XAT Syllabus 2023 & Exam Pattern

XAT syllabus

XAT syllabus –  XAT 2023 exam date is January 8, 2023.  The XAT test is divided into four sections, one having MCQ-style questions and one with descriptive questions. As a result, the Xavier Aptitude Test – XAT Syllabus 2023 is separated into the five components listed below.

i) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension;

ii) Decision Making,

iii) Quantitative Aptitude

iv) General Awareness

v) Essay Writing Test

 With the exception of the General Awareness and Essay Writing Tests, all of the other three portions are core components that determine the XAT percentile score as well as the XLRI shortlisting criterion. The scores from the General Awareness and Essay Writing portions are considered during the personal interview phase.

People also ask – 

Q. What is the XAT syllabus?

Ans. XAT syllabus

XAT syllabus is prescribed by XLRI Jamshedpur and it includes topics from Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge. The XAT syllabus was revised this year with the reintroduction of the Essay Writing section.

Q. Is the XAT exam easy?

Ans. The difficulty level of both CAT and XAT is moderate to high. Both exams are considered the toughest among all the MBA entrance exams in India.

Q. Is XAT and CAT syllabus the same?

Ans. One of the key differences between the CAT and XAT syllabus is the varying topics and sections. CAT does not have the Decision-Making section and GK section but the XAT exam has DM and GK as separate sections. Another key difference is the XAT Vs CAT difficulty level. XAT is considered a bit more difficult than the CAT exam.

Q. What is XAT used for?

Ans. XAT exam full form is Xavier Aptitude Test and the exam is one of the largest MBA Entrance Exams for admission to XLRI, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, and 160+ MBA Colleges in India.

Q. What is a good XAT score?

Ans. Knowing what is a good score in XAT 2022 is important as many top colleges accept XAT scores for admission.

Q. What is a Good Score in XAT 2022?

XAT 2022 Overall Score(Out of 75)	Expected XAT 2022 Percentile
30+	90+ percentile
32+	93+ percentile
35+	95+ percentile
40.5+	99+ percentile

XAT 2023 Exam Syllabus: Overview

Section & Percentage of Weightage in XAT Exam Percentile Calculation	Important XAT Syllabus Topics
Verbal & Logical Ability: % Wt 35% (26 Questions Out of 75)	Verbal & RC Vocabulary, fill in the blanks with correct words, synonyms/antonyms, contextual usage, Jumbled Paragraphs, Correction of errors, Correct use of words, Completion of sentences, Completion of the paragraph, RC passages based on Abstract topics, Literature, Social and Economic issues; Science & Culture; history & fiction LR Analogy, Clocks, calendars, Fact, Inference, Judgement, binary logic, seating arrangement, blood relations, logical sequence, assumption, premise, conclusion
Decision Making (DM): 28% Wt (21 Questions Out of 75)	Conditions and Grouping Test; Data Arrangement Test; Complex Arrangement; Decision Making in a situation; Case lets
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QADI): 37% Wt (28 Questions Out of 75)	QA LCM and HCF, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interest (Simple and Compound), Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion, Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Pure Math, Venn diagrams, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Complex Numbers, Logarithm, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices, Inequalities, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Functions, Set Theory, Mixtures, and Alligations, Trigonometry DI Analysis of comparative Data Tables, Data charts, Bar diagrams, Pie charts, Graphs
General Awareness (GK): No Wt (Not counted for XAT percentile calculation)	National and International current affairs, Conventional GK, Constitution of India, Company profiles, logos, Business & Economy, Who’s who, Books & Authors, Capitals & Currencies
Essay Writing Test – Online Descriptive Test: No weightage as not counted for XAT percentile calculation	Essay writing in XAT is the test of the writing skills of an aspirant. Essay Topics can be contemporary or abstract like- ‘Technology and nature are natural enemies’; ‘Red is Blue A test taker has to write an essay on one topic but sometimes there is a choice to choose between 2 topics and sometimes there is no choice at all. Essay Evaluation is done after shortlisting is over based on the score obtained in Part-1 sections

XAT Exam Pattern

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) takes place annually in the early days of January. XAT 2022 consists of 2 sections:

Section-1
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation,
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, and
Decision Making & Analytical Reasoning.

Section-2
General Knowledge.

XAT Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (Section 1)	26	2 hours 45 minutes
Decision Making (Section 1)	21
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (Section 1)	27
General Knowledge (Section 2)	25	15 minutes
Total	99	3 hours (180 minutes)

Each question in section 1 carried 1 mark and had -0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. There was no negative marking in section 2. The penalty for unattempted questions doubled from last year, going to -0.10 marks from -0.05 marks.

XAT 2021 Syllabus

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning	Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	Decision Making & Analytical Reasoning
1. Reading Comprehension	1. Trigonometry	1. Case Study based decision-making
2. Sentence Completion	2. Time, Speed & Distance	2. Table-based decision-making
3. Sentence Rearrangement	3. Profit & Loss	3. QA-based decision-making
4. Grammar and Vocabulary	4. Geometry	4. Ethical Dilemma
5. Critical Reasoning	5. Number Systems	5. Analytical Reasoning based on QA
	6. Probability
	7. Data Sufficiency
	8. Averages, Mixtures & Allegations
	9. Tables
	10. Pie Charts

XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023

The XAT is a computer-based online test. The maximum aggregate scores in the XAT exam are 100 for 100 MCQ-type questions separated into four sections plus an additional 1-3 points for the Essay writing examination. 

Each right answer for an MCQ is worth +1 point, while each incorrect response is worth a -0.25 mark. However, there is no negative grading in the General Awareness and Essay Writing portions. The XAT 2023 exam lasts 3 hours and 10 minutes in total. The following is the XAT test format and curriculum for 2023:

Exam Sections	Number of questions	Overall Time Duration
Part-1	75 Total MCQs	165 Minutes
Verbal and Logical Ability	26	No Sectional Time Limit
Decision Making	21	No Sectional Time Limit
Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation	28	No Sectional Time Limit
Part-2	25 Total MCQs + Essay Writing Test	25 Minutes
General Knowledge	25
Essay	1 Descriptive Topic	10 Minutes

Key Changes in XAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023  

The major aspects of the XAT test format and syllabus include keeping up with time and periodic modifications. Every year, there are certain modifications to the XLRI XAT test. Some of the important changes that XLRI has announced for XAT exam pattern and syllabus 2023 are:

1. The XAT Syllabus 2023 features five parts rather than the previous four.
2. Subjective Essay Writing Questions have been reinstated in the XAT test syllabus for 2023.
3. All five topics (Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing Test) will be combined into a single question paper in a single portion, rather than two separate halves with no breaks.
4. The total number of questions in the XAT test 2023 pattern cannot exceed 101.
5. All questions in the first four sections will be multiple-choice.
6. The descriptive essay writing test consists of 75 questions with negative marking and 25 GK questions without negative marking.
7. There is no negative grade on the Essay Writing Test.

You should also be aware of how much time is required to complete the whole XAT curriculum 2023 and which topics should be addressed first. Your XAT exam preparation should also take into account the XAT curriculum and exam style.

XAT 2023 will be administered as a computer-based test in a single session across the country by XLRI. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2023 is one of the largest National level MBA entrance examinations, with around one lakh applicants.

XAT 2023 syllabus in detail

The truth is that you will struggle to study for XAT unless you are familiar with the major themes in the XAT entrance test syllabus as well as the XLRI syllabus. The first thing to note is that the XLRI and XAT test syllabuses are identical. 

Please keep in mind that the XAT syllabus does not leave any study topic unexplored in any part. The XAT test 2023 curriculum provided here is based on a rebuilt and revised XAT Syllabus, the structure of which has been completely overhauled.

 Most Important Sections in XAT 2023 Syllabus

The important components of the XAT syllabus 2023 are Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning; Decision Making; Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation, which will decide your percentile and merit place. The two components, General Knowledge (GK) and Essay Writing have no predefined XAT syllabus 2023 and are not counted for percentile computation. The XAT syllabus covers all of the primary topics covered in the above-mentioned test areas.

 Section-1: XAT 2023 Syllabus for Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension & Logical Reasoning

• Section Highlights: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) exam Syllabus for Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning section in XAT 2023 is divided into 3 parts. The 1st part of the XAT 2023 syllabus covers questions based on Verbal Ability; 2nd part of the XAT 2023 exam syllabus on the 1st section covers Reading Comprehension passages and the 3rd part on VARC & LR section is based on questions on different topics in Logical Reasoning.
• Number of Questions: The revamped pattern in the XAT exam syllabus for the VARC & LR section shows that there are 26 MCQs in this section of the XAT exam.
• Major topics covered in XAT detailed syllabus 2023 for VARC & LR are: 

Part-1: XAT 2023 Syllabus for Verbal Ability

Topics on which VA questions are based:

• English Vocabulary based questions – fill in the blanks with correct words; synonyms/antonyms; contextual usage of vocabulary words
• Jumbled Paragraphs
• Correction of errors in sentences, correct use of words
• Completion of sentences
• Completion of paragraph

Part-2: XAT 2023 Syllabus for Reading Comprehension (RC)

• Share of Reading Comprehension in the VARC & LR section is very high
• Topics on which RC passages are based: Abstract topics, Literature, Social and Economic issues; Science & Culture; history & fiction among others.
• There is no clear-cut definition of RC topics in the XAT exam syllabus. RC passage on any topic under the Sun can be placed in the XAT exam.  
• Type of RC passages: Moderate and short
• Type of Questions: All MCQ type 

Question format: Questions based on facts in the RC text; explanation of terminology and phrases used in the passage; True/false assertions in the context of the passage; The author’s perspective on many concerns presented in the RC section; The text’s inference; the basic topic of the RC section; The goal of the RC passage

 Part-3: XAT Exam 2023 Syllabus for Logical Reasoning (LR)

• The proportion of LR questions in the XAT curriculum is not very high. XAT exams often include a few critical reasoning and LR-based problems. All of the questions are multiple-choice.
• XAT syllabus topics on which LR questions are based include analogy, clocks, calendars, fact, inference, judgment, binary logic, seating arrangement, blood ties, logical sequence, assumption, premise, and conclusion, among others.
• According to the XLRI entrance test syllabus, questions in Logical Reasoning might be solo or in groups.

Section-2: XAT 2023 Syllabus for Decision Making

Section Highlights: XAT detailed syllabus 2023 on Decision Making is unique as neither CAT nor any other national level entrance exam has Decision Making as one of its exam sections.

 Number of Questions: There are 21 questions in this section.

 Major Topics: Decision Making is the problem or case-solving expertise of a candidate. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) measures such skills broadly on the following topics:

• Conditions and Grouping Test;
• Data Arrangement Test;
• Complex Arrangement;
• Decision Making in a situation;
• Case lets 

Section-3: XAT exam 2023 Syllabus for Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

• Section Highlights: XAT detailed syllabus 2023 for Quant and DI section is very wide. QA & DI is the 3rd and last section responsible for percentile calculation, in the revamped XAT exam pattern. The syllabus of XAT 2023 for Quant is vast and covers everything in Mathematics that you may or may not expect.
• Number of Questions: There would be 28 MCQs on the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section in XAT 2023.

Major Topics: Quantitative Ability

The Quant syllabus is built on questions from several disciplines such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, and Trignometry, among others. The following are the major topics covered in the XAT curriculum for Quant.

• Algebra
• Geometry including Co-ordinate Geometry
• Mensuration
• Pure Math
• Venn diagram
• LCM and HCF
• Percentages
• Profit and Loss
• Interest (Simple and Compound)
• Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion and others
• Number System
• Surds and Indices
• Inequalities
• Permutation and Combination
• Probability Functions
• Set Theory
• Mixtures and Allegations
• Trigonometry
• Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Complex Numbers
• Logarithm
• Progressions
• Binomial Theorem

XAT Exam 2023 Syllabus for Data Interpretation (DI)

In most situations, questions in Data Interpretation on the XAT test are in sets. Individual queries are occasionally asked. All of the questions are multiple-choice. DI questions on the XAT test are part of a group of four questions. 

Text, tables, graphs (line, area), charts (column, bar, pie), and Venn diagrams are used to evaluate and analyze data. Data can be presented in the form of tables, charts, or graphs. This component assesses applicants’ ability to analyze supplied data and answer questions based on it.

 Major Topics Covered:

• Data Tables
• Data charts
• Bar diagrams
• Pie charts
• Graphs
• Data analysis and comparison

Section-4: XAT Exam Syllabus 2023 for GK

 Section Highlights: The syllabus for the second half of the XAT test includes a component on General Knowledge (GK). The score in this part is not used to calculate the percentile in the XAT test. Questions can be based on both current and traditional GK. In-depth and consistent GK reading is especially beneficial because a few GK questions in the XAT can be tough and need extensive study.

 Number of Questions: As per the changed pattern of the XAT exam, there would be 25 questions of Multiple Choice type in XAT 2023 exam.

 Major Topics Covered: Economics, finance, and national and international current affairs are a few of the many topics on which questions are placed in this section of the XAT exam.

• Economics, finance,
• National and International current affairs
• Conventional GK
• Constitution of India
• Company profiles, logos,
• Business & Economy
• Who’s who
• Books & Authors
• Capitals & Currencies

Section-5: XAT Exam Syllabus 2023 for Essay Writing Test

 Section Highlights

• The descriptive online computer-based test in XAT is essay writing.
• This test was canceled in 2019, but it was reinstated in 2022.
• Essay writing in XAT is a test of an aspirant’s writing ability.
• The test challenges the taker to produce a cohesive and logical essay on the assigned topic. The XLRI entrance exam syllabus for the Essay Writing examination is not restricted to any one sort of theme.
• Previous XAT trends show that it requires a well-written essay on a current or abstract topic.

Number of questions: 1 Descriptive

• The test taker is required to write an essay on a single topic, however, sometimes there is an option between two themes, and other times there is no choice at all.
• The exam taker is expected to write after reflecting and producing a superior piece of writing.
• Part 2 of the XAT test has a total time limit of 35 minutes, which includes the GK and Essay Writing portions. During this period, you must finish both parts.
• The XAT Essay is significant in the Personal Interview round since questions are based on what you wrote in your XAT Essay.

Key Points to Note on XAT Syllabus 2023

• Candidates looking for XLRI entrance exam curriculum should be aware that the Syllabus for XAT 2023 is the result of previous XAT test themes, albeit the type of questions, their composition, structure, and quantity may vary in each succeeding XAT exam.
• One of the important elements of the XAT 2023 Syllabus is that there will be no repeat of XAT questions. According to the curriculum for XAT 2023, the difficulty level of questions will remain moderate to challenging.
• The questions would remain within the prescribed broad categories of the test curriculum for XAT 2023. The XLRI-XAT entrance exam syllabus or XAT 2023 exam is neither pre-defined by XLRI, Jamshedpur nor was the syllabus previously outlined. 
• The XAT test 2023 syllabus is based on the previously mentioned principles and the existing format of the XAT exam.

XAT MBA Syllabus: Yearly Modifications

Every year, the XAT syllabus changes. For example, the XAT exam pattern has altered dramatically in the previous 3-4 years. On the one hand, the amount of questions in the curriculum has been lowered, but the exam has reinstated the essay writing examination, which had been discontinued earlier in 2019. With the increased amount of questions, the emphasis has shifted to the first three parts, which are used to determine the merit rank in the written XAT test. The XAT test syllabus 2023 now includes more up-to-date subjects.

 If you want to get a high score on the XAT 2023, you need prepare according to the XAT test specified syllabus, which is adjusted and altered every year.

XLRI does not have a pre-defined XAT syllabus or structure. However, it is updated annually by XAT specialists to reflect expected changes in the XAT exam design and content. Following this exercise, the XAT section-by-section curriculum is modified. The prospective test takers can also download XAT syllabus Pdf 2023 and prepare accordingly.

XAT Syllabus PDF

Every year, several subjects are added or removed from the XAT Syllabus Pdf. It is always evolving with each XAT exam. The revised XAT 2023 syllabus PDF might assist you in enhancing your XAT preparation in accordance with the current XAT pattern. The XAT Syllabus 2023 PDF is available for download online. The XAT Syllabus Pdf 2023 includes actual and anticipated subjects, as well as the kind of questions predicted in the XAT test.

 XAT Vs XLRI Syllabus 2022

Candidates looking for XLRI entrance test curriculum should be aware that the XAT entrance Exam Syllabus 2023 and the XLRI Syllabus are the same. The Xavier Aptitude Test exam syllabus 2023 is the result of previous XAT test themes, albeit the sort of questions, their composition, structure, and quantity may change in each succeeding exam syllabus.

The essential feature in the XAT MBA test syllabus 2023 is that no XAT questions will be repeated. The difficulty level of questions in the XAT 2023 test may vary according to the syllabus 2023. The XAT 2023 Exam Curriculum indicates that the questions in the XAT 2023 Exam will remain within the defined broad categories of the XAT syllabus.

Best Books for XAT Preparation 2023

XAT is one of the most difficult MBA admission tests, and students must ensure that they study solely from books and study materials suggested by experts and previous year’s toppers. Shiksha has selected the top XAT preparing books for the benefit of aspirants. Look at the examples below:

Best books for XAT: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI)

Books for XAT	Author/Publisher
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests For Admission into IIMs	Sarvesh K Verma
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations	Guha Abhijit
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha/Arihant

Best books for XAT: Verbal Ability

Books for XAT	Author/Publisher
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
Objective General English	Dr. RS Agarwal and Vikas Agarwal
High School English Grammar	Wren & Martin
The Students' Companion Book	D Best

Best books for XAT: Decision Making

Books for XAT	Author Name/Publisher
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	Gautam Puri
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma

Best Study Material for XAT: General Knowledge

To strengthen Current Affairs and General Knowledge, aspirants must subscribe to the following newspapers and journals:

Newspapers and Journals
The Hindu	Economic Times
Financial Express	Hindu Business Line
Wall Street Journal	The Financial Times
Business Today	Business World
Competition Success Review	Management Compass Career Launcher

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is XAT more durable than CAT?

Ans. Both CAT and XAT are more difficult than other MBA entrance tests. However, which is the tougher one is dependent on the candidate. To decide between the two tests you should consider the institutions that take XAT and scores from CAT. For more information, check out What is the difference between CAT and XAT? Is XAT more difficult than the CAT?

2. What is the significance of the GK section of the XAT?

Ans. The GK section has 25 questions that carry one mark. Candidates are encouraged to take this section towards the end and only take about 15 minutes for solving the problem. The limit of time for each section allocated to GK is fifteen minutes. Additional 10 minutes will be allotted for essay writing.

3. Where can I get the study materials for the Decision-Making section of XAT?

Ans. Because the section on Decision Making is exclusive to XAT Study material for the same isn’t easily accessible, so the most reliable source is past exams of previous XAT exams.

4. Which is the most recommended book for the Quant Section of XAT?

Ans. For the quant portion of the XAT exam, books written by Arun Sharma or Sarvesh K. Verma are highly suggested because they offer a detailed explanation of the concepts, as well as an array of questions that have been tested.

5. The number of questions will there be for XAT 2023? XAT 2023?

Ans. There will be approximately 100 questions to be asked in XAT 2023. The questions will all be presented in MCQ format. Verbal Ability will include 26 questions while Decision Making will be 21 questions Quantitative Ability will be 28 questions, and GK will be 25 questions.

6. Do I have the ability to prepare for XAT using CAT prep materials?

Ans. The syllabus of CAT and XAT are alike, you can learn for both tests using the same study materials. Candidates must take a separate course for the decision-making section of XAT because it is not a component of the syllabus for CAT.

7. Does XAT provide official mock tests?

Ans. Indeed, XAT provides a mock exam that is official. It is the official XAT practice test will be announced after admit cards have been issued. It is accessible only to registered candidates. You can also take the XAT mock test developed by Shiksha.

8. Are there negative markings in the XAT?

Ans. Absolutely, XAT is negative-marked with -0.25. For every eight questions that are unanswered, 0.10 marks will be removed. Therefore, candidates have to choose the questions to answer cautiously.

Related Videos