The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2025, conducted by XLRI – Xavier School of Management on January 5, 2025, has garnered significant attention as students and experts analyze the exam’s difficulty and expected cut-offs. This year’s exam was held in 110 cities from 2 PM to 5 PM and consisted of two parts: Part I included Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA & LR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI), while Part II focused on General Knowledge (GK).
Overall Difficulty Level
According to a detailed analysis by Supergrads-Toprankers, the overall difficulty level of XAT 2025 was rated as moderate to high. Despite changes in the exam pattern compared to previous years, the paper was deemed manageable for many candidates. Karan Mehta, co-founder of Toprankers, mentioned that an attempt of 46-48 questions with a high degree of accuracy would be competitive this year, leading to expectations that cut-offs will be slightly lower than in previous years.
Notable Changes in Exam Pattern
This year’s exam introduced some surprising elements:
- Probability-based questions appeared in the QA section.
- A cartoon-based Data Interpretation question sourced from The New York Times was included.
- Notably, there were no questions on Time & Work in the QA section.
The new pattern featured four sections with a total of 95 questions, and the GK section was reduced from 25 to 20 questions, eliminating the essay writing component entirely.
Section-wise Analysis
Decision Making (DM)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
- Expected Attempts: Candidates who attempted 12-14 questions with accuracy are likely to score well.
- The DM section tested critical thinking and problem-solving skills through various scenarios.
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR)
- Difficulty Level: Easier compared to previous years
- Expected Attempts: Candidates should aim for 16-18 questions.
- This section featured straightforward questions, making it more accessible for many students.
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
- Expected Attempts: Aiming for 17-18 questions with high accuracy is commendable.
- Topics covered included Linear Equations, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation sets.
General Knowledge (GK)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Expected Attempts: Candidates should target around 10-11 questions.
- The GK section included a mix of static knowledge and current affairs.
Expected Cut-Offs
Given the overall difficulty level and student feedback, it is anticipated that the cut-offs for XAT 2025 will be lower than last year’s. The exact cut-off figures will depend on the performance of candidates across all sections once the results are finalized.
Conclusion
As students await their results, the insights from XAT 2025 provide valuable information for future aspirants. The exam’s moderate to high difficulty level emphasizes the importance of strategic preparation in tackling various sections effectively.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current reports and may be subject to change as new data becomes available.
