What is the XAT?
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur and accepted by XLRI and many other Indian management schools. It is known for its Decision Making section, which presents business and ethical situations and asks for the best course of action. The test takes about three hours.
Who takes it
- MBA aspirants targeting XLRI
- CAT aspirants who want another strong option
- Graduates and final-year students applying in India
Official information: XLRI Jamshedpur website.
XAT format at a glance
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: VALR, Decision Making, QA and DI | 170 min | Main sections | Verbal and logical ability, decision making, quant and data |
| Part 2: General Knowledge | 10 min | Short section | Current affairs and static GK |
How XAT scoring works
XAT results are reported as scores and percentiles used for shortlisting. Check the official site for the current scoring rules.
How to prepare for the XAT
Learn to think like a manager
Decision Making rewards fair, practical solutions that balance stakeholders. Practise explaining why each option is better or worse.
Watch the unattempted questions
XAT has negative marking, and it has also penalised leaving too many questions blank. Check the current rules.
Strengthen QA and DI
XAT Quant can be lengthy. Speed in arithmetic and data tables helps.
Keep up with GK
GK is a short section but needs regular reading of the news.
A sample XAT study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Months 1–2Concepts in QA, reading practice and Decision Making basics
- Months 3–4Sectional tests and Decision Making case discussions
- Final monthFull mocks, GK revision and test-day planning
How we coach the XAT
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the XAT skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
XAT FAQs
What is Decision Making in XAT?
It is a section with short business, ethical and social scenarios. You choose the best decision from the options.
Which schools accept XAT?
XLRI and many other Indian management schools accept XAT scores. Check each school's admission page.
Is there negative marking in XAT?
Yes. XAT applies negative marking, and has also applied a penalty for leaving more than a set number of questions unanswered. Check the current year's rules on the official site.
When is XAT held?
XAT is usually held once a year in early January.
How much is XAT coaching?
BetterMyScores coaching costs $20 to $40 per hour.
XAT guides
XAT Decision Making: How to Approach It
Decision Making is XAT's signature section. A clear framework makes it far more predictable.
CAT Section Strategy: VARC, DILR and QA
CAT gives each section a strict 40 minutes. The best strategy treats them as three separate tests.
MAT vs CAT: Who Should Take MAT?
MAT and CAT serve different goals. Many students take both.