What is XAT?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to MBA and PGDM courses in over a hundred and sixty B-schools in India, such as some of the top-ranked colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur, IMT Ghaziabad, and XIMB Bhubaneswar. The XAT is conducted via the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur each and every year.
Eligibility criteria for XAT
The XAT eligibility criteria for this exam are:
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of a minimum of three years duration or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
- There is no minimum percentage of marks required for graduation.
Important dates for XAT
The important dates for the XAT exam are as follows:
- Registration starts -> July.
- Registration ends -> November.
- Admit cards are available -> December.
- Examination occurs -> January.
How to prepare for XAT?
Here are some tips on how to prepare for the XAT exam:
Understand the examination pattern and syllabus-
The first step in getting ready for any examination is to recognize the examination pattern and syllabus. The XAT syllabus is quite vast, so it is vital to begin early and give yourself sufficient time to cover all the topics. You can discover the reliable XAT syllabus on the XLRI Jamshedpur website.
Get appropriate study material-
Once you recognize the examination pattern and syllabus, it is time to get an exact answer about the material. There are many XAT education books and online sources available. Find out about material that is complete and covers all the topics in the syllabus.
Find out the study plan-
Once you have learned about the material, it is necessary to make a plan. This will help you remain on track and ensure that you cover all the subjects in the syllabus. Your learning about layout needs to consist of time for analyzing the material, solving exercise questions, and taking mock tests.
Focus on your weak areas-
Everyone has some topics that they are better at than others. It is essential to pick out your weak areas and focus your attention on them throughout your preparation. You can do this by taking exercise tests and examining your performance.
Take mock tests-
Mock exams are one of the most vital factors in XAT preparation. They will assist you in checking your preparation and picking out any areas where you want to improve. You have to take at least 10–15 mock tests earlier than the proper exam.
Solve previous years’ query papers-
Solving previous years’ XAT question papers is an incredible way to get comfortable with the kinds of questions that are requested in the exam. It will additionally help you pick out the subjects that are often tested.
Analyze your performance-
After taking a mock test, it is essential to analyze your performance. This will help you pick out your strengths and weaknesses. You have to additionally focus on the topics that you are struggling with and strive to enhance your overall performance in these areas.
Stay motivated-
XAT education can be challenging; however, it is vital to continue to be motivated. Remember that challenging work and dedication will pay off in the end.
About the syllabus of the XAT exam
The exam is divided into four sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Critical reasoning
- Logical reasoning
- Decision-Making and Quantitative Ability (DMQA)
- Number system
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Probability
- Data interpretation
- Decision making
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs (GKCA)
- History
- Geography
- Economics
- Polity
- Science and technology
- Business and current affairs
- Essay Writing
- Current affairs
- Social issues
- Business and management
- Personal experiences
Which books should I prefer for the XAT exam?
Here is a list of some of the best books for XAT exam preparation:
Verbal ability and reading comprehension
- Word Power Made Easy by “Norman Lewis”
- Analytical Reasoning by “MK Pandey”
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by “RS Aggarwal”
- High School English Grammar and Composition by “Wren & Martin:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by “Nishit K. Sinha”
Decision-making and quantitative ability
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by “R.S. Aggarwal”
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by “Arun Sharma”
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by “Abhijit Guha”
- Data Interpretation for the CAT by “Nishit K. Sinha”
General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- Newspapers and magazines such as The Hindu, Economic Times, Financial Express, Hindu Business Line, Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Business Today, Business World, and Competition Success Review
- Books like Manorama Yearbook and Lucent’s General Knowledge.
Essay Writing
- The Elements of Style by “William Strunk Jr.” and “E.B. White”
- On Writing Well by “William Zinsser”
- The Art of the Essay by “Philip Lopate”
- The Essay: A Reader for Writers by “Thomas S. Kane”
Common mistakes to avoid in XAT
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the XAT exam:
Not understanding the examination pattern and syllabus:-
It is vital to understand the examination pattern and syllabus before you begin getting ready for the XAT. This will help you focus your attention on the proper subjects and keep you from losing time on matters that are no longer important.
Not using suitable study material-
There is a lot of study materials available for the XAT exam. It is imperative to pick out those that is whole and covers all the topics of the syllabus.
Not making study plans-
Study plans will assist you proceed to be on track and make sure that you cover all the topics in the syllabus. Your study plan ought to contains time table for examining the syllabus, solving exercise questions, and taking mock tests.
Not focusing on your weak areas-
It is essential to become aware of your weak areas and enhance your interest on them in the process of your preparation. You can do this by way of taking mock assessments and analysing your performance.
Not examining your performance-
After taking a mock test, it is essential to analyze your performance. This will help you pick out your strengths and weaknesses. You ought to additionally focus on the subjects that you are struggling with and enhance your overall performance in these areas.
Not solving previous years’ question papers & mock tests-
Solving previous years’ XAT question and giving mock test papers is the best way to get familiar with the kinds of questions that are generally asked in the exam.
Feeling pressured on the day of the exam-
It is vital to remain calm on the day of the exam. Get sufficient sleep the night before and a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam.
FAQs About XAT Exam: A Complete Guide
What is the best percentile in XAT?
The best percentile in XAT depends on the B-schools you are targeting. For the top B-schools, such as XLRI Jamshedpur, IMT Ghaziabad, and XIMB Bhubaneswar, a percentile of ninety-five or above is regarded as good. For different B-schools, a percentile of ninety or above is regarded as good.
What is the income of XAT exam-takers?
The common revenue provided to XAT exam takers varies depending on the college they attend. For the top B-schools, the common income is around 15-20 lakhs per annum. For different B-schools, the common revenue is around 10–15 lakhs per annum.
What are the job possibilities after XAT?
After XAT, you are eligible for a broad range of job possibilities in the administration sector. Some of the most common job roles include:
- Management consultant
- Investment banker
- Financial analyst
- Marketing manager
- human resources manager
- Operations manager
- supply chain manager
Can I re-attempt the XAT exam?
Yes, you can reappear for the XAT exam. There is no restriction on the number of instances in which you can appear for an exam. However, it is vital to note that every time you appear for the exam, you will have to pay a registration fee.
What are some of the top B-schools that accept XAT scores?
Here is a list of some of the top B-schools that accept XAT scores:
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- IMT Ghaziabad
- XIMB Bhubaneswar
- FMS Delhi
- SPJIMR Mumbai
- MDI Gurgaon
- NMIMS Mumbai
- TAPMI Manipal
- The Great Lakes Institute of Management
- IRMA Ahmedabad
- Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai
Conclusion
The XAT examination is a difficult one; however, it is possible to crack it with the proper preparation. The key to success is to recognize the examination pattern and syllabus, select the proper learning material, make a study plan, focus on your weak areas, solve previous years’ question papers, take mock tests, and analyze your performance. It is additionally necessary to continue to be calm and focused on the day of the exam.
The XAT examination opens up a large range of career possibilities in the administration sector. Some of the most famous job roles encompass administration consultant, investment banker, financial analyst, marketing manager, human resource manager, operations manager, and supply chain manager.
If you are planning to take the XAT exam, this blog will be helpful for you. I wish you all the best for your preparation and exam!
