Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
XAT 2025 – Key Information
- Registration Opens: Aug / Sept
- Admit Card: December
- Exam Date: First Sunday of January
- Result: Late January
- Apply online at official XAT website
- ₹2100 – XAT registration fee
- ₹200 per XLRI program (optional)
- Selection via GD / PI / WAT
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) – Complete Overview
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India’s most respected national-level MBA entrance exams. It is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). XAT scores are accepted by 160+ B-Schools across India, including premier institutes like XLRI, XIMB, IMT, and TAPMI.
What makes XAT different from exams like CAT or MAT is its Decision Making section and its higher difficulty level, which tests not just aptitude but also judgment and reasoning ability.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years duration) in any discipline from a recognized university.
Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the XAT exam.
2. XAT Exam Pattern
XAT is conducted in online (CBT) mode and consists of four objective sections along with an essay writing task.
Sections & Number of Questions
Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR): 26 questions
Decision Making (DM): 21 questions
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 28 questions
General Knowledge (GK): 25 questions (not counted in percentile)
Essay Writing: Evaluated only during the interview stage
Total Questions: 100 (excluding essay)
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Marking Scheme
+1 mark for each correct answer
–0.25 mark for each incorrect answer
–0.10 mark for each unanswered question after the first 8 unattempted questions
3. XAT Syllabus Overview
Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR)
Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, para jumbles, grammar, sentence correction, and analogy-based questions.
Decision Making (DM)
Business case studies, ethical dilemmas, and real-life management situations that test analytical thinking and balanced judgment.
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
Algebra, geometry, number systems, modern mathematics, and data interpretation using tables, graphs, and caselets.
General Knowledge (GK)
Current affairs, business and economy, history, geography, politics, science, and international events.
(GK score is not used for percentile calculation but is important during interviews.)
Essay Writing
Topics related to social, economic, political, or philosophical issues. Essays are evaluated only for shortlisted candidates during the interview process.
4. Scoring & Percentile
XAT percentile is calculated based on VA & LR, DM, and QA & DI sections.
GK and Essay scores are not included in the percentile but are considered during final selection.
Top institutes usually shortlist candidates with 95–99 percentile.
5. XAT Cutoff Percentile (Expected)
For XLRI Jamshedpur, cutoffs are generally higher:
BM (Business Management): ~96+ percentile
HRM (Human Resource Management): ~94+ percentile
Other top B-Schools accepting XAT typically have cutoffs ranging from 90 to 95 percentile, depending on the institute.
6. How to Prepare for XAT
Focus on Decision Making
XAT is the only major MBA entrance exam with a dedicated DM section. Practice previous year papers and case-based questions regularly.
Strengthen Verbal Ability
XAT’s verbal section is tougher than CAT, so focus on deep reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
Master Quantitative & DI Concepts
Give special attention to algebra, geometry, and number systems, as these areas are frequently tested at an advanced level.
Stay Updated with GK
Read newspapers, business magazines, and follow national and international current affairs.
Practice Essay Writing
Although not scored directly, a strong essay can make a significant impact during interviews, especially for XLRI.
Conclusion
XAT is among the toughest MBA entrance exams in India, but it also offers entry into some of the country’s most prestigious management institutes. With focused preparation—especially in Decision Making and Verbal Ability—candidates can score well and secure admission to top B-Schools like XLRI, XIMB, and IMT.
A disciplined study plan, regular mock tests, and expert guidance can make cracking XAT absolutely achievable.