XAT 2021: Full form of XAT is Xavier Aptitude Test. The application process for XAT has officially commenced from 12th September 2020. The Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur conducts the exam for Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore. This all India exam offers admission into various management programs at reputed business schools in India. This article gives detail information about XAT 2021 that includes exam date, application form process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, result and more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
XAT 2021 Exam Dates
| Events | Important Dates |
| Commencement of Application process | September 12, 2020 |
| Last date of application | November 30, 2020 |
| Release of admit card | December 20, 2020 |
| XAT 2021 exam date | January 03, 2021 |
| Announcement of result | January 31, 2021 (Tentative) |
XAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who satisfy these eligibility conditions can go ahead and send applications:
- There is no minimum age criterion to apply for XAT.
- A bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university is the minimum educational condition required.
- Candidates appearing for final year exams can apply too.
- NRI students can apply through their GMAT scores.
XAT 2021 Registration & Application Process
Candidates can read through this section to know more about registration and application form process.
- Online application window started from 12th September 2020 and is open till 30th November 2020.
- Through XAT scores, candidates have the option to apply for multiple courses.
- For GMP candidates, the option to apply through XAT or GMAT scores is applicable.
- The XAT ID and password are important details and should be saved till the end of the process.
- Candidates are advised to carefully fill the form and verify details before submission.
- Upload signature and photograph in correct size and formats.
- After final submission of the completed form, no further modifications are possible.
- The hard copy of the completed form is not required to be sent to the concerned officials.
Registration Fee
Fee once paid for XAT and XLRI exams are one-time payments and non-refundable. Payment could be made in the online mode via net banking, debit cards, credit cards, IMPS, cash cards or mobile wallets.
| Through XAT scores | Through GMAT scores |
| For Indian students: INR 1700 (Basic Fee). INR 300 would be charged for every additional program of XLRI [without late fees] INR 2000 (Basic Fee). INR 500 would be charged for every additional program of XLRI [with late fees] | For Indian students: INR 2500 [for GMP only] |
| For Foreign and NRI students: $50 (Basic Fee). $25 would be charged for every additional program of XLRI | For Foreign and NRI students: INR 5000 [For one/more number of programs] |
XAT 2021 Exam Pattern
We explain the XAT exam pattern in this section:
- XAT exam will be conducted in the online mode for 3 hours.
- Only multiple choice questions shall be asked.
- Each correct answer shall fetch 1 mark. Negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect entries is applicable.
- For every count of 12 unanswered questions, deduction of 0.25 marks from the total score is applicable.
- The question paper is divided into two parts – Part I and Part II
Paper I
| Subject Name | Total number of questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data interpretation | 27 |
| Decision making ability | 21 |
| Verbal and logical reasoning | 24 |
Paper II
| Subject Name | Total number of questions |
| General Knowledge | 15 |
| Essay Writing | Only 1 Topic |
XAT 2021 Syllabus
The XAT syllabus covers the following sections in detail. Candidates have to solve a variety of problems under each section:
- Verbal ability
- Logical reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Decision making
- Quantitative aptitude
- General reasoning
- General knowledge
- Current affairs
- Numerical abilities
- Data sufficiency
XAT 2021 Preparation Tips
- Students should gather these useful tips and hacks for good preparation:
- Figure out these important aspects – XAT exam pattern, syllabus and most important topics.
- Collect the best study material and learn by preparing self notes too.
- Refer exclusive XAT preparation material to learn relevant and crucial topics.
- Mock tests and previous year question papers help in self-assessment.
- Decision-making skills in every section is a required skill for cracking XAT in the first go.
- Prepare a strategic time table and follow it regularly.
- Attending online/offline coaching classes will allow the good practice.
- Talk to peers and experts to gather important tips and clarify doubts.
XAT 2021 Admit Card
XAT admit cards would be made available on 20th December 2020 to eligible applicants in the online mode. Take a print out of the admit card and keep it safely till the end of the process. On the day of the exam, candidates must compulsorily carry the admit card along with a valid, original photo ID proof without fail.
XAT 2021 Result
XLRI holds the responsibility for online result declaration a few days after the exam. Results can be expected by January 2021. On the basis of results, a merit list shall be prepared. Participating institutions would allot seats to candidates as per the order in the merit list. To obtain the result, candidates need to enter their enrolment number, date of birth amongst others.
XAT 2021 Scorecard
Between January and March 2021, candidates can download their scorecard. The scorecard is prepared on the basis of candidate’s performance in the XAT exam and merit list order. Names of candidates who have been shortlisted for interview shall be posted in online mode on the website.
XAT 2021 Cut off
For further admissions into participating institutions, candidates have to obtain a score equal to or higher than the cut off score. The official authorities decide the cut off marks for all courses. Here is the indicative list:
| VA & LA | DM | QA & DI | Total | |
| HRM course at XLRI | 7.5 | 7 | 5.5 | 26 |
| BM course at XLRI | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 28 |
| GMP at XLRI | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 26 |
| XIMB | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 25 |
XAT 2021 Counselling
Different parameters to be noted for admission counselling process are listed below:
- For candidates selected for BM and HR programs, the interview would be based purely on XAT scores. In addition, work experience and academic credentials shall be given due preference too.
- For candidates applying in more than one program, multiple rounds of interviews and group discussion meetings shall be conducted.
- Every course has different selection criteria.