XAT Exam - Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Important Dates, Test Centres, Application Fees & Procedure

XAT Exam - Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Important Dates, Test Centres, Application Fees & Procedure

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams in India for MBA aspirants. Conducted by XLRI (Xavier School of Management), XAT is the gateway to admissions in some of the top B-schools across the country. If you're planning to pursue your MBA from an esteemed institution, understanding the XAT exam pattern, eligibility, application process, and other important details is essential. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the XAT exam.

1. XAT Exam Overview

XAT is a national-level entrance exam held annually by XLRI for admission to MBA programs at over 140 B-schools in India. The exam is recognized for its rigorous selection process and is taken by around 90,000 to 1 lakh candidates each year.

Conducting Body: XLRI, on behalf of XAMI (Xavier Association of Management Institutes)
Exam Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper based test
Purpose: Admission to MBA/PGDM programs at top B-schools in India

2. XAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for XAT are quite straightforward and don’t require a minimum percentage of marks in your undergraduate degree, unlike many other entrance exams.

Educational Qualification: A recognized bachelor’s degree (of 3 years or more) in any stream.
Final-Year Students: Students in their final year of graduation can apply for the exam as well.
NRI and Foreign Candidates: They can apply using their valid GMAT scores.
Minimum Academic History: You should have at least 15 years of formal education (including bachelor’s degree) to be eligible.

3. XAT Exam Pattern

The XAT exam consists of two parts. Part 1 evaluates your analytical, reasoning, and quantitative skills, while Part 2 tests your general knowledge and writing abilities.

Part-1: Time Limit: 170 minutes

Verbal and Logical Ability (26 questions)
Decision Making (23 questions)
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (29 questions)

Part-2: Time Limit: 35 minutes

General Knowledge (25 questions)
Essay Writing (1 topic)

The total number of questions is 104, and the exam includes both objective-type and subjective questions.

4. XAT Exam Important Dates

The important dates for the XAT exam can vary slightly each year. However, here’s a general timeline:

XAT Notification Release: Early August
Registration Starts: Early August (12:00 PM onwards)
Last Date for Regular Registration: November end
XAT Admit Card Download: Mid-December
XAT Exam Date: Early January
XAT Results Announcement: Mid-January

Keep an eye on the official XAT website for the exact dates every year.

5. XAT Test Centres

The XAT exam is conducted across multiple centres in India and abroad. Candidates can select their preferred test city during the registration process.

National Test Centres:
Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Pune, Surat, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and many more.

International Centres:
Dubai, Kathmandu

Make sure to choose your preferred city carefully while registering for the exam.

6. XAT Application Process

The application process for XAT is simple and can be completed online through the official website.

Steps to Apply:

Visit the official XAT registration website (xatonline.net.in).
Create a new account with a valid email address.
After registration, you will receive a unique XAT ID and a link to create your password.
Log in using your XAT ID and password.
Fill in the required personal and academic details.
Select your preferred test city and upload necessary documents (photo and signature).
Choose the programs you are interested in (XLRI or XAT only).
Make the payment online or via DD.

Application Fees:

XAT-only registration: ₹1,600
For XLRI programs: Additional ₹300

For those paying by DD, the payment must be sent to the designated address within 15 days of issuance.

7. XAT Exam Preparation Tips

To score well on the XAT exam, preparation is key. Here are a few tips:

Practice Regularly: Work on your speed and accuracy by taking mock tests and solving previous years' papers.
Focus on Decision Making: This section is unique to XAT and requires practice with situational judgment and decision-making scenarios.
Time Management: Make sure to allocate enough time to each section during your practice sessions to manage the exam time efficiently.
General Knowledge: Stay updated on current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news sources.

8. Top B-schools Accepting XAT Scores

XAT scores are accepted by over 140 top B-schools across India. Some of the prominent ones include:

XLRI Jamshedpur
S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
XIMB Bhubaneswar
IMT Ghaziabad
TAPMI Manipal
IFMR Chennai
GIM Goa
Welingkar Mumbai

These institutes offer high-quality MBA and PGDM programs, and the XAT score plays a crucial role in their admissions process.

9. Conclusion

The XAT exam is a great opportunity for candidates aiming to pursue MBA programs at some of the top business schools in India. Understanding the exam pattern, eligibility, and application process will ensure you are well-prepared for the exam. Start your preparation early, and make sure to stay updated on the official website for any changes in exam dates or procedures.

Good luck with your XAT journey!

For more details, visit the official XAT website.

Conclusion

Good luck with your XAT journey!

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For more details, visit the official XAT website.