XAT Marking Scheme 2025: Exam Pattern, Sectional Weightage

The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of India’s most prestigious entrance exams, conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur on behalf of the Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI). It serves as a gateway for admission into various management programs offered by XLRI and other renowned B-schools nationwide. Aspirants keen on pursuing management education vie for a strong performance in XAT, which tests their aptitude, decision-making skills and time management abilities.

The XAT marking scheme and exam pattern are crucial in understanding the test’s structure. They provide insights into the sectional weightage, question distribution, and the framework candidates must navigate on exam day. In this article, we delve into the XAT 2025 marking scheme, exploring the sectional allocation of marks, the significance of each section, and strategies to optimise performance based on this blueprint. Understanding these details equips aspirants with the knowledge to effectively prepare and excel in this competitive management entrance examination.

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: XAT Exam Pattern 

XAT Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights
Mode of examination	Online
XAT exam time duration	3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) Part 1 – 175 minutes Keyboard check – 5 minutes Part 2 – 30 minutes
Number of sections	Five sections
	Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR)
	Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
	Decision-making (DM)
	Analytical Essay Writing (AEW)
	General Knowledge (GK)
Number of questions	101 + 1 AEW
XAT total marks	101
No. of answer choices	Five
XAT marking scheme	+1 mark for a correct answer
	– 0.25 marks for incorrect answer
	No negative marking for inaccurate answers in the GK section
	– 0.10 marks for leaving questions unattempted after eight unanswered questions in a row

Read More – XAT Cutoff – How much do you need to score to get into top colleges

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: Sectional Weightage

The XAT 2025 question paper will include approximately 100 multiple-choice questions across four sections. The Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation section carries the highest weight.

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: 

A significant aspect of the XAT examination paper is its unique marking scheme. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, the XAT exam includes negative markings for unattempted questions. However, there isn’t any negative marking for marking wrong answers in the GK section.  Additionally, the GK section marks are not considered when calculating the XAT overall score.

Although the XAT exam pattern is similar to other MBA entrance exams, the marking scheme is slightly different. 

• One mark is awarded for every correct answer.
• 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
• 0.10 marks are deducted for more than eight consecutive unanswered questions.
• There is no negative marking in the General Knowledge section.
• Scores of the General Knowledge section are not considered when calculating the XAT percentile.
• No marks are allotted to the essay.
• The essay will be evaluated at the time of PI shortlisting.

Read More – XAT Syllabus – Section-wise syllabus and important topics

XAT Marking Scheme 2025: Sectional Break-Up of Questions

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the XAT 2025 marking scheme and exam pattern give a clear roadmap for aspirants aiming to crack this prestigious management entrance exam. By comprehensively understanding the sectional weightage and scoring system, candidates can strategise their preparation to maximise their performance across different sections. The emphasis on decision-making, quantitative ability, and verbal and logical reasoning underscores the holistic approach of XAT in evaluating managerial potential.

Aspirants are encouraged to leverage this detailed insight into the XAT marking scheme to tailor their study plans, hone their strengths, and effectively address any areas of improvement. Ultimately, a well-rounded preparation aligned with the exam structure enhances the chances of achieving success in XAT and securing admission to their desired management program.