XAT 2023 question paper

For students seeking entry into a particular university for MBA or PGDM programs, the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a prerequisite. In India, an estimated 1,000 B-schools accept XAT scores for admission to their management programs. If you also have a strong aim of pursuing your dream course at a university accepting admission through the Xavier Aptitude Test, gear up for decision-making, verbal and logical ability, quantitative ability and data interpretation, and general knowledge.

Apart from these subjects, a few other difficult topics will be covered in the XAT's 100 MCQs. In such a critical situation, what becomes indispensable is the XAT 2023 question paper. But no worries, as we are here to help. To conquer the hurdles of the XAT and secure admission to your desired university, here are the top suggestions from experts.

• The difficulty level of XAT is tough. It is one of the most difficult entrance exams, taking more time and preparation just like the CAT. You can even compare it to last year's CAT paper.

• There’s no educational stream barrier; every year, 1 lakh+ student from science, humanities, commerce, and law appear for the XAT.

• Compared to the last few years, there's been a drop in the difficulty level of the XAT 2023 question paper. Still, it takes months of rigorous preparation to achieve a 90+ score.

• The exam comprises 3 parts, and each part covers a diverse section of questions.

1.       Firstly, you can hop online and head straight to the official XAT website. There, you'll find all the previous year's exam resources right in the footer section. 

2.       Click on the links

3.       And Access XAT previous year papers in PDF format

However, the latest XAT previous year's question paper may take time to update. Till then you can also jump in various educational websites and forums.

You can even join XAT preparation groups and communities on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Reddit. Here, you'll find passionate individuals who have cracked the code and are more than willing to lend a helping hand.

With a little resourcefulness and determination, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the XAT like a pro. But with the term resources, the previous year's question paper isn’t just enough. There are many online forums and educational websites where you can find XAT resources e.g., previous year papers with solutions in PDF format. You can download these solved XAT question papers as a PDF and store them on your device.

To access the XAT question paper with solutions in handy PDF format, you can follow a simple yet effective approach.

1.       Go to Google Search Engine

2.       And search for the “XAT question paper solved”

3.       Navigate through the top search results

4.       You will access XAT question papers with solutions in PDF format

Some popular websites that are providing access to XAT-solved question papers in PDF format are Cracku, 2IIM, XLRI, Embibe, etc.

As per the XAT candidates' feedback, questions in the year 2022 XAT exam were between moderate to tough. The questions from the VALR (Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning) and DM (Decision Making) sections were easy, allowing candidates to answer with confidence. However, the QADI (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation) section tested students’ patience with its lengthy and intricate questions. But in comparison to the toughness that GK showed, the difficulty level was moderate for all other questions. 

However, the question paper isn’t available on XAT official website, but various other online resources can help you find it.

Firstly, the overall difficulty level was deemed moderate. However, within the exam, certain sections stood out with their unique characteristics. The Decision-Making section emerged as the easiest. On the other hand, the QADI (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation) questions proved to be the real brain-teasers. They were difficult and packed with tricky twists. Moreover, the majority of the QADI questions centered around geometry. Still, it had certain important questions which you can include in your upcoming exam preparation.

Click here to download XAT 2021 question paper.

Practicing with XAT sample papers is like sharpening your sword before heading into battle. It prepares you for the challenges that lie. Moreover, these sample papers help you get familiar with the format, question types, and time constraints. So, don't underestimate the power of XAT sample papers. If you are looking for XAT sample papers, XLRI official site is the place to find all previous years’ question papers in one click.

Simply Click Here, and visit the XLRI official website and find the XAT sample paper for the years 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

The exam is split into five sections. Each section comprises a unique set of questions, and the marks for each tend to vary. The XAT 2023 question paper has 100 questions for 100 marks. A detailed explanation is attached to the table.

There are 5 sections in the XAT pattern: Verbal & Logical Ability, Decision Making, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, General Knowledge, and Essay Writing.

The weight of marks is distributed differently for each XAT section. With the greatest number of questions, Part 1 covers quantitative ability, data interpretation, verbal and logical ability, and decision-making and has the highest weightage of marks for the XAT exam.

The difficulty level of the XAT exam is between moderate to tough. It takes a lot of time and effort to study for the XAT. Preparing for the XAT should take between six and nine months, depending on how many hours a day one can commit to studying. If you want to do well on the XAT, you should prepare earlier to ensure that you have enough time to learn everything on the syllabus. You can even solve last year's CAT paper and the XAT 2022 question paper to get better at it.

Below is the marking system defined for the XAT exam and the negative marking that makes the XAT exam comparatively tough. 

• The XAT examination is conducted for a total of 100 marks. There are a total of 100 questions, and 1 mark is awarded for each right question.

• But if your attempted question is wrong, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

• Attempting all questions will be a prerequisite; otherwise, 0.10 marks will be deducted if more than 8 questions are left unanswered.

• Luckily, the general knowledge section is free of negative marking compulsion.

• The general knowledge score calculation is combined with essay writing in the XAT 2023 question paper.  

1.   Decision Making: Since this test measures the candidate's ability to articulate their ideas clearly, there is no predetermined syllabus for it.

2.   Verbal Logical Ability: In addition to reading comprehension, the following topics are often covered and weighed in this section:

Paragraph Jumbles and Paragraph Completion

Vocabulary, Analogy

Critical Reasoning

Statements-Assumptions

3.   Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation: This one combines two different parts: data interpretation and quantitative reasoning questions. The syllabus covers-

Time and work

Percentage

Number Systems

Geometry

Profit & Loss

Equations

Clocks

Algebra

Venn Diagrams

Mensuration

Tables

Bar Diagrams

4.  General Knowledge:

Examinees should expect questions on anything from recent events to common facts in the General Knowledge section of the XAT 2023 question paper, as there will be no set curriculum. The questions are a good mix of general knowledge (GK) and current events based on past trends. Still, the most common topics covered in this segment of the course range from the arts and politics to the hard sciences.

5.   Essay:

In XAT pattern 2022, the essay writing part was brought back, and candidates were given a choice between three essays. There is no set curriculum for this unit, and rather than using concrete examples, essay prompts are typically centered on more theoretical concepts.

Verbal and Logical Ability with marks weightage around 26 minutes is the second most hard area of study in the XAT syllabus. The first number is earned by Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation with marks weightage around 28 which becomes one of the important topics in the syllabus. Decision Making should be strengthened alongside as it carries 22 marks weightage.

Start by getting familiar with the question types. This will lay a solid foundation and give you a clear roadmap to tackle questions from the quantitative ability and data interpretation topic.

Nothing beats the power of hands-on experience. Solve as many quant questions as you can get your hands on. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

Memorize the formulas to save time, and it would be a cherry on the top if you work on your time management skills too. Lastly, don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

•   Firstly, kick things off by tackling vocabulary, para-jumbles, and other non-RC questions. Maximize your attempts in these areas.
•   Moreover, XAT's RCs can be a real challenge at times, so selecting the right passage is key. Take a quick scan of the questions and identify the types of questions asked from the passage.
•   Lastly, don't let yourself get emotionally attached to the passages. There might be instances where even after reading the entire passage, you still can't answer the questions. Shift your focus to what else can be conquered in the exam instead. It's all about keeping your cool and finding alternative paths to success.

Now that we are heading towards the 2023 XAT exam, it’s time to tighten your belt and jump straight to the best XAT books that are recommended by experts.

Books for XAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI) 

 Books for XAT Verbal Ability

 Books for XAT Decision Making

 Books for XAT General Knowledge