XAT 2025 EXAM PATTERN : Syllabus , EXAM Structure , Question Paper , Tips and Strategy
XAT 2025 EXAM PATTERN : Syllabus , EXAM Structure , Question Paper , Tips and Strategy
The exam is administered online and has a total of 104 questions that must be solved in 210 minutes. There is a sectional time restriction for each of the three sections that comprise the question paper. Check out the highlights of the XAT test pattern 2025 that XLRI has provided below:
MBA/PGDM ADMISSION DEADLINE !! APPLY NOW
XAT Exam Structure
| Exam Sections | Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, Essay Writing |
| Duration of exam | 210 minutes |
| Number of questions | 104 |
| Total marks | 104 |
| Language of paper | English |
| Number of answer choices | Four |
| Mode of examination | Online |
| XAT Marking Scheme |
+1 mark for correct answer – 0.25 marks for incorrect answer – 0.10 marks for more than 8 un-attempted questions No negative marking in GK section |
XAT Syllabus 2025
The entire syllabus for the XAT covers all of the key subjects, including general knowledge, verbal and logical ability, data interpretation, and quantitative ability. It contains a special section on decision-making in business, titled Decision Making. The topics covered in the syllabus should be the cornerstone for your XAT preparation. Here are a few of the key subjects covered in the XAT syllabus for 2025:
| XAT Sections | XAT Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Para Jumble, Grammar, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the Blanks |
| Decision Making | Seating Arrangement, Logical Sequencing, Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions, etc. |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | Tables and Caselets, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Algebra, Mensuration, Bar Diagrams, Pie Charts, etc. |
| General Knowledge | Science, Economy, Business, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prize and Award, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc. |
XAT Question Paper Structure
Three components make up the XAT question paper. All questions, excluding the brief essay, are multiple-choice questions. The table below shows the marking scheme and breakdown of the XAT question paper:
| Parts | XAT Sections | Number of Questions | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 (175 minutes) | Decision Making | 22 | 22 |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | 26 | |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 | |
| Part 2 (5 minutes) | Mock Keyboard Testing | – | – |
| Part 3 (30 minutes) | General Knowledge + Essay Writing (evaluated during PI) | 25 + 3 | 25 |
| Overall | — | 104 | 104 |
MBA/PGDM Admission Deadline !! Apply Now
XAT 2025 Preparation: Strategies and Advice
One of the hardest MBA entry examinations is the XAT. It takes a lot of time, effort, and consistency to prepare for the XAT 2025 exam pattern. About 100 questions make up the exam, which covers topics including essay writing, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, general awareness, English, and decision-making.
There is a time limit for candidates to finish each segment. Thus, in order to perform well on the XAT, candidates must enhance their problem-solving and time management abilities. Here is a section-by-section preparation plan that will help you ace the XAT 2025 exam pattern.
XAT 2025 Sectional Breakdown
| XAT Exam Part | Section | No. of Questions | Duration (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR) | 26 | 175 minutes |
| Decision Making (DM) | 22 | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | ||
| Part 2 | Mock Keyboard Testing | NA | 5 minutes |
| Part 3 | General Knowledge (GK) | 25 | 30 minutes |
XAT 2025 Exam Overview
The XAT 2025 exam pattern is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect:
- Exam Style and Format: The exam includes MCQs under sections such as Quantitative Ability, Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, and General Knowledge.
- Syllabus: Covers quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, decision-making, and general awareness.
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Begin your preparation by understanding the syllabus and exam structure.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: Create a strategy to complete each section within the given time.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work consistently to improve them.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs closely for the General Knowledge section.
Test Cities
The XAT 2025 exam will be conducted in multiple cities across India. The complete list will be released on the official XAT website. Candidates must choose their preferred city carefully during registration.
Question Paper Analysis
After the exam, detailed question paper analysis will be available to help future aspirants understand the difficulty level, question types, and performance trends.
Conclusion
With the registration period starting on July 15, 2024, and the exam scheduled on January 5, 2025, aspirants have enough time to prepare. Early registration helps secure preferred test cities and gives adequate time to plan an effective preparation strategy.
Get ready to embark on your journey to one of India’s most prestigious MBA programs with the XAT 2025 exam!
FAQs – XAT 2025 Exam Pattern & Sections
Get detailed answers about XAT 2025 exam pattern, section-wise weightage, and reading comprehension structure.
What is the weighting for each section of the XAT?
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation – 28 marks (highest weightage)
- Verbal & Logical Ability – 26 marks
- General Knowledge – 25 marks
- Decision Making – 22 marks
Which section of the XAT 2025 paper will include the most number of questions?
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation – 28 questions
- Verbal & Logical Ability – 26 questions
- General Knowledge – 25 questions
- Decision Making – 22 questions
- Essay (250 words) – 1 question (choose 1 topic out of 3)
What kind of sections in the XAT need reading comprehension?
- Research articles
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Art
- Occasionally, poetry
Need help with admissions or coaching?
Use the contact form — we'll respond with guidance on colleges, timelines, and coaching options.