XAT Exam Pattern 2021
XAT Exam pattern 2021 has been revised. Now the XAT 2021 exam pattern will consist of four sections instead of earlier five. Number of questions in revised XAT pattern 2021 will be 100. Below is shared the key changes in XAT 2021 exam pattern:
Following changes have been introduced in XAT 2021 exam by XLRI:
- Test timing changed – 9.30AM to 12.30PM from 10AM to 1 PM
- Total questions increased to 100 from 99
- No Essay Writing test
- NAT Questions without negative marking introduced
- All questions are of MCQ type
- GK section not counted for percentile calculation
- ¼ Negative Marking for wrong answer
- Visually impaired candidates with scribe are given additional 25 minutes only for Part 1 of XAT exam
- Marks for every correct answer : 1
- No Negative marking for General Knowledge section in part-2
- All the MCQ type questions have five options with one correct option
XAT 2021 Syllabus
XAT 2021 Syllabus: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
The syllabus for this section is very wide and almost covers all the topics of Quantitative Aptitude . Candidates need to give more attention and extra efforts while preparing for this section.
Quantitative Ability: XLRI has brought major changes in this section. Numbers, Geometry and Mensuration questions have become more prominent and consists of 50% of the Quant questions are based on these areas. Arithmetic, Venn diagrams, functions are other most relevant topics on which questions are formed in XAT.
Data Interpretation: Data tables, graphs, charts, bar diagrams, data analysis & comparison of data charts are the major topics for DI and the questions are majorly asked in sets. Some key features of new XAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation are given below:
- There are 27 questions asked from this section and we suggest you not take more than 2 minutes and 17 seconds to solve each question.
- QA and DI section is considered to be of the highest difficulty level in entire paper
Important topics for Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
| Geometry | Mensuration – 2D and 3D |
| Probability | Algebra Functions |
| Profit and Loss | Speed & Distance |
| Statistics | Table |
| Trigonometry | Graphs |
| Arithmetic | Heights & Distance |
| Direction Sense & Time | Clocks |
| Data Interpretation – Table, Combination | – |
XAT Verbal and Logical Ability Syllabus
XAT 2021 Syllabus: Verbal and Logical Ability (VA & LR)
This section will have questions of Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning so we can say that this section is divided into 3 parts.
Verbal Ability: The syllabus you need to cover in this part is questions based on English vocabulary like fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, correction of sentences, use of right words, etc.
Reading Comprehension: This part will take extra time because you have to read the whole paragraph to mark the correct answers and also the share of questions from this part is high in VA-LR. The topics for Reading Comprehension could be form politics, economics or abstract.
Logical Reasoning: The syllabus for this part is analogy, clocks, inference & judgments, blood relations, seating arrangements, etc. The questions from this part are mostly asked in sets so if you are able to crack one LR question then it means you can answer at least 2-3 questions. Salient features of XAT Syllabus for English and Reasoning are given below:
- 26 questions of the objective type are expected to come from this section.
- Approximately 56 minutes are required to complete this section.
- The section can have moderate to high difficulty level questions.
Important topics for VA and LR in XAT
| Important topics for VA and LR in XAT | |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Para Completion |
| Vocabulary | Para Jumble |
| Critical Reasoning | Reading Comprehension |
| Arguments | – |
XAT Syllabus 2021: Decision Making (DM)
The decision making section is going to be new for all the candidates because this section is not included by most of the MBA entrance exams. But there is no need to worry as this section is not going to be very difficult. Salient features of Decision Making XAT Syllabus are mentioned below:
- Syllabus for this section is decision making in a situation, data arrangement tests, etc.
- There are 21 questions expected from this section.
- Set-based questions are asked.
- The difficulty level of the DM section is moderate to tough.
Important topics in XAT Decision Making (DM)
| Arithmetic | Analytical Reasoning |
| Situational | Conditions and Grouping Test |
| Data Arrangement Test | Reading Comprehension |
| Case lets | Decision Making in a situation |
XAT GK Syllabus
Syllabus for XAT 2021: General Knowledge (GK)
To score in this section, a candidate needs to remain in constant touch with GK on a daily basis. Important features of General Knowledge XAT Syllabus are mentioned below:
- Topics to be covered in this section are from history, politics, author names, business, economy, current affairs (national and international), etc.
- 25 questions will be asked in total.
- You can spend 20 minutes to complete this section.
- The difficulty level is moderate.
- Most questions are on current affairs and some on GK.
- 60:40 breakup is defined for GK and Current Affairs.
General Knowledge Important topics
| Politics | Nation and States |
| History | Literature |
| Sports | Awards and Recognitions |
| Business | Economics |
| International Relations | Society |
| Merger & Acquisitions | — |
Previously asked questions in General Knowledge section:
Although, questions in the general knowledge section holds no bounds to a particular topic. Still, we have mentioned some of the sample questions to have an understanding of the type of questions been asked in the GK section.
- Who acquired Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare
- Which of the following is not the part of VIACOM 18
- Highest import to India
- Giga fiber to be launched by which company
- Who is the SBI Chairman
- What are the names of Parliament Budget Sessions
- Name of Liquid for dissolving Gold
- Name of Rajasthan Snake Dance
XAT Preparation Books
XAT 2021 Exam: Sectional Composition & Scoring Pattern
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Section in XAT 2021 Exam Pattern
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Number of questions
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Overall Time Duration
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Part-1
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75 Total MCQs
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165 Minutes
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Verbal and Logical Ability
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26
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Decision Making
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21
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
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28
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No Sectional Time Limit
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Part-2
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25 Total MCQs
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15 Minutes
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General Knowledge
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25
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Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2)
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100
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XAT eligibility criteria 2021 for XLRI-XAT exam to be held on January 3, 2021, need only a pass in your bachelor’s degree while other exams need minimum 50 percent marks to apply for the exam. XAT 2021 eligibility is probably the simplest one among all the National Level MBA entrance exams.
XAT 2021 exam is an important MBA entrance test leading to MBA admission 2021 in XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, TAPMI, XIME and other 150 MBA colleges in India. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for more than last 60 years, Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is the only exam, the scores of which are considered in XLRI admission. XAT 2021 exam date is Sunday January 3, 2021. XLRI will announce the complete schedule and all XAT 2021 important dates in the month of August 2020. XAT 2021 exam is a computer based test and will be held in a single session across the country.
The XAT exam eligibility over the years has remained unchanged. XLRI does not propose to change the XAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2021 either. Usually applicants miss on two things – XAT Exam Eligibility and Syllabus for XAT. While clarity on XAT exam eligibility will help you to apply for the exam in time, preparing as per XAT syllabus will get you through the exam.
XAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
With the help of information given in the following table, you can quickly check your XAT Exam Eligibility 2021. Detailed notes on XAT eligibility criteria are given below the table.
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XAT 2021 Eligibility Component
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XAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria
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XAT Exam Eligibility: Qualification
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Completed Minimum 3 Years Bachelor’s Degree or should be in the Final Year of Bachelor’s Degree
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XAT Exam Eligibility: Maximum Age
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No Age Restriction
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XAT Exam Eligibility for XLRI admission
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XAT 2021 Scores & other XAT eligibility parameters
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Genders under XAT 2021
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Male/Female/Transgender
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Other XAT Exam Eligibility 2021 Requirements
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1.Valid Mail ID throughout the process
2.Operating Contact phone Number throughout the XAT 2021 process
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XAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2021: Detailed Notes
No Age Bar: XAT Exam eligibility criteria 2021 prescribe ‘No Age Bar’ to appear in the XAT 2021 exam. Going along the XAT Eligibility Criteria, XLRI also does not restrict any candidate to seek admission on the basis of age and qualification.
No Minimum Qualifying Marks: According to XAT Eligibility Criteria 2021, a candidate is eligible to appear in XAT 2021, if he/she holds recognized Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 3 years duration or equivalent in any discipline.
XAT Eligibility Criteria & XLRI Eligibility are same: This is very important since the eligibility criteria in exams like CAT and eligibility criteria for admission to IIMs are different. While CAT allows 2 years of graduation degree without age bar, IIMs require minimum 3 years graduation degree which imposes hidden age bar. However, the XAT exam eligibility 2021 and the XLRI admission eligibility 2021 are same. On the pattern of XAT eligibility criteria, XLRI also does not impose minimum marks restriction in applying for the PGDM course.
Complete Graduation by June 2021: Those completing their final graduation exam by June 10, 2021 may also apply. XAT eligibility criteria further clarify that candidates in final year of Graduation are also eligible to apply for XAT 2021.
How to Ensure XAT 2021 Eligibility?
You should check and adhere to following important points to ensure your XAT 2021 exam eligibility:
- XAT eligibility criteria do not impose any maximum age bar to appear in XAT 2021 exam.
- The candidate applying for XAT 2021 must fulfil one of the following XAT eligibility criteria
A. Completed Bachelor’s degree, or
B. Completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA), or
C. Should be in the final year of Bachelor’s degree
- The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice as followed by the respective University/Institution.
- In case of grades / CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure as certified by the respective University/ institution in accordance with the XAT exam eligibility criteria.
- Mere fulfilment of minimum XAT eligibility criteria will not ensure consideration for short listing by XLRI, SPJIMR, XIMB, IMT, TAPMI or other B-schools in which the applicant applies for admission
- One of the key points prescribed by XLRI in XAT eligibility criteria is that the candidates must declare and maintain a valid and unique email account and a phone number throughout the selection process
- While getting ready for XAT, please make sure that you know about both – the XAT Exam Eligibility and Syllabus for XAT exam to enable you to prepare for the exam

B-Schools Accepting XAT 2020 Score and Cut-Off
Here is the list of popular B-Schools that accept XAT score for MBA/ PGDM admissions, expected XAT 2020 cutoff and fee structure –
| Name of the Institute | Courses Offered | XAT 2020 Estimated Cut-Off | Estimated Fee Structure | ||||||||||
| XLRI Jamshedpur |
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Name of the Course | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 19.20 lakh | |||||||||
| Business Management (BM) | Overall 96 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| Verbal Ability (VA) | 79.46 | ||||||||||||
| DM | 76.84 | ||||||||||||
| QA | 88.7 | ||||||||||||
| HRM | Overall 92.55 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| VA | 79.69 | ||||||||||||
| DM | 71.628 | ||||||||||||
| QA | 70.7 | ||||||||||||
| Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar |
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Name of the Course | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 15.40 Lakh | |||||||||
| BM | Overall 93 percentile | ||||||||||||
| VA | 75 | ||||||||||||
| QA | 75 | ||||||||||||
| DM | 75 | ||||||||||||
| HRM Course | Overall 87 Percentile (60 in Each Section) | ||||||||||||
| Rural Management and Sustainability Management | Overall 70 percentile (60 percentile in each section) | ||||||||||||
| MICA Ahmedabad |
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No Standard Cut-Off Mark Final Selection of Candidates will be based on GE & PI |
Rs. 16.50 Lakh | ||||||||||
| S.P. Jain (Mumbai) |
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Overall Cut-off | 85 Percentile | Rs. 9.0 Lakh | |||||||||
| Section Cut-Off | 75 Percentile in each section | ||||||||||||
| FORE – Delhi |
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Overall Cut-Off | 80 Percentile | Rs. 11 Lakh | |||||||||
| Sectional Cut-Off | No Sectionals | ||||||||||||
| Goa Institute of Management (GIM) |
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Overall 80 Percentile (No Sectionals) | Rs. 12.5 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Great Lakes Institutes of Management, Chennai |
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Name of the Course | Cut-Off | Rs. 15,30,000 | |||||||||
| PGPM | Profile Based. However, 90 Percentile (approximately) | ||||||||||||
| PGDM | Profile Based. However, 90 Percentile (approximately) | ||||||||||||
| IMT Ghaziabad |
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95 Percentile | Rs. 12.60 Lakh | ||||||||||
| IRMA – Anand |
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75 Percentile (No Sectionals) | Rs. 4.2 Lakh | ||||||||||
| IIFM Bhopal |
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Name of the Category | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 4.80 Lakh | |||||||||
| General | 80 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| SC | 50 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| ST | 45 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| OBC/ PWD / DA | 60 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| K J Somaiya, Mumbai |
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85 Percentile | Rs. 9.48 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Welingkar Institute of Management Education and Research, Mumbai |
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75 Percentile (Profile Based also) | Rs. 8.60 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Loyola Institute of Business Administration |
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80 Percentile | Rs.6.75 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Praxis – Kolkata |
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60 Percentile | Rs. 5.40 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), Mumbai |
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99.94 Percentile for All India Seats | Rs. 1.4 Lakh | ||||||||||
| TAPMI Manipal |
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80+ Percentile | Rs. 14 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Bangalore |
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70 Percentile | Rs. 8 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Acharya Institute of Management – Bangalore |
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50+ Percentile | Rs. 4,00,000 | ||||||||||
| Alliance School of Business – Bangalore |
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Name of the Category | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 13.50 Lakh | |||||||||
| OBC/ Gen | 90 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| SC | 70 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| ST | 70 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| Amity Business School – Noida |
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Name of the Category | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 10.9 Lakh | |||||||||
| Sponsored Category | 75 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| Non-Sponsored Category | 85 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) – Noida |
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85 Percentile | Rs. 11,00,000 | ||||||||||
| Christ College – Bangalore |
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70 Percentile | Rs. 6.60 Lakh | ||||||||||
| GITAM School of International Business – Vizag (AP) |
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70 Percentile | Rs. 7.5 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Great Lakes Institute – Gurgaon |
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75+ Percentile | Rs. 10.80 Lakh | ||||||||||
| IIRM Jaipur |
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55+ Percentile | Rs. 5.96 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Institute of Financial Management and Research, Chennai |
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Selection is Based on Profile | Rs. 12,00,000 | ||||||||||
| IMT Hyderabad |
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70+ Percentile | Rs. 12,00,000 | ||||||||||
| Institute of Management Development and Research, Pune |
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90 Percentile | Rs. 3.50 Lakh | ||||||||||
| International School of Business & Media, Pune |
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60 Percentile | Rs. 9.50 Lakh | ||||||||||
| Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad |
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50 Percentile | Rs. 8.0 Lakh | ||||||||||
| MET Institute of Management – Mumbai |
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Name of the Category | Cut-Off Mark | Rs. 3.75 Lakh | |||||||||
| General | 96.29 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| SC | 90.05 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| ST | 19.03 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| All India | 98.32 Percentile | ||||||||||||
| Institute of Technology and Management, Navi Mumbai |
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Selection is based on Profile | Rs. 11,00,000 | ||||||||||
| New Delhi Institute of Management – Delhi |
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50 Percentile | Rs. 7.75 Lakh | ||||||||||
| N.L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research – Mumbai |
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Name of the Course | Category | Percentile | Rs. 4,00,000 | ||||||||
| MMS | General | 97.76 | |||||||||||
| All India | 99.46 | ||||||||||||
| PGDBM | Not Applicable | Selection is based on Profile | |||||||||||







