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XAT 2025 Section Wise Preparation Strategy from Experts and Toppers
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 14, 2024 12:14 AM IST | #XAT
XAT 2025 section wise preparation strategy by experts and toppers - The Xavier Aptitude Test XAT 2025, conducted by XLRI in Jamshedpur, is acknowledged to be distinct from the CAT. and is regarded as one of the most difficult management tests. The exam consists of around 100 questions covering Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, English, Decision Making, and General Awareness, as well as an essay portion. To get a high XAT score, adopt a section-by-section preparation plan established by former toppers and experts. It will be easier to do well if you know what to study and how to respond to various question types. Candidates must also manage their time well for every aspect in order to perform well in the XAT 2025. In this article by career360 we are going to discuss the XAT section-wise preparation strategy, through which candidates can analyze how they can ace the XAT 2025.
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A high percentile in XAT can be achieved by knowing the section-wise preparation strategy of previous year's toppers and experts. By knowing what to study and how to handle various kinds of questions from different sections, can perform well in the Xavier Aptitude Test. During preparation, candidates must be clear about how much time they need to allot to every section. Here, we are going to discuss the XAT section-wise preparation strategy, through this candidates can analyze how they can ace the XAT 2025.
Know the XAT Exam Pattern 2025
Be well versed with the XAT exam pattern before starting XAT exam preparation. Through this one will be able to manage their time and by knowing XAT paper patterns one will get to know his or her strong and weak areas. Apart from that candidates will get to know on which section they will have to focus more, so that they can score well and on which section they will need to work less.
XAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Section name | Total marks allotted | Number of Questions | Negative marking | Total time |
Verbal and Logical Reasoning | 75 | 26 | 0.25 marks will get deducted for every wrong answer | 180 Minutes |
Quantitative ability and Data Interpretation | 28 | |||
Decision making | 21 | 0.10 marks for more than 8 unanswered questions | ||
General knowledge | 25 | 25 | ||
| Essay | will be evaluated once the candidates get shortlisted for interview | 01 |
XAT 2025 Marking Scheme:
Each question carries one mark and there is a negative marking. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will get deducted. However, there is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.
XAT 2025 Section Wise Preparation Strategy: Topper’s Says
Here we have an opinion of previous year XAT topper Vandan Shah (99.704 percentile) says “This was my second attempt at XAT. Previously I scored 97.1 percentile. I had a call from XLRI BM but couldn’t convert it. So basically I started preparing for XAT exam one year in advance. But you have to be in constant touch and practice as the format and pattern of the test is quite challenging and different from other entrance exams”
He further added, "I used to practice a lot from past year XAT question papers. Apart from that, I followed the rule of giving mocks as much as I could. This helped me track the XAT exam with a good score".
Another topper Satyam Sharma (98.123 Percentiler) shared his section wise and overall preparation strategy of XAT. According to Satyam, preparing for CAT and all other MBA entrance exams gives an added advantage as both CAT and XAT have almost the same level of difficulty and syllabus (except for the Decision-making section in XAT). He says, "I kept my focus on preparing for the Quants and Verbal Section of CAT which itself did the part for XAT." After the CAT was over, I started working on Decision Making questions and along with that, I kept revising the concepts of Quants which I had learned during CAT preparation.
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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 2025 Preparation Strategy: English (Verbal Ability)
The first section of the XAT question paper is English and is divided into two subsections - Reading Comprehension and English Usage. While preparing one needs to do a lot of reading. While preparing, read at least two reading comprehension passages per day. Those who have good command over Grammar and Vocabulary can ace this section with ease, if not then take help from recommended books, newspapers, read journals and solve XAT sample papers. The Cracking Verbal section totally depends on one who can understand and use of English language.
Best Books for XAT 2025 English Section
Barron’s Dictionary |
Word Power by Norman Lewis |
High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren, Martin |
For RCs, read fiction or nonfiction, different type of pieces, news or article followed by analytical introspection |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis |
The Student’s Companion Book by Wilfred D. Best |
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XAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: Quantitative Ability
Quantitative Ability is one of the toughest sections of any management entrance exam. That is why it is important to get familiar with the type of questions asked in this section. The best part of the QA section is the margin of error is little and sitters are rare. Candidates need to pick their questions wisely because XAT demands one to attempt those questions which one can solve with 100 percent accuracy rate. Same applies for the Verbal Ability and Decision Making section.
Since, in QA section questions are many and time is less. So, it is very important that one should solve the previous years XAT question papers during preparations. Solve at least one XAT question paper and do its analysis and take online mock tests regularly. Through this candidates will improve their ability to the “kind of XAT questions”.
Recommended Books for XAT 2025: Quantitative Ability
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Test for Admission into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma |
Data Interpretation for the CAT by Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha |
Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha |
XAT Preparation Strategy: Decision Making
Questions will be asked in the Decision making section mainly consisting of problems based on everyday situations and business and candidates may face delima while facing such questions. The best way to avoid such difficulty, candidates should practice from previous years question papers. Questions will be related to issues involving sales, ethical dilemmas and other financial conditions, scenarios of various management issues, revenue of a company and general management. While solving such questions, try to understand the logic behind the answer.
XAT 2025 Books for Decision Making
Target XAT (Past Year Papers & Mock Test); by Disha experts |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning by Arihant Publications |
Jabbing the XAT (with solved papers); by R.K. Jha |
XAT Preparation Strategy 2025: General Awareness
The General Knowledge (GK) section mainly consists of questions based on Static GK and Current affairs. The Static GK will include topics like - Politics, Currency, Culture, Books and Authors, Economics, Environment and Ecology, Film and Television, etc. There are many online sources available online to prepare for the General Knowledge section. If one has a shortage of time for this section, then try to cover the topics through current affairs videos which are available online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is verbal ability divided in XAT Exam?
The first section of the XAT question paper is English and is divided into two subsections - Reading Comprehension and English Usage.
2. How many total questions are there in the XAT Exam?
The exam consists of around 100 questions.
3. How to make XAT preparation better?
To improve your XAT preparation, begin by knowing the test structure and the sorts of questions in every section. Regular practice with mock examinations and past papers can help you increase your speed and accuracy. Concentrate on your weak points to ensure that you're strengthening where you need it the most.
4. Which section in XAT exam has no negative marking?
However, there is no negative rating in the General Knowledge portion.
5. Why section - wise preparation is crucial?
Section-wise preparation is essential for XAT since each section of the exam evaluates unique skills. Focusing on each part allows you to better comprehend the questions and practice in the appropriate method.
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Questions related to XAT
Have a question related to XAT ?
Yes, it is definitely possible for you to get an interview call from Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai for their PGDM program, even with a 73 percentile in XAT 2025. While the typical cutoff for XAT may be higher, around 85 percentile, Great Lakes considers a variety of factors in their selection process, including academic performance, work experience, and diversity in the class.
Since you are a non-engineer female candidate, that diversity is seen as a positive aspect. Even with your XAT score, if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear passion for management, you can still stand out in the application process.
To increase your chances:
Prepare thoroughly for the interview by focusing on your experiences, what drives you, and how you align with the program’s values.
Highlight your unique background and any leadership roles you’ve had.
Show how Great Lakes fits with your career goals.
While the competition can be tough, if you present a well-rounded application and give your best in the interview, you can definitely convert the call into an offer.
Poral Siddartha (siddu) 05 February,2025
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
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