The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, is among one of the most prestigious management exams and is accepted by over 160 top institutes nationwide. XAT measures the candidate’s verbal ability, data interpretation and quantitative aptitude. Additionally, it includes sections like decision-making and general knowledge which is not observed in exams like CAT.
The XAT 2025 will take place on January 5, 2025. The exam date is approaching, we have outlined a well-planned XAT 2025 preparation tips and strategies to help you with you in your journey.
Read the blog to gain in-depth knowledge about the XAT exam preparation 2025, preparation tips and strategies approved by experts.
XAT 2025 EXAM HIGHLIGHTS
As XAT 2025 exam is approaching, we have provided some essential XAT 2025 essential highlights that will be helpful for all the candidates to know the details, important dates, and other information about the exam to strategize there planning accordingly.
The table below provides essential highlights of XAT 2025 exam:
| ELEMENTS | HIGHLIGHTS |
| NAME OF EXAM | XAT |
| EXAM FREQUENCY | Once a year |
| EXAM DATE | 5th January |
| EXAM MODE | Computer-Based Test |
| EXAM LEVEL | National |
| EXAM DURATION | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| MEDIUM OF EXAM | English |
| UNIQUE SECTIONS | General Knowledge, Decision Making |
| CHANGE IN PATTERN | Essay removed, GK Questions reduced to 20 from 25, Analytical essay part of XLRI selection process |
| CONDUCTING BODY | XLRI, Jamshedpur |
| NO. OF QUESTIONS | 101 |
| FEES (GENERAL) | INR 2000 |
| TEST CITIES | 110 cities across India |
| ACCEPTING COLLEGES | 160+ |
| OFFICIAL SITE | xatonline.in |
| ELIGIBILTY | Graduates (any discipline)/final year students |
| HELPLINE NUMBER | 18002674008 |
XAT 2025 SYLLABUS TOPICS
The XAT 2025 exam includes essential topics from sections of Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, General Knowledge and Verbal and Logical Ability.
The table below provide the overview of XAT 2025 syllabus topics: –
XAT 2025 Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation syllabus is as follows:
| SECTION | TOPICS | TOPICS | TOPICS |
| QUANTITATIVE ABILITY AND DATA INTERPRETATION | Algebra | Simple and Compound Interest | Permutation and Combinations |
| Geometry | Averages | Inequalities | |
| Percentages | Ratio Proportion | Trigonometry | |
| Profit | Venn Diagram | Mensuration | |
| Number System | Progressions | Binomial Theorem | |
| Logarithm | Linear Equation | Speed, Time and Distance | |
| Probability | Pie Charts | Data Analysis and Comparison | |
| Surds and Indices | Bar Graphs |
2025 XAT Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning section topics are being provided below for reference:
| SECTIONS | TOPICS | TOPICS | TOPICS |
| VERBAL AND LOGICAL ABILITY Verbal ability and logical reasoning | Synonym and Antonyms | Sentence Completion | Contextual Meaning of words |
| Vocabulary and word usage | Para Completion | Jumbled paragraph | |
| Sentence Correction | Inference skill-based questions | Authors perspective-based question | |
| Main theme and message of the paragraph | Information based questions | True/False based questions | |
| Explanation of phrases/words |
Topics covering the section of General Knowledge for XAT 2025 exam has been highlighted below:
| SECTIONS | TOPICS | TOPICS |
| GENERAL KNOWLEDGE | Science | Constitution of India |
| Economy | Sports | |
| Politics | Government of India | |
| Business | World | |
| Prizes and Awards | Static GK |
Decision making section has several topics which may appear in XAT 2025. The list of topics has been provided below for reference.
| SECTION | TOPIC | TOPIC | TOPIC |
| DECISION MAKING | Seating Arrangements | Assumptions | Premises |
| Logical Sequencing | Conclusion | Case lets | |
| Data Arrangements | Complex Arrangements |
XAT 2025 PREPARATION: SECTION-WISE STRATEGY
Preparation for XAT 2025 might be overwhelming for the candidates but breaking them down to sections will ease the work and be more manageable. Each of the section measures unique and different skills thus it is important to understand the section wise preparation tips and plans to move ahead.
Let’s dive deep into how you can work effectively for the XAT 2025 preparation:
QUANTITATIVE ABILITY AND DATA INTERPRETATION
The QA-DI section is one of the most challenging sections in the XAT exam 2025 which tests candidates speed and accuracy. Below are some helpful tips and key strategies that will help to excel in this section:
Key topics are:
- Geometry
- Algebra
- Number system
- Data Interpretation
- Modern Maths
To excel in this section, candidates must be having deep conceptual understanding of the topics to tackle with all types of questions ranging from moderate to complex.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Learn and apply shortcut and master tricks: To tackle with the questions of extensive calculations, candidates must be aware of the short cuts or tricks/formulas to solve the questions with less time and accuracy.
- Practice mocks or sample papers: Regular practice of mocks, previous year question papers and sample papers is essential and will help the candidates to identify the weak points and other areas of improvement. This will also enhance speed and time management skills.
VERBAL AND LOGICAL ABILITY
This section measures the candidate’s proficiency skills and logical, reasoning thinking ability. Below are some helpful tips and key strategies that will help to excel in this section:
PREPARATION TIPS
- Strong reading skills: The candidates should develop strong reading habit and the ability to comprehend the passage easily. A regular reading habit will make the candidates comfortable to grasp the main idea and key points of the passage.
- Strong Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary and good understanding of the English grammar are crucial for accurately answering the questions of this section.
- Grammar Concepts: Many questions of XAT are focused on topics such as para jumbles, para completion, which demand a clear understanding of the grammar concept and sentence making.
DECISION MAKING
The decision-making section is mainly based on questions related to real-world business scenarios and everyday situations.
To excel in this section, candidates can follow these preparation tips:
PREPARATION TIPS
- Improve analytical skills: The candidates need to develop this skill to mark the most appropriate answer from all the rest which seems correct, thus measure candidates’ analytical skills.
- Unbiased and ethical choices: Candidates must prioritize impartial and ethical options to answer the questions effectively.
- Practice real and relevant scenarios: Candidates preparation strategy should involve questions related to financial management, real world topics or other related topics.
- Develop good reasoning ability: Consistent and dedicated practice will help in building confidence and improving accuracy.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
The GK section of XAT exam 2025 does not have any negative marking. It includes both static and current affairs. Candidates must review significant past events, important personalities or notable individuals and other major information while being updates about the current news and events.
Here are some tips to ace the XAT 2025 GK section effectively:
PREPARATION TIPS
- Have a habit of reading newspapers daily and note down the important dates or event or the personalities etc.
- Stay updated on current affairs and events of both national and international importance and significance from past 6 months.
- Focus on covering key topics such as books and authors, personalities, awards.
- Give importance to economics and business-related topics
XAT 2025 PREPARATION STRATEGY
As the exam approaches, we have outlined XAT 2025 preparation strategy applicable to all the sections to help you perform better:
- Create a time table: Dedicate 6-8 hours for daily study and ensure to complete day to day tasks as assigned in the time table.
- Understand the XAT 2025 syllabus: Download the XAT 2025 syllabus and understand your strengths and weakness and prepare accordingly.
- Understand the exam pattern: Understand the syllabus, pattern of the exam, section, and topic wise weightage. Get familiarize with the overall pattern and reviewing of past papers will also help.
- Enrol in coaching: Coaching will provide you an expert guidance, strategies, essential XAT lectures to strengthen your concepts and ensure revision throughout your journey.
- Set daily targets: Set daily goals or targets, make sure to complete them to maintain a consistent hard work and motivation throughout the journey.
- Focus on mock tests: Dedicate quality time for mock test practice at least 2- 3 months before examination to identify the areas of improvement, improve accuracy and time management.
25 DAYS XAT 2025 PREPARATION PLAN
The 25 days XAT 2025 preparation plan has been designed in a systematic way to help candidates to stay focused as the exam approaches. By utilizing each day effectively to specific topics and tasks comprising of syllabus ranging from Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and General Knowledge- candidates can prepare well for the upcoming exam.
The table includes a 1 to 25 days XAT 2025 preparation plan comprising various tasks and topics for each day:
| DAY | TASKS | TOPICS TO FOCUS ON |
| Day 1-5 | Understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and analyse the past year papers. Build basics in Verbal Ability Strengthen basics in Logical Ability. Build basics in Quantitative Ability. | Explorequestion trends for Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision making, QA and DI, GK Reading Comprehensions (RC), Grammar rules, (tenses, subject-verb agreement), critical reasoning. Para-jumbles, odd-sentences-out, and logical reasoning questions Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratios and Averages |
| DAY | TASKS | TOPICS TO FOCUS ON |
| Day 6-9 | Basics of Data Interpretation Learn the basics of Decision Making Start general knowledge preparation Take a mock test and analyse | Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts and Tabular data interpretation Ethical dilemmas, resources allocation problems, and business decision scenarios. Current Affairs (past 6 months): economy, sports, awards, important events Evaluate accuracy, speed, and weak areas across all sections. |
| DAY | TASKS | TOPICS TO FOCUS ON |
| Day 10-15 | Revise VA topics Revise QA basics Practice DI sets Revise DM topics and practice caselets Revise GK: Static and current affairs. Take another mock test and review performance. | RC (2 passages), para-jumbles, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms) Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Mixtures & Alligations Mixed DI sets: combined pie charts and tables, percentage-based questions Logical decision-making sets: practice 6-7 sets Static GK: History, Geography, Indian Polity, Famous books, and authors Identify recurring mistakes and revise weak areas |
| DAY | TASKS | TOPICS TO FOCUS ON |
| Day 16-20 | Practice advanced VA questions. Practice advanced QA topics. Practice tougher DI sets. Deep dive into DM practice. GK revision: Focus on quizzes and key events. | Assumption-based RCs, strengthening/weakening arguments, critical reasoning. Probability, Permutations and Combination, Functions, and inequalities Data sufficiency, caselet-based DI sets Ethical dilemmas, personal judgement vs logical reasoning Major global and Indian events, sports, awards, international organizations |
| DAY | TASKS | TOPICS TO FOCUS ON |
| Day 21-25 | Take a full-length mock test under timed conditions. Revise VA, QA, DI basics and focus on time management Final revision of VA and DM Final revision of QA formulas and shortcuts Final revision of DI techniques Revise critical mistakes from mocks: brush upon weak areas Relax with light revision of key formulas and GK Final revision of DI techniques | Focus on improving speed and maintaining accuracy Cover weak areas identified in mocks Critical reasoning, assumption-based questions, and DM ethical dilemmas Quick tips for arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and advanced topics. Calculation speed, approximation methods and interpreting graphs. Review all sections and ensure clarity on common mistakes. Stay confident and focused: avoid heavy preparation |
XAT Exam 2025 FAQs
To prepare for XAT 2025, it is important to understand the exam pattern and also create a time table for efficient study plan. A regular practice of mocks will help in understanding the weakness areas of improvement.
For a beginner to begin preparation from scratch for XAT in a month can be hard. But for those with prior preparation or with CAT level preparation can spent a month dedicatedly and can score well. Candidates can follow the 30 days (1 month) preparation plan schedule by mindworkzz for study.
QA-DI is considered to be the most challenging part of the XAT exam.
CAT is said to be one of the most difficult exams, but XAT is also considers to be one of the challenging aptitude tests. Consistent practice and hard work are the key to crack this exam. The exam does not have any sectional time limit and includes tow additional section: Decision making and General Knowledge which is not included in XAT.
XAT exam ranges from moderate to difficult level.
