Latest Update
- XLRI has Changed XAT 2023 Exam Pattern: XAT to have 101 Questions
- XAT Exam duration increased to 3 Hours 10 Minutes from earlier 3 hours
- Essay Writing Test Restored: Check key Tips & Important Topics
- XAT 2023 exam is on Sunday, January 8, 2023: Mandatory exam for XLRI admission.
- Other top B-schools Accepting XAT 2023 include XIMB, IMI, IMT, TAPMI, K J Somaiya, LBSIM among others
XAT 2023 exam pattern is changed and the essay writing test is included in the XAT 2023 question paper. The exam remains a computer based test as was last year. However, XAT Exam 2023 duration is increased to 190 minutes from earlier 180 minutes. XAT will now be conducted on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 9.30 AM to 12.40 PM in 72 cities in India.
XAT 2023: Key Changes in Exam Pattern in Last 3 Years
Below are shared key changes in XAT Exam & Scoring Pattern in last 3 years
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XAT exam year
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XAT 2022
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XAT 2021
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XAT 2020
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Test Duration
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3 Hours 10 Minutes:
9.30AM to 12.40PM
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3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30PM
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3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30 PM
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Number of Sections
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5
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4
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4
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Number of Questions
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101
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100
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99
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Type of Questions
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MCQs-100; Descriptive-1
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MCQs
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MCQs
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Subjective Answer Questions
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1 (Essay Writing Test)
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No
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No
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Maximum marks
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100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI)
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100
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99
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Key Change
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Essay Writing Test Restored
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No Essay Writing Test
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No Essay Writing Test
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Penalty for Leaving Questions Unattempted
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0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions
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Not Announced
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0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions
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Scoring Pattern
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+1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
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+1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer
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+1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer
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XLRI Jamshedpur is conducting Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2023 for MBA admission 2023 on behalf of XAMI in a single session as an online computer based test. XAT 2023 is the 6thcomputer based test in the 70 years history of XAT Test Pattern. Till 2017, XAT Test pattern remained Paper Based.
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XAT Exam Pattern 2023: Important Changes
XLRI has announced important changes in XAT Exam pattern 2023. XAT 2023 question paper is revised again. Now the XAT paper pattern 2023 will consist of five sections with 100 MCQs and 1 descriptive Essay. Accordingly Number of questions in revised XAT pattern 2023 will be 101. Below is shared the key changes in XAT 2023 exam pattern:
- Test timing changed - 9.30AM to 12.40PM from 10AM to 1 PM
- Total questions increased to 101 from 99
- Single slot, single day exam
- Essay Writing Test Restored: The descriptive essay writing test was scrapped in 2019
- Now XAT 2023 has MCQ type and Descriptive Questions
- Question paper with 4 sections with MCQs and 1 section with Essay Writing Test
- The GK Section with 25 questions is not counted for percentile calculation
- Visually impaired candidates with scribe are given additional 25 minutes to solve Part 1 of the exam
- Marks for every correct answer : +1
- - 0.25 Negative Marking for wrong answer
- No Negative marking for General Knowledge and Essay writing section in part-2 of question paper
- All the MCQ type questions have five options with one correct option
- Essay shall be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.
- -0.10 Negative marks are awarded for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions
- 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 165 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
- You are not allowed to leave the test lab before completion of the test
- PwD candidates are allowed to submit their answers at any point of time between 165 minutes and 220 minutes for Part 1 and between 15 to 20 minutes for Part 2. So, a PwD candidate may leave the lab between 180 minutes and 240 minutes depending upon the completion time of the test.
XAT 2023 Exam Pattern: Sectional Composition & Scoring Pattern
Key highlights XAT pattern 2023, the sectional composition with key changes in XAT paper pattern 2023 and sectional division of questions in revised XAT test pattern are shared below
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Section in XAT 2023 Exam Pattern
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Number of questions
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Overall Time Duration
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Part-1
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75 Total MCQs
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165 Minutes
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Verbal and Logical Ability
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26
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Decision Making
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21
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
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28
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Part-2
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25 MCQs + 1 Essay Writing Question
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25 Minutes
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General Knowledge
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25
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Not Counted for Percentile Calculation
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Essay Writing Test
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1
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Will be evaluated if you are shortlisted for PI round
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Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2)
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101
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Salient Features of XAT Exam Pattern 2023
- XAT pattern: Computer Based Test
- XAT Total Questions: 101
- XAT Question Type: MCQs + Essay
- XAT Exam Pattern for MCQs: Each MCQ is followed by 5 answer options
- XAT Scoring Pattern: +1 Mark for Each Correct
- Negative Marking in XAT Pattern 2023: 0.25 (¼) mark deducted for MCQs from Sl. 1 to 75
- No negative marking in XAT Question Pattern: GK questions are free from Negative Marking
- XAT Exam Time Duration: XAT 2023 exam pattern has shared a time duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes.
- XAT Exam Pattern 2023 - 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 pattern.
- No Sectional Time Limit: XAT Pattern 2023 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 XAT 2023 after completing the time duration of Part 1
- Evaluation of Essay writing test will be done only for the shortlisted candidates
5 Key Changes in XAT Exam Pattern 2023
- NAT Questions Introduced: A new type of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions in XAT pattern 2023 has been introduced by XLRI. To answer the NAT questions candidates have to use the virtual key pad appearing on the computer screen and enter the numerical answer.
- 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 in revised XAT exam pattern.
- Essay Writing Test Restored: The descriptive question on Essay Writing test is restored in the revised XAT pattern.
- XAT Time Duration increased: XAT 2023 exam will have a time duration of three hours and 10 minutes instead of earlier three hours.
- 25 Minutes Extra for Visually Impaired Candidates: XAT 2023 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
XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023
XAT syllabus and pattern is changed now. Revamping the XAT exam pattern and syllabus 2023, 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 2023, a new type of NAT question has been introduced in XAT test pattern.
To cover the XAT exam, candidates have to change their XAT preparation strategy as per the online XAT 2023 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 pattern and syllabus are as follows:
VARC & LR: 1st section
XAT exam 2023 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
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XAT exam year
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Essay topic in XAT exam
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2018
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Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist?
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2017
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2016
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Technology and Nature are natural enemies
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2015
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Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand. We only listen to refute or reply.
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2014
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The most beautiful thing can neither be seen nor be touched but can only be felt
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2013
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Corruption is the root cause of economic slowdown in India
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2012 (Option to choose one of the two topics)
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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
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2011 (Long and thought provoking topic made the candidates think more before beginning to write)
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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.
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2010
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Earth provides enough to satisfy everybody's need but not everybody's greed
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2009
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The Inherent vice of Capitalism is unequal sharing of blessings and the inherent virtue of Socialism is equal sharing of misery
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2008
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Gender Imbalance would lead to Third World War
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2007
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Economic growth without environmental damage – a mirage or a reality
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2006
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India has one of the largest pools of talented manpower, but few innovations and patented products
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2005
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More than one billion Indians: A gigantic problem or a sea of opportunities
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2004
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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"
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2003
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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.
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XAT exam year
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Total questions, time duration
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Section-wise division of questions
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Marking pattern for MCQs
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Percentile calculation
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Level of difficulty
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XAT 2022
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101; 190 minutes
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VARC-26
DM-21
QA-28
GK-25
Essay-1
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+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer. No Nagative marking for GK & Essay sections
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First three sections with 75 MCQs were accounted for percentile calculation
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Moderate to difficult
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XAT 2021
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100 MCQs
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VARC-26
DM-21
QA-28
GK-25
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+1 mark for each correct answer;
¼ negative marking for each wrong answer
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First three sections with 75 MCQs were accounted for percentile calculation
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Moderate to difficult
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|
XAT 2020
(No Essay Writing test)
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100 MCQs
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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
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Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
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Moderate to difficult
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XAT 2019
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99
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VARC-26
DM-21
Quant-27
Gk-25
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+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
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Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation
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Moderate to difficult
|
|
XAT 2018(Changed to Computer Based Test)
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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
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Moderate to difficult
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XAT 2017
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 2023 test paper will have 5 answer options. Apart from overall cut-off percentile, the XAT 2023 exam will also have sectional cut-offs. .
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