XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (REVISED): Paper Pattern, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (REVISED): Paper Pattern, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

Edited By Sundararajan | Updated on Dec 11, 2024 11:49 AM IST | #XAT
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XAT  Exam Date : 05 Jan' 2025 - 05 Jan' 2025

XAT 2025 exam pattern has been revised. As per the latest XAT paper pattern released by XLRI Jamshedpur, the XAT 2025 exam will be 180 minutes instead of 210 minutes. Also, the Essay Writing section has been scrapped again from the XAT exam pattern for mba. The XAT entrance exam 2025 is to be conducted in CBT mode on January 5, 2025. Candidates who wish to get a good percentile in the XAT exam can download the XAT exam pattern pdf from the official website. The duration of the XAT 2025 is 180 min (Part I - 170 min and Part II - 10 min). Read the article to know more about the XAT 2025 paper pattern, the XAT exam duration, the sectional breakup of questions, and more.

This Story also Contains
  1. XAT Paper Pattern 2025
  2. XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
  3. XAT 2025 Test Pattern- Sectional Breakup of Questions
  4. XAT Marking Scheme 2025
  5. XAT Paper Pattern 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions
  6. Last 7 Year's XAT Paper Format
  7. XAT Preparation 2025
  8. XAT Syllabus 2025
  9. XAT Sample Paper 2025
XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (REVISED): Paper Pattern, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking
XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (REVISED): Paper Pattern, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

XAT Paper Pattern 2025

The XAT exam will be held in the English language only. Part I of the XAT 2025 question paper comprise Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision-making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part II has a General Knowledge (GK) section.

The XAT paper will have a total of 95 MCQs questions. The XAT pattern also mentions the type and number of questions that will be asked in the exam. XAT is a national-level entrance exam for MBA admissions, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and is normally categorized into tough standards.

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XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Exam StructureXAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

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 incorrect answer
  • - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions
  • No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section
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XAT 2025 Test Pattern- Sectional Breakup of Questions

A total of 95 questions will be asked in XAT 2025. The XAT exam pattern will have multiple choice-based questions. The sections from which questions will be asked in the XAT exam for MBA are- Decision-making making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The duration of the XAT 2025 exam is 180 minutes with no sectional time limit. Let us check the variable distribution of questions in the XAT exam paper.

Section-Wise XAT Question Pattern: XAT Pattern 2025

XAT Exam Pattern for MBANumber of QuestionsDurationQuestion Types
XAT Part-I

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR)

26170The VA&LR section will encompass critical & analytical reasoning, reading comprehension (including poems & passages), vocabulary, English grammar, and other related exercises such as para jumbles, cloze tests etc.

Decision-making (DM)

21

The DM section will present scenarios drawn from both personal and professional lives. Candidates will be required to apply critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and prioritization to make informed decisions.

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)

28In this section, the questions are designed to assess the quantitative aptitude of candidates who possess a foundational understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, modern maths, etc. The questions on DI are about clear interpretation, summarization, and insightful analysis of the data.
XAT Part-II

General Knowledge (GK)

2010In the GK section, 10 questions will focus on static GK, while the remaining will delve into current affairs.
XAT Sample Paper, Topic wise Questions & Solution
Download latest XAT sample papers with detailed solution designed by MBA hitbullseye for the XAT 2025 examination preparation based on latest exam pattern, Topics and their weightage, difficulty level
Download EBook

XAT Marking Scheme 2025

One of the key aspects of the XAT exam paper is the marking scheme. The XAT marking scheme pattern is different from other test papers. There is no XAT negative marking for questions asked in the General Knowledge sections. However, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. In addition to this, if the candidate leaves 8 questions unattempted then the negative marking of 0.10 marks is done. Check out the marking scheme of XAT.

  • One mark will be awarded for each right answer to XAT
  • - 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer
  • - 0.10 marks will be deducted for more than eight unanswered questions
  • There will be no negative marking in XAT in the General Knowledge (GK) section
  • The scores of the General Knowledge section will not be considered for calculating the XAT score

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XAT Paper Pattern 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

There is a variable distribution of questions in the XAT entrance exam, i.e. one section has more than another section. Apart from MCQs, one essay writing question will asked too in this test. Check out the sectional break-up of the XAT 2025 question paper.

XAT sectionsNumber of questionsSection wise XAT total marks
Decision Making2121
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning2626
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation2828
General Knowledge2020

XAT Exam Pattern 2025- Sectional weightage

XAT 2025 Exam Pattern Sectional Weightage
SectionWeightage
Decision Making21%
VARC26%
QA and DI27%
GK25%

Last 7 Year's XAT Paper Format

More than 150 top B-schools accept XAT scores in India such as - XLRI Jamshedpur, MICA Ahmedabad, XIM Bhubaneshwar, IMT Ghaziabad, and S P Jain Mumbai. XAT is amongst the most transparent MBA entrance exam, as it releases question papers, and answer keys and also allows candidates to ask for a recounting of the score.

Exam Year

Total Number of Questions

Section-wise number of questions

Marking Scheme

XAT 2024101VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 28
GK: 25
Essay: 1
  • +1 mark for a correct answer
  • - 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
  • - 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions
  • No XAT negative marking scheme in the GK section
XAT 2023100

VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 28
GK: 25
Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer
-0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

XAT 2022

100

VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 28
GK: 25
Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer
-0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

XAT 2021

100

VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 28
GK: 25

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer
-0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

XAT 2020

100

VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 28
GK: 25

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer
-0.10 for more than 8 unanswered questions

XAT 2019

99

VARC: 26
DM: 21
QA & DI: 27
GK: 25

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer
-0.5 for more than 8 unanswered questions

XAT 2018

97

VARC: 24
DM: 21
QA & DI: 27
GK: 25
One essay topic

+1 for each right answer
-0.25 for each wrong answer;
-0.5 for more than 12 unanswered questions

XAT Preparation 2025

The XAT preparation includes the understanding of the XAT exam syllabus and exam pattern along with the XAT test structure. Candidates are advised to refer to the XAT books and study material suggested by the experts and previous year toppers. Apart from that candidates should take XAT mock tests at regular intervals for better understanding.

XAT Syllabus 2025

The XAT 2025 syllabus comprises all the topics of each section from which questions will be asked in the XAT test. With the help of the XAT syllabus, candidates can make their XAT preparation strategy. All the XAT topics related to the XAT exam syllabus are listed below.

XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus

Sections

Topics

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

  • Percentages
  • LCM and HCF
  • Interest (Simple and Compound)
  • Profit and Loss
  • Number System
  • Speed, Time and Distance, Averages, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion and others
  • Algebra
  • Mensuration
  • Geometry including Co-ordinate Geometry
  • Venn Diagram
  • Pure Math
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Linear Equations
  • Logarithm
  • Complex Numbers
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Progression
  • Inequalities
  • Surds and Indices
  • Probability Functions
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Set Theory
  • Trigonometry
  • Data Charts
  • Data Tables
  • Pie Charts
  • Bar Diagrams
  • Data Analysis and Comparison
  • Graphs

Verbal and Logical Ability

  • Vocabulary-Based Questions: Synonyms/ Antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Contextual Meaning of words
  • Correction of Errors in Sentences and correct usage of words
  • Jumbled Paragraph
  • Completion of Paragraph
  • Completion of Sentences
  • Poem
  • Cloze Test
  • Author’s view type of question
  • Information-Based question
  • Main idea and purpose of the passage
  • Inference based question
  • Explanation of words/ phrases in the passage
  • True/ False statements based on the passage
  • Analogy
  • Clocks & Calendars
  • Binary Logic
  • Fact, Inference, and Judgment
  • Blood Relations
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Assumption, Premise, and Conclusion
  • Logical Sequences

Decision making

  • Data Arrangement Test
  • Conditioning and Grouping Tests
  • Decision Making in a situation
  • Complex Arrangement
  • Case lets

General Knowledge

  • National and International Current Affairs
  • Economics and Finance
  • Capitals and currencies
  • Constitution of India and Laws
  • Books and Authors
  • Famous Personalities

B-Schools Accepting XAT Score - Location-Wise

XAT Sample Paper 2025

Candidates preparing for XAT 2025 must go through the XAT 2025 sample paper along with the previous year's XAT question papers. This is important to get familiar with all the aspects of the XAT exam. One can get a fair idea about what they can expect from XAT 2025. It will also help the candidate to assess their overall and section-wise performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is XAT computer based exam?

Yes, XAT will be held in an online mode, in computer-based mode.

2. How many sections are there in the XAT exam paper?

There will be a total of 5 sections in XAT namely- Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. 

3. Does XAT has negative marking?

Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response.

4. What is the duration of the XAT 2025 exam?

The duration of the XAT exam is 180 minutes.

5. What type of questions are asked in XAT 2025?

The questions asked are multiple-choice based questions and one subjective question.

6. When will the XAT 2025 to be held?

The XAT 2025 exam will be held on January 5, 2025.

7. Does XAT have negative marking?

XAT have no negative marking for questions asked from General Knowledge. 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer for other sections. If more than 8 questions are left unattempted, then 0.10 marks are deducted.

8. Is there any change in XAT exam 2025?

Yes, XLRI Jamshedpur has revised the XAT exam pattern. The essay writing section has been removed from the XAT exam pattern and the total time direction reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes. 

9. Hw many questions in XAT?

There will be a total of 95 questions in XAT paper.

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Questions related to XAT

Have a question related to XAT ?

Hello there,

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 is scheduled for January 5, 2025 , and will be conducted in multiple cities, including Nagpur .

Key Details:

  • Exam Date: January 5, 2025
  • Test Cities: Nagpur is among the designated cities.

Next Steps:

  1. Registration: Ensure you have registered for XAT 2025 on the official website.

  2. Admit Card: Download your admit card once available. It will specify your exact exam center location in Nagpur.

  3. Verify Details: Check the official XAT website regularly for updates on exam centers.

Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the exam center to ensure timely arrival on the exam day.


For more details about exam centres Click Here .

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hii,

We tried downloading. it is downloading very smoothly. can you specify from where and how you are downloading and using which device to download the E-Book.

Hello,

If your college name does not appear in the list in the drop-down menu while filling out the XAT 2025 registration, here's how you can solve the problem:

  • Select "Other": In most registration forms, there is an "Other" option in the drop-down list. Select this option if your college is not appearing and enter your college name manually if required.
  • Contact XAT Helpdesk : Call for help at the XAT 2025 help desk. They can tell you what to do in your case so that the name of your college gets reported correctly. Email addresses as well as contact numbers will be available on the authentic XAT website.
  • Also, check for the same name variants: Sometimes a college is listed with different names or abbreviations. Always search for it in detail in the drop-down menu provided.
  • Documentation: If nothing works, keep all communications and proofs ready to be presented during the exam or admission process.

For official support, one can visit the XAT official website or Careers360 XAT Registration .

Hello,

Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:

Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.

MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.

Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.

Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.

XAT scores are valid for 2 years hence you can easily download it again Visit the official website of XAT 2025 i.e xatonline.in. and then Click on 'scorecard' tab.login with your credentials XAT ID and password type the security text shown on screen. Click on candidate scorecard and download a PDF copy of the same hope it helps.

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