XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Check Latest Paper Pattern, Weightage, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Duration

XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Check Latest Paper Pattern, Weightage, Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Duration

ByNeeraj Mishra  |  Updated on: Apr 10, 2023
XLRI will release XAT Exam Pattern 2024 on its official website. Check the latest changes in XAT Exam Pattern, subject-wise Paper Pattern, marking scheme, time duration and year-wise changes.

XAT Exam Pattern 2024 will be released by XLRI for the academic session 2024-2026. As per the latest official updates, the authority has made slight changes in XAT Exam Pattern in 2023 with 3 time-bound sections and 105 questions in total. The candidates can expect the same XAT Paper Pattern for the upcoming exam.

XLRI Jamshedpur defines the XAT Exam Pattern and marking scheme on its website with complete details about the exam sections, time duration, and more. It is important for all aspiring candidates to know XAT Exam Pattern 2024 well and start preparation accordingly. It is a computer-based test, and all the questions will be in MCQ format, including five options with one correct option (except the Essay Writing section). Here, you will get all the details regarding XAT Exam Pattern 2024, marking scheme, negative marking, section-wise details, and time duration.

XAT Exam Pattern 2024

The candidates who are appearing in the upcoming exam must comprehensively understand the updated XAT Exam Pattern 2024 to score well and clear the cutoffs for XAT 2024. As per the latest official updates,XAT Question Paper is divided into 3 parts.

  • Part 1: A total of 76 questions will be asked in Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. The candidates will get 175 minutes to solve them
  • Part 2: Mock keyboard testing round (5 minutes)
  • Part 3: In this part 25 GK questions and 1 essay question have to be answered. There will be 3 essay questions from which you have to choose only 1, at your convenience.

There will be a total of 105 questions, out of which the total number of MCQs will be 101. As per the official XAT Exam Pattern 2024, the MCQ Questions will be asked in 4 sections: Decision making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The Essay Writing section will have 1 subjective question. So, all the candidates aiming at the upcoming exam must begin their preparation as per the updated XAT Exam Pattern 2024.

☛ Check XAT Eligibility before applying for the exam.

XAT Exam Pattern Highlights

As per the latest updates, the XAT Exam Pattern has been modified in 2023 by introducing the new section in Part B: Mock Keyboard testing round with a 5-minute total duration. Additionally, GK and Essay have been shifted to Part C, which was included in Part B, in 2022. No changes have been made in Part A chapters, but the total duration of this section is increased to 175 minutes. There will be 22 DM questions asked in the exam as per the updated XAT Exam Pattern. Have a look at the key highlights of XAT Paper Pattern 2024.

Key Components

Details

Number of sections

6 Sections: Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability, Mock Keyboard Testing, General Knowledge and Essay Writing

XAT Time duration

210 minutes (3 Hours 30 minutes_

Number of Questions

105 Questions

Language of XAT Exam

English

XAT Exam Pattern - Number of Answer Choices

MCQ+ Essay + Mock Keyboard Testing

5 Options in MCQs

Mode of Exam

Online

XAT Marking Scheme

+1 mark for the correct answer

- 0.25 marks for an incorrect answer

- 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted consecutive questions

No XAT Negative Marking in the GK section

Exam Sections included in XAT Percentile Calculation

3 Sections: Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability (GK is not included in percentile calculation)

XAT Exam Pattern: Key Changes

XLRI has updated XAT Exam Pattern in 2023. As per the new paper pattern, there will be 3 parts, including 6 sections in total.

  • 5 minutes keyboard testing round has been included in Part 2, whereas GK and Essay writing sections have been shifted to Part 3, in the updated XAT Exam Pattern.
  • The XAT Essay Writing section will have 3 questions in total. The candidates need to choose 1 essay topic and have to write a 300-word short essay.
  • Accept the essay section; the other questions will be in MCQ format. A total of 105 questions will be asked, which is further divided into 76 MCQs in Part 1 and 25 GK questions, and 1 essay in Part 2.
  • The number of questions in DM - Increased to 22 from 21 questions.
  • The total XAT exam duration is 3 hours 30 minutes:
    • Part 1: 175 Minutes
    • Part 2: 5 Minutes
    • Part 3: 30 Minutes

XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Sectional Weightage

Note the table below to get a sectional XAT Paper Pattern, including the number of questions and total time duration. The candidates must check all the details for XAT Registration.

Section

Subjects

Number of Questions

XAT Time Duration

Part-I

Decision Making

22

175 minutes

Quantitative ability and data interpretation

28

Verbal and logical ability

26

Part-II

Mock Keyboard Testing (new section)

-

5 minutes

Part-III

General Knowledge

25

30 minutes

Essay

1 to be answered out of 3

Total

105 Questions

210 Minutes

Watch Videos on XAT Exam Pattern

XAT Paper Pattern: Section-Wise Details

As per the expert analysis of the XAT Exam Pattern 2024, there will be a total of 6 sections. The candidates will get MCQ questions from 4 sections: Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge. In the Essay Writing Part, you have to write an essay of 300 words on a given topic. So, the candidates must be well-versed in the section-wise XAT Exam Pattern 2024, important topics, and other details to score well in the upcoming exam.

☛ Go through the previous year's XAT Cut Off to understand the trends of qualifying marks.

Note the below section to get a detailed overview of the Subject wise XAT Paper Pattern for the upcoming exam.

XAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Verbal and Logical Ability

As per the previous year's XAT Analysis, this section will consist of 26 MCQ-type questions. The candidates will face grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning questions with moderate difficulty level questions. As per the official XAT Exam Pattern, the candidates will face questions from the below-mentioned chapters.

  • Para Jumbles
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Para Completion
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Analogy
  • Para Completion
  • Statements and Assumptions

XAT Exam Pattern for Decision Making

It is one of the most prominent sections as per the latest updates of the XAT Exam Pattern 2024. The candidates can get good scores easily from this section. Check XAT Syllabus for a better understanding.

  • The total number of questions: 22 questions
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Important topics: Analytical Reasoning, Short Caselets, Data Arrangement Sets, Situational Sets, and Business Decision-Making

XAT Exam Pattern for QADI

As per the expert analysis, the difficulty level of this section is relatively high. As per the latest XAT Exam Pattern, individual questions and DI sets will be in each. You will get XAT Result online after the exam is over.

  • A total of 28 questions will be asked in the form of Tables, Charts, graphs, and Caselets.
  • QA questions will be from Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Number Systems, and Mensuration.

XAT Paper Pattern 2024 for GK

XAT GK Questions are the most dynamic as no defined set of questions can be asked. The syllabus is vast, and the candidates need rigorous preparation. The main criterion for XAT Exam Pattern for this section is that the number obtained will not be considered for the final score calculation.

  • Current Affairs
  • Business and Economic Policies
  • Books and Authors
  • International Affairs and Events
  • Country, Capital, and Currency
  • Global Summits
  • Organizations and their Headquarters and many more

XAT Exam Pattern 2024 for Essay Writing

This section is reintroduced after 2019 in 2022. As per the latest XAT 2024 Exam Pattern trends, this section is clubbed with GK in Part B. The candidates have to choose and write 1 short essay (note more than 300 words) out of 3 questions. Note the table below for an overview of the previous year's XAT Exam essay topics. Do your XAT Preparation by creating a timetable for every chapter of the exam.

Year

XAT Exam Pattern: Essay Topics

2022

Capitalism and democracy follow a different logic

2018

Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they Co-exist?

2017

Globalization and Jingoism always coexist

2016

Technology and Nature are natural enemies

2015

Listening is a dying art. We hardly listen to understand. We only listen to refute or reply

XAT Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is the most important factor in XAT Exam Pattern. As per the expert opinion, the XAT Marking Scheme is a little bit different from the other exams. In Part B GK Section, there will be no negative marking. Note the below points to know the marking scheme details in the XAT Exam Pattern. Get all the details for XAT Admit Card.

  • +1 will be awarded for every correct answer
  • -0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer in Part A.
  • Additionally, -0.10 marks will be deducted for consecutive 8 or more unattempted answers.
  • The marks in GK questions will not be included in the final XAT merit list
  • Essay writing marks will be evaluated if you are shortlisted for the interview.

Negative Marking in XAT 2024

Note the table below to understand XAT Negative Marking clearly.

Parameters

Details

Wrong Answer

-0.25

Eight of more than 8 unattempted answers

-0.10

XAT Exam Duration

As per the official updates, the overall time duration is increased to 3 hours and 30 minutes. It is further divided into 175 minutes in Part A, 5 minutes for Part B, and 30 minutes in Part B. Check the below table to get an overview of the time limit as per the official XAT Exam Pattern 2024.

Part

Section

Overall & Sectional Exam Duration

Overall & Sectional Exam Duration for PWD Candidates

A

Verbal & Logical Ability

No Sectional Time Limit

No Sectional Time Limit

Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

No Sectional Time Limit

No Sectional Time Limit

Decision Making

No Sectional Time Limit

No Sectional Time Limit

Overall Part 1

175 minutes

175 minutes to 240 minutes

B

Mock Keyboard Testing

5 minutes

-

B

General Knowledge

No Sectional Time Limit

No Sectional Time Limit

Essay Writing

No Sectional Time Limit

No Sectional Time Limit

Overall Part 2

30 minutes

30 minutes to 40 minutes

☛ Also Check: Colleges Accepting XAT Score

XAT Exam Pattern Changes Over the Years

It is important to note the changes in XAT Paper Pattern over the years to understand the question pattern better and be prepared accordingly.

Exam Year

Total Number of Questions

Section-wise number of questions

XAT Marking Scheme

XAT Exam Pattern 2023

105

VA & LR - 26

Decision Making- 22

QA & DI- 28

GK- 25

Essay: 1 to be answered out of 3 questions (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

5-minute mock keyboard testing round is also included this year

Correct Answer: +1

Incorrect Answer: -0.25

More than 8 Unanswered Questions: -0.10

XAT 2022

100

VA & LR - 26

Decision Making- 21

QA & DI- 28

GK- 25

Essay: 1 (to be evaluated upon shortlisting)

Correct Answer: +1

Incorrect Answer: -0.25

More than 8 Unanswered Questions: -0.10

XAT Exam Pattern 2021 & 2020

100

VA & LR - 26

Decision Making- 21

QA & DI- 28

GK- 25

Correct Answer: +1

Incorrect Answer: -0.25

More than 8 Unanswered Questions: -0.10

XAT Exam Pattern 2019

99

VA & LR - 26

Decision Making- 21

QA & DI- 27

GK- 25

Correct Answer: +1

Incorrect Answer: -0.25

More than 8 Unanswered Questions: -0.5

XAT Paper Pattern 2018 - 2017

97

VA & LR - 24

Decision Making- 21

QA & DI- 27

GK- 25

One Essay

Correct Answer: +1

Incorrect Answer: -0.25

More than 12 Unanswered Questions: -0.5

XAT Exam Pattern 2024: Points to Remember

The candidates wishing to appear in the upcoming XAT Entrance Exam 2024 must consider the below points.

  • After completing Part A, the candidates can only move to the Part B GK Section.
  • The total XAT time duration for Part A is 165 Minutes
  • There is no sectional limit for Part A. It means that the candidates can move any of the sections in Part A, as per their preference, within the initial 165 Minutes.
  • To solve the XAT GK Section, you will get 15 minutes.
  • First 3 sections of the XAT Question. However, for the GK section, the candidates will get 15 minutes. Download XAT Books PDF and make your stock for the best study materials.
  • The XAT Exam Pattern contains one descriptive part. In this part, the candidates have to write an essay of 300 words in 10 Minutes.
  • An extra 20 minutes per hour will be given to the PwD candidates, i.e., 55 minutes for part 1 and 5 minutes for part 2.
  • As per the official updates on the XAT marking scheme, the essay section will only be assessed if the candidates qualify for the interview round.

XAT Exam Pattern vs CAT Exam Pattern

CAT and XAT are both the most important MBA Entrance Exams in India. The difficulty level and competition for both are relatively higher than the other exams likeCMAT, MAT, and SNAP. If you are preparing for both XAT and CAT, then be sure that you are well-versed with the exam pattern, as there are some basic differences between the exam pattern of these two exams. Note the table below to get an overview of the exam pattern of XAT vs CAT.

Components

CAT

XAT

Exam Sections

3 Sections

VARC

QA

DILR

2 Parts

Part A: Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, Verbal & Logical Ability

Part B: Mock Keyboard Testing

Part C: GK and Essay Writing

XAT Exam Duration

120 minutes (40 minutes sectional-time limit)

190 minutes (165 minutes for Part A and 25 Minutes for Part B)

XAT Total Questions

66 questions (as per the previous year's analysis)

105 questions

Question Type

MCQ and TITA

MCQs with one subjective part (Essay Writing)

FAQs on XAT Exam Pattern

  • As per the official updates of the XAT Exam Pattern, there will be a total of 101 questions, including the MCQs and one Essay Writing Part. It is divided into 3 parts: Part A (Decision making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability), Part B (Mock keyboard testing round) and Part C (GK and Essay Writing). The candidates preparing for this exam need to be well-versed with XAT Exam Pattern to prepare well.

  • XAT Negative Marking is quite different from the other MBA Entrance Exam. Note the below points to understand the marking scheme for XAT 2023.

    • Correct answer: +1 will be awarded.
    • For a wrong answer in Part A: -0.25 marks will be deducted.
    • 8 or more unattempted answers: -0.10 marks will be deducted.
    • No negative Marking in Part B
    • The marks in GK questions will not be included in the final XAT Merit List
    • The mark in Essay Writing will be evaluated if you are shortlisted for the interview.
  • As per the latest updates, the first, 3 sections have to be completed in 175 minutes, while 30 minutes will be given for the GK & Essay section. Apart from this division in time in XAT Paper Pattern, there is no separate time limit for the VARC, DM, and Quant sections in Part 1 of the paper. For the newly added section Keyboard testing, you will get 5 minutes.

  • As per the latest trends of the XAT Exam Pattern, the candidates can expect questions related to Data arrangement sets, Short Caselets, Situational sets etc. in the Decision Making section.

  • As of now, no changes have been made to XAT Exam Pattern 2024. But in 2023, the authority made little changes in the paper pattern before the exam date.

  • The total XAT Exam Duration is 210 minutes. Additionally, there is a time limit for each part. The candidates have to complete Part A within 175 Minutes (no sectional time limit between the sections in Part A). The time limit to complete Part B is 5 Minutes and Part C is 30 Minutes.

  • As per the official update, the XAT Question Pattern for Part B, there will be a new round, namely the keyboard testing round. This is newly added in 2023. We will share the XAT Exam Pattern for this section after the exam, as still now there is no clarity for this part.

  • The question paper of the XAT Exam is divided into 3 parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. The Part A of the XAT Exam consists of 3 sections: Decision making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and Quantitative Ability. In Part B, there will be a new round: Mock Keyboard Testing. Part C will consists of GK and Essay questions (it was in Part B last year).

  • The exam mode for the XAT 2024 will be online, considering the previous years’ trends. The candidates have to appear for a computer-based online examination at the allocated Exam Centres.

  • Most of the questions in XAT are MCQ, with one subjective writing part in Part B. the candidates will get MCQ questions from Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

  • The candidates have to first solve the Part A sections to proceed further with Part B and C questions respectively. However, there is no such sequence to solve the sections in Part A. 

  • As per the official update, there is a trend of negative marking for the unanswered questions in the XAT Exam. If you skip 8 or more consecutive questions, -0.10 marks will be deducted for each question.

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