XAT Syllabus 2025: XAT 2025 is scheduled for January 5, 2025. This is an important MBA entrance exam conducted by XLRI. Last year, around 1.35 lakh people appeared for XAT. So you can imagine the competition. Not only that, it is considered one of the toughest MBA entrance exams. Its score is used for students to get into top MBA Colleges in the country like XLRI, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, SP Jain, KJ Somaiya, and TAPMI. Today in this article, we will share everything about Xat Syllabus 2025.
Event | Dates |
XAT Registration Start | July 2024 (2nd week) |
Last date of registration | 1st December 2024 |
Admit Card Release | 23rd December 2024 |
XAT exam date | 5 January 2025 (Tentative) |
Answer Key Release Date | 8 January 2025 (Tentative) |
XAT Result Date | 22 January 2025 (Tentative) |
Cracku offers a comprehensive XAT Syllabus PDF for effective preparation for XAT 2025. The xat syllabus covers all exam topics, including Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability, and General Knowledge. The xat section-wise syllabus helps focus on individual sections, identify strengths and weaknesses so that we can create a structured study plan. XAT 2025 Syllabus PDF provides current information to guide study according to exam needs. You can download cracku’s XAT Syllabus PDF below:
XAT exam has a unique exam pattern. Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation sections are the only sections which are considered for preparing shortlists. The other two sections don't have any negative marking and neither play any role in getting you a shortlist. You can check the detailed exam pattern below:
Exam Sections | Number of questions | Overall Time Duration |
Part-1 | 75 Total MCQs | 175 Minutes |
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | 26 | No Sectional Time Limit |
Decision Making | 21 | No Sectional Time Limit |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | No Sectional Time Limit |
Part-2 | Keyboard Testing | 5 Minutes |
Part-3 | 25 Total MCQs + Essay Writing Test | 30 Minutes |
General Knowledge | 25 | No Sectional Time Limit |
Essay Writing | 1 Descriptive Topic | No Sectional Time Limit |
XLRI doesn't officially release the syllabus of XAT. But you can look at past XAT question papers to get an idea of the types of questions and topics covered. Basis on the previous year's trends, you can find the complete sectionwise syllabus of XAT below.
Every manager and leader needs strong language skills and logical thinking. So, this part of the XAT tests these abilities with 26 questions on logical reasoning and verbal ability. About half of these questions are about reading comprehension. The logical reasoning questions focus on common areas that require deductive skills and making inferences. Find the detailed syllabus below:
Section | Syllabus |
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | Vocabulary Based Questions |
Fill in the blanks | |
Synonyms/ Antonyms | |
Contextual Meaning of Words | |
Jumbled paragraphs | |
Correction of Errors in Sentences | |
Correct Usage of Words | |
Completion of Sentences/Paragraph | |
Critical Reasoning | |
Cloze Test | |
Poem | |
Reading Comprehension | RC Passages on various topics like history, politics, science, culture, society, |
Main Idea & Purpose based Questions | |
Inference Based Questions | |
Author’s View type of question | |
Explanation of Words/Phrases |
This is a section which sets apart XAT from other MBA entrance exams. This section tests the actual decision-making skills of the candidates based on some given set of information about the situation. You are required to think of answers from all aspects i.e. ethical, profit driver, maximum stakeholders' satisfaction etc. Though this section has no specific syllabus, you can understand what type of questions asked below:
Section | Syllabus |
Decision Making | Analytical Reasoning (Decision Making Set) |
HR related DM Sets | |
Ethical Decision making Sets | |
Conclusions | |
Premises | |
Assumptions | |
Situational Decision Making | |
Business Issues |
The QADI section in XAT covers two main areas: Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation. In XAT 2025, this section will have 28 multiple-choice questions. The topics in this section are divided into Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation.
Section | Syllabus |
Quantitative Aptitude | Percentages |
Algebra | |
Number System | |
Geometry | |
Profit and Loss | |
Simple and Compound Interest | |
Speed, Time and Distance | |
Averages | |
Time and Work | |
Ratio and Proportion | |
Mensuration | |
Linear Equations | |
Logarithm | |
Venn Diagrams | |
Progressions | |
Binomial Theorem | |
Inequalities | |
Trigonometry | |
Probability Functions | |
Permutation and Combination | |
Surds and Indices | |
Data Interpretation | Bar Diagrams |
Pie Charts | |
Data Analysis and Comparison | |
Graphs | |
Data Charts | |
Data Tables |
For this section, there is no negative marking so you are allowed to make guesses. Also, this section is not considered while preparing for the shortlist candidate's list. This section is evaluated only at the last and that too with narrow weightage.
Section | Syllabus |
General Knowledge | Business, Finance and Economics |
Current Affairs of National Importance | |
The Indian Constitution and Laws | |
Famous Personalities | |
Awards and Winners | |
Books and Authors | |
History and Geography | |
Current Affairs of International Importance |
Until 2018, the XAT exam included an essay writing section. However, in 2022, XLRI Jamshedpur brought it back. The essay writing section is the only part of the exam where you have to write a descriptive answer. When this section is included, the total exam time increases by 10 minutes. The essay topic is very broad and can be anything. In 2022, candidates had to choose between two topics, but in 2023 and 2024, they had to pick one topic from three options. The essay writing section is about abstract ideas and current thoughts. This section is only evaluated if you are selected for further admission rounds at the institute.
To prepare for XAT, complete the syllabus, practice mock tests, solve previous year question papers, and work on your strengths and weaknesses.
Yes, there is negative marking in XAT. 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer and 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. Moreover, 0.1 marks will be deducted for every unanswered question after 8 unanswered questions.
Many top B-schools like XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, and XIME accept XAT scores for admissions.
Both exams are considered the toughest exams for MBA entrance. But, because because of one additional section of decision making, it becomes slightly more difficult then CAT
If you have prepared and appeared for CAT, then definitely this is enough to crack XAT. Because, its syllabus is very similar to CAT syllabus.
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