XAT 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips: The XAT exam is scheduled for January 5, 2025. Thus, we are getting closer to the final day. With proper planning, focus and a calm mind one could enhance their performance on the D-Day. Let us discuss some detailed last minute preparation tips and strategies to ace XAT 2025.
About XAT 2025
XAT 2025 is around the corner. This is one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams. It is conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, every year. A thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus is essential to excel.
- XAT Full Form: Xavier Aptitude Test
- Mode of Examination: Online
- XAT Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark for each correct answer.
- –0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
- –0.10 marks for more than 8 consecutive, un-attempted, questions.
- No negative marking in the General Knowledge (GK) section.
- XAT Exam Pattern:
Part | Sections | Number of Questions | Time (minutes) |
Part 1 | Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) | 26 | 170 |
Decision Making (DM) | 21 | ||
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 28 | ||
Part 2 | General Knowledge (GK) | 20 | 10 |
Total | 95 | 180 |
- Modifications in XAT 2025
- Essay Writing: It is no more a part of the exam. Will now be conducted during the XLRI selection process.
- Reduced GK Questions: In place of 25, now 20 questions are there.
- No Sectional Time Limits: There is no sectional time limit in Part 1.
Also Read, XLRI Jamshedpur Selection Criteria 2025, Cut off, Shortlisting Process
XAT 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips
Before embarking on any journey, careful preparation, including packing your bags, is essential. Similarly, acing exams requires thorough preparation in advance too!
XAT 2025 Sectional Preparation Tips
We will begin by discussing the tips to ace each section of the XAT exam.
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
This section is one of the most challenging sections in the XAT, which measures a candidates’ speed and accuracy.
Some Tips to Ace the QA & DI Section:
- Learn and apply shortcut tricks. Candidates must be aware about the short tricks and formulas to solve questions with more accuracy and less time.
- Go through the formula book or may be notes that you have made during your preparation.
- Don't sleep on the calculator provided on the screen, make judicious use of the calculator as well as keep an eye on the timer to track you attempt vs time left.
Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR)
This section measures the candidate’s language proficiency, logical and reasoning ability.
Some Tips to Ace the VALR Section:
- The candidates must develop a habit of strong reading.
- Secondly, the candidates should ensure that they have a strong vocabulary and good understanding of grammar concepts.
- Lastly, practicing questions, taking tests and review mistakes as much as possible will certainly help.
Decision Making (DM)
The decision-making section is mainly based on questions related to real-world business scenarios and everyday situations.
Some Tips to Ace the DM Section:
- Improve analytical and reasoning skills.
- Practice as many DM problems as possible (especially PYQs)
General Knowledge
The GK section of XAT exam 2025 does not have any negative marking. It includes both static and current affairs. Candidates must review significant past events, important personalities or notable individuals and other major information while staying updated about the current news and events.
Some Tips to Ace the GK Section:
- Stay updated on current affairs and events of both national and international importance.
- Focus on covering key topics such as books and authors, personalities and awards.
- Give importance to economics and business-related topics.
- There are some GK PDFs on cracku website which covers most of the static GK and current affairs, you can refer that also.
How to Utilize the Final Days Before XAT 2025
Make sure you:
- Plan your Days: Create a proper plan and follow exactly.
- Seek Guidance: Consult mentors or peers for regular guidance and motivation.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Solve questions in a time bound manner.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay away from social media till the D-Day. Your mindset and thought process needs to be protected.
XAT 2025 Last Minute Revision
Revise in the following way:
- Focus on Weak Areas: This is the time when the candidate should focus on the weak areas rather than looking at new topics.
- Analyze Mock Tests: Review your XAT Mock tests and look at your mistakes to avoid repeating them.
- Short Formulas and Tricks: Create a list of must-remember formulas and quick-solving tricks.
- Stay Balanced: Don’t spend too much time on any one section. Ensure balanced preparation.
XAT Last Minute Strategies
Take a look at the XAT last minute strategies:
- Avoid New Topics: Candidates should stick to what they have already prepared. Avoid starting new topics. This will confuse the candidates.
- Review Mistakes: This is one of the most important things. Review your mistakes that you must have made in previous mocks, so as to not repeat.
- Prepare Short Notes: Use your personalized notes for quick revision of formulas and important topics.
XAT Exam Day Instructions
Take a look at the main instructions:
- First things first, arrive 30 minutes early to the reporting time at the XAT exam centers.
- Carry a valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport etc.) along with your admit card and a passport size photograph.
- Adhere to the seating plan and listen to the instructions of the invigilator.
XAT Exam Day Checklist 2025
Here is what you should definitely have on the main day:
- Admit Card: Bring your admit card along. You can bring 2 photocopies for safe side.
- Original ID Proof: Any one would work:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Valid College ID Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Employee ID Card
- Photograph: In case of any discrepancy in the photograph, bring one recent passport-size photograph.
XAT Exam Day Guidelines:
On the day of the exam make sure you follow the below-written pointers:
- Read XAT Admit Card: Understand all the instructions written on the XAT admit card.
- Test Center Entry Time: Candidates must enter the test center before the gate closure time. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter after the gate closure time.
- Provisional Candidature: Your candidature is purely provisional. If any criteria is found to be unmet, your candidature may be rejected at a later stage.
- Prohibited Items: Possession and use of electronic devices, jewelry, jackets, calculators, watches, or items containing metal are strictly prohibited. Simple dressing with plain cardigans or sweaters is recommended.
- Rough Sheets and Pens: Rough sheets will be provided inside the examination lab. So, you don’t need to bring yours while pens may or may not be provided in the exam center so it is better to carry one with you.
- Frisking: A mandatory frisking activity will be conducted at the test center entry. Objectionable items found will need to be left behind. Non-cooperation may lead to disqualification.
- Test Center Restrictions: Guardians, relatives, or friends accompanying the candidate are not allowed inside the test center.
- System Login: Candidates will be allowed to log in to their respective systems 10 minutes before the exam starts. During this time, you can go through the instructions.
- Submission of Admit Card and Rough Sheets: After the exam, submit your admit card and rough sheets to the invigilator.
Also Read, XAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines, Instructions, Dress Code, Tips
XAT 2025 Do’s And Don’ts
Here is what you should do and what you should not. Take a look:
Do’s | Don’ts |
Carry two colored print outs of XAT 2025 admit card. | Do not carry electronic items such as phone, watch, calculator, Bluetooth device, earphones, etc. |
Carry One photo ID proof-
| Do not carry bags or valuables. There will be no arrangement of bag deposit at the examination center. |
Reach the allotted XAT test Centre as per the reporting time mentioned in the XAT admit card 2025. | Do not be late for the exam. Once the test center gates are closed, no one will be allowed to enter under any circumstances. |
Cooperate with the XAT test center staff during identification and frisking process. | Do not waste time on a question you are not confident with. Move on to the next question. |
Submit the rough sheet to the invigilator before leaving the test lab. | Do not leave the test lab before the announcement is made for exit. |
Lastly, stay calm, read questions carefully and follow instructions religiously. | Don’t overthink and don’t panic. |
Submit the rough sheet to the invigilator before leaving the test lab. | Do not leave the test lab before the announcement is made for exit. |
Lastly, stay calm, read questions carefully and follow instructions religiously. | Don’t overthink and don’t panic. |
XAT Exam Day Dress Code
Given below are the key guidelines on XAT exam day dress code:
- Caps and headgears are not allowed
- Jackets and hoodies, clothing with multiple pockets may not be allowed
- Jewelry and accessories containing metal are not allowed
- High boots and shoes are not allowed
- Socks, plain pullovers, sweaters, and cardigans without pockets are allowed.
Mistakes To Avoid on XAT Exam Day
Be careful not to commit the below written mistakes:
- Getting Late: Reaching late on your exam day will disqualify you.
- Forgetting About Important Documents: If you don't carry your admit card and ID proof, you will be denied entry.
- Not Reading Instructions: Not reading the instructions on the admit card can lead to utter goof-ups and mistakes.
- Overthinking Questions: Spending far too much time on one question can degrade your overall management of time.
- Panic in Case of Technical Glitches: Stay calm when you face any problem, and inform the invigilator about any malfunction.
Prohibited Items at The XAT Exam Centre
It is strictly prohibited for students to bring items like
- Smartphones,
- Watches,
- Calculators,
- Other Electronic Gadgets,
- Personal Belongings
- Study Materials
Moreover, Students must listen to the instructions given out by the exam staff. If the exam staff asks you to take off your shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc., you must do as they say.
XAT Exam Stress Management
To do well in XAT, it's important not only to know the answers but also to manage your time and stay calm. Here are some tips:
- Plan Your Time: Decide how long you'll spend on each section. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back later.
- Take Short Breaks: If you're feeling stressed, take a quick break from your preparation time, to stretch, take a deep breath, and refocus.
- Stay Positive: Remind yourself that you’ve prepared well. Talking positively to yourself can really help reduce anxiety.
Lastly, practice as many mock tests as possible under properly timed conditions to get a look and feel of the actual exam.
XAT 2025 Last Minute Preparation Tips: Conclusion
Preparing for XAT 2025 goes beyond just studying hard. It’s about planning your exam day to make sure there are no surprises, no last-minute rush, and no stress. With this blog, you can confidently step into the exam hall knowing you’ve got everything covered. From packing the right items to managing your time effectively, a little preparation can go a long way. Good luck, and remember, you’ve got this!
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