
XAT Exam Pattern 2025: Check Latest Marking Scheme, Exam Duration, Total Marks
XAT 2025 Exam Pattern
XLRI Jamshedpur decides the exam pattern of XAT. XAT 2025 question paper will contain three parts, each with an individual sectional time limit of 210 minutes. The XAT 2025 question paper’s first part will include Decision-making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation for 175 minutes, the second part will contain a 5-minute mock test on the keyboard, and the third part will include a General Knowledge section and a short essay topic 30 minutes. Each section of the XAT 2024 question paper will have 22-27 questions in multiple-choice format except for essay writing, and for choosing the right answer, five options will be given. Candidates should attempt, and the time taken to solve the questions should not exceed the sectional time limit. PwD candid producers will get 20 minutes extra per part. XAT is unique in that, although it is an MCQ-based evaluation like other MBA entry exams, it features some notable differences that make it more difficult to crack. However, with a thorough understanding of the XAT pattern and some test-taking techniques, high scores can be achieved.
The table given below shows the key highlights of the XAT exam pattern.
XAT Exam Structure | XAT Exam Details |
Number of sections | 5 (Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation and General Knowledge and Essay Writing) |
XAT time limit | 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
Number of questions | 105 |
Total marks | 105 |
Number of answer choices | Five |
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 consecutive un-attempted questions No negative marking in the GK section |
XAT Pattern 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions
XAT Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
Decision Making | 22 | 22 |
Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 | 26 |
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | 28 |
General Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
Essay (250 words) | 1 (candidates can choose 1 topic from 3 options) | To be evaluated upon shortlisting |
XAT 2025 Marking Scheme
While the XAT exam pattern shares similarities with other MBA entrance exams, its marking scheme has unique characteristics. Here are the key highlights of the XAT marking scheme for 2025:
1. Candidates receive 1 mark for each correct answer.
2. A deduction of 0.25 marks is applied for every incorrect answer.
3. If more than 8 consecutive questions are left unanswered, a penalty of 0.10 marks is imposed.
4. There is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.
5. General Knowledge section scores are not factored into the calculation of the XAT percentile.
6. No marks are assigned to the essay section.
7. The essay is evaluated during the personal interview shortlisting process.