XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Out), Paper Mode, Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Duration – Check Here

XLRI Jamshedpur establishes the pattern for the XAT 2025 exam, which generally consists of five sections divided into three parts. The XAT exam features both objective and subjective questions distributed across these three parts. The first part of the XAT exam consists of three sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI). After this, candidates will participate in a 5-minute mock keyboard test.

The XAT 2025 pattern requires candidates to answer multiple-choice questions within a set time frame. The exam is divided into three parts. The first part, lasting 175 minutes, includes sections on Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. The second part is a 5-minute mock keyboard testing session. The third part, lasting 30 minutes, consists of a General Knowledge section and a short essay topic. PwD candidates will receive an additional 20 minutes for each part.

Each section of the XAT 2025 exam will consist of 22-27 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. Only the essay writing section will require candidates to type a response of about 250 words. The essay will be evaluated during the PI shortlisting process and its score will not be included in the XAT 2025 result.

XAT Paper Pattern 2025

The XAT exam will be conducted exclusively in English. Part I of the XAT 2025 question paper includes Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI). Part II consists of a 5-minute mock keyboard testing session. Part III features a General Knowledge (GK) section and an Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) task. PwD candidates will receive an additional 20 minutes for every hour.

The XAT exam consists of a total of 103 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 3 essay topics, from which candidates must choose one. The XAT pattern specifies the types and numbers of questions that will appear on the exam. XAT is a national-level entrance exam for MBA admissions, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, and is typically known for its challenging standards.

XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview

Section Wise XAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The XAT question paper includes approximately 105 multiple-choice questions distributed across four primary sections. Among these, the Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section carries the highest weightage. While attempting all questions is not mandatory, candidates must write one mandatory essay. Below is the section-wise breakdown of questions and the allocated marks for each section in XAT.

XAT Test Pattern 2025 – Sectional Breakup of Questions

Based on the recent trends, the XAT exam featured a total of 103 multiple-choice questions along with 1 Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) section. The exam pattern included questions from various sections such as Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The XAT 2025 exam duration is 210 minutes with no specific sectional time limits. Here’s a breakdown of how questions were distributed across these sections:

XAT Question Pattern with subject-wise

XAT Marking Scheme 2025

The XAT exam employs a distinctive marking scheme that differs from other tests. While there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the General Knowledge section, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in other sections. Additionally, if a candidate leaves more than 8 questions unanswered consecutively, a penalty of 0.10 marks per unanswered question is applied. This ensures that candidates need to strategize their attempts carefully throughout the exam.

Here are the points of the marking scheme for the XAT exam:

• Candidates receive 1 mark for each correct answer.
• 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
• If more than eight questions are left unanswered consecutively, a penalty of 0.10 marks per unanswered question is applied.
• There is no negative marking in the General Knowledge (GK) section.
• Scores from the GK section are not included in the calculation of the overall XAT score.

XAT Paper Pattern 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

The XAT entrance exam features a variable distribution of questions across its sections, meaning some sections may have more questions than others. Alongside multiple-choice questions (MCQs), candidates are also required to write one essay as part of the test. Below is the sectional breakdown of the XAT 2025 question paper.

XAT Exam Pattern Flexibility for PwD Candidates

XLRI Jamshedpur provides special accommodations for PwD (Persons with Disabilities) and visually impaired candidates to ensure they have adequate time to complete their XAT exam papers. Here are the details:

Flexibility for PwD Candidates:

• For Part 1 of the XAT exam, PwD candidates are allotted between 165 and 220 minutes.
• For Part 2, they receive between 15 and 20 minutes.
• This allows PwD candidates a total duration of 190 to 240 minutes to complete the entire XAT exam.

Visually Impaired Candidates:

• Visually impaired candidates are granted an additional 25 minutes specifically for completing Part 1 questions.
• Overall, visually impaired candidates have 200 minutes in total to complete Part 1 of the XAT exam.

Changes to the XAT Exam Pattern

The XAT exam pattern has undergone significant changes in recent years, starting with its transition from a Paper Based Test to a Computer Based Test in 2018. Here are some notable modifications:

• Transition to Computer-Based Test: Introduced in 2018 by XLRI, replacing the traditional Paper Based Test format.
• Changes in Number of Questions: Variations in the number of questions per section have been observed over different years.
• Removal and Reintroduction of Essay-Based Questions: Essay-based questions were removed after XAT 2018 but reintroduced in a descriptive format in 2020.
• Reduction in Unattempted Questions Penalty: The penalty for leaving unattempted questions without negative marking was reduced from 12 to 8.
• Inclusion of Essay Writing: Essay Writing was reinstated as a component of the XAT exam from 2022 onwards.
• Increase in Time Allotment and Questions for Decision-Making: Significant adjustments were made in XAT 2023, increasing both the time allotment and the total number of questions in the Decision-Making section.

Last 7 Year’s XAT Paper Format

XAT is widely accepted by over 150 top B-schools in India, including XLRI Jamshedpur, MICA Ahmedabad, XIM Bhubaneshwar, IMT Ghaziabad, and S P Jain Mumbai. It is known for its transparency as it releases question papers and answer keys and allows candidates to request a recounting of scores.

XAT Preparation 2025

Preparing for the XAT exam involves a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the XAT exam syllabus, exam pattern, and test structure. Candidates are recommended to utilize XAT books and study materials recommended by experts and previous-year toppers. Additionally, regular practice of XAT mock tests is crucial to gain familiarity with the exam format and improve performance. This holistic preparation strategy helps candidates to effectively tackle the XAT exam challenges and achieve better results.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the XAT exam pattern and syllabus. Know the number of sections, types of questions, and marking scheme to strategize your preparation effectively.
2. Use Recommended Study Material: Utilize XAT preparation books, study guides, and materials recommended by experts and previous toppers. These resources often provide valuable insights and practice questions aligned with the exam pattern.
3. Practice Regularly with Mock Tests: Take XAT mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions and improve time management skills. Mock tests help in identifying strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement.
4. Focus on Time Management: Develop a time-bound study schedule and practice solving questions within the allotted time. Time management is crucial during the XAT exam, especially with sections like Decision Making and Verbal Ability.
5. Review and Analyze Performance: After taking mock tests or practice sessions, review your performance critically. Analyze mistakes, understand concepts better, and refine strategies to enhance overall performance in the exam.

XAT Syllabus 2025

The XAT 2025 exam syllabus covers a wide range of topics across its sections. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for each section:

XAT Sample Paper 2025

Candidates preparing for XAT 2025 should thoroughly review both the XAT 2025 sample paper and past year’s question papers. This is crucial for gaining familiarity with all facets of the XAT exam. It provides a clear understanding of the exam’s format and content, helping candidates anticipate what to expect in XAT 2025. Additionally, practising these papers allows candidates to evaluate their performance across different sections, aiding in identifying strengths and areas needing improvement.

XAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

If you have any queries regarding XAT Exam Pattern 2025, you can ask your query and leave comments below.

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.