 MCQs in 1stthree sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to highly difficult
XAT 2015
114 MCQs
1 Essay topic
3 hours duration
VARC-28
DM-23
Quant-33
GK-30
Essay topic-1
1 mark for each correct answer; ¼ negative marking
Score on 84 MCQs in 1stthree sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to highly difficult
XAT 2014
113 MCQs
1 Essay topic
3 hours duration
VARC-28
DM-24
Quant-31
GK-30
Essay topic-1
1 mark for each correct answer; ¼ negative marking
Score on 83 MCQs in 1stthree sections accounted for percentile calculation
Moderate to difficult

All questions now carry equal marks in XAT paper pattern as also revealed in XAT previous years question paper and exam pattern. Each MCQ question in XAT 2024 test paper will have 5 answer options. Apart from overall cut-off percentile, the XAT 2024 exam will also have sectional cut-offs.

 

XAT: Key Changes in Exam Pattern in Last 4 Years
Below are shared key changes in XAT Exam pattern & Scoring scheme in last 3 years

XAT exam year
XAT 2023
XAT 2022
XAT 2021
XAT 2020
Test Duration
3 Hours 30 Minutes: 2PM to 5.30 PM
3 Hours 10 Minutes:
9.30AM to 12.40PM
3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30PM
3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30 PM
Number of Sections
5
5
4
4
Number of Questions
101-102
101
100
99
Type of Questions
MCQs-100-101; Descriptive-1
MCQs-100; Descriptive-1
MCQs
MCQs
Subjective Answer Questions
1 (Essay Writing Test)
1 (Essay Writing Test)
No
No
Maximum marks
 100-101 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI)
100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI)
100
99
Key Change
Essay Writing Test in 2nd Part
Essay Writing Test Restored
No Essay Writing Test
No Essay Writing Test
Penalty for Leaving Questions Unattempted
None
0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions
Not Announced
0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions  
Scoring Pattern
+1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
+1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
+1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer
+1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer

XLRI Jamshedpur is conducting Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2024 for MBA admission 2024 on behalf of XAMI in a single session as an online computer based test. XAT 2024 is the 7thcomputer based test in the 72 years history of the exam. Till 2017, XAT exam pattern remained Paper Based. However, since 2019, XLRI entrance exam pattern has changed. 

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Short name
Pattern