XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test is one of India’s most popular and prestigious MBA entrance exams. It is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes). XAT scores are accepted by more than 160 B-schools across the country for admission to various management programs. XAT is known for its challenging level and unique sections, including decision-making and General Knowledge.
If you plan to appear for XAT 2024, you must know everything about the exam, from its eligibility criteria to its preparation strategy. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on XAT 2024 exam, covering all the essential aspects you need to know.
XAT 2024 Highlights & Exam Features
- XAT 2024 is expected to be held in the first week of January 2024, in online mode.
- The registration process for XAT 2024 will start in the third week of August 2023 and end by the second week of December 2023.
- The application fee for XAT 2024 is Rs. 1750 for one program and Rs. 300 for each additional program.
- The admit card for XAT 2024 will be available for download from the third week of December 2023 till the exam day.
- The exam duration is 3 hours, divided into two parts: Part A (165 minutes) and Part B (15 minutes).
- Part A contains three sections: Verbal and logical ability, decision-making, quantitative ability, and data interpretation.
- Part B consists of one section: General Knowledge.
- The total number of questions in XAT 2024 is expected to be around 100, with a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer and 0.10 marks for more than 8 questions which are not attempted.
- The result of XAT 2024 will be declared by the end of January 2024, along with the scorecard and percentile.
- The cutoffs for different programs and institutes will be released after the result declaration.
Article Overview
- XAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
- XAT 2024 Exam Date
- XAT Registration Process 2024
- XAT Test Cities 2024
- Exam Pattern 2024: Questions, Sectional Division, and Scoring
- XAT 2024 Syllabus
- Which is the most important section for the XAT 2024 exam to get a high score?
- XAT Preparation: 10 Tips and Strategy to Ace XAT 2024
- XAT Exam Analysis 2023
- The sectional difficulty level and precise attempts for XAT 2023
- The expected overall cutoffs for different percentiles for XAT 2023
- The expected sectional cutoffs for different programs at XLRI Jamshedpur for XAT 2023
- Top 10 Colleges Accepting XAT Entrance Exam
- XAT EXAM 2024: FAQs
The basic eligibility criteria for XAT 2024 are as follows:
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised university or institute.
- The candidate must have completed or be in the final year of graduation at the time of applying for XAT 2024.
- There is no minimum percentage or CGPA requirement for XAT 2024.
- There is no age limit or number of attempts restriction for XAT 2024.
The tentative exam dates for XAT 2024 are given below:
Event |
Date |
|
XAT registration 2024 – start date |
Third week of August 2023 |
|
XAT registration 2024 – last date |
Second week of December 2023 |
|
XAT admit card 2024 – release date |
Third week of December 2023 |
|
XAT 2024 exam date |
First week of January 2024 |
|
XAT 2024 result date |
End of January 2024 |
XAT Registration Process 2024
The registration process for XAT 2024 is expected to be similar to the previous years. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the official website of XAT (online. in) and click on ‘Register’.
- Fill in the personal details, academic details, work experience details, program preferences, and test city preferences.
- Upload your photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee through online mode using a debit card/credit card/net banking/UPI/wallet.
- Submit your application form and take a printout.
Know more about XAT Entrance Exam 2024: HERE
XAT Test Cities 2024
XAT 2024 will be conducted in around 72 cities across India. The candidates can choose up to three test cities in order of preference while filling out the application form. The final allotment of the test center will be done by XLRI based on availability and feasibility.
Some of the major test cities for XAT 2024 are:
XAT Exam Centre – State |
XAT Exam Cities |
|
Gujarat |
Ahmedabad |
|
Karnataka |
Bengaluru |
|
Madhya Pradesh |
Bhopal |
|
Punjab |
Chandigarh |
|
Tamil Nadu |
Chennai |
|
Delhi |
Delhi |
|
Telangana |
Hyderabad |
|
Rajasthan |
Jaipur |
|
West Bengal |
Kolkata |
|
Maharashtra |
Mumbai |
Exam Pattern 2024: Questions, Sectional Division, and Scoring
XAT 2024 exam pattern is expected to be similar to the previous years. The exam pattern is as follows:
- The exam will be conducted in online mode, with a computer-based test (CBT) format.
- The exam duration will be 3 hours, divided into Part A (165 minutes) and Part B (15 minutes).
- Part A will consist of three sections: Verbal and logical ability decision-making, quantitative ability, and data interpretation.
- Part B will consist of one section: General knowledge.
- The total number of questions in XAT 2024 will be around 100, with a varying number of questions in each section.
- The questions will be of multiple-choice type, with four options each.
- The marking scheme will be as follows:
-
- 1 mark for each correct answer.
- For each wrong answer, a 0.25 mark will be deducted.
- A 0.10 mark will be deducted for each question if more than 8 are not attempted.
- No negative marking for the GK section.
The sectional division and number of questions in XAT 2024 are given below:
Section |
Number of Questions |
|
VA & LR |
26 |
|
DM |
21 |
|
QA & DI |
28 |
|
GK |
25 |
XAT 2024 Syllabus
The syllabus for XAT 2024 is not officially prescribed by XLRI, but based on XAT previous year papers analysis, the syllabus can be broadly divided into four sections: VA & LR, DM, QA & DI, and GK. The topics covered in each section are given below:
Section |
Topics |
|
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) |
Reading comprehension, Critical reasoning, Para jumbles, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Grammar, Analogy, Arguments, Assumptions, and inferences |
|
Decision Making (DM) |
Caselets, Situational analysis, Ethical dilemmas, Data arrangement, Data sufficiency, Arithmetic problems, Analytical reasoning |
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) |
Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Number system, Arithmetic, Modern math, Probability, Permutation and Combination Statistics, Data tables, Graphs, Charts, Pie charts |
|
General Knowledge (GK) |
History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Science and technology, Sports, Awards and honors, Books and authors, Business and brands |
This table provides a clear overview of the syllabus for each section in the XAT exam. Candidates can use this information to structure their preparation effectively and focus on the topics outlined in each section.
Also Read:Tips and Tricks for XAT That You Can’t-Miss
Which is the most important section for the XAT 2024 exam to get a high score?
In the XAT 2024 exam, all sections are important, but some carry more weightage and higher difficulty levels than others. Here are the crucial sections in the XAT syllabus 2024:
1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR):
-
- Regarded as the most challenging and unpredictable section in XAT.
- Questions are based on complex passages, arguments, and logical reasoning.
2. Decision Making (DM):
-
- Unique to XAT and not present in other MBA entrance exams.
- Involves questions related to real-life scenarios, ethical dilemmas, business situations, and data analysis.
3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI):
-
- Considered to have a moderate to difficult difficulty level.
- Questions cover various topics in mathematics and data interpretation.
Scoring well in these sections can significantly impact your overall XAT score and percentile. As you prepare for XAT 2024, focus on strengthening your skills in these crucial areas to increase your chances of achieving a high score in the exam.
XAT Preparation: 10 Tips and Strategy to Ace XAT 2024
XAT preparation requires a systematic and smart approach, as the exam is one of India’s toughest MBA entrance exams. Here are some tips and strategies that can help you ace XAT 2024:
- Know the exam pattern and syllabus
- Solve previous year’s papers and mock tests
- Focus on the decision-making section.
- Improve your verbal ability and logical reasoning skills.
- Revise your quantitative ability and data interpretation concepts.
- Update your general knowledge.
- Practice essay writing.
- Manage your time effectively.
- Attempt the questions wisely.
- Stay calm and confident.
Get access to expert advice on how to prepare for XAT 2024, check out this video by Studybuzz Education – MBA preparation
XAT Exam Analysis 2023
XAT 2023 exam was conducted online on January 8th, 2023, from 2 PM to 5:30 PM across 79 cities in India. According to the candidates’ feedback and experts’ opinions, the exam was moderately difficult, with some changes in the exam pattern compared to last year.
- Three parts: Part A (165 minutes), Part B (5 minutes), and Part C (30 minutes).
- Part A included three sections: Verbal ability & logical reasoning decision making, and quantitative ability & data interpretation.
- Part B featured a new section called mock keyboard testing.
- Part C included general knowledge (GK) and essay writing sections.
- Total Questions: 105 (26 in VA & LR, 22 in DM, 28 in QA & DI, 25 in GK, and 1 essay question).
- Marking scheme: +1 for correct answers, -0.25 for wrong answers, and -0.10 for the not attempted questions beyond 8 (no negative marking for GK and essay).
The sectional difficulty level and precise attempts for XAT 2023 are given below:
Section |
Difficulty Level |
Good Attempts |
|
VA & LR |
Moderate |
16-18 |
|
DM |
Moderate |
14-16 |
|
QA & DI |
Moderate to difficult |
15-17 |
|
GK |
Moderate |
12-14 |
|
Essay writing |
Moderate |
One well-written essay |
The expected overall cutoffs for different percentiles for XAT 2023 are as follows:
Percentile |
Expected Cutoff |
|
99.5 |
40-42 |
|
99 |
36-38 |
|
95 |
30-32 |
|
90 |
26-28 |
|
85 |
22-24 |
The expected sectional cutoffs for different programs at XLRI Jamshedpur for XAT 2023 are as follows:
Program |
VA & LR Cutoff |
DM Cutoff |
QA & DI Cutoff |
|
BM |
7.5-8.5 |
7.5-8.5 |
9.5-10.5 |
|
HRM |
8-9 |
7-8 |
6.5-7.5 |
|
GMP |
5-6 |
5-6 |
6-7 |
Top 10 Colleges Accepting XAT Entrance Exam
XAT is the second most popular management entrance exam in India after CAT exam. Most of the top 25+ b-schools in India accept XAT score for admissions for their MBA/PGDM programs.
MBA College |
XAT Cutoff (Percentile) |
MBA Fee (Rs. in Lakhs) |
Average Salary in Placement (Rs. in Lakhs) |
|
XLRI Jamshedpur |
93+ |
23.60 |
30.7 |
|
Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) Bhubaneswar |
90+ |
19.50 |
17.54 |
|
IMT Ghaziabad |
90+ |
NA |
15.28 |
|
FORE New Delhi |
85+ |
16.98 |
14.04 |
|
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai |
85+ |
NA |
10.98 |
|
GIM Goa |
85+ |
NA |
12.14 |
|
IRMA Anand |
80+ |
15.17 |
11.39 |
|
LIBA Chennai |
80+ |
15.26 |
12 |
|
Great Lakes Chennai/Gurgaon |
80+ |
NA |
12.5 |
|
MICA Ahmedabad |
80+ |
NA |
19 |
XAT 2024 Admit Card: Expected to be released in the last week of December 2023 or the first week of January 2024 online. in. Candidates can download it using their XAT ID and password.
XAT 2024 Answer Key: Expected to be released in the second week of January 2024 online. in. Candidates can verify their responses and raise objections within a stipulated time.
XAT Result 2024: Expected to be declared in the last week of January 2024 online. in. Candidates can check their sectional and overall scores and percentiles using XAT ID and password. Shortlisted candidates will be eligible for admission to various MBA/PGDM programs offered by XLRI and other participating institutes.
XAT EXAM 2024: FAQs
Q1: What is the XAT application fee for 2024 exam?
Ans: The XAT application fee for the 2024 exam is Rs. 2100/-.
Q2: When is XAT exam date scheduled for 2024?
Ans: The XAT 2024 exam will be conducted on January 7, 2024 (Sunday). Aspiring candidates interested in pursuing an MBA must register for the exam and fill the XAT application form online. The registration process commenced on July 15, 2023, and the last date for XAT 2024 registration is November 30, 2023. Be sure to complete the registration and application within the specified timeframe to be eligible for the XAT 2024 exam on January 7, 2024.
Q3. What is the XAT exam patten for 2024?
Ans: The XAT exam pattern for 2024 is as follows:
|
Exam Sections |
Number of Questions |
Overall Time Duration |
|
Verbal and Logical Ability |
26 |
No Sectional Time Limit |
|
Decision Making |
21 |
No Sectional Time Limit |
|
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation |
28 |
No Sectional Time Limit |
|
Part-2 (Total MCQs + Essay Writing Test) |
25 |
25 Minutes |
In the XAT 2024 exam, candidates will encounter four sections. The first three sections are Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, each comprising a specified number of questions. There is no sectional time limit, allowing candidates to manage their time efficiently across these sections.
Additionally, Part-2 includes a combination of 25 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and an Essay Writing Test. Candidates will have a total of 25 minutes to complete this section.
It’s important for aspirants to familiarise themselves with the XAT exam pattern and syllabus to prepare effectively for the test.
Q4. When is the last date to apply for XAT 2024 exam?
XLRI Jamshedpur will conduct XAT 2024 for which the last date application is 30th November 2023.
To know more about the official notification for XAT 2024 view this video by CATKing
Q5. What is the registration process to apply for XAT 2024?
Ans: XAT 2024 selection process includes the following steps;
Step 1: Register on the official XAT website to receive XAT 2024 ID and Password.
Step 2: Fill in complete personal details in the registration and application form.
Step 3: Provide academic information from class 10 onwards on the subsequent page of the XAT form.
Step 4: Fill in details of work experience, select XLRI programs (if applicable), and choose preferred XAT test cities.
Step 5: Upload necessary documents as per the specified guidelines.
Step 6: Make a declaration confirming the accuracy of the information provided in the application.
Step 7: Proceed to make the payment online for both the XAT application fees and the XLRI program application fee, if opting for XLRI programs.
By following these step-by-step instructions, candidates can successfully complete the XAT 2024 registration process and proceed with their application for the examination. It is essential to adhere to all guidelines and deadlines provided by the XAT authorities to ensure a smooth application process.
Check out this video on how file XAT application form 2024.
Q6. Where can I get XAT previous year question papers?
Ans: XAT question papers of previous years are readily available on various MBA entrance coaching or information website, a few of the same are recommended by our XAT toppers.
- https://xlri.ac.in/academic-programmes/admission-procedure/xat-question-papers
- https://cracku.in/xat-previous-papers
- https://online.2iim.com/XAT-question-paper/
- https://admission.aglasem.com/xat-previous-year-question-papers/
- https://www.embibe.com/exams/xat-previous-year-papers/
Q7. How can I download XAT 2024 Exam answer key?
Ans: The XAT official answer key can be download the XAT 2024 Exam answer key, follow these steps:
- Open the XAT official website (xatonline).
- Click on the ‘candidate response’ link.
- Enter your user ID and password, which you would have received during the registration process.
- Click on the ‘candidate response’ option again to generate the answer key and question paper.
- The XAT answer key will be displayed on the screen.
- Download the answer key or response sheet to your device for future reference.
By following these simple steps, you can easily access and download the XAT 2024 Exam answer key to evaluate your performance in the exam.
Q8. Which are the top MBA colleges accepting XAT exam scores?
Ans: Several top MBA colleges accepting the XAT exam scores for admission to their management programs. Some of the prominent ones are:
- Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Bhubaneswar
- Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, and Gurgaon campuses
- T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad, and other campuses
- Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai
- Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
- Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, and Bangalore campuses
Please note that the list is not exhaustive, and there are other reputed MBA colleges that consider XAT scores for their admission process. Aspiring candidates are advised to check the official websites of respective institutions for the most up-to-date information on their admission criteria and the acceptance of XAT scores.
For more information, visit the official XAT 2024 website – https://xatonline.in/
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