XAT Overview
XAT is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. The score is accepted by XLRI, XIMB and many other business schools. XAT is known for its Decision Making section and a General Knowledge part that is used by some institutes for shortlisting.
Check xatonline.in for the latest brochure, registration dates and exam date.
| Full form | Xavier Aptitude Test |
| Conducting body | XLRI Jamshedpur (for XAMI) |
| Exam level | National |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Programmes | MBA / PGDM / HRM and allied |
| Sections | Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge |
| Official website | xatonline.in |
XAT Important Dates
| Event | Date / timing |
|---|---|
| Registration | August to November |
| Admit card | December |
| Exam | First Sunday of January |
| Result | Within a month of the exam (January / February) |
| Selection process (GD / PI) | February to March |
Typical timeline based on previous years - exact dates are in the XAT brochure.
XAT Eligibility
- Bachelor degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Final-year students can also apply (as per the brochure).
- No minimum percentage is required to appear in the exam; institutes have their own cutoffs.
XAT Exam Pattern
| Part 1 | Decision Making, Verbal and Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (scored for percentile) |
| Part 2 | General Knowledge (not counted in percentile; used by some institutes in shortlisting) |
| Essay | Essay writing (unscored; shared with institutes) |
| Question type | MCQ |
| Marking | Negative marking applies for wrong answers - see the official brochure for the exact scheme |
Section-wise structure
| Section | Part | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | Part 1 | Case-based questions on ethics, business situations and judgment |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Part 1 | Reading comprehension, grammar, para jumbles and logical reasoning |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | Part 1 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, charts and data sets |
| General Knowledge | Part 2 | Current affairs, business, economy and static GK |
XAT Syllabus
Decision Making
Case-based decision problems, ethical dilemmas, analytical and logical decision making.
Verbal and Logical Ability
Reading comprehension, para jumbles, critical reasoning, grammar and logical reasoning sets.
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, modern maths and data interpretation.
General Knowledge
Current affairs, business and economy news, history, geography, politics, static GK.
How to Apply for XAT
- Register on xatonline.in and create your profile.
- Fill in the application form and choose exam cities.
- Upload photo and signature and pay the fee.
- Download the admit card and attempt the exam.
- Apply to XLRI / XIMB / other XAMI colleges and prepare for GD / PI.
XAT Preparation Tips
- Practise Decision Making cases from the official sample papers.
- Read business news for GK.
- Practise sectional timing in mocks.
- Prepare for the essay and the GD / PI after the exam.
Colleges Accepting XAT
XAT FAQs
Is XAT easier than CAT?
Both are different - XAT has Decision Making and a GK part, so preparation is slightly different from CAT.
Is the GK section counted in the percentile?
No, GK is not part of the XAT percentile, but some institutes use it for shortlisting.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply as per the brochure.
How can I get XAT counselling?
Use the Call, WhatsApp or Email buttons on this page to talk to the StudyGalaxy counselling team.
Exam dates, pattern and eligibility can change every year. Please confirm on the official website before applying.