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XAT is a multiple choice type test of 2 hours duration divided into three sections: Verbal Ability &

Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation & Quantitative Ability and Analytical Reasoning & Decision

Making. It is followed by an Essay-writing test of 20 minutes duration. The number of questions in

XAT has witnessed a downward trend over the last three years - there were 120 questions in XAT

2008, 104 in 2009 and 101 in 2010. Each question is followed by 5 options. Though XAT does not

mention it explicitly, it is assumed that each question carries 1 mark. There is progressive negative

marking for incorrect answers. In XAT 2008 and XAT 2009, 0.25 marks were deducted for the first

6 incorrect answers in each section and 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer thereafter. In XAT

2010, 0.20 marks were deducted for the first 5 incorrect answers in each section and 0.25 marks

for every incorrect answer thereafter. So XAT relaxed the criteria for negative marking considerably

in 2010.

The design and complexity of most of the XAT questions is quite different from what is seen in

other B-School entrance tests and the difficulty level of test is generally very high. The sectional

cut-offs for XLRI programmes remain in single digits only. In addition to XAT performance, other

factors like academic ability and work experience may also be considered while shortlisting

candidates for the second stage. In XAT 2010, around 650 applicants with more than 92.60

percentile in VA&LR, 80.36 percentile in DI&QA, 84.36 percentile in AR&DM, and overall 95.03

percentile (around 29-30 marks) were shortlisted for the PM&IR programme; and around 550

applicants with more than 90.13 percentile in VA&LR, 91.31 percentile in DI&QA, 90.01 percentile

in AR&DM, and overall 98.02 percentile (around 32-33 marks) were shortlisted for the BM

programme.

Section-wise details of X AT

Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning:An analysis of the last few years papers clearly shows that thenumber of RC questions has gone down over the years while the number of Critical Reasoning

questions has gone up. The other question types generally present in the section are Parajumbles

and Fill-in-the-Blanks. There are hardly any questions based on Pure Grammar and Vocabulary.

Analytical Reasoning & Decision Making: The section mainly comprises arrangement problems and

decision-making cases. The decision-making cases present real life situations where a candidate is

expected to make rational choices keeping in mind the socially acceptable norms. One should go

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through the previous years XAT papers and a few ethical dilemma cases on the internet to prepare

for the DM questions.

Data Interpretation & Quantitative Ability: There are 3-4 DI sets in the section comprising 10-12 DI

questions. QA questions are spread across different topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and

Modern Maths. Most of the questions require a good command over the topic. The questions are

generally very wordy and one needs to devote some time to pick and choose the easier questions.

Essay w rit ing

At the end of the objective test, an essay on the given topic is to be written in 20 minutes. Though

the essays are not used for shortlisting candidates for the second stage, candidates may be asked

questions regarding their essays during their interview. One should try to be concise, precise and

logical while writing. Slangs, abbreviations and sms language should definitely be avoided. The last

three years essay topics are given below.

2010: Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.

2009: The inherent vice of Capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings and the inherent virtue of

Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.

2008: The consequence of gender imbalance - Third World War.

XAT 2011 results will be declared on the XLRI website by 31st January 2011.

All the best!

Team CL

Disclaimer: The information given above is based on independent analysis and evaluation made

by Career Launcher. We do not take responsibility for any decision that might be taken, based on

this information.