Registrations have already started for XAT 2021 exam and applicants can register for the test until November 30th 2020. XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test 2021 is one of the most prominent management entrances in India with candidates selected for XLRIs and other reputed institutions. This year it will be conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur. The exam is scheduled to take place on Jan 3rd 2021.
Like with all B-school entrances, the preparation part is a tough nut to crack but fret not, this article will aim to answer the question of ‘how to prepare for XAT in 3 months’ as well as list down some crucial XAT 2021 preparation tips.
How to Prepare for XAT in 3 months: Exam Pattern
There are four major sections as mentioned below in which will be distributed 100 multiple-choice questions. While the exam duration is 3 hours, there are no sectional time limits and candidates can switch between sections. As for the marking scheme it is +1 mark for a correct answer and -0.25 for incorrect answer.
As the number of questions across each section varies every year, the relevant exam pattern will be updated as and when officially released. The following table shows the questions distribution as per 2020 exam pattern.
| Part | Sections | Questions | Time |
| Part 1 | Verbal & Logical Ability | 26 | 165 minutes [No sectional time restriction] |
| Decision Making | 21 | ||
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 28 | ||
| Part 2 | General Knowledge | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 180 minutes |
Note: However, there is an additional penalty of -0.05 marks per question if you leave over 8 questions unattempted. Further, the General Knowledge, as per last year pattern, carries no negative marking.
How to Prepare for XAT in 3 months: Week-Wise Table
Here is a detailed study plan along with XAT 2021 preparation tips through which you can streamline your XAT preparation time.
| Week | Topics | Topics | Topics |
| Week 1-Week 3 | Verbal & Logical Ability [VLA] Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Error Detection, Jumbled Sentences, Grammar, Active & Passive Voice, Cloze Test, Vocabulary [Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word Substitution] | Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation [QADI] Ratio & Proportion, Number System, Speed & Distance, Simplification, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Partnerships, Averages, Inequalities, Clocks, Puzzles, Venn Diagram | General Knowledge [GK] Current Affairs, Indian Constitution & Polity, National Issues, Business & Economics, |
| During Each Week | 1 VLA Test* + 1 QADI Test + 1 GK Test + 1 Mock Test [You can alternate as per your suitability] | ||
| Week 4- Week 6 | Decision Making [DM] Arithmetic, Situational, Analytical Reasoning, Behavioral Reasoning, Conditions and Grouping Test, | QADI Functions & Linear Equations, Series, Sequences & Progressions, Simple & Compound Interest, Probability, Graphs & Tables, | GK Indian and World History Film & Television, Science & Technology, |
| During Each Week | 1 DM Test + 1 QADI Test + 1 GK Test + 1 Mock Test [You can alternate as per your suitability] | ||
| Week 7-Week 9 | VLA Critical Reasoning/Inference, Paragraph Formation Questions etc. DM Managerial Reasoning questions in form of Case Studies | QADI Data Interpretation Sets, Quadratic Equations, Permutation & Combination, Cause & Effect, Assertion & Reason, | GK Indian & World Geography, Culture, Important Dates, Events & Anniversaries, |
| During Each Week | 1 VLA Test + 1 DM Test + 1 QADI Test + 1 GK Test + 1 Mock Test [You can alternate as per your suitability] | ||
| Week 10 | VLA Fact, Inference, Judgement, Binary Logic, Logical Sequence, Assumption, Premise, Conclusion DM Data Arrangement Test, Complex Arrangement, Decision Making in a situation, Case lets | QADI Data Sufficiency, Statements & Conclusion, Advanced Puzzles, Syllogism, Polynomials, Geometry, Trigonometry, | GK Environment & Ecosystem, Personalities, Sports, Currency, Books & Authors, |
| During The Week | 1 VLA Test + 1 DM Test + 1 QADI Test + 1 GK Test + 2 Mock Tests [You can alternate as per your suitability] | ||
| Week 11 | VLA Revisit English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning/ Inference, Vocabulary DM Revisit Decision Making in a Situation, case let, Conditions and Grouping Test | QADI Revisit Functions, Equations, Probability, Geometry, Data Interpretation Sets, Progressions, Number System and related topics | GK Revisit both static & dynamic GK especially Indian Constitution, Contemporary National & Intl. Issues, |
| During Each Week | 2 VLA Test + 2 DM Test + 2 QADI Test + 2 GK Test + 2 Mock Tests [You can alternate as per your suitability] | ||
| Week 12 | Go through your notes from all the previous weeks.Revise important formulae, techniques and strategies for both sections.Don’t delve into new topics. Focus on what you know and leave the rest.Solve at least one and if possible two full-length strictly timed mock tests every day.Keep reviewing your notes and XAT preparation books. Incorporate creative learning strategies like flow charts, diagrams, placards, etc. | ||
| Week 13 | Revise and Revisit important topics and exam strategies.Complete 1 Mock Test every day until one day before exam day. | ||
| Exam Day | Be ready for your exam. |
* Test refers to a short test of 20-25 questions only.
How to Prepare for XAT in 3 months: XAT 2021 Preparation Tips
In addition to the above table, here are a few XAT 2021 preparation tips and suggestions including the best XAT Preparation Books, that you must adhere to get the best out your XAT preparation time.
- XAT Preparation Books:
QADI: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha; Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha.
VA: High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren, Martin; Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha.
LR: Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by Dr R.S.Aggarwal
The above XAT Preparation books are nothing less than essential for your XAT preparation time.
- XAT Preparation Time Management: You have 180 minutes to answer 100 MCQs which comes out to 1.8 minutes per section. While the GK section may be straightforward and can be done in quite less than that, all the other sections are intensive. So stick to 1.8 minutes per question rule and move on to the next one immediately.
- Strategy: While it is extremely difficult to pin down what is a good attempt, anywhere upwards of 65 correct answers can keep you in good stead to be in the chosen few. The difficulty level of the paper stands somewhere around moderate-difficult.
One of the most important tips is to remain calm and composed. Eat light and healthy and rest adequately. Best of luck.