Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
XAT 2025 Last-Minute Tips and Exam Day Guidelines -
Hello Candidates, with the XAT exam 2025 nearing, applicants should put in their best effort. The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a competitive MBA admission test in India offered by XLRI Jamshedpur. This article contains last-minute advice and exam-day instructions to assist applicants in enhancing their performance and increasing their chances of success. With these points in mind, This article on XAT 2025 last-minute tips and exam day strategies by Careers360 has compiled a list of the finest methods and strategies to use on exam day in order to improve your score.
Direct link to fill XAT 2025 registration form
Before starting the preparation, let us have a short look at the XAT exam pattern 2025. Some changes have been made to the XAT exam pattern in recent years. The section of essay writing has been brought back as part of the XAT test paper. Now the test will be 3 hours and 30 minutes and have five sections. With these in mind, this article on XAT 2025 last-minute tips and exam day guidelines by Careers360 has curated a list of the best tips and strategies to follow during the XAT exam day in order to score better.
Quick Links -
As you approach the XAT 2025 exam, keep in mind these last-minute tips to maximize your performance:
Ensure that you revise: Go through all the important concepts, formulas, and strategies you've studied. Focus on revising key topics and solving a few practice questions to reinforce your understanding.
Be confident: Believe in your preparation and stay positive. Confidence can significantly impact your performance, helping you tackle questions more effectively.
Go through the current affairs: Review recent news and major events, as this will be crucial for the General Knowledge section. Stay updated with the latest developments to answer these questions accurately.
Choose the best XAT exam strategy: Decide on a strategy that suits you best, whether it's answering easier questions first or managing time across sections efficiently. Stick to your plan to ensure a smooth exam experience.
Always have a backup plan: Be prepared for any unexpected issues, such as technical glitches or time management problems. Having a backup plan will help you stay calm and handle any situation effectively.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
180+ Companies | Highest CTC 15 LPA | Average CTC 7.5 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Do not forget to carry XAT Admit Card
In all entrance exams, candidates must carry a hard copy of their XAT admit cards. In the XAT MBA entrance exam also, XLRI Jamshedpur will ask candidates to carry at least two hard copies of the XAT 2025 admit card. Before reaching the exam centre of XAT 2025, it will be mandatory for candidates to have their admit cards. No candidate will be allowed to get inside the exam centre if he/she does not possess a hard copy of their XAT admit card 2025.
Documents to carry
Apart from a hard copy of the XAT admit card 2025, candidates will be required to carry certain other documents for verification purposes as well. Some of the documents that candidates should carry to the exam centre of XAT 2025 are as follows -
Recent passport-size photograph
Original Identity card like PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License
Stationery items
As per the exam pattern of XAT 2025, the exam will be conducted in computer-based mode. Hence, candidates are not required to carry anything. A rough sheet will be provided along with a pen if required by candidates.
Check the Location of Exam Centre Beforehand
Once candidates download their admit card of XAT 2025, the exam centre allotted to them is mentioned there. As one of the practical pieces of advice on XAT last-minute tips and exam day guidelines, candidates are requested to visit the exam centre a few days before the exam to avoid hindrances on exam day.
Be on Reporting Time - Candidates should be at the exam centre of XAT at least one hour before the exam time. The reporting time is also mentioned on the admit card and candidates are required to adhere to the time. No candidate will be allowed to go inside if they are late than the reporting time.
No Electronic Gadgets Allowed- To ensure fulfilment of security requirements and avoid any kind of hassle, candidates are advised to not bring any kind of electronic gadgets like mobile phones, digital watches, calculators, etc., Candidates who during checking are found with any such gadgets will not be allowed to continue with their XAT exam and will be debarred.
Double Check Answers - As per the XAT 2025 exam pattern, there will be negative markings in the XAT question paper. Hence, after answering candidates should ensure that they have revisited and re-checked their answers to avoid negative markings in wrong answers. If you are unsure, then do not attempt the question at all.
Colour | Indication | Status | |
Yellow |
| Unanswered & Marked for review | |
Green |
| Answered | |
White |
| Unanswered yet | |
Purple |
| Answered & Marked for review |
In case the candidate completes the paper within the stipulated time period, he/she can end the test by clicking the 'Preview Submit' button. Note that candidates will not be allowed to leave the exam hall before three hours i.e. the time duration of XAT 2025 is complete.
Even if the candidates do not click on the 'Preview Submit' button, the result will be saved automatically.
Keeping in view the XAT previous year question paper, there are no fixed no. of questions that the candidates need to answer. Given below is a list of questions from each section along with a marking scheme that can be checked by candidates.
Sections | Number of Questions | Duration |
---|---|---|
XAT Part-I | ||
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA&LR) | 26 | 170 |
Decision-making (DM) | 21 | |
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | |
XAT Part-II | ||
Mock Keyboard Testing | NA | 5 |
XAT Part-III | ||
General Knowledge (GK) | 20 | 10 mins (For the General Knowledge alone) |
Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) | 1 | |
Total | 180 minutes |
For each correct answer, one mark will be awarded
For each incorrect answer, a 0.25 mark will be deducted
A Total of 0.10 mark will be deducted for every eight unattempted questions
For the General Knowledge section 20 questions will be asked instead of 25. This would include 12 questions from current affairs and 8 questions from static GK, there will be no negative marking
Also Read-
How to prepare for XAT while working?
Topics like Critical Reasoning : Decision making conclusion derivation and theme detection , Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion (multiple blanks), Reading Comprehension, etc., will form major questions in this section.
The length of Reading Comprehensions and other passages in this section will not be very long but the English used will be difficult to read. Hence, candidates are advised to focus on strengthening their vocabulary for this section.
To save time, it is advisable to attempt the questions related to Sentence Completion, Para Jumbles, Cloze test, Vocabulary, etc., and then move on to the difficult and time-consuming questions related to Reasoning, RC, and Correction. In XAT 2025, candidates can expect an equal number of inferential as well as specific detail-based questions.
There will be no negative marking in this section, hence candidates tend to waste their time on General Knowledge.
It is suggested that candidates should answer only those questions which they can answer quickly and accurately.
In XAT 2025 this section will possibly justify your preparation & hard work. Questions from Arithmetic, Number System, Geometry, Algebra, Base System, and Mathematical Reasoning will be the mainstay in this section.
For practice, use your CAT preparation material but don't go beyond the Advanced Level problems. DI sets are usually simple and do not create any problems in terms of reaching the solution.
If QADI is strong then you should target almost all questions. Average candidates should target not more than 15-20 questions. The SQC techniques, as well as the three-round approach, will work here.
This section includes Behavioral and Mathematical decision-making questions. In behavioural questions, the situation is described and the protagonist in the passage needs to make a decision and solve his/her dilemma. Candidates are required to suggest the right course of action and mark the correct answer.
Eliminate the choices based on the parameters of legality, fairness, and the desired result.
Candidates must thoroughly go through XAT previous year papers and practice as many XAT mock test as they can to strengthen their XAT preparation 2025.
Choosing the right XAT preparation books is essential because they provide structured and comprehensive coverage of the exam syllabus, ensuring you don't miss any critical topics. These books are often updated with the latest exam patterns and include a variety of practice questions that reflect the types of questions you'll face in the actual exam, helping you become familiar with the format and difficulty level.
Book Name | Author | Salient Features |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal | Comprehensive coverage of quantitative topics, numerous practice questions, step-by-step solutions. |
Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K Sinha | Focuses on data interpretation techniques, includes CAT-level problems, detailed explanations. |
How to prepare for Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma | Strategies for different types of DI problems, practice sets, time management tips. |
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | Extensive practice problems, clear explanations, covers various competitive exams. |
Book Name | Author | Salient Features |
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers) | RK Jha | Previous years’ XAT papers, detailed solutions, mock tests. |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Arihant Publications | Covers various reasoning topics, practice questions, exam-oriented approach. |
Target XAT (Past papers & mock tests) | Disha Publications | Collection of past XAT papers, mock tests, detailed solutions. |
Book Name | Author | Salient Features |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building, easy-to-understand format, effective word usage. |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Comprehensive grammar rules, composition techniques, numerous examples. |
Analytical Reasoning | MK Pandey | Extensive reasoning problems, clear explanations, practice exercises. |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | RS Aggarwal | Wide range of verbal and non-verbal reasoning problems, step-by-step solutions. |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh | Focuses on reading comprehension, verbal ability, practice questions, strategies. |
Book Name | Author | Salient Features |
Manorama Year Book | Malayala Manorama Group | Comprehensive annual reference book, current affairs, general knowledge. |
Objective General Knowledge (Lucent's) | Sanjiv Kumar | Objective questions, covers a wide range of GK topics, useful for competitive exams. |
Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent | Detailed coverage of GK topics, frequently asked questions, concise format. |
General Knowledge 2025 | Manohar Pandey | Updated GK content, current affairs, exam-oriented preparation. |
Lucent's General Knowledge 2025 | Dr. Binay Karna | Comprehensive GK coverage, useful for various competitive exams. |
Arihant’s General Knowledge 2024 | Manohar Pandey | Extensive GK content, current affairs, competitive exam preparation. |
Go through all the important concepts, formulas, and strategies you've studied. Focus on revising key topics and solving a few practice questions to reinforce your understanding.
The XAT 2025 exam has negative marking. Candidates should carefully evaluate their responses to avoid losing points for wrong answers. If you are doubtful about a question, do not try it.
Maintain a good approach and trust your preparations. Confidence may significantly boost your performance and allow you to answer questions more effectively.
Candidates must appear at the XAT exam center at least an hour before the exam begins. The reporting time is on the admission card, and applicants must adhere to it. Those who arrive late will not be permitted to enter.
Yes, it is necessary to review all of the answers to ensure that none of the answer you attempted are wrongly marked, as well as to double-check that all attempted answers are accurate from your end.
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.
Hello
Here is the list of colleges you can get with 68%ile
JIMS Rohini Delhi
IMT Hyderabad
SOIL Institute of Management
Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur
Jaypee Business School
Dayananda Sagar Business School Bangalore
NSB Academy Bangalore
NDIM New Delhi
Hello Aspirant
Seeing your marks, it is evident you are good in academics. Thus, you can get into a good MBA college but mind you, it won't be easy because there are thousands of students who are as good as you, if not better. MBA colleges do not choose candidates solely based on academic performance, although it has a big weightage in their selection process. They test your presence of mind, intellect, and communication skills through Group Discussions and Interviews.
The safest way to get into a good MBA college is to score 96-97+ percentile and do really well in GD and PI. Top MBA colleges in India are IIMs, XISS (Ranchi), TISS, Delhi School of Business, and Symbiosis.
Hope this helps
Hello Aspirant
Congratulations on your score, There are many good B schools at 80-85%ile in CAT and XAT
1)Great Lakes, Chennai
2)IRMA
3) Goa Institute of Management
4) NIBM
5) TAPMI
Do your research about these colleges as to what is their average package, the roles offered.
Colleges like NIBM specialize in Finance, and IRMA has a lot of sales marketing Roles. So ultimately the choice is yours which specialization you want to pursue.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
Highest CTC: INR 28.25 LPA | Average for Top 100 offers: INR 17.34 LPA | Ranked #63 in India under Management category by NIRF | 148 Recruiters
180+ Companies | Highest CTC 15 LPA | Average CTC 7.5 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Ranked No. 1 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2024 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 81 LPA
Highest CTC 70 LPA | Avg CTC 11.22 LPA | Ranked #55 by NIRF
9 IBS Campuses | Scholarships Worth Rs 10 CR