How to get the XAT right

Conducted by the XLRI group of institutions, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is an important entrance test for those wanting admissions to some prominent B-schools in the country. The next XAT will be held on January 5, 2014, in 45 cities across the country and also in Dubai and Kathmandu.

XAT is one of the two tests, the scores of which are used by more than 100 B-schools to admit students for their MBA programmes. Some of the prominent schools that use XAT scores include XLRI, Jamshedpur; XIM, Bhubaneswar; SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai; and MICA, Ahmedabad.

About the test
The three-hour paper-and-pencil test will have four sections (a) verbal and logical ability (b) decision-making (c) quantitative ability and data interpretation (d) general knowledge. The marks of the general awareness section will not be used for determining the percentile and cut-off at the first stage of selection. However, it is used by XLRI and some other associate member institutes at the time of final selection.

“XAT is usually divided into two parts — the first part comprising multiple-choice questions and the second comprising essay writing and general knowledge. The exact number of questions keep changing every year so students are advised to write the test with an open mind and be prepared for the changes in the number of questions. Things could be different from the previous year's test” says Deepak Bunde, assistant course director, Triumphant Institute of Management Education Pvt Ltd. Test results will be declared by January 31, 2014.

All checks in place
XLRI, Jamshedpur, officials have taken necessary measures to ensure that the candidates do not face any problem before the test and during the test. “Admit cards can now be downloaded from the official website. I advise the candidates to download two admit cards and put their photo on one. All candidates are required to submit their scanned photos while filling up the application form but this is an added step that we have taken to ensure that no one uses any unfair means. Candidates also need to carry an identity proof and a receipt of submission of fee. The test centres will also have floating invigilators,” says Vishwa Ballabh, chairperson, admissions at XLRI.

Preparation-wise
“Preparation for the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the experience of taking a number of tests such as the IIFT entrance, SNAP and NMAT would hold candidates in good stead while attempting the XAT paper. However, XAT does have a slightly different focus as compared to the CAT and other tests. Data interpretation, for example, tends to have calculation-intensive sets. Candidates would do well if they brush-up their mathematical skills. This would also help them in the quant section,” says Bunde.
A good preparation in the areas of figures of speech would be a starting point in the verbal section. Logic-based questions on facts, inferences and judgements are common.

What you should know about XAT 2014

The three-hour paper-and-pencil test will have four sections (a) verbal and logical ability (b) decision-making (c) quantitative ability and data interpretation (d) general knowledge.

Some of the prominent schools that use XAT scores include XLRI, Jamshedpur; XIM, Bhubaneswar; SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai; and MICA, Ahmedabad.
XAT is usually divided into two parts — the first part comprising multiple-choice questions and the second comprising essay writing and general knowledge.

Test results will be declared by January 31, 2014.

Candidates must download two admit cards and put their photo on one.

The marks of the general awareness section will not be used for determining the percentile and cut-off at the first stage of selection