XAT 2025 Latest Updates
- The last date of XAT 2025 application process is November 30, 2024. Click here to fill the XAT 2025 application form.
- XAT 2025 admit card will be out on December 20, 2024. Click here to download.
- XAT 2025 exam will take place on January 5, 2024 from 2 pm onwards to 5:30 pm.
XAT 2025 Overview
XAT, which is the Xavier Aptitude Test, is one of India’s top entrance test for admission in MBA/PGDM courses. On behalf of XAMI, XLRI Jamshedpur will conduct XAT 2025. It is conducted once every year. The computer-based test will comprise 95 MCQs with 5 options each. There is a negative marking for every incorrect answer. The XAT 2025 registration is currently ongoing. The total number of aspirants that registered for XAT 2024 is close to 1,35,000. Aspirants can expect close to the same number in 2025. Only XAT 2025 scores will be accepted for admission in MBA/PGDM at XLRI Jamshedpur and Delhi campuses. Apart from that, over 250+ top management colleges in India accept XAT scores.
XAT 2025 Highlights
Some of the highlights of XAT 2025 are:
- Official Website- xatonline.in
- Conducted By – Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur
- Mode of Test – Computer-based
- Medium of Exam – English
- Total Exam Sessions – One session (3 hours)
- XAT Associates – 103
- Accepting Institutions- 250+
What’s New in XAT 2025?
- Changes in exam timings: The exam timings have been reduced from 210 minutes to 180 minutes in 2025.
- Change in General Knowledge Section: The number of questions in this section has been reduced from 25 questions to 20 questions; comprising 8 GK questions and 12 questions related to current affairs.
- Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) Section Removed: AEW will now be a part of the GD-PI round. The section will not be a part of XAT 2025.
- 4 new XAT associate members have been added. They are-
- IILM University, Gurugram,
- IILM University, Greater Noida
- IIBS, Bengaluru
- Fortune Institute of International Business, New Delhi
XAT 2025 Important Dates
| Events | Date (Tentative) | Links |
| XAT 2025 Notification Release Date | July 15, 2024 | https://xat.org.in/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUtlwN5wbGtw1WeUXGhMnM2p02eAsMk9fRM_7PP6vClKJGYev87FD9waAnajEALw_wcB |
| XAT 2025 Registration Start Date | July 15, 2024 | https://xat.org.in/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUtlwN5wbGtw1WeUXGhMnM2p02eAsMk9fRM_7PP6vClKJGYev87FD9waAnajEALw_wcB |
| XAT 2025 Registration Last Date | November 30, 2024 | https://xat.org.in/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUtlwN5wbGtw1WeUXGhMnM2p02eAsMk9fRM_7PP6vClKJGYev87FD9waAnajEALw_wcB |
| XAT 2025 Admit Card Release Date | December 20, 2024 | To be updated soon |
| XAT 2025 Exam Date | January 5, 2025 | To be updated soon |
| XAT 2025 Answer Key Release Date | January 10, 2025 | To be updated soon |
| XAT 2025 Answer Key Challenge Date | January 14, 2025 | To be updated soon |
| XAT 2025 Results Date | January 20, 2025 | To be updated soon |
Top XAT Accepting Colleges 2025
Provided below are the best XAT accepting colleges 2025:
| Logo | Institutes | ||
 | XLRI – Xavier School of Management Jamshedpur | ||
 | Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai | ||
 | GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management) | ||
 | IMI Delhi (International Management Institute) | ||
 | MICA Ahmedabad (Mudra Institute of Communications) | ||
 | IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology) | ||
 | TAPMI Manipal (T.A.Pai Management Institute) | ||
 | KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai | ||
 | XIM University Bhubaneswar | ||
 | IRMA | ||
 | XIME (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship) | ||
 | IBA Bangalore (Indus Business Academy, Bangalore) | ||
 | AIMS (Acharya Institute of Management and Sciences) | ||
 | ITM Navi Mumbai (Institute for Technology and Management, Navi Mumbai) | ||
 | DY Patil (DY Patil University) | ||
 | IMM (Institute of Marketing and Management) | ||
 | IIEBM Pune (Indus Institute of Entrepreneurial Business Management, Pune) | ||
 | Bennett University (Bennett University) | ||
 | IILM (Institute for Integrated Learning in Management) | ||
 | GNIOT (Greater Noida Institute of Technology) | ||
 | ISME (International School of Management Excellence) | ||
 | Alliance University (Alliance University) | ||
 | Doon Business School (Doon Business School) | ||
 | EIILM Kolkata (Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata) | ||
 | Amity Noida (Amity University, Noida) | ||
 | GIBS Bangalore (Global Institute of Business Studies, Bangalore) | ||
 | SBS Ahmedabad (Shanti Business School, Ahmedabad) | ||
 | Jaipuria (Jaipuria Institute of Management) | ||
 | NDIM (New Delhi Institute of Management) | ||
 | Lexicon MILE Pune (Lexicon Management Institute of Leadership and Excellence, Pune) | ||
 | UBS Mumbai (Universal Business School, Mumbai) |
XAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Aspirants can have a look at the XAT 2025 eligibility criteria below:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of at least three years in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent institution. Final-year students can also apply, provided they complete their exams by June 2025.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the XAT exam.
For NRI and Foreign Candidates: Candidates applying to XLRI programs from outside India may apply through GMAT scores instead of XAT, provided the GMAT exam was taken between December 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. However, they still need to register for XAT.
Work Experience: Work experience is not required for most XAT programs, though it can be beneficial. For XLRI’s General Management Program, candidates must have a minimum of five years of managerial experience by March 31, 2025
XAT 2025 Seat Reservation
XAT 2025 does not have a caste-based reservation policy. Candidates from all categories, including SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and EWS, are required to apply under the unreserved category for admission to XLRI programs through XAT. However, other institutions accepting XAT scores may have individual reservation policies based on their specific guidelines.
How to Register for XAT 2025?
XAT 2025 registration is ongoing. Aspirants who have not registered can follow these detailed steps to complete their XAT 2025 application process:
Pre-Registration
- Gather Documents: Ensure you have digital copies of your passport-size photo and signature, along with your academic records and work experience details.
- System Requirements: Use an updated browser like Chrome or Firefox for smooth registration. Ensure your email is active throughout the application process and you have a registered mobile number.
Registration
Step 1: Visit the XAT Official Website – https://xatonline.in/.
Step 2: Create an Account
– Select “New Candidate Registration” if it’s your first time.
– Fill in basic details like your name, email, and mobile number.
– Verify your information to generate your XAT 2025 ID and password.
Step 3: Log in and Access Application Form
– Use the XAT ID and password to log in.
– Click on “Go to XAT 2025 Application Form” to start filling out the application.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
– Personal and Academic Details: Enter your personal information and educational qualifications.
– Work Experience: Specify your work experience if applicable.
– XLRI Program Selection: Choose any additional XLRI programs, each with a nominal fee.
Step 5: Upload Documents
– Upload your recent photograph (200×300 pixels, 20-50 KB, JPEG format) and your signature (140 x 60 pixels, 10-20 KB, JPEG format)
Step 6: XAT 2025 Application Fee Payment
– Pay the XAT 2025 application fees of Rs 2,200 online using credit/debit card or net banking. Ensure payment completion by checking for an e-receipt.
Step 7: Final Review and Submission
– Double-check your details since there’s limited scope for changes once submitted.
– After successful payment and form submission, print a copy of your application for future references.
Documents Required for XAT 2025 Registration
For XAT 2025 registration, aspirants should have the following documents ready:
- Passport-size Photograph:
– Dimensions: 200×300 pixels, size 20-50 KB.
– Format: JPEG or JPG.
– Should be recent and against a light background, preferably white.
- Signature:
– Dimensions: 140×60 pixels, size 10-20 KB.
– Format: JPEG or JPG.
– Ensure the signature is on white paper with a black ink pen, clear and legible.
- Academic Documents:
– Details of your bachelor’s degree (completion certificate, marksheets).
– For final-year students, provide relevant information to confirm you’ll complete your degree by June 2025.
- Work Experience Certificate:
– Mention the total years of experience; specific documents may be required later during the interview stage.
- Payment Details:
– Credit/debit card or net banking information for fee payment.
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number:
– Required for registration verification and future communication
XAT 2025 Application Fee
Aspirants can have a look at the XAT 2025 application fee structure provided below:
The basic XAT 2025 registration fee is Rs. 2,200 for the XAT exam for all categories. Those who are applying for XLRI Jamshedpur’s specific PGDM programs (such as Business Management, Human Resource Management, General Management, etc.), an additional fee of Rs. 200 is charged per program.
The XAT 2025 fee can be paid through online methods like:
– Debit/Credit Cards
– Internet Banking
– Mobile Wallets and Cash Cards
Once the payment is completed, candidates will receive an e-Receipt for confirmation. It’s crucial to verify payment status since a failed transaction may require repeating the process.
XAT 2025 Admit Card Download Link
XAT 2025 admit card is expected to be released on December 20, 2024. Aspirants can download the admit card by visiting the official XAT website, logging in with their XAT ID and password, and following the prompts to view and print the card. The link will be updated here once the admit card is out. A printed copy of the admit card, along with a valid photo ID, must be brought to the exam center on the day of the test
XAT Exam Pattern 2025
- Exam Slots : 1
- Total Questions: 95 [Part 1 (75 questions) ; Part 2 (20 questions)]
- Total Marks: 95
- Total Time Allotted: 180 mins
- Total Sections: 4
- Time Allotted in Each Section: No Sectional Time Limit [Part 1 (170 mins) ; Part 2 (10 mins)]
- Questions per section: Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning – 26; Decision Making- 21; Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation – 28; General Knowledge- 20
- Type of Questions: MCQs
- Marks Awarded for Every Correct Answer: +1
- Marks Deducted for Every Wrong Answer: -0.25
- Negative marking: MCQs
XAT Syllabus 2025
Aspirants can have a look at the XAT 2025 syllabus for easy understanding below:
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Passages, analysis, interpretation
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction
- Logical Reasoning: Critical reasoning, analogies, syllogisms, arguments, statement-assumption, statement-conclusion, and para jumbles
Decision Making
- Analytical Reasoning: Situational decision-making questions, interpretation of scenarios, and analysis of outcomes
- Ethical Dilemmas: Questions based on ethics in business, personal and professional conflicts
- Situational Decision Making: Caselets, data-driven decision scenarios, policy making
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, simple and compound interest
- Algebra: Equations, functions, and sequences
- Geometry and Mensuration: Circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, coordinate geometry
- Number System: Divisibility, factors, remainders, LCM and HCF
- Modern Mathematics: Permutation and combination, probability, set theory
- Data Interpretation: Data tables, graphs, charts, caselets
General Knowledge
- Current Affairs: National and international events, business, sports
- Static GK: History, geography, Indian polity, important dates, awards, books and authors, science, economics
What are the Best Resources for XAT?
There are many online resources and mock tests available for aspirants looking for the best resources for XAT 2025. For those aspirants who needs some physical resources can refer the following for a proper XAT 2025 preparation:
Verbal and Logical Reasoning
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis – For vocabulary building
- High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin – For grammar basics
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh – Specific to CAT and XAT-style comprehension and VA questions
Decision Making
- Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT – While CAT-focused, it includes logical reasoning exercises relevant to XAT
- Jabbing the XAT with DILR and DM by Vivek Deveshwar and Arihant Experts – Specifically includes XAT decision-making exercises
Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers basics for arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma – This includes advanced-level questions, similar to those asked in XAT
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha – Useful for DI preparation
General Knowledge
Monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan and Banking Services Chronicle (BSC) – Provide current events and general awareness
Manorama Yearbook – Good for static GK and current affairs
XAT 2025 Cutoff
Aspirants preparing must be aware of the XAT cutoff trends to plan their exam strategy. XAT cutoff trends analysis is the best way to do the same. The XAT 2025 cutoff will be released after the test results are out. The cutoff of XAT 2025 is released by the institutes individually based on which a merit list is prepared. Those whose names are on the merit list are called to appear for the GD-PI round. Candidates can have a look at the expected XAT 2025 cut off provided below:
XAT 2025 Cut Off (Expected): 100-80 Percentile
| XAT Accepting Colleges | Expected Cutoff |
|---|---|
| XLRI Jamshedpur (BM) | 93-95 |
| IMI Delhi | 90-92 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 90-92 |
| XLRI Jamshedpur (HRM) | 88-90 |
| Great Lakes Chennai | 85-90 |
| MICA Ahmedabad | 85-90 |
| GIM Goa | 85-88 |
| TAPMI Manipal | 85-88 |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai | 85-88 |
| XIM University Bhubaneswar | 85-88 |
| IRMA | 85-88 |
XAT 2025 Cut Off (Expected): 80-70 Percentile
| XAT Accepting Colleges | Expected Cutoff |
| XIME | 70-80 |
| IBA Bangalore | 70-80 |
| AIMS | 70 |
| ITM Navi Mumbai | 70 |
| DY Patil | 70 |
| Alliance University | 70 |
| IIEBM Pune | 70 |
| Bennett University | 70 |
XAT 2025 Cut Off (Expected): 60 Percentile
| XAT Accepting Colleges | Expected Cutoff |
| IMM | 60 |
| IILM | 60 |
| GNIOT | 60 |
| ISME | 60 |
| Doon Business School | 60 |
| EIILM Kolkata | 60 |
| Amity Noida | 60 |
| GIBS Bangalore | 60 |
| SBS Ahmedabad | 60 |
| Jaipuria | 60 |
| NDIM | 60 |
| Lexicon MILE Pune | 60 |
| UBS Mumbai | 60 |
XAT 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for XAT 2025 involves several stages. It is listed below:
- Candidates must register and appear for the XAT 2025 exam, which tests various skills, including verbal ability, decision-making, quantitative ability, and general knowledge.
- After the exam, the XAT scores are calculated, and each participating institute sets its own cutoff based on the scores.
- Candidates who meet the cutoff criteria are shortlisted for the next stage, which typically involves a Personal Interview (PI) and/or a Group Discussion (GD)
- Group Discussion (GD): Candidates may be required to participate in a group discussion on a given topic. This assesses communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to articulate thoughts.
- Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interviews. The interview panel usually comprises faculty and industry experts who evaluate the candidates on various parameters such as academic performance, work experience, and motivation for pursuing a management program.
- Assessment of Other Factors – Some institutes may also consider additional factors, such as:
- Past Academic Performance: Evaluation of 10th, 12th, and undergraduate academic records.
- Work Experience: Duration and relevance of work experience may be considered, if applicable.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities can also enhance the candidate’s profile.
- The final selection is based on a composite score that combines the XAT score, performance in GD and PI, and other criteria such as academic performance and work experience.
- Selected candidates receive admission offers, which they must accept to secure their seat in the program. The other formalities include payment of fees and document verification.
How to prepare for GD-PI after XAT 2025?
Stay Informed on Current Affairs
– Read newspapers, magazines, and online news portals regularly.
– Focus on business news, economic trends, and significant national/international events.
– Use platforms like The Hindu, Economic Times, and Business Standard for reliable information.
Brush Up on Your Basics
– Review your undergraduate subjects, especially if they relate to the course you’re applying for.
– Be prepared to discuss any projects or internships mentioned in your resume.
Preparing for Group Discussions
– Prepare a list of common GD topics, such as current events, social issues, and business trends.
– Use resources like GD topics from previous years, online forums, or coaching institute materials.
– Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
– Practice with friends or family members to improve your confidence and fluency.
– In GDs, listening is as important as speaking. Acknowledge others’ points before presenting your views.
– Develop the ability to build on others’ arguments or counter them respectfully.
Preparing for Personal Interviews
– Be clear about your motivations for pursuing an MBA and your career goals.
– Prepare to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and failures.
– Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to simulate the interview environment.
– Seek feedback on your responses, body language, and overall presentation.
– Know about the specific program you are applying to, including faculty, courses, and placement statistics.
– Be prepared to explain why you chose that particular institute.
Other things to consider are:
- Practice common behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?”).
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions.
- Maintain good posture, eye contact, and a confident tone during interviews and discussions.
- Practice clear and effective communication.
- Connect with alumni or current students from your target institutes to gain insights into the GD-PI process.
XAT 2025 Exam Analysis
XAT is considered to be a comparatively challenging exam compared to other MBA exams in India. In the previous two years, 2023 and 2024, the difficulty level of the XAT paper was moderate to high. There have been some major changes in XAT 2025 exam pattern. Owing to the changes, aspirants might see some new questions. However, based on the difficulty level of questions from the same topics, the difficulty level is expected at moderate to high.
XAT 2025 Exam Centres
There are over 100 designated XAT 2025 exam centers. In 2025, a total of 34 new test centers has been added. They are as follows:
Ajmer, Aligarh, Anantapur, Arrah, Baddi, Balasore, Bareilly, Bhagalpur, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Chikkaballapur, Darbhanga, Davanagere, Dhenkanal, Haldwani, Hazaribagh, Hisar, Jodhpur, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Kalyani, Karimnagar, Kolhapur, Kurukshetra, Mehsana, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Muzaffarpur, Nanded, Patiala, Salem, Shimla, Sikar, Ujjain, Vellore.
Important Links:
- XAT AnswerKey 2025
- XAT 2025 Result Link
FAQs
-
Is XAT 2025 registration open?
Yes, the registration for XAT 2025 is currently open. Candidates can register online through the official XAT website. The registration process began on July 15, 2024, and will continue until November 30, 2024.
-
What is the pattern of XAT exam 2025?
The XAT 2025 exam will be conducted online for 180 minutes, comprising four sections: Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. It includes approximately 95 questions, with a penalty of -0.25 for incorrect answers.
-
Is XAT harder than CAT?
XAT is often considered more challenging than CAT due to its unique sections like Decision Making, which involves complex ethical dilemmas. The verbal section in XAT is also seen as more difficult.
-
What is the XAT exam used for?
The XAT exam is primarily used for admission to postgraduate management programs in various Indian institutes, most notably XLRI Jamshedpur. Over 250 institutions accept XAT scores, making it a key gateway for candidates seeking MBA and PGDM courses. It evaluates candidates on their aptitude in areas like verbal ability, decision making, and quantitative skills.
-
Who is eligible for the XAT 2025?
To be eligible for XAT 2025, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no specific age limit, and both fresh graduates and working professionals can apply. Candidates who are in their final year of graduation are also eligible, provided they complete their degree before the XAT 2025 admission process.
-
Does any IIM accept the XAT score?
No, IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) do not accept XAT scores for their admission processes. Instead, they primarily accept scores from the CAT (Common Admission Test). However, some other prestigious institutions, like XLRI Jamshedpur, use XAT scores for their management programs. Candidates interested in IIMs should focus on preparing for the CAT.
-
Is 24 a good score in XAT?
A score of 24 in XAT is generally considered low, as the exam’s scoring system is competitive, with top candidates often scoring above 30 or even higher. Each participating institution sets its own cutoff, but typically, a score of around 30-35 is needed for good chances at premier institutes like XLRI.
-
What is 8 marks in XAT?
In the XAT exam, scoring 8 marks typically corresponds to an approximate percentile of 85, indicating that the candidate performed better than 85% of test-takers. For context, a score of 9-10 marks would yield a 90 percentile, while 11-12 marks would reach the 95 percentile. Achieving higher marks is crucial for gaining admission to top management programs, such as those at XLRI Jamshedpur.
-
Is GK counted in XAT?
Yes, the General Knowledge (GK) section is included in the XAT 2025 exam. It assesses candidates’ awareness of current affairs and static general knowledge. However, the GK section does not have a negative marking scheme, and its score is not used for calculating the overall percentile. Instead, it is evaluated separately and may be considered during the selection process by certain institutions, such as XLRI.
-
How many essays to attempt in XAT?
Unlike previous years, XAT 2025 does not have any essay section. The essay section added in the GD-PI rounds can be used by institutes to evaluate students for admission in MBA in 2025.
-
What is a decent score in XAT?
A decent score in XAT is generally around 30–35 marks, which can place candidates in the 90–95 percentile range. This score is typically competitive for top institutes like XLRI and other premier B-schools. However, exact percentiles may vary slightly each year based on the difficulty of the exam and overall candidate performance.
-
Is there sectional timing in XAT?
No, there is no sectional time limit in XAT 2025. Part I is allotted 170 minutes and for Part 2, candidates will be provided 10 minutes to complete the section.
-
Which section is tough in XAT?
The Decision Making section is often considered the toughest in the XAT exam, as it requires complex problem-solving and ethical reasoning, which are unique to this test. Additionally, the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section can be challenging due to its calculation-intensive questions. The Verbal Ability section can also be difficult, particularly in critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
-
Does XAT have TITA questions?
No, the XAT exam does not include TITA (Type In The Answer) questions. All questions are multiple-choice with four options, so candidates must select the correct answer rather than typing it out. This format makes the XAT 2025 different from exams like CAT, which do have TITA questions.
-
What is the cutoff for XAT 2025?
The expected XAT 2025 cutoff varies across top institutes. For XLRI Jamshedpur, candidates aiming for PGDM-BM and HRM programs should target an overall percentile between 95-96, with sectional cutoffs around 80-90 in different areas. Other prestigious institutes like Great Lakes Chennai, GIM Goa, and IMI Delhi generally require around 85-90 percentile, while institutes like KJ Somaiya Mumbai may consider 80-82 percentile for admissions.
