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XAT 2024

XAT 2025 is scheduled to take place on January 5, 2025. XLRI is expected to announce the registration schedule around July 2024. The application window for XAT 2025 will open from either July or August and continue until December 2024. Candidates must register for the exam by completing an online application form and paying the required fee.

The exam will be conducted in a single session at numerous test centers across more than 75 cities in India. It will be a Computer Based Test (CBT) with a duration of 3.5 hours. Following the XAT exam in January 2025, the selection process for candidates will involve Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. XLRI will conduct its GD/PI rounds from February to March 2025. Other colleges accepting XAT scores will conduct admissions processes until May or June 2025.

What is XAT Exam?

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance examination administered by XLRI, Jamshedpur. It serves as a gateway for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes offered by XLRI and 10 other member colleges of XAMI. Additionally, more than 1,000 other B-schools accept XAT scores for admission into various post-graduate management programmes including MBA, PGDM, and Executive MBA.

The XAT question paper comprises 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge sections. For XLRI’s PGDM-BM programme, the XAT cutoffs typically hover around the 95 percentile for male candidates and the 92 percentile for female candidates.

Exam Dates & Schedule- XAT 2025

Here is the complete schedule for the XAT 2025 exam:

Dates Upcoming Exam Dates
Jul ’24 – Dec ’24 XAT 2025 Exam registration TENTATIVE
Oct ’24 XAT Mock Test by XLRI TENTATIVE
Dec ’24 XAT 2025 admit card download starts TENTATIVE
Jan ’25 XAT 2025 Exam TENTATIVE
Jan ’25 XAT 2025 response sheet release TENTATIVE
Jan ’25 XAT 2024 result TENTATIVE
Jan ’25 XAT 2025 Cut Offs Release TENTATIVE

XAT 2025 Exam Highlights

The XAT exam is a rigorous assessment lasting three and a half hours, designed to evaluate candidates’ business acumen and quantitative aptitude skills. Following are the key highlights of XAT 2024 exam:

Particulars XAT Details 
XAT Full Form  Xavier Aptitude Test
Conducting Body XLRI, Jamshedpur
XAT 2025 exam date 05-Jan-2025 (tentative)
Exam Level National
Exam Frequency Once a year
Exam Mode Online
Exam Duration 3.5 hours
Exam Syllabus Decision Making Verbal & Logical Ability Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation General Knowledge Essay Writing
Exam Pattern 100 questions in MCQ format
Language English
Exam Fees INR 2,100 (all categories)
Exam Purpose Admission to 1,000+ MBA colleges
Course Offered MBA/PGDM
No. of applicants 1.35 lakh (for 2024)
No. of Test Cities 79
Exam Helpdesk No. 18002674008
Exam Website https://xatonline.in/

XAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The LATEST eligibility criteria for XAT are as follows:

 

    • Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration or its equivalent from a recognized university.

    • Students in their final year of bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply for XAT.

    • There is no minimum marks requirement in the graduation criteria for the XAT exam; candidates need only have passing marks in their bachelor’s degree program.

    • Working professionals and candidates with professional degrees such as CA/CS can also appear for the exam.

    • There is no upper age limit for XAT, making it accessible to both fresh graduates and working professionals alike.

XAT Registration Process 2025

The XAT registration process marks the initial stage towards admission to XLRI. It commences annually in July-August. Aspirants are required to complete the online application form for XAT 2025 and submit the necessary fees to register for the entrance test.

Following is the XAT 2025 registration and application process:

1. Visit the XAT 2025 website at xatonline.in.

2. Click on ‘New Registration’ and enter your relevant details.

3. A unique XAT ID and registration link will be sent to your verified email ID.

4. Click on the link to verify your registration.

5. Return to the XAT 2025 homepage and click on ‘login’.

6. Enter your email ID and password to access the application form.

7. Complete all mandatory fields in the XAT 2025 application form.

8. Double-check the information before submitting.

9. Pay the XAT 2025 application fee of INR 2,100 using credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking.

Candidates can select up to four cities in the XAT application form 2025. The exam authority will assign a test centre in the candidate’s first preference city. If seats are unavailable, the centre will be assigned in the next chosen city.

XAT Syllabus 2025

The XAT 2025 syllabus encompasses essential topics in Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. Unlike other sections, Decision Making does not follow a defined syllabus; candidates are advised to prepare using previous years’ question papers and sample tests.

Following are the key points outlining the XAT 2025 syllabus:

 

    • Decision Making- This section presents scenarios from personal and professional contexts, challenging candidates to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make sound decisions.

    • Verbal & Logical Ability- Includes Critical and Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, Cloze Test, etc.

    • Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- Covers topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, etc.

    • General Knowledge- Encompasses topics like politics, culture, society, personalities, business, art & entertainment, sports, inventions, innovation, world affairs, economy, science, technology, books, etc.

    • Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)- Candidates choose one of three topics from business and social domains and write a 250-word essay.

These areas collectively form the comprehensive syllabus for the XAT 2025 exam.

XAT Exam Pattern and Test Structure 2025

The XAT exam is administered in computer-based test mode, featuring a question paper comprising 100-103 MCQs to be completed in 210 minutes. Each section of the exam has a designated time limit. Therefore, candidates are recommended to manage their time effectively across all four sections to ensure they can complete the paper within the allotted time frame.

Following are the highlights of XAT exam pattern 2025: 

XAT Sections Number of Questions Total Marks
Decision Making 22 22
Verbal and Logical Ability 26 26
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 28 28
General Knowledge 25 25
Analytical Essay Writing 1 (To be evaluated for shortlisting)

XAT Preparation Tips & Strategy 2025

Preparing for XAT requires a dedicated effort spanning six to nine months, making it one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams. The exam consists of four crucial sections: Decision Making, Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

To excel in XAT, it is essential to distribute study time evenly across all sections since sectional cut-offs significantly impact selection, especially for XLRI, Jamshedpur. Begin by achieving a strong conceptual understanding in each subject area. Assess your familiarity with different topics, identify strengths and weaknesses, and prioritize starting with strong areas. This approach builds confidence for tackling more challenging topics effectively.

Here are some key tips to enhance your XAT 2025 exam preparation strategy:

 

    • Join Online Study Groups– Engage in study groups on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and WhatsApp to discuss and learn from peers preparing for XAT.

    • Access XAT Books and Study Material– Obtain XAT preparation books and study materials from online sources or coaching institutes to strengthen your understanding of the exam topics.

    • Begin with Familiar Topics– Start your preparation with subjects and concepts you are already familiar with and have a good grasp on.

    • Practice Problem Solving– After studying a topic or concept, reinforce your understanding by solving two to three problems related to it to assess your comprehension.

    • Complete XAT Syllabus– Focus on covering the entire XAT syllabus thoroughly before moving on to practicing XAT mock tests.

    • Take Mock Tests Regularly– Aim to practice 25-30 XAT mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve your performance through consistent practice.

XAT 2025 Admit Card

To download the XAT 2025 admit card, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of XAT 2025.

2. Navigate to the ‘Download Admit Card’ section.

3. Enter your XAT User ID and date of birth, then click on ‘Login’.

4. Access the admit card tab and download the PDF file.

5. Take a printout of the admit card for your reference and to carry to the exam center on the day of the XAT 2025 exam.

XAT Exam Day Guidelines

Here is the essential XAT exam day guidelines that candidates must adhere to:

 

    • Carry two printed copies of the XAT admit card as it is mandatory for entry.

    • Digital copies of the admit card and other IDs will not be accepted; only hard copies are permissible.

    • Arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.

    • Prohibited items such as electronic devices (mobile phones, watches, calculators) should not be brought to the exam centre.

    • Avoid bringing any stationery items or food items; only a blue/ball point pen is allowed.

Documents to carry on exam day   

 

    • XAT admit card (two copies) with candidate photo affixed.

    • One of the following documents in original:

    • Aadhar card

    • Voter ID

    • Passport, College/University ID

    • Driver’s licence

XAT Answer Key 2025

To download the XAT 2025 response sheet and answer key, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of XAT 2025 or click on this link: https://xatonline.in/

2. Navigate to the ‘Response Sheet’ tab.

3. Enter your User ID and password to log in.

4. Click on ‘Candidate Response to Generate Answer Key and Question Paper’.

5. The XAT answer key will be displayed on the screen.

6. Click on the download icon to save the answer key as a PDF.

Candidates also have the option to challenge the official answer key. They can fill out an online form to raise objections and must upload supporting documents. If their objections are accepted, the preliminary answer key will be revised accordingly.

XAT Result 2025

To download the XAT 2025 result cum scorecard, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official XAT ONLINE website: xatonline.in

2. Click on the ‘Scorecard’ tab.

3. Enter your XAT User ID and date of birth, then click on ‘Login’.

4. Download the XAT result cum scorecard and save a PDF copy for your records.

The XAT 2025 scorecard will be valid for admission for one year in most participating colleges. If a candidate decides to defer admission, they will need to reappear for the exam in the subsequent session. It is crucial to download and preserve the XAT scorecard as it will only be available for download for a limited period after its release.

XAT Cut Offs for XLRI

XLRI Jamshedpur will release the XAT 2025 cutoffs following the announcement of results. Candidates meeting the specified cutoff criteria below will qualify for the personal interview round. Here are the official XAT cutoffs for 2024:

XAT 2024 Cut Offs: PGDM BM

Stream Gender Overall XAT percentile QA percentile VALR percentile DM percentile
Engineer Male 96 86 83 85
Engineer Female 91 81 80 80
Non-engineer Male 95 85 83 86
Non-engineer Female 90 80 80 81

XAT 2024 Cut Offs: PGDM HRM

Stream Gender Overall XAT percentile QA percentile VALR percentile  DM percentile
Engineer Male 95 80 90 85
Engineer Female 90 73 85 78
Non-engineer Male 93 75 90 85
Non-engineer Female 88 68 85 78

XAT Cut Offs: Top MBA Colleges

Participating institutes of XAT release admission cutoffs on their websites to select candidates for GD/PI rounds. Below are estimated XAT cutoff scores and percentiles for MBA admissions at some of the top institutes:

XAT colleges XAT cut off score XAT cut off percentile
XLRI-Jamshedpur 35.5-38.5 94-92
XIMB-Bhubaneswar 30.5-32.5 90-93
SPJIMR-Mumbai 32.5-34.5 93.50-95
IMT-Ghaziabad 30.5-32 90-92
GIM-Goa 27.5-30.5 85-90
TAPMI-Manipal 26-27.5 80-85
IRMA-Anand 26-27.5 80-85
MICA-Ahmedabad 26-27.5 80-85
Great Lakes Institute of Management 26-27.5 80-85
LIBA-Chennai 26-27.5 80-85
KJ Somaiya-Mumbai 27.5-30.5 85-90

XLRI Admission Process via XAT 2024

XLRI, Jamshedpur Admission Process through XAT 2024 includes the following steps:

Step 1: Shortlisting of Candidates

Following the XAT exam, candidates will be shortlisted for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds at XLRI, Jamshedpur based on their XAT result.

Step 2: Group Discussion and Personal Interview

XLRI, Jamshedpur will announce the schedule for Group Discussions and Personal Interviews by the end of January 2024 for the shortlisted candidates. These sessions will be conducted across various cities. Candidates must confirm their interview city online through the official XLRI Jamshedpur website within the specified time frame.

Step 3: Final Selection

The final selection at XLRI, Jamshedpur will consider each candidate’s XAT 2024 score, performance in GD/PI, academic background, and other relevant parameters. Selected candidates will be notified to complete the admission formalities.

Selection Process of Other Institutes Accepting XAT Scores:

Other institutes accepting XAT scores for their MBA/PGDM programs have their own application and admission processes. Some institutes open their registration well in advance of the XAT exam, while others commence after the XAT results are declared.

Top Colleges Accepting XAT Scores

XAT is widely recognized across India as a prominent entrance exam score. Besides XLRI, Jamshedpur, XAT scores are accepted by members of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI) and over 1,000 other MBA institutes nationwide. Admission processes for these colleges typically include Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI). Below is a table listing some popular B-Schools that accept XAT scores for admission:

XAT Score Accepting College
XLRI Xavier School of Management Loyola Institute of Business Administration
St. Joseph’s Institute of Management St.Aloysius Institute of Management and Information Technology
Xavier Institute of Management, Xavier University Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship
Xavier Institute of Development Action and Sciences (XIDAS) Xavier Institute of Social Service
BIMTECH Greater Noida K J Somaiya Institute of Management
FLAME University: School of Business FORE School of Management, New Delhi
Institute of Rural Management Anand Goa Institute of Management
St. Francis Institute of Management and Research (SFIMAR) MICA Ahmedabad
Xavier Business School (XBS), St.Xavier’s University, Kolkata Institute of Management Technology (Ghaziabad)
Xavier Institute of Management & Research Woxsen University
BITS Pilani Great Lakes Institute of Management
New Delhi Institute of Management SOIL Institute of Management

XAT 2025 Contact Information

XLRI
Admission Office
C. H. Area (East)
Jamshedpur – 831001
Jharkhand
India

Phone: +91 657 665 3203/3204/3205
Fax: +91-657-2227814
Email: xat2019@xlri.ac.in
Websitehttp://www.xlri.ac.in/

Candidates can call at 1800 209 0835 (Toll Free) from Monday to Saturday (10:00-18:00 hrs).

Official Websitehttps://xatonline.in/

Phone Number: 91-657-665-3203