XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

The XAT 2024 exam pattern has been officially released by XLRI Jamshedpur on its website. The exam, scheduled for January 7, 2024, will consist of three parts with specified time limits. The computer-based test will run from 2 PM to 5:30 PM, with a total duration of 210 minutes (Part I – 175 min; Part II – 5 min; Part III – 30 min). Read on to understand the XAT 2024 paper pattern, exam duration, sectional distribution of questions, and more.

XAT Paper Pattern 2024: Highlights

Exam Structure: 5 Sections along with Mock Keyboard Testing
XAT Exam Duration: 205 minutes (+5 mins)
Number of Questions: 101 + 1 AEW
XAT Total Marks: 101
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

XAT 2024 Test Pattern- Sectional Breakup of Questions

As per the trends of the XAT paper pattern, the total number of questions that will be asked in XAT 2024 is 101+1 AEW. The XAT exam pattern has multiple-choice-based questions from sections like Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and an Essay Writing section. The duration of the XAT 2024 exam is 210 minutes with no sectional time limit.

XAT Marking Scheme 2024

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.

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

XAT Paper Pattern 2024: 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 be asked too in this test. Check out the sectional break-up of the XAT 2024 question paper.

Decision Making: 22 questions (22 marks)
Verbal and Logical Ability: 26 questions (26 marks)
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 28 questions (28 marks)
General Knowledge: 25 questions (25 marks)
Essay (250 words): 1 question (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

Last 6 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 exams, 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 2023	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 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 2024

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

AT Syllabus 2024

The XAT 2024 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 2024, candidates can make their XAT preparation strategy. All the XAT topics related to the XAT syllabus are listed below.

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

XAT Sample Paper 2024

Candidates preparing for XAT 2024 must go through the XAT 2024 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 2024. It will also help the candidate to assess their overall and section-wise performance.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):

Is XAT a computer-based exam?

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

How many sections are there in the XAT exam paper?

There are a total of 4 questions in XAT, namely- Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. However, as per last year, an additional section of Essay writing was reintroduced.

Does XAT have negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking in the GK section of XAT.

What is the duration of the XAT 2024 exam?

XAT exam is of 210 minutes duration.

What type of questions are asked in XAT 2024?

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

When will the XAT 2024 be held?

The XAT 2024 exam is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.

Does XAT have negative marking?

XAT has 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.