1. Essay Writing Removed
The Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) test, previously included in the XAT exam until 2024, will not be part of XAT 2025. Instead, this component will be administered during the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) stages of the XLRI selection process. This shift allows candidates to focus on the MCQ-based exam during XAT 2025, while their essay-writing skills will be assessed later in the selection process. The change reflects an adjustment in the evaluation strategy, ensuring that the AEW component is integrated more closely with the personal interaction stages of candidate assessment.
2. Reduced Questions
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025 will see a reduction in the number of questions, decreasing from 101 to 95. All 95 questions will be of the multiple-choice (MCQ) type. This change is aimed at streamlining the exam, potentially reducing the overall time pressure on candidates and allowing for a more focused assessment. The revision in the number of questions might also impact test-taking strategies, as candidates may need to adjust their approach to the new format. Despite the reduction, the XAT continues to maintain its rigorous standard of evaluation.
| Subject | Questions |
| Decision Making | 22 |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | 26 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 27 |
| General Knowledge | 20 |
| Total | 95 |
3. GK Ques reduced by 20%
In XAT 2025, the General Knowledge (GK) section will feature 20 questions, reduced from the previous 25. This section will include 12 questions on current affairs and 8 on static GK, providing a balanced assessment of candidates’ awareness of both contemporary events and fundamental knowledge. The adjustment aims to streamline the GK section while still offering a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s overall awareness. By reducing the number of questions, the test remains focused on key areas, allowing candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in both dynamic and static topics.
| Current Affairs | 12 |
| Static Gk | 8 |
4. Reduced Timings
The XAT 2025 exam duration has been reduced to 180 minutes (3 hours), down from 210 minutes (3 hours 30 minutes) in XAT 2024. This 30-minute reduction streamlines the testing process, requiring candidates to manage their time more efficiently across the exam’s sections. The change reflects a shift towards a more concise evaluation format while maintaining the exam’s rigor. Despite the shorter duration, the test will continue to comprehensively assess candidates’ aptitude, reasoning, and knowledge within the reduced timeframe, challenging them to perform effectively under tighter time constraints.
| Section | Timing |
| Section 1 | 170 |
| Section 2 | 10 |
5. Preferred Centre for XAT Exam
In the XAT 2025 application form, candidates can select two preferred exam cities. The exam will be conducted across 79 test cities nationwide, offering greater flexibility and convenience for applicants. This option allows candidates to choose locations that are most accessible or convenient for them, minimizing travel challenges on exam day.
6. XAT Fees Increase
The registration fee for XAT 2025 has been slightly increased to Rs. 2,200, up from Rs. 2,100 last year. Despite this increase, the XLRI admission application fee remains unchanged at Rs. 200, consistent with last year’s fee.
7. Gk Section timing
The General Knowledge section in the XAT 2025 exam will be a concise 10-minute segment designed to assess candidates’ awareness of current events, business, politics, economy, and culture. This section, though not considered for percentile calculation, is crucial for the final selection process in many institutes. It will include a mix of static and dynamic GK questions, requiring candidates to stay updated with both national and international developments. Efficient time management and a broad understanding of diverse topics will be key to scoring well in this section.
8. XAT Exam two sections
The XAT 2025 examination is structured into two distinct parts. Part One is allotted 170 minutes and covers the core sections of the exam, including Verbal Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability. Part Two, dedicated solely to the General Knowledge segment, is a brief 10-minute section. This division ensures a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ abilities in critical areas, while also gauging their awareness of current affairs and general knowledge. Effective time management in both sections will be essential for achieving a high overall score and advancing in the selection process.
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Timing |
| Section 1 | Verbal Ability, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability | 75 | 170 |
| Section 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 10 |
| Total | 95 | 180 |
These modifications are designed to ensure that XAT remains a robust and efficient tool for assessing the potential of candidates seeking admission to our various management programs – XAT 2025 Convener Dr Rahul Shukla
9. Final XAT Marking Scheme 2025:
| Criteria | Marks Awarded/Deducted |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 marks |
| More than 8 Consecutive Unanswered Questions | -0.10 marks |
| General Knowledge Section | No negative marking; Scores not considered for XAT percentile |
| Essay | No marks allotted; Evaluated during PI shortlisting |
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