The XAT Exam 2024 is scheduled to take place, with important information regarding the exam date, admit card, exam pattern, and syllabus available for aspiring candidates. To begin with, candidates should be mindful of the specified exam date to ensure proper preparation and timely attendance.
Admit cards play a crucial role in the examination process, serving as the official document that grants candidates access to the examination hall. Candidates must download and carry their admit cards to the exam venue as a prerequisite for entry.
Understanding the exam pattern is fundamental for candidates aiming to excel in XAT 2024. Familiarising yourself with the structure of the examination, including the types of questions, time allocation, and marking scheme, can significantly enhance performance.
What is XAT Examination?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) serves as the crucial Admission Test for entry into MBA/PGDM programs at prestigious institutions such as XLRI, as well as other esteemed MBA colleges like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, LBSIM Delhi, TAPMI Manipal, and over 150 other top-ranking MBA colleges in India.
Specifically, XLRI utilises the XAT score as the sole criterion for admission to its PGDM programs, available at both the Jamshedpur and Delhi campuses, thereby excluding consideration of scores from other tests.
To facilitate widespread accessibility, the XAT is conducted in more than 70 cities across India, with over 100 venues designated for the examination. This expansive reach underscores the significance of the XAT as a widely recognized and accepted assessment for aspiring MBA candidates seeking admission to premier business schools in the country.
XAT Exam 2024: Important Dates
The XAT 2024 examination unfolds through a series of critical dates, and candidates are advised to stay well-informed and organised to navigate through each stage of the process successfully.
| Xavier Aptitude Test 2024 Schedule | Important Dates |
| Date of Release of Notification 2024 | July 14, 2023 |
| Registration 2024 starts | July 15, 2023 |
| Last date for Registration & Application submission online without late fee | December 10, 2023 (Extended from Nov 30) |
| XAT 2024 Registration Last date with late fee | Not Announced |
| XAT Admit Card 2024 download Start Date | December 20, 2023 |
| Last date to Download Admit Card 2024 | January 7, 2024 |
| XAT 2024 Exam Date | January 7, 2024 (2.00 PM to 5.10 PM) |
| XAT 2024 Result date | January 20, 2024 |
XAT 2024: Important Details
XLRI conducts the Xavier Aptitude Test annually in January. The announcement of the 2024 Notification, including the finalised exam date, is accompanied by the release of the complete schedule and all pertinent dates.
While XLRI exclusively considers the Xavier Aptitude Test scores for admission, other prestigious MBA colleges associated with the exam accept scores from alternative examinations as well. Previously a paper-based test, the exam transitioned to a computer-based format in 2018.
For over 72 years, XLRI has been entrusted with organising this examination on behalf of XAMI.
| Events | Important Details |
| XAT 2024 Test Conducting Body | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur |
| Date of XAT Notification 2024 | July 14, 2023 |
| XAT 2024 Exam Date & Timing | January 7, 2024 from 2 PM to 5.30 PM |
| Number of MBA colleges accepting exam score | 150+ |
| Mode of the Exam | Computer Based Online Exam |
| Start Date and Mode of XAT 2024 Registration & Application Process | July 15, 2023; Online Process; Simultaneously apply for entrance exam and for XLRI PGDM Programs |
| Application Fee 2024 | Rs.2100/- |
| XAT exam Full Form | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Cut offs 2024 for XLRI admission | 96 to 97 percentile (Expected; Check last year cut offs |
| Total Questions in Question Paper | 101 – 102 |
| Sectional Division of the Test | 5 Sections with different number of Questions in Each Section. |
| Section which is not counted to prepare merit for XLRI shortlisting | GK & Essay |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
XAT Exam 2024: How to Download the Admit Card?
XLRI is set to unveil the XAT Admit card for the 2024 examination on December 24, 2023, through the official XAT 2024 exam website. To access the admit card, individuals must have completed the registration process, submitted their applications for XAT 2024, and fulfilled the requisite exam fees.
The only authorised platform for downloading the XAT admit card is the official XAT website. It’s important to note that no physical copies of the admit card will be dispatched; hence, candidates are advised to retrieve it online.
- To download your XAT admit card for the 2024 exam, begin by logging in to the official XAT website using your XAT 2024 ID and Password. During the download process, it is crucial to carefully review your personal information, candidature details, and test centre information.
- Once you have thoroughly examined all the provided details and confirmed their accuracy, proceed to complete the XAT admit card download. Ensure that you promptly save the downloaded admit card for your records.
- Following the successful download, print out the admit card on A4 size paper. It’s important to have a hard copy available for reference and verification purposes.
- In the event of any discrepancies such as errors in your name or date of birth, it is imperative to report these issues immediately to the XAT exam centre at XLRI Jamshedpur.
- Note that XLRI typically releases the XAT exam admit card in the third week of December each year, adhering to their established practice. Take advantage of the opportunity to view, verify, and finalise the XAT 2024 Admit download process.
XAT 2024: Exam Pattern, Division of Sections and Format
The computer-based Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is given online. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are used in this test, and candidates receive one mark (+1) for each right response. It’s crucial to remember that every wrong answer results in a penalty of -0.25 points.
With a total duration of three hours and ten minutes, the exam is designed to provide participants a specific amount of time to finish each section. The purpose of this timed exam is to gauge each candidate’s aptitude in a variety of areas. The XAT’s comprehensiveness is further enhanced by the sectional division of questions.
Each segment has been thoughtfully designed to evaluate particular knowledge and skill areas, giving a comprehensive assessment of the candidates’ ability. The distribution of questions across sections aims to capture a holistic view of the participants’ aptitude and proficiency.
| Exam Sections | Number of questions | Overall Time Duration |
| Part-1 | 75 Total MCQs | 175 Minutes |
| Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Decision Making | 22 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | No Sectional Time Limit |
| Part-2 | 25 Total MCQs + Essay Writing Test | 30 Minutes |
| General Knowledge | 25 | Complete both parts in 30 Minutes |
| Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) | 1 Descriptive Topic | Complete both parts in 30 Minutes |
| Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) | 101+ 1 Essay |
XAT 2024: Exam Syllabus
The XAT has undergone significant changes in its exam pattern and syllabus for the year 2024. To revamp the examination, XLRI has implemented alterations in both the number and composition of sections. One noteworthy change is the reintroduction of the essay writing test, adding a new dimension to the evaluation process.
In addition to reinstating the essay writing component, the XAT 2024 exam introduces a novel type of Numerical Answer Type question. This inclusion aims to diversify the types of questions posed to candidates, challenging them differently and broadening the assessment criteria. To adapt to these changes, candidates are advised to modify their XAT preparation strategies accordingly, aligning them with the updated online exam pattern.
Section 1 – VARC & LR
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) as well as the Logical Reasoning section of the XAT exam for the year 2024 encompasses the following elements:
- In this section, candidates will encounter a total of 26 questions, all structured as Multiple Choice Questions. The Reading Comprehension component consists of four passages, with corresponding questions ranging from 14 to 16, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates’ comprehension skills.
- Within the Verbal Ability segment, candidates can expect 8 to 10 questions that cover a diverse range of topics. These topics include Vocabulary, Analogy, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Critical Reasoning, and Statements-Assumptions. The level of difficulty for this section is categorised as ranging from Moderate to Very Difficult, challenging candidates to exhibit a nuanced understanding and application of language and reasoning skills.
- In essence, the XAT 2024 VARC and Logical Reasoning section is designed to assess candidates on multiple dimensions, evaluating their reading comprehension proficiency, verbal reasoning capabilities, and linguistic acumen across a spectrum of challenging topics.
Section 2 – Decision Making
- The pivotal aspect determining the destiny of candidates in the XAT exam lies in the Decision Making section. This segment of the XAT syllabus and pattern is characterised by short caselets and decision-making problems, predominantly presented in sets.
- Comprising a total of 21 questions, the decision-making section primarily consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). These questions are organised into 7 to 8 sets, each featuring 2 or 3 questions related to decision-making problems. The Level of Difficulty for these questions falls within the moderate to difficult range.
- The Decision Making section plays a critical role in assessing the analytical and problem-solving skills of candidates. Its unique format, incorporating caselets and problem sets, challenges examinees to demonstrate their adeptness in making well-reasoned decisions within a constrained time frame. As candidates prepare for the XAT exam, understanding the intricacies of this section is imperative to navigate through the challenges it presents and optimise their performance.
Section 3 – Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- The Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section in the XAT encompasses a diverse array of questions, featuring individual problems spanning various aspects of both Quant and Data Interpretation. Moreover, this section includes sets of 3-4 questions that test candidates’ proficiency in handling complex quantitative and interpretative challenges.
- In total, there are 28 questions in this section, and they are presented in the multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. The level of difficulty for these questions ranges from moderate to difficult, challenging candidates to showcase their quantitative aptitude and analytical skills.
- Within the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section, candidates can anticipate questions covering a wide spectrum of topics. Frequently tested subjects include Time & Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Equations, Number System, Clocks, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, as well as visualisation techniques such as Venn diagrams. Additionally, candidates should be prepared for questions involving tabular representations, bar diagrams, and graphs.
- This comprehensive overview offers candidates valuable insights into the structure and content of the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section in the XAT, enabling them to tailor their preparation strategies effectively for success in this segment of the examination.
Section 4 – GK
- In the XAT exam, the General Knowledge section does not adhere to a specific syllabus or pattern. This section comprises 25 multiple-choice questions that span a diverse range of topics, covering virtually any subject imaginable. Candidates are allotted 15 minutes to tackle these questions, and the level of difficulty is categorised as moderate to difficult.
- The GK questions encompass a broad spectrum of subjects, including but not limited to current domestic and international affairs, business, economics, social issues, appointments, conventional GK, sports, and the Constitution of India, among others. The eclectic nature of the topics ensures that candidates need to possess a well-rounded awareness of various fields to excel in this section.
- It is noteworthy that the General Knowledge section does not contribute to the calculation of percentile in the XAT exam. This unique feature underscores the importance of staying informed on a wide array of subjects without a direct impact on the overall percentile score.
- Candidates are advised to approach this section with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of diverse topics to navigate the GK segment effectively in the XAT exam.
Section – 5 Essay Writing
The compilation of XAT essay topics encompasses subjects that have been featured in previous Essay Writing tests within the XAT. These essay topics predominantly revolve around abstract ideas, challenging candidates to engage with conceptual and philosophical themes. Notably, the Essay Writing Test has been reinstated in the XAT after a hiatus of three years, having been omitted from the 2019 XAT examination.
The essay topics presented in the XAT exam also serve a dual purpose, as they are frequently utilised in the Written Ability Test (WAT) processes by several leading MBA colleges. The inclusion of these topics in both the XAT and WAT processes underscores their significance in assessing candidates’ analytical and expressive abilities.
Aspirants preparing for the XAT are advised to familiarise themselves with these diverse essay topics, as they may play a pivotal role not only in the XAT examination itself but also in the subsequent selection procedures of renowned MBA institutions.
Conclusion
XAT 2024 places a pronounced emphasis on assessing candidates’ management abilities, setting it apart from other entrance exams such as CAT, NMAT, and SNAP. Dr. Rahul Shukla, the Admission Chair and Faculty at XLRI Jamshedpur, as well as the XAT 2024 exam convener, sheds light on the distinctive features of the Xavier Aptitude Test. He underscores the significance of the ‘Decision Making’ section, a unique component in the XAT exam.
This particular section introduces case-study questions, demanding candidates to employ a blend of logical and analytical reasoning, alongside proficient comprehension skills. The crux of this segment lies in requiring candidates to make managerial decisions, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The ‘Decision Making’ section serves as a litmus test, compelling candidates to demonstrate their strategic thinking and effective problem-solving skills.
Given the distinctive nature of this segment, students are strongly advised to allocate dedicated time and effort to prepare adequately. Dr. Shukla encourages a focused approach, acknowledging the challenge posed by this section and highlighting its role in assessing a candidate’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world managerial scenarios.
The XAT 2024 thus stands out as an exam that goes beyond traditional evaluations, delving into the practical application of management skills through its unique testing components.
