Making it through XAT…

Sakshi Education

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the prominent national level aptitude test of India, conducted by XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute) for the annual admissions to Management Programmes at XLRI, its affiliated Institutions and some other autonomous management schools. XAT is the second largely aspired entrance test after CAT for higher education in management in India.

XAT 2013 had received applications numbering more than one lakh. This year it is expected to rise even more. In the backdrop of XAT 2014 notifications, here are a few insights for preparation and success in the test.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a Graduate (A minimum three year degree) form any recognised university. Those in the final year of graduation, expecting to pass by 10th June 2014 can also apply.

The test pattern: The three hour written test in paper-pencil format has questions under four different sections namely Quantitative Ability, English Language, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making and General Knowledge. The proportions of questions and allocation of marks varies every year.

Preparation for XAT:

General English: This section of the test includes reading comprehension, word based questions, grammar and usage. The question would be intended to test basics in English. Scoring more in this section would depend on the reading comprehension, verbal reasoning and errors in usage, grammar, vocabulary, correct and incorrect errors, and sentence completion.
Quantitative Ability: Questions on probability and statistics along applications based questions dominate this section of the test. One needs to work more on questions on decision making and related applications. Aspects related to theory, ration, proportions, time and distance in areas of arithmetic, geometry, modern mathematics, data interpretation would need special focus of the candidates.
Logical Reasoning: This section tests candidate’s potentials for argument. One has to see through the logical basis and validity with in the small set of given paragraphs. Candidates needs to focus more on questions related to charts and diagrams, tables on case lets, logical conditions and grouping, visual reasoning based on aspects of data interpretation, logical reasoning, and critical reasoning.
General Awareness: Regular reading of national and international journals and magazines on business and economics would help better in preparation for this section of the test. Candidates need to be aware of current affairs, National and International Business, day to day shifts in trade and commerce and consequences. Reading news papers every day and following current affairs magazines like outlook and economic times is advised for the aspirants

A regular and repeated practice is must for scoring high in the areas of Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Decision Making. Preparation should be rooted in acquiring firm grip over basics and previous question. A detailed classification of concepts and chapters would help in making the preparation better. Formula based approach in problem solving will increase the speed. A rigorous practice and time management will yield better results for the candidates.

Mode of Applications: Online only
XAT Exam Centers in Andhra Pradesh: Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam
Commencement of Applications: 12th August 2013
Last date for applications: 22nd November 2013
Date of Exam: 5th January 2014
Website: www.xatonline.net.in/

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