How to start XAT 2021 Preparation?

How to start XAT 2021 Preparation: XLRI is one of the most prestigious institutions in which candidates aspire to take admission. But how to start preparing for XAT 2021? Well, here are some brain-boosting tips that can help you in your preparation. Xavier Aptitude Test commonly known as XAT is a national level entrance examination conducted by XLRI every year. If you prepare for CAT, then XAT is no longer an odd bird to you. XAT 2021 was conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on January 3, 2021, as a computer-based test. Candidates who clear the cutoff can get admission to renowned colleges like XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, XIME, BIMTECH, and other top B-schools. In order to ace XAT with a good percentile, you should have a planned approach, and accuracy must be your on-the-go factor including time-management and speed. It is to be highlighted that the duration of this exam is less as compared to others. XAT preparation must be given due focus from the start. So before knowing “How to start XAT 2021 preparation”, it is essential to know the exam pattern and sectional composition of XAT 2021.
Latest XAT Update: XAT 2021 result declared on January 18. Check XAT 2021 cutoff.

How to start XAT Preparation - Know about Exam pattern

XAT 2021 is conducted for those aspirants who want to take admission in MBA/ PGDM programs offered at XLRI institutions. Here you can scan over to know about the exam pattern of XAT such as the medium of the exam, the no. of questions, marking scheme, topics and duration of the exam.
XAT 2021 - Exam Pattern

XAT 2021 - Sectional Composition

Also, read previous year’s exam analysis - XAT 2020 analysis.

How to start XAT 2021 Preparation

The exam pattern of XAT has gone through some changes over the past years. This exam is considered to be a difficult level category exam. The cutoff marks vary from year to year(XAT 2020 cutoff). Last year the sectional and overall cut off in the general category for female candidates in both the XLRI - HRM program and the XLRI - BM program were marginally lower.

In view of the past XAT toppers, XAT preparation requires a well-planned approach with time management. Here are some of the key features of the exam that you need to keep in mind before the preparation:

• Before you start your preparation, note down the latest syllabus of XAT 2021.

• Put together the list of best books for XAT preparation.

• You need a game plan in order to excel in any field. Similarly here you need to have a XAT preparation timetable.

• Download and solve previous year XAT sample papers and mock tests.

How to start XAT Preparation 2021 - Verbal and Logical Ability

The Verbal Ability/Verbal Reasoning and Logical Ability questions are a fair mix of grammar, vocabulary and reasoning based questions(Critical Reasoning and Jumbled Paragraphs). Critical Reasoning & Reading Comprehension areas have historically dominated this section.

Having a good hold of grammar basics is your asset here. Some top-notch strategies are:

• Keep a fine balance between quick reading and your comprehension skills.

• Practice at least 4 RC’s in a day. Start with short RC’s so that you do not get bored in the initial phase of your preparation. Try to read a single line of one passage in one go. This will require practice if you start solving different formats of RC’s a lot.

• Get to know all the tones of passages as the author’s tone is the most commonly asked question in the exams. The tones can be acerbic, humorous, sarcastic, incendiary, dogmatic, ironical, nostalgic, etc.

• Build your vocabulary and grammar by subscribing to daily alert of one word of vocabulary online. Learn its synonyms and antonyms. In this way, you get to know all the usages of the word.

• Learn prefixes and suffixes meaning methods, they will help you a lot in answering various vocabulary based questions.

How to start XAT 2021 Preparation - Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

Time management is so critical in the exam, so you need to solve the easiest questions first. Here are some of the preparation tips you can refer to for this section.

• Remember there is no on time screen calculator in XAT like in CAT. So if the calculation is intensive you can only master the section if you have practised a lot on your calculation.

• The questions are usually asked from Arithmetic, algebra, permutation and combinations, number system, probability, functions, time and work, data interpretations and geometry.

• Expertise requires a lot of time and practice. Improving your calculation skills and approximation skills is very crucial for this section.

• Practice line graphs, pie charts, tabular graphs and bar graphs.

• Learn the concept of successive percentages and also the fraction values upto 30 as these concepts are used in most of the questions.

• Do mental calculations while practising questions and also learn the shortcut tricks.

• The sets of DI can be of medium to difficulty level and calculation intensive. So in your daily routine solve as many DI sets as you can.

How to start XAT Preparation 2021 - Decision Making

Candidates need to focus on their aptitude and management skills as this section can be quite tricky. Here you will face the questions based on different scenarios. The questions are basically for authorities to comprehend your judging capability. The various types of questions probed in these areas include financial issues involving revenues of a company, ethical dilemmas, employee management issues and general management scenarios. As far as what decisions you should make, try to be selective in the questions regarding giving unbiased answers. Do not let your emotions form your own biases and then you cloud your judgment based on it.

How to start XAT 2021 Preparation - General Awareness

• The more emphasis here will be on economic and business awareness news. So read on daily basis newspapers like - The Financial Express, The Statesman, etc.

• Read the newspaper daily so that you get updated on the national and global current affairs.

• In the static GK section, focus on awards, books & authors and geography. Start brushing up your GK at an early phase.

XAT 2021 Preparation with Mock Tests

Mock tests must form an essential part of your preparation. Toppers (Check XAT 2020 Toppers Interview ) suggest that you attempt at least two to three mock tests in a day. You must also do the analysis of the mock tests so that you can gauge upon your strengths and weaknesses. This will help in improving your speed in addition to accuracy when you solve the questions on the exam day and thus will make you more adept.

Time Management

Last but not the least, the most important aspect for you to crack XAT 2021 is to master the art of overall time management. Here are some key tips that can help you in managing your time:

• Start practising mental calculations rather than using pen and paper-based methods.

• Practice mock tests and sample papers as much as you can as these will help you in identifying your weak areas and help you in not wasting much time on them.

• Mark faster but with accuracy. This can only be achieved by a daily practice from the initial phase period and not just before the one month of commencement of exam.

• Do not get stuck on a question you cannot solve. Leave the confusing puzzles in reasoning and move on to the next question.

• From the time you start preparing for the exam day, practice in a way that you have set a particular time for each section. Remember there is no sectional timing. So don't get overwhelmed by your favourite section and end up wasting too much time in it.

Quick Links-
Best study material for XAT 2021
XAT Preparation Timetable