XLRI XAT: Syllabus and Pattern for Entrance Test
Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur. XAT score is used by 40 odd management institutes. Though XAT is similar to other management entrance tests but it is not the same.
XAT is Different:
XAT is a little different from other MBA Entrance exams. In recent years XAT difficulty level has increased a lot resulting in fewer scores. The best way is try NOT to attempt all the questions to avoid negative marking.
Test Duration:
2 hour + 20 minutes for the Essay.
Progressive Negative Marking:
For up to five mistakes in a section 1/3rd mark is deducted. For every additional mistake, 1/2 mark was deducted from the total score. For a correct answer, one mark is awarded.
Question Paper Pattern for XAT:
XAT pattern is non standard and unpredictable. The number of questions, the number of choices, the type of questions and the sections, all vary.
The 2008 paper was divided in three sections:
Section I: Verbal Section:
Questions are based on difficult Reading Comprehension passages. Choices are normally vague and too close to answer.
Section II: Quantitative Ability:
This section contains many Pure Math questions based on Probability, Differentiation, Integration, Binomial Theorem, Matrices, Functions etc. Rest of the questions are similar to ones asked in CAT.
Section III: Data Interpretation and Analytical Reasoning:
This section may have DI, Puzzles etc and does have some easy questions. The reasoning section in XAT usually consists of ‘Management Decision Making’ questions involving Case Studies.
What about GK?
Though there used to be a section on GK in XAT paper, it has been missing for some time. However it may be added in future.
Essay in XAT:
Writing ability is important in business situations and this section measures whether the person has basic communication skills or not. The topics of the essays vary between general or current topics.
Conclusion:
Even after 50 years of experience in conducting the entrance exam, XLRI has not been able to standardize XAT pattern. The candidates have to prepare for everything and try not to attempt too much. Devote some extra time on Maths and Essay Writing in addition to your preparation for other entrance exams.