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.
- Is there any change in the XAT exam 2024?
- As of now, XAT exam officials have not specified any change in the XAT exam.
- How many questions in XAT?
- It is expected that a total of XAT 101-102 questions will be asked in XAT 2024.