How to Crack XAT Exam in First Attempt?

The Xavier Aptitude Test, or XAT, is one of India’s most popular management entrance exams. Cracking XAT, like CAT, can lead to admission to some of the best business schools in the country. So, clearing the XAT exam in the first attempt is every management aspirant’s dream. However, without a solid approach, it may be a pipe dream. So, if you intend to take this exam, a key question that may be running through your mind is “How to Crack XAT in the first attempt?”

So, here we are with this blog to focus on the fundamental and vital suggestions for properly preparing for XAT and increasing your chances of passing it on the first try.

What is XAT?

XAT or the Xavier Aptitude Test is a management entrance exam. Every year, XLRI (Jamshedpur) organizes this exam. In addition to XLRI, which organizes this exam, it is one of the biggest and most crucial entrance exams for admission to over 100 business schools across India. Every year in January, this computer-based test is administered. Candidates must be proficient in Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal & Logical Ability, General Knowledge, and Decision-making to perform well in the XAT.

How Difficult is it To Crack XAT?

Individuals seeking a career in management frequently enroll in an MBA program. Numerous national-level management entrance tests can lead to MBA programmes at the country’s leading business schools. XAT is one of these exams.

We’ve all heard the expression “CAT is a tough exam.” So, naturally, when it comes to XAT, one typical question is “How difficult is it to crack XAT?”

There is no direct answer to this question. For some XAT could be an easy nut to crack while for others it might be more difficult than scoring high in CAT. We say this because, when compared to the CAT, the XAT exam includes additional sections: Decision-Making and General Knowledge. Furthermore, the XAT Verbal Section contains lengthier passages than the CAT, which requires more time. That being stated, do not base your decision on the length of the syllabus or the time required to complete the exam. Everything will be determined by one’s level of preparation.

Hence, we shall move on to the tips for cracking XAT in the first attempt. But first, let’s take a look at the XAT syllabus to get a sense of the exam’s format.

XAT Syllabus

By now, you know that XAT is one of the top management entrance exams in India. But how many of you are aware of its syllabus? In this section, we will go through the XAT Syllabus with the marking scheme and duration.

When computing the XAT Percentile, only the first three parts are taken into account. The marks from your Essay Writing round will be reviewed only after you have been selected for subsequent XAT interview rounds.

How to Crack XAT Exam: XAT Preparation Tips

You’ve decided to take the XAT exam and are eager to get started, but instead of turning the pages of books, you’re scouring the internet for answers to one crucial question: “How to Crack the XAT Exam?”

So, here’s our take on the topic, as well as some practical XAT preparation advice. However, do not regard them as sure-fire solutions to pass the XAT, but rather as guiding ideas that can help you pass this exam effectively.

Start Early

XAT being one of the most popular management entrance exams in the country, is not an easy nut to crack. Hence, it is usually advisable to begin preparing for it ahead of time. Allow time for preparation. Being in a hurry may not be as beneficial as you believe.

Preparation should begin at least six to seven months prior to the XAT exam day. This will help you understand the XAT syllabus and test structure. You can go deeply into the syllabus and put it to good use.

Understand the Exam Pattern

You will probably feel the least assured if you fail to understand the XAT pattern. So, become well acquainted with the XAT exam pattern. Get a clear picture of the elements, the number of questions, and the time given for each. This will help you create a road map for exam preparation and will allow you to divide the syllabus into smaller parts for practice.

Create a Study Plan

After gaining a thorough understanding of the XAT pattern, it is time to devise a study plan. According to the preceding section, the XAT exam is divided into three parts, each of which is further subdivided, for a total of six sections. So, below is a precise study plan or tips on how to practice each section practically.

Part I

• Verbal and Logical Ability

Considered to be a rather difficult section out of all, the verbal and Logical Ability part comprises critical reasoning and reading comprehension. This section assesses candidates’ reasoning abilities as well as their capacity for comprehension and reading. Constant practice in this section is required to perform well and fast. To grasp the pattern, it is best to refer to prior years’ question papers and take mock tests.

• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

According to experts, this part has the most weightage in the XAT. This part includes problems from an array of subjects such as Number Systems, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Probability, and so on. The questions in this section essentially measure the candidates’ mathematical aptitude and numerical ability. So, extensive practice is required to get the job done. Here are a few approaches to put this section into practice:

• • Practice and revise
  • Refer to good books
  • Clarify the fundamentals
  • Practice mock tests
  • Practice in a time-bound manner
  • Work on your speed
  • Keep in mind the negative marking

• Decision Making

As the name suggests, this section tests the candidates’ decision-making skills or managerial aptitude. Candidates are given business and everyday scenarios and asked questions based on them. The following are some of the questions that might come up in this section:

• • Which of the following is the best choice for you to select?
  • What prompted her to make the choice?
  • What would you do if you were in this situation?
  • What is the most ethical decision to make?

Avoid forming assumptions or making emotional decisions when answering this section. Instead, think like a businessperson and base your conclusions on logic.

Part II

• Mock Keyboard Testing

No marks or questions are allotted in this section, and you will only get 5 minutes to attempt it. This section comprises only mock keyboard testing.

Part III

• General Knowledge

Reading newspapers and watching television are the greatest ways to prepare for this section. You must keep yourself informed of what is going on around you, especially during the XAT exam. Aside from that, this section also includes static GK questions from Science, History, Politics, Economics, and Technology. So, investing in good GK books could be helpful. Do not leave this section until the final minute. Instead, practice it alongside the other parts of the XAT Exam. That being said, devote 1-2 hours per day to studying the General Knowledge part.

• Essay Writing

Although it is part of the main written test, it is only taken into account if the candidates meet the cut-off for the final selection process. However, do not underestimate the section and prepare consistently if you want to ace it.

The XAT essay part assesses applicants’ linguistic proficiency, structural thinking, and ability to construct logical arguments by addressing conceptual topics. While studying for the XAT, focus on your writing skills. This approach promotes logical thinking and writing speed. Examining prior years’ essay questions gives you ideas for possible topics. In addition, keep an eye out for grammatical and structural errors in your work.

Refer to Old Questions

Examine previous years’ question papers to gain a sense of how the XAT exam works. This will also give you a taste of the actual exam.

Undertake Mock Tests

Undertaking mock tests forms a crucial part of the XAT exam preparation process. Begin by devoting at least two days per week to mock tests. Evaluate your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) after each test. Document each component of the SWOT analysis, focusing on fixing weaknesses and mitigating threats while strengthening strengths and capitalizing on opportunities.

The Bottomline

The above 5 steps to crack the XAT exam on the first attempt is a guideline, which you can opt for as you begin your preparation. That said, these are not any magical spells that will solve your question: “How to Crack the XAT Exam?” Everything will be determined by how diligently you practice and devote time to your XAT exam preparation. Just remember to get started early and to persevere in your objectives.