XAT Entrance 2026 Exam Details:
Exam Overview
Exam Info
Paper Pattern
Syllabus
Selection Process
Prep Strategy
Top Colleges
Exam Overview
What is XAT Entrance Exam?
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur. It is a computer-based test conducted annually for admission to management programs offered by XLRI and other participating institutes. The XAT exam assesses candidates on various parameters such as quantitative ability, English language skills, logical reasoning, and decision-making ability. The exam is usually conducted in the month of January, and candidates can apply for it online. Apart from XLRI, various other top management institutes in India also accept XAT scores for their admission process.
Exam Info
| Exam Name | Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) |
|---|---|
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Conducting Body
|
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur
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Exam Level
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National Level
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Exam Frequency
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Once a year
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Exam Mode
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Computer-based test (CBT)
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Sections
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4 sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge
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Total Questions
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100
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Duration
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3 hours
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Marking Scheme
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+1 for each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer
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Exam Fee
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Rs. 1800 to Rs. 2000 (varying as per the year)
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Eligibility
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Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university; final year students can also apply
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Score Validity
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1 Year
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Accepting Institutes
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Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur
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Paper Pattern
| Sections | No. of Questions (Expected) | Marks Per Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | 1 | 26 |
Decision Making | 21 | 1 | 21 |
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | 1 | 28 |
General Knowledge | 20 | 1 | 20 |
Total | 95 | 95 |
Notes:
- +1 mark is awarded for every correct answer.
- –0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer (only in Part 1).
- –0.10 mark is deducted for every unattempted question beyond 8.
- There is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section (Part 2).
Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Summary Questions, Sentence Correction, Analogies, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Vocabulary, Grammar
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Decision Making
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Ethical Dilemmas, Caselets, Analytical Reasoning, Data Arrangements, Decision-Making Scenarios
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General Knowledge
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Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, Time and Work, Statistics, Data Interpretation
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Verbal and Logical Ability
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Current Affairs, History, Geography, Politics, Business and Economics, Sports, Science and Technology, Awards and Honors
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Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
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XAT Exam
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Computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions
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Result Declaration
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Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the XAT exam
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Group Discussion (GD) or Writing Ability Test (WAT)
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Shortlisted candidates are called for a group discussion or writing ability test, depending on the institute’s selection criteria
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Personal Interview (PI)
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Candidates who clear the GD or WAT round are further invited for a personal interview, which is the final stage of the selection process
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Final Selection
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Institutes prepare a final merit list based on the candidate’s performance in the XAT exam, GD or WAT, and PI. Candidates are offered admission based on their ranks in the list
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Prep Strategy
- Understand the Exam Pattern: The first step is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus of the XAT exam. This will help in creating a study plan and in understanding which sections need more attention.
- Time Management: The XAT exam has a time limit of 180 minutes and consists of four sections. It is important to manage time effectively during the exam to ensure that all sections are completed within the time limit.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practicing mock tests is an essential part of XAT preparation. It helps in understanding the exam pattern and also helps in identifying weak areas that need more attention.
- Focus on Conceptual Clarity: XAT tests the conceptual clarity of the candidate, so it is important to focus on building strong fundamentals in each section.
- Read Newspapers and Current Affairs: General knowledge and current affairs are an important part of the XAT exam. Students should read newspapers and current affairs magazines to stay updated on current events.
- Develop a Reading Habit: The reading comprehension section is an important part of the XAT exam. Developing a reading habit will help in improving reading speed and comprehension.
- Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers will help in understanding the exam pattern and also provide an idea about the type of questions that are asked in the exam.
- Join a Coaching Institute: Joining a coaching institute can be helpful in getting guidance from experienced teachers and also in clearing doubts.
- Stay Motivated and Positive: XAT preparation can be stressful, so it is important to stay motivated and positive throughout the preparation period.
By following these preparation strategies, students can increase their chances of clearing the XAT exam and getting admission into a top business school.
Top Colleges
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- IMT Ghaziabad
- XIM Bhubaneswar
- TAPMI Manipal
- Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai
- Goa Institute of Management
- FORE School of Management Delhi
- MICA Ahmedabad
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai