The XAT exam is a famous national management entrance exam in India, organized by XLRI Jamshedpur. It helps students get into MBA and PGDM programs at over 700 top business schools. The XAT exam assesses skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, decision-making, and general knowledge.
XAT 2025 will be held on January 5, 2025, offering a chance to enter institutions like XLRI and SP Jain. The exam covers a wide range of topics, making it challenging but rewarding. Registration for XAT 2025 began on July 15, 2024, and will close on November 30, 2024. There are no age or minimum mark limits, so even final-year students can apply.
Due to the high level of competition, candidates must focus on preparing for the updated exam pattern and practice effectively. This blog will make you aware of the details you need regarding the XAT exam 2025.
Topics covered
What is the XAT Exam?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur. It is one of the top MBA entrance exams in India. It is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programs in over 700 colleges across India. The exam tests candidates’ verbal and logical ability, quantitative ability, data interpretation, decision-making skills, and general knowledge.
Held annually, XAT is known for its high difficulty level and comprehensive coverage of topics. There is no age limit or minimum marks requirement for eligibility, and final-year students can also apply. The exam is usually conducted in January.
XAT Exam Dates 2025
XLRI Jamshedpur has released the official dates for the commencement of the XAT exam 2025. The XAT 2025 will be conducted on 05th January 2025 (Sunday). The registration timeline for the XAT exam has been given below:
| Important Events | Dates |
| XATT 2025 Registration opens | 15th July, 2024 |
| XAT 2025 Registration closes | November 30, 2024 |
| XAT Admit card download | December 20, 2024 |
| XAT Exam date | January 05, 2025, 2:00pm to 5:30pm |
XAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Now that the timeline for the exam is out, you must know about the eligibility requirements for the exam. To be eligible for the XAT 2025 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students: Those in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2025.
- Minimum Marks: There is no minimum aggregate marks requirement for graduation.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing for the XAT exam.
- Nationality: Indian citizens, as well as NRI and foreign candidates (with a valid GMAT score), are eligible to apply.
Do you know? There are several MBA Specializations to pursue in 2024! You can choose any one of these based on your interest and preferences.
XAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Updated)
It is very important for the aspirants to stay updated with the latest exam pattern. This will help you eliminate the surprise element on the exam day. The table below shows the highlights of the updated XAT exam pattern 2025.
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| XAT Exam Duration | 210 minutes (extra 20 minutes/hour for PwD students) |
| Medium of the Paper | English |
| Total Sections | 05 – Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, Decision-making, Analytical Essay Writing, and General Knowledge |
| Total Questions in XAT | 101 + 1 Analytical Essay Writing |
| Number of Choices Answer | 05 |
XAT Exam Pattern 2025 Sectional Weightage
The XAT 2025 exam will have 101 multiple-choice questions across four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section holds the most significant weight. We have listed the weightage of each section of the exam below:
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 27%
- Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): 26%
- General Knowledge: 25%
- Decision Making: 21%
Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard
XAT Exam 2025 Marking Scheme
Many students often ask if there’s a negative marking in the XAT exam. Yes! XAT exam has negative markings. Students get awarded +1 mark for each correct answer and 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. But there’s a catch! Students have to face a deduction of 0.10 marks for skipping more than 8 questions unattempted.
XAT Exam 2025 Syllabus Overview
The XAT exam syllabus is similar to that of a CAT exam syllabus. The topics are quite similar. It is very important for students to know about the syllabus of the exam. This is a great component for the exam preparation. The table below contains the overview of the syllabus for the XAT exam 2025.
| Sections | Important Topics |
| QA & DI | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Interpretation |
| VA & LR | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning |
| Decision Making | Analytical Reasoning and Situational Decision Making |
| General Knowledge | Current Affairs, Business & Economy, History, Geography, Science & Technology |
These were some of the important topics for the XAT exam 2025. Since the exam is in online mode, you must know How to Prepare for Online Exams.
XAT Exam 2025 Registration Process
The XAT is a key exam for students aiming to join XLRI Jamshedpur and other top business schools in India. The XAT 2025 registration process is simple, but applicants must carefully follow the steps. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you register for XAT 2025.
- Visit the official website of the XAT exam https://xatonline.in/ for registration. Register yourself and then log in again. Enter your basic details in the XAT application form.
- Check the information you’ve entered carefully. After you click the “FINAL SUBMIT” button, you won’t be able to make any changes.
- Make sure your name, and your parents’ names, match your certificates, mark sheets, and ID proof. Any mistakes could lead to disqualification.
- Enter your academic qualifications and work experience. If you want to study at XLRI, choose the XLRI program you prefer (either through XAT or GMAT).
- Select six test cities based on your preference. It’s better to choose locations near your home. You can change your city preference once before 30th November 2024.
- Upload a scanned copy of your recent photograph and signature in the required format. Preview the form to check all the details before submitting it.
- If needed, make changes and ensure everything is correct, then click “SUBMIT.” Proceed to the payment page and pay the registration fee.
After the payment is done, click the “Submit” button. By following these steps, you can easily complete the registration for XAT 2025.
XAT Exam Application Form Fees 2025
The XAT 2025 application form fee is ₹2,200 for all candidates registering for the exam. If you wish to apply for programs at XLRI Jamshedpur, you will need to pay an additional ₹200 for each program. For Indian candidates applying for the PGDM (General Management) program at XLRI through GMAT or GRE scores, the fee is ₹2,500. For NRI or foreign candidates applying through GMAT, the fee is ₹5,000.
The payment can be made online using debit or credit cards, internet banking, or mobile wallets. After completing the payment, you will receive an e-receipt as confirmation.
Top Colleges Accepting XAT 2025 Scores
The XAT 2025 is one of the most prestigious national-level management entrance exams in India, It opens doors to a wide range of top MBA colleges in India. Many reputed B-schools accept XAT scores for their MBA and PGDM programs. Here’s a list of the top colleges accepting XAT 2025 scores:
- XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- XIM University, Bhubaneswar
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)
- TAPMI – T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal
- MICA – Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
- Goa Institute of Management (GIM)
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- IRMA – Institute of Rural Management, Anand
These institutions are known for their high-quality education, esteemed faculty, and strong industry connections, making them a prime choice for MBA aspirants.
Suggested Read: Top IIM Colleges in India
Conclusion!
The XAT exam 2025 is a key opportunity for students aspiring to join top MBA colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur. This challenging exam assesses skills in verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, decision-making, and general knowledge. The registration process is open, and applicants must meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
With its updated exam pattern and syllabus, thorough preparation is crucial to succeed in this tough exam. Many renowned institutions such as SP Jain, MICA, and IMT Ghaziabad accept XAT scores for their MBA and PGDM programs.
Similar Blogs to Read
FAQs
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. It is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programs in over 700 management institutes across India, testing candidates on verbal ability, quantitative skills, decision-making, and general knowledge.
The XAT exam is conducted once a year, in January. It is a single annual event that tests candidates’ skills in various areas, serving as a key entrance exam for MBA and PGDM admissions in India.
The XAT exam is a gateway for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at over 700 top business schools in India, including XLRI Jamshedpur. It tests candidates’ abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative aptitude, decision-making, and general knowledge.
To crack the XAT exam, candidates should focus on a strong understanding of verbal, quantitative, and decision-making skills. Consistent practice, solving mock tests, and staying updated on general knowledge will help improve accuracy and time management during the exam.
The XAT exam is conducted in early January each year. For XAT 2025, the exam is scheduled for January 5, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
Get Access to Our
FREE Career Dashboard
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
