XAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The XAT Exam Pattern has been revised, featuring three sections in the XAT 2024 exam. Notable changes in the XAT Exam Pattern include:
- The Essay Writing section is now combined with the GK section in Part 3, with an extended time of 30 minutes instead of the previous 25 minutes.
- All questions, except the essay, will be in the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The paper will consist of a total of 100 MCQs, with 75 in Part 1 and 25 in Part 3.
- Scores from the GK section will not contribute to the final XAT score.
- The time duration for the XAT paper has been increased from 190 minutes to 210 minutes.
| Particulars |
XAT 2023 |
XAT 2022 |
XAT 2021 |
XAT 2020 |
| ExamDuration |
3 Hours 30 Minutes |
3 Hours 10 Minutes |
3 Hours |
3Hours |
| Number of Sections |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
| Number of Questions |
102 |
101 |
100 |
99 |
| Type of Questions |
MCQs-101; Descriptive-1 |
MCQs-100; Descriptive-1 |
MCQs |
MCQs |
| Subjective Answer Questions |
1 (Essay Writing Test) |
1 (Essay Writing Test) |
No |
No |
| Maximum marks |
100-101 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) |
100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) |
100 |
99 |
| Key Change |
Essay Writing Test in 2ndPart |
Essay Writing Test Restored |
No Essay Writing Test |
No Essay Writing Test |
| Penalty for Leaving Questions Unattempted |
None |
0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions |
Not Announced |
0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions |
| Scoring Pattern |
+1 Mark for each correct answer;
– 0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
+1 Mark for each correct answer;
– 0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
+1 Mark for each correct answer;
-0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
+1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
XAT Sectional Exam Pattern 2024
According to the XAT exam pattern, the XAT test paper is segmented into three parts.
After finishing the initial two parts within the initial 180 minutes, candidates can proceed to the GK section. There is no sectional time limit for the first three sections of the XAT paper. Candidates have the flexibility to switch between sections in part 1 of the paper.
The sectional XAT exam pattern is given below including the number of questions and the time duration:
| Part |
Section Name |
Max. Questions |
Max. Marks |
Time Limit |
| Part 1 |
Verbal and Logical Ability |
26 |
26 |
175 minutes |
| Decision Making |
21 |
21 |
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation |
28 |
28 |
| Part 2 |
Mock Keyboard Testing |
– |
– |
5 minutes |
| Part 3 |
General Knowledge |
25 |
25 |
30 minutes |
| Essay Writing |
3 (1 to be attempted) |
Essay will be evaluated after the candidates is shortlisted for the PI round. |
| Total |
– |
105 |
100 |
210 minutes |
XAT Verbal and Logical Ability Pattern
The Verbal and Logical Ability section of XAT 2024 consists of 26 objective-type questions.
The XAT Verbal & Logical Ability section will cover questions related to grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning. There will be approximately 4 reading comprehension passages, each with 3 questions. The verbal ability section will include 8 to 10 questions. The difficulty level is typically moderate to difficult. Key Topics from VARC & LR include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Completion
- Vocabulary
- Analogy
- Critical Reasoning
- Statements and Assumptions
