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XAT 2025 Exam Analysis OUT: Section-Wise Insights, Difficulty Level & Key Highlights
Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jan 17, 2025 04:42 PM IST | #XAT
XAT 2025 Exam Analysis - The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur is one of the most popular entrance examinations in the country. With an estimated test taker count ranging more than 1 lakh, it can be undoubtedly said that XAT is one of the most competitive management entrance examinations out there. The XAT exam date is set to January 5 2025 and the candidates are eagerly awaiting the examination. After the conclusion of the XAT exam, the candidates should also ensure that they take part in an extensive XAT analysis. This article of Careers360 is dedicated solely to the XAT 2025 Exam Analysis. All the important information related to the XAT examination and other aspects such as the XAT 2025 question paper analysis and question distribution, overall difficulty of memory questions and so on will be discussed in this article on the XAT exam day.
This Story also Contains
- XAT Exam 2025 Overview
- XAT Analysis 2025
- XAT Analysis 2024
- XAT 2025 Resources from Careers360
Latest: Download XAT 2025 Answer Key
XAT Exam 2025 Overview
XLRI Jamshedpur conducts the XAT examination once every year preferably in the month of January. More than 100 institutions accept a valid XAT score. While the XAT exam is often considered to be a bit easier than the CAT exam, the difficulty level of the XAT exam is set to be between moderate to difficult. The XAT exam structure for 2025 is given below:
Exam Structure | XAT Exam Pattern |
Number of sections | 5 Sections along with Mock Keyboard Testing: - Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) - Decision-making (DM) - Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) - General Knowledge (GK) |
XAT exam time duration | 180 minutes |
Number of questions | 95 |
XAT total marks | 95 |
Language of paper | English |
Number of answer choices | Five |
Mode of examination | Online |
XAT marking scheme | +1 mark for a correct answer -0.25 marks for an incorrect answer -0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section |
Major Changes in the XAT Question Paper 2025 Exam Pattern
The candidates must be aware of the various changes that have been enforced in the XAT exam by XLRI Jamshedpur for the XAT 2025 examination.
The XAT essay writing component will not be a part of the XAT 2025 examination but will be used later during further selection processes of the candidates.
The number of questions in the examination is now 95 instead of 105.
The XAT exam duration has been reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes.
The number of questions in the GK section has also been reduced from 25 to 20.
XAT Analysis 2025
The XAT exam 2025 analysis is important to the candidates as it can be very helpful for the candidates in various ways. XAT 2025 analysis helps the candidates to understand the XAT exam trends by focusing on important aspects of the examinations such as difficulty levels, and section-wise focus areas. The candidates also can use the XAT 2025 analysis and compare their performance against the overall analysis to understand their performance in the XAT exam. With the help of XAT 2025 analysis, the candidates can pinpoint both their strengths and weaknesses helping them to make any changes in their management entrance exam preparation if required. This will help them in long-term exam planning.
XAT Analysis 2025: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- According to the initial responses of the candidates and XAT analysis 2025, the candidates have found the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation of the XAT 2025 exam to be on slightly the difficult side when compared with the XAT 2024 examination.
- The number of questions in the arithmetic section was also lesser when compared to XAT 2024, the XAT 2025 analysis revealed.
- There was a question on scatter plot based on male and female data of 2025. This question was observed to be on the easier side, XAT 2025 analysis says.
- Algebra section of the Quantitative Ability section of the XAT 2025 exam was seen to be probability dominating.
- There questions on Geometry was also more in number.
- There was also one question on irrational roots asked in the Data Interpretation of the XAT 2025 exam according to the latest XAT 2025 analysis.
- In quantitative aptitude section there were questions which required the candidates to use multiple concepts such as probability and quadratic equation to solve.
- There was a question on puzzles where the candidates had to find the maximum number of turns before the match gets over.
- One question on DI involved finding the shortest path in a triangle. Math-based DI questions are not commonly asked in XAT and this was a change from the previous years.
- There were some optimization-based question on average.
- One XAT Quantitative Aptitude question required the candidates to on the volume of a frustum and the cost of gold required to cover it.
XAT 2025 College Predictor
Know your chances for getting calls from MBA colleges by using XAT 2025 College Predictor, based on your category, academic profile & XAT expected score.
Try NowXAT Analysis 2025: Verbal and Logical Ability
- Questions from the Reading Comprehension section dominated the Verbal and Logical Ability section of the XAT 2025 examination.
- Parajumbles were not straightforward and required more time to solve according to the XAT 2025 analysis.
- There was a comic based question in the Verbal Ability section involving dialogues. This was a description based question which is rarely found in the XAT exam.
- 2 Reading Comprehension passages were of doable difficulty.
- The pattern of the Verbal Ability section was similar to the previous years.
- One Reading Comprehension passage on rodent was very difficult.
XAT Analysis 2025: XAT Decision-Making
- According to the latest XAT 2025 analysis, the sets asked in the Decision Making section was easy to doable in nature but were lengthy.
- The Decision Making section was observed to be slightly different than the XAT 2024 exam.
- A lot of information was given in the DM section of the XAT, making it more lengthy.
- One Decision Making question was based on a candidate in dilemma of choosing which among the full time MBA or an Executive MBA is better.
- One DM based on market was given and it required the candidates to answer on sales, marketing and outsourcing.
- One DM question was based on hiring the teachers on specific trainers.
XAT Analysis 2025: XAT General Knowledge
- The General Knowledge section of the XAT 2025 examination was on the easier side and involved questions from the topics such as awards and honors, famous personalities who passed away in 2024 and so on.
- The questions were direct and straightforward and as per the responses of the candidates, it was the easiest section of all.
XAT Analysis 2024
The XAT exam analysis of the 2024 examination is given below. This can help the candidates understand the possible question trends for the XAT 2025 exam. The candidates should, however, be mindful of the changes in the XAT exam pattern. The given analysis is based on the XAT question paper of 2024.
The overall difficulty level of the XAT 2024 examination was observed to be moderately difficult.
XAT Analysis: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
In the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation of the XAT 2024 examination, the candidates were asked a total of 28 questions.
This section was challenging when compared with the other sections of the XAT 2024 exam and the previous year’s papers.
The questions were both lengthy and calculation-intensive.
Questions were asked about topics such as mensuration, time distance and speed and problems on trains.
In the Data Interpretation section, the candidates were asked one question on Venn Diagrams.
Another question that appeared in the Data Interpretation section of the XAT 2024 exam was based on the run rate maintained by a team in a T20 cricket match.
XAT Analysis: Verbal and Logical Ability
The XAT Verbal and Logical Ability had 26 questions as expected.
The overall difficulty of the section was observed to be moderate.
The questions were doable but diverse in nature meaning the candidates had to apply their reasoning abilities to find the answers.
In the Verbal Ability section, the questions were asked from topics such as Passages, Grammar, Vocabulary and Parajumbles.
There were 5 passages which had 3 questions each making a total of 15 questions in the RC section. Among these 5 -7 questions were inference based.
There was one fill in the blanks question of moderate level difficulty followed by 2 error detection questions.
XAT Analysis: XAT Decision-Making
21 questions were asked under this section of the XAT examination.
While the set of questions was moderately difficult and doable, they were lengthy in nature which was a noticeable feature.
The XAT 2024 data interpretation questions were based on real-life business scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and management issues. Each set required a thorough analysis to understand the situation and make informed decisions.
As far as the Data Interpretation questions are concerned, there was one question based on a normal business school which focused primarily on placements rather than studies.
The candidates were also asked to solve a Data Interpretation question based on a company operating in the GAS Industry.
Another real-life scenario-based question required the candidates to answer the various issues faced by an individual named Nalini from her colleagues who had just been promoted.
XAT Analysis: XAT General Knowledge
According to the latest XAT exam pattern, the number of GK questions is reduced to 20 from 25. However, in the XAT 2024 examination, the candidates were required to answer 25 questions.
This section was deemed easy by the candidates and experts alike.
Some of the memory-based questions from the General Knowledge include:
The 2022 Asian Games, which were held in 2023, took place in which city?
Which character of the FRIENDS series passed away recently?
In the recent 2023, Women’s Premier League, which two teams played in the finals?
There were questions from both current affairs and static GK with the former outweighing the latter.
XAT 2025 Resources from Careers360
In the final days of the XAT 2025 preparation, the candidates must be in need of various XAT preparation materials to make the most of their XAT 2025 preparation. Keeping this in mind, Careers360 has designed a set of ebooks which includes XAT preparation tips, mock tests, XAT sample papers and XAT previous year’s papers for an effective XAT preparation of the candidates. The links to all the ebooks are given below.
TITLE | DOWNLOAD LINK |
XAT Sample Paper, Section-wise Questions with Expert's Solution | |
XAT Section-wise Preparation Tips | |
XAT 2024 Question Paper | |
XAT Past 10 Year's Question Paper with Answers | |
Know all about XAT 2024 | |
How to prepare for XAT in 6 months? |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does XAT 2025 have essay writing?
No. The essay writing components have been removed for the XAT 2025 examination. This is one of the important changes that the exam has undergone. But the XAT essay writing is not scrapped altogether and it will be a part of the selection process after the XAT exam.
2. Is 3 months enough to prepare for XAT?
Three months is enough to prepare for XAT if you follow a structured study plan and stay consistent. Begin by covering the syllabus thoroughly, focusing on Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Logical Ability, and General Knowledge. Dedicate time daily to practice questions and solve mock tests to improve accuracy and time management.
3. Does GK matter in XAT?
Although the scores in the General Knowledge section are not counted for XAT score finalising, they play an important role when it comes to the selection of candidates after the exam is over. Hence, a candidate should not overlook the importance of the GK section in the XAT examination and work hard to gain a good score in this section as well.
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Questions related to XAT
Have a question related to XAT ?
With a 74 percentile in the XAT 2025 exam, you are eligible to apply to several reputable MBA colleges in India. Some of the top institutions that typically accept candidates within the 70-80 percentile range include KIIT School of Management (KSOM), Bhubaneswar; Jaipuria Institute of Management (multiple campuses); Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), Bangalore; Woxsen University, Hyderabad; IFMR Graduate School of Business at KREA University, Sri City; BIM Trichy (Bharathidasan Institute of Management), Tiruchirappalli; and XIME Bangalore (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship).
To proceed, research each institution's application deadlines and procedures and ensure you submit all required documents promptly. Be prepared for further selection stages such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty, placement records, and campus culture to determine the best fit for your career goals. While your XAT percentile is significant, remember that your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular activities, also plays a crucial role in the selection process.
Nikhil Anjikhane 24 January,2025
Admission to MICA's PGDM and PGDM-C programs involves a multi-stage selection process. The final composite score is calculated with the following weightage:
- CAT/ XAT/ GMAT - 35%
- MICAT - 25%
- GE (Group Exercise) - 10%
- PI - 20%
- Academic performance (10th, 12th, Graduation) - 5%
- Extra- curricular - 5%
Your XAT score is 73, performing exceptionally well in MICAT can enhance your chances of being shortlisted for the GE and PI rounds. Specific score requirements for MICAT are not publicly disclosed, focusing on thorough preparation and aiming for high performance in each section will strengthen your application.
vinayak kansal 18 January,2025
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your XAT percentile some of the colleges in which there is chances to get a seat are the following
- NSB Academy, Bangalore
- Presidency college, Bangalore
- Myra School of Business, Mysore
- International School of Management Science, Bangalore
- Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore
- Dhruva college of Management, Hyderabad
There are many other colleges and Institute thay offer admission with 43 percentile in XAT. You can predict the colleges using the XAT college predictor tool.
Hope this information will help you
Devraj 18 January,2025
Based on your high academic background (a CGPA of 9.5), you have a strong profile overall. Regarding your XAT score of 32.7 percentile, it's important to keep in mind that different institutes have varying cutoff criteria and selection processes.
XIME typically considers the following criteria for admissions:
- XAT/ CAT/ GMAT score
- Academic performance
- Work experience
Your XAT percentile is on the lower side, getting a direct call for GD/PI from XIME may be unlikely, as they generally prefer candidates with higher percentiles (around 50 or above). However, the fact that you have an excellent academic record can make you a standout candidate in the holistic evaluation process.
vinayak kansal 18 January,2025
Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.
Ankit 17 January,2025
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